Milwaukee Cordless Lithium-Ion Heated Jacket Kit

As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors in varying weather conditions, I was particularly excited to try out Milwaukee's Cordless Lithium-Ion Heated Jacket Kit, model 2331. This jacket promises to provide warmth and comfort through its innovative heating technology and practical design. After putting it through its paces, I found several aspects worth highlighting, both positive and negative.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about the jacket is its overall build quality. Milwaukee has used a durable soft shell material composed of 95% polyester and 5% spandex, which feels robust and flexible. The jacket is water and wind-resistant, making it suited for a range of outdoor activities. It doesn’t feel bulky or cumbersome, which is a significant plus for anyone who plans to wear it regularly. The design is stylish enough to wear casually, yet functional for more demanding tasks.

Heating Technology

The core feature of this jacket is its heating technology, powered by a 12V lithium-ion battery. There are three heating zones strategically placed in the upper chest, back, and shoulders, which are designed to keep your core warm. The jacket heats up surprisingly quickly; within two minutes, I could feel a noticeable difference in warmth. The easy-touch heat controller on the upper left chest lets you cycle through three heat settings and a warm-up feature, allowing you to customize your level of comfort.

Battery Life and Charging

The jacket comes with a 3.0Ah M12 battery and a portable quick charger. The battery is stored in a pocket on the left side, which can feel a bit bulky. It’s about the size of a small soda can, and while it’s not overly intrusive, you will notice it, especially if you’re moving around a lot. The battery charges relatively quickly, taking about 30 minutes to reach full capacity.

One downside is the absence of a wall plug for charging. The kit includes a USB cable, which means you'll need to use your own USB power adapter or a Milwaukee-specific charger to juice up the battery efficiently. This could be inconvenient for those who don’t already own Milwaukee tools and chargers.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort-wise, the jacket excels. It's lightweight and doesn’t restrict movement, making it ideal for various activities. The fit is generally true to size, although some may find it a bit roomy, especially around the midsection. The adjustable drawstrings at the bottom help to mitigate this by reducing drafts. The sleeves are long enough to provide good coverage, and the jacket doesn’t ride up when you raise your arms.

One notable feature is the neck warmer, which adds an extra layer of comfort and warmth. However, I did wish there were heating elements in the stomach and pockets for even more comprehensive warmth.

Practical Features

This jacket is not just about heating; it’s designed with practicality in mind. It has multiple pockets, including two side hand pockets and a cell phone/MP3 chest pocket, which are very useful for stashing small items. However, the lack of interior pockets and zippers on the exterior hand pockets is a bit of a letdown. Having more secure storage options would have been a welcome addition.

Performance in the Field

I tested the jacket in various conditions, from brisk morning walks to colder, windier settings. Even without the heating elements activated, the jacket provides a decent amount of warmth and excellent wind resistance. When the heating elements are turned on, the jacket excels at maintaining a comfortable temperature, especially in the chest and back areas. However, the heating elements don’t cover the entire body, which might leave some areas feeling cooler than others.

Maintenance

Maintaining the jacket is straightforward. The battery pack and charger need to be removed before washing, and the jacket can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with warm water. It’s recommended to tumble dry on low heat or hang dry to maintain its longevity. This ease of cleaning is a significant advantage, especially for those who plan to use the jacket frequently.

Areas for Improvement

While the jacket performs well overall, there are areas where it could improve. The battery's bulkiness is a common complaint, and a flatter, more compact battery design would make a significant difference in comfort. Additionally, the heating elements could be more evenly distributed to provide comprehensive warmth. Finally, including a wall plug for charging in the kit would make the product more user-friendly.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Cordless Lithium-Ion Heated Jacket Kit is a well-made, practical solution for staying warm in cold conditions. Its durable design, quick heating capabilities, and multiple heat settings make it a versatile option for various outdoor activities. However, the bulkiness of the battery and the lack of a wall plug for charging are notable drawbacks.

Would I recommend this jacket? Yes, especially for those who need reliable warmth in specific areas and appreciate the convenience of a heated jacket. Its stylish design and practical features make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors in colder climates. However, if you’re looking for a jacket with more comprehensive heating coverage or less bulky battery storage, you might want to explore other options.