DeWalt Heated Jacket Kit

As someone who spends a considerable amount of time working outdoors in various weather conditions, I was intrigued by the DeWalt Heated Jacket Kit (model DCHJ060C1). The promise of warmth at the touch of a button sounded like a game-changer, especially during those harsh winter months when layering up just doesn't cut it. After using the jacket extensively, I have a well-rounded perspective to share.

First and foremost, the design of the jacket is solid. Made from a water and wind-resistant outer shell, it feels durable and ready to tackle challenging environments. The jacket is not just about warmth; it also has an array of practical features that make it a versatile piece of workwear. The adjustable waistline and sleeve cuffs allow for a customizable fit, and the expandable battery pocket is a thoughtful addition for those who prefer using larger batteries for extended heating.

The heating elements in the jacket are strategically placed in four zones: the upper left and right chest, mid-back, and collar. This layout ensures that the warmth is distributed evenly across your torso, keeping you comfortable in cold conditions. The jacket offers three temperature settings—high, medium, and low—along with a pre-heat option. In my experience, the pre-heat function is particularly useful for those chilly mornings when you want to get a head start on warmth before stepping out.

One of the standout features of the jacket is its compatibility with DeWalt’s 20V MAX* batteries. This is a huge advantage if you already own DeWalt tools, as you can interchange the batteries. On the low setting, a 1.5Ah battery can provide up to 7 hours of runtime, which is quite impressive. However, I found that on the high setting, the battery life is significantly reduced, lasting around 2-3 hours. This means that for extended outdoor activities, carrying spare batteries is a must.

While the heating and battery features are commendable, the jacket does have its shortcomings. One of the primary issues is the bulkiness of the battery adapter. It tends to get in the way, especially when you’re moving around a lot or sitting down. A specialized, slimmer battery design would be a welcome improvement. Additionally, the placement of the power switch inside the jacket, right on the chest, is not ideal. I found myself accidentally turning off the jacket multiple times, which required unzipping it to turn it back on.

Comfort-wise, the jacket is generally a win. The soft shell material is comfortable to wear, and it doesn’t feel excessively heavy or restrictive. However, the sizing can be a bit off. For those without a "job-site pot belly," the fit might feel a bit large around the midsection. It’s worth trying on different sizes if possible to find the best fit for your body type.

Durability is another area where the jacket has mixed reviews. While some users have reported long-lasting performance, others, including myself, have encountered issues with the jacket's longevity. The wiring in the heating elements can be a weak point, especially with regular wear and tear. I noticed some wear on the wires after a season of use, which affected the jacket's heating performance. Additionally, the quality of the zippers could be improved; mine started losing teeth after a few months, which is disappointing for a jacket at this price point.

Customer service is an important aspect to consider, especially when dealing with higher-end products. Unfortunately, DeWalt’s customer service for this jacket leaves much to be desired. The company has licensed the manufacturing of these jackets to Radians, which complicates the warranty and service process. In my experience, getting support or a replacement for defective components was a frustrating ordeal, with both DeWalt and Radians passing the buck.

Despite these issues, there are several aspects of the jacket that I genuinely appreciate. The USB power source is a handy feature, allowing you to charge your portable electronics on the go. This is particularly useful when working in remote locations where access to power outlets is limited. The jacket also performs well in wet conditions; I wore it in light rain and snow without any issues, and the outer shell did an excellent job of keeping me dry.

In conclusion, the DeWalt Heated Jacket Kit is a mixed bag. It excels in providing warmth and comfort during cold weather, and its compatibility with DeWalt’s 20V MAX* batteries is a significant advantage. However, the bulkiness of the battery adapter, subpar durability of some components, and less-than-stellar customer service are notable drawbacks.

Would I recommend the DeWalt Heated Jacket Kit? It depends. If you already own DeWalt batteries and tools and can overlook the potential issues with durability and customer service, the jacket can be a valuable addition to your winter workwear. Its heating performance and overall comfort are impressive. However, if you’re looking for a flawless product with dependable customer support, you might want to explore other options. The jacket has great potential, but it falls short in several areas that are hard to ignore.