DeWalt Men's French Terry Hoodie

As someone who spends a great deal of time on job sites and in unpredictable weather, I was intrigued by the DeWalt Men's French Terry Hoodie. The idea of a heated hoodie is a fascinating concept, especially from a trusted brand like DeWalt. I took this hoodie through its paces to see how it would hold up in real-world conditions, and here’s my detailed review.

First impressions matter, and the DeWalt hoodie certainly makes a strong one. The outer shell is a blend of cotton and polyester, which immediately gives it a robust and durable feel. The hoodie is designed to be wind-resistant, which I found to be a critical feature when working outdoors. However, it's important to note that while it's more wind-resistant than a standard cotton hoodie, it doesn't offer the same level of protection as a dedicated windbreaker or jacket.

The thermal fleece lining is where the hoodie shines. It’s incredibly soft and provides a cozy, warm feeling as soon as you put it on. The ribbed cuffs and fitted waist add to the overall comfort and help to trap heat inside. Despite these features, some aspects of the hoodie’s design could be improved. For instance, the hoodie is shorter than expected, even for someone of average height like myself. This might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but it’s something to consider if you prefer more coverage.

One of the standout features of this hoodie is its heating capability. The integrated LED controller allows you to choose between three temperature settings: high, medium, and low. There’s also a pre-heat function, which is incredibly useful for those cold mornings when you’re gearing up for the day. I found that the heating elements worked exceptionally well, providing a balanced and even warmth throughout the torso. However, it’s worth mentioning that the battery life varies significantly depending on the setting you use. On high, the battery tends to last just a couple of hours, so you might need to carry a spare if you plan on extended use.

The hoodie has a battery pocket that can accommodate a 20V MAX battery, which is quite bulky. This brings me to one of the main drawbacks: the weight. Even without the battery, the hoodie is heavier than most. Once you add the battery, it can feel cumbersome and unbalanced. The battery pulls the sweatshirt to one side no matter where you place it, which can be a bit annoying during prolonged use. I found myself wishing for the option to use a slimmer, more compact power bank instead.

Storage is another area where the DeWalt hoodie scores points. It features two large front pouch pockets, an internal accessory pocket with a zipper closure, and a hook-and-loop closure pocket. These pockets are practical and provide ample space for small tools, a smartphone, or other essentials. The internal zipper pocket is particularly useful for keeping items secure and protected from the elements.

One aspect where the hoodie falls short is ease of cleaning. After the first wash, I noticed some issues with the heating elements. This is a significant concern, especially if you plan on using the hoodie regularly in dirty or wet conditions. I would recommend following the washing instructions meticulously, but even then, there's a risk of the heating elements failing, which is a major downside for an otherwise well-constructed piece of apparel.

Comfort is another mixed bag. The hoodie’s material is undeniably soft and comfortable against the skin, and the fleece lining adds to the overall warmth. However, the weight and bulkiness detract from the experience. It’s a trade-off between enjoying the heating feature and dealing with the added weight. If you’re someone who prioritizes warmth over mobility, this may not be a significant issue.

In terms of craftsmanship, DeWalt has done an excellent job. The stitching is solid, and the overall build quality is what you’d expect from a brand renowned for its durable tools. The DeWalt emblem adds a nice touch and makes it clear that this is a product designed with tradespeople in mind. It’s also worth noting that the hoodie is made in the USA, which is a plus for those who prefer to support domestic manufacturing.

One final point to consider is the versatility of this hoodie. While it’s an excellent mid-layer for cold conditions, it doesn’t replace a jacket. It’s best used in combination with other layers for optimal warmth. On its own, it’s great for mild to moderately cold weather but might not be sufficient for extremely low temperatures.

In conclusion, the DeWalt Men's French Terry Hoodie is a well-designed, durable piece of apparel with a few significant caveats. It offers exceptional warmth and practical features like multiple pockets and a robust heating system. However, its weight, bulkiness, and issues with the heating elements after washing are notable drawbacks.

Would I recommend this hoodie? It depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a heated hoodie that provides excellent warmth and you don’t mind the added weight and careful maintenance, this is a solid choice. However, if mobility, lightweight comfort, and ease of cleaning are your priorities, you might want to explore other options. For those who spend a lot of time outdoors in cold conditions and need reliable, battery-powered heating, the DeWalt hoodie is worth considering, but it’s not without its flaws.