DeWalt Heavy Duty Tobacco Heated Work Jacket

A heated jacket built for real jobsite weather

Cold, wind, and long days don’t mix well. After a few weeks putting the DeWalt heated jacket through early-morning concrete pours and punch-list work in steady wind, I can say it does what a lot of lighter heated shells can’t: it blocks the gusts, takes abuse, and still pushes real warmth where you feel cold first.

Build quality and weather protection

The exterior duck fabric is the star here. It’s thick, tightly woven, and shrugs off wind that usually cuts through softshells. Wet snow and light rain bead for a while before the fabric starts to darken; it’s water-resistant, not waterproof, so in a downpour you’ll still want a rain shell. But for sleet, slush, and general jobsite grime, the material and stitching have held up well. The flannel-lined hood is cozy, and the ribbed collar plus hideaway storm cuffs help seal out drafts at the neck and wrists without feeling restrictive.

Inside, the fleece lining in the body takes the edge off before you even turn the heat on, while the smoother polyester in the sleeves slides over layers and doesn’t bunch. The jacket feels like a traditional, work-ready insulated coat first—then it adds the heat.

Heating performance

There are five heat zones: both chest panels, both upper arms, and the mid-back. That spread matters more than it sounds; warming the arms keeps your hands from feeling numb as fast, and the back panel acts like a heated panel behind a truck seat—subtle, steady, and effective.

The LED controller is straightforward with three heat settings and a preheat function. Preheat ramps aggressively for a quick warm-up; I typically hit preheat while loading the truck, and by the time I’m rolling the heat has stabilized. Warmth feels even across the zones with no hot spots, and the chest/arm coverage cuts the “wind-chill shiver” you get when you’re gripping metal or facing sustained gusts.

One tip: don’t over-layer under a heated jacket. A thin base layer and a hoodie work well, but the more insulation you put between your body and the heat pads, the more you dampen what you paid for.

Battery placement and runtime

The battery pocket is on the left rear hip. With a compact battery you forget it’s there; with a 5Ah pack you’re aware of the weight but it doesn’t jab you when you sit or climb. DeWalt includes an adapter extension, which means you can route the cable to front or back pockets if you prefer the pack out of the way of a tool belt or harness. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference when you’re actually working.

Using a 20V MAX 5Ah battery, I can cover most of an eight-hour day by running high for the worst stretches and dropping to medium when I’m moving. On a steady, windy, sub-freezing day, I burned through a 5Ah and dipped into a 3Ah to finish the shift at mostly high. On milder days, a single 5Ah gets me through by mixing settings. If you plan to leave it on high nonstop, bring a spare battery. The USB port is handy to top off a phone at lunch, but understand that charging devices directly cuts into your warmth budget.

Battery and charger are not included, which will either be a non-issue (if you’re already on DeWalt 20V MAX) or an extra line item. The upside is obvious if you own the platform: you’re using the same batteries as your tools.

Comfort and mobility

This jacket is heavier than most heated softshells, but the tradeoff is warmth plus durability. DeWalt builds in gusseted underarms and stretch through the shoulders, and it shows—reaching overhead doesn’t pull the hem too high, and the jacket doesn’t bind when you’re carrying plywood or working above shoulder height. The ribbed collar sits comfortably against the neck without chafing, and the storm cuffs tuck under gloves to stop wind sneaking up the sleeves.

Fit is what I’d call “work jacket regular.” I ordered my usual size expecting to layer a hoodie under it, and that combination works. If you want a lot of bulk underneath, consider sizing up; if you plan to rely on the heat instead of heavy layers, true-to-size is the way to go.

Pockets and day-to-day usability

Pockets are well thought out:

• Two fleece-lined front pouch pockets that actually warm hands—nice when you’re giving the battery a break.
• Two exterior stacked tool/accessory pockets that fit knives, markers, small fasteners, and a compact tape.
• An internal pocket with hook-and-loop plus internal and external zip accessory pockets for a wallet, keys, or earbuds.

The pocket variety makes it easy to keep daily-carry items accessible without bulking out one spot. Zippers track cleanly, and the pulls are easy enough to manipulate with light gloves.

The LED controller is easy to find by feel and cycles predictably through settings. I like that the indicator light is bright enough to see in daylight without being a beacon in low light.

What I’d change

• Include a compact battery option. The whole point of an ecosystem is choice; a small pack in the box would let first-timers get heating immediately.
• Offer a high-visibility colorway. The “Tobacco” brown looks good and hides grime, but many jobsites require hi-vis. Wearing a vest over the jacket isn’t the end of the world, yet a built-in hi-vis option would be welcome.
• Clarify weatherproofing expectations. The duck fabric does a great job in wind and light precipitation, but buyers should know this is not a rain shell. A DWR refresh or optional outer shell pairing guidance would be helpful.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re practical considerations for the core audience.

Durability and maintenance

After repeated wear, the outer shell has resisted abrasion from block and lumber, and the seams haven’t shown loose threads. The cuffs and hem haven’t frayed, and the heat elements remain consistent. As with any heated garment, I avoid abusing the cable connections when routing the battery extension and I stow the adapter neatly to prevent strain. The 1-year limited warranty is standard for heated apparel in this category.

How it compares

Compared to lighter heated jackets I’ve used, this one is warmer without cranking the controller to max all day because the insulation and wind-blocking do part of the work. It is heavier and bulkier than softshell options, so if you prioritize minimal weight or need something that lives under a harness all day, you’ll notice the difference. If you need a tough outer layer that can take scraping against concrete, working on steel, or hauling material in winter, this is the better tool for the job.

Who it’s for

• Tradespeople working in cold, windy conditions who already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries.
• Anyone who wants a durable, insulated jacket first and heated warming second.
• Outdoor pros who prefer practical pocket layout and real wind resistance over ultra-light flexibility.

If you’re a light-duty user who wants a slim profile for casual wear, there are sleeker heated jackets. If you work in steady rain, this isn’t your rain solution. But for raw, windy cold, this is a solid fit.

The bottom line

The DeWalt heated jacket combines a tough, wind-resistant shell with effective, well-placed heat zones and thoughtful work-focused details. Battery placement is smart, runtime is solid (especially if you carry a spare), and the pocket layout supports actual jobsite use. It’s heavier than a softshell and it isn’t waterproof, but those tradeoffs buy you durability and warmth that show up when the wind howls.

Recommendation: I recommend this jacket for trades and outdoor work in cold, windy conditions, especially if you’re already on DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform. It’s a dependable, job-ready layer that keeps you warm without babying it, and the heating system, pocket design, and mobility features make it an easy piece to reach for when the temperature drops.