Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket Kit

As someone who spends a considerable amount of time working outdoors in cold conditions, I was eager to try out Milwaukee's Cordless Heated Jacket Kit, model 2345. This jacket promises to deliver warmth and performance in harsh environments, and I was curious to see how it would hold up in real-world conditions. Here's my detailed take on this heated apparel.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about the Milwaukee heated jacket is its build quality. Constructed from water and wind-resistant polyester fabric, it feels both durable and lightweight. The jacket features an interior storm flap and thermal knit fleece lining, which adds to its overall warmth and comfort. The zippers are rugged and should withstand years of use, which is a nice touch, especially for a work jacket.

In terms of fit, the jacket is quite stylish and doesn't appear bulky, making it suitable for both work and casual wear. For reference, I'm 5'8" and opted for a medium size, which fits perfectly and allows for some layering underneath without feeling tight.

Heating Performance

One of the standout features of this jacket is its heating capability. It incorporates durable carbon fiber heating elements strategically placed in the core zone (right chest, left chest, and back) and pocket zone (lower pockets). The jacket offers three adjustable heat settings: high, medium, and low.

I was impressed by how quickly it heats up, reaching a comfortable warmth in about two minutes. The heating elements provide a pleasant, even warmth without any hot spots that could potentially cause discomfort. I found the high setting to be comfortably warm without being overwhelming, quite unlike some heated car seats that can feel almost too hot. The medium and low settings are perfect for maintaining warmth once you've acclimatized to the outdoor temperature.

Battery Life and Charging

The jacket is powered by an M12 REDLITHIUM Battery, which Milwaukee claims can provide up to six hours of heat. In my experience, the battery life held up well, providing consistent warmth for about five hours on a medium setting. The battery is stored in an interior pocket, and while it is somewhat bulky, it doesn't feel much heavier than carrying a wallet or phone in your pocket.

One minor drawback is the absence of a wall plug for the charger. The kit includes a USB cable for charging, but you'll need to use your own USB wall adapter or charge it through a computer or another USB power source. This can be a bit inconvenient if you're not prepared, but it’s manageable.

Comfort and Practicality

Comfort-wise, the jacket excels. The interior fleece lining is soft against the skin, and the jacket itself is lightweight, making it easy to wear for extended periods. The adjustable heat settings are controlled via a button on the left chest, which illuminates to indicate the current heat level. The controls are intuitive and easy to use, even with gloves on.

The jacket has several pockets, including two heated lower hand pockets and a cell phone/MP3 chest pocket. These are quite handy for keeping your hands warm or storing small items. However, it would have been nice to see a few more pockets, perhaps on the interior, for added storage options.

Areas for Improvement

While the Milwaukee heated jacket is impressive, it’s not without its shortcomings. The battery pack's bulkiness is the most notable issue. Although well-integrated into the jacket's design, it can still be cumbersome, especially if you're moving around a lot. A flatter, more compact battery design could significantly enhance the jacket's comfort.

The jacket's heating elements focus primarily on the upper chest, back, and shoulders. While this coverage is generally sufficient, it would be even better if the heat extended to other areas like the stomach and lower back. This would provide a more comprehensive warmth, particularly in extremely cold conditions.

Another point of contention is the jacket's fit. While it fits well overall, it is somewhat boxy and lacks the tailored fit that some might prefer. This is particularly noticeable in the women's version, where the jacket seems to be a scaled-down version of the men's design, resulting in a less flattering fit around the waist and chest.

Maintenance

Maintaining the jacket is straightforward. The manual recommends removing the battery pack and charger before washing. The jacket can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with warm water and tumble dried on low heat, though I prefer to hang dry it to extend its lifespan. The jacket has held up well through several washes, showing no signs of wear or degradation in heating performance.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket Kit is a well-made, highly functional piece of gear that delivers on its promise of warmth and durability. Its robust construction, quick heating elements, and intuitive controls make it a valuable addition for anyone working or spending extended periods outdoors in cold weather.

However, the bulkiness of the battery and the somewhat boxy fit are areas that could use improvement. Despite these minor drawbacks, the jacket's performance and practicality outweigh these issues.

Would I recommend the Milwaukee heated jacket? Absolutely. Its ability to provide consistent warmth, coupled with its durable build and stylish appearance, makes it a worthwhile investment for both work and casual use in cold environments. Just be prepared to manage the battery's bulk and perhaps consider sizing down for a more tailored fit.