BUYING GUIDE - BEST HEATED JACKETS IN 2021
Best Women's Heated Vests of 2022
If you are looking for the best women's heated vest, you're at the right place. We looked at over 15 heated vests and narrowed that list down to the top six. We have waded through all of the tests and reviews, so you don’t have to and came up with a list of what we think are the top six heated vests for women available today.
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A heated vest can serve as an excellent mid-layer under a coat in cold conditions or can simply be worn as your only piece of outwear in more mild conditions. These vests were designed to stand up to the rigors of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or even just going for a jog while keeping you warm and looking good as well.
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Check out our buying guide for tips on what to look for when shopping for a heated vest.
Following is our list of the top five heated vests of 2021:
ORORO Women's Heated Vest
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4 Carbon Fiber Heating Zones
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3/6/10 Hours of Battery
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7.4V UL/CE-certified battery
Pros
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Very warm
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Great heat distribution
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Machine washable
Cons
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Sizing issues
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Power button is bright
Ororo is a well respected brand in the heated clothing market and their classic women's heated vest is considered one of the best and it gets some of the best reviews of any vest tested. This vest is not only warm but fashionable as well. It is filled with 800 fill power duck down so you will be warm even before you turn on the heat. This vest is also available in a men's version.
The four carbon fiber heat zones keep this vest nice and warm. There are two heating elements on the chest, a large one that goes across the back area as well as a heated collar which is always a benefit. The battery can keep the heat coming for up to 10 hours on low. This vest can be machine washed, making cleaning it simple.
The reviews for the Ororo are fantastic with almost all reviewers loving the heat it produces, many of them said that this vest kept them warm all day long, even on low. Most reviewers loved the heated collar and felt the vest was very durable and expected it to last for years.
Some reviewers found the power button a bit bright, the only other complaints revolved around sizing and defective batteries which are pretty common complaints with heating clothing. Always use the sizing guide and measure yourself when ordering to make sure you get the right size. The battery issues were quickly addressed by customer service which seems very responsive.
Gobi Dune Heated Vest
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3 Heat Zones
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5/7/10 Hours of Battery
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7.4-volt, 6700 Lithium Ion
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Uses Conductive Thread
Pros
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Great look
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Quick charging battery
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Excellent mobility
Cons
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Sizing runs large
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Spotty customer service
Gobi is a 100% female owned heated apparel company based in Colorado. They have been making heated clothing since 2016 and are considered one of the top brands in the heated apparel industry.
The Dune Women’s vest is basically the same as the men’s version, although it is more fitted and available in different colors, we like the purple. This heated vest is made of lightweight nylon that is both wind and water resistant.
It features 3 zones of heating, 2 in the chest, and a large zone on the back. Three heat settings and a one-touch controller button on the front of the vest make adjusting the temperature quick and easy. The Dune comes with a 7.4-volt, 6700 Lithium-Ion that can provide up to 10 hours of heat on the lowest setting. You can expect up to five hours on high and roughly 7 hours on a medium setting. The Dune’s battery fully recharges in 3-4 hours which is one of the quickest available.
Gobi uses conductive thread to heat this vest instead of carbon fiber. Conductive thread is very light and flexible making this vest very comfortable to wear.​ The Dune gets good reviews but there are sizing issues. While most reviewers love the heat it produces and say that the mobility it offers is excellent, there seem to be issues with the fit. The vest seems to run a bit large so consider that when shopping. Gobi does provide fairly detailed measurements in their sizing guide so make sure you measure yourself before ordering to make sure you get the best fit.
Venture Heat Women's Heated Vest
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4 Carbon Fiber Heat Zones
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3/6/10 Hours of Battery
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7.4V 5200 mAh battery
Pros
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Neck warmer
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USB and mini flashlight
Cons
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Sizing runs large
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Some defective batteries
Venture Heat has been in the heated clothing business since 2003 when it was founded in Venice Beach, California. Over the years they have become a leader in the heated apparel industry and their quad zone puffer vest is one of their best sellers. The women’s vest is basically the same as the men’s version but is a bit more fitted and is available in four color choices.
The Venture has four carbon fiber heat zones, two in the chest, a large one in the back and a neck warmer in the collar. It features a 7.4V 5200 mAh battery that not only heats the vest but can charge your phone via a USB port. In addition, the battery has a mini flashlight built in case you are caught outside after dark.
This vest can stay warm for up to 10 hours on low, 6 hours on medium and 3 hours on high. It can be machine washed and dried. The reviews for this vest are excellent with the main complaints being sizing issues or battery problems. Carefully measure yourself and check their sizing guide before ordering. The few reported battery issues seem to be confined to batteries that were defective upon delivery although these issues were resolved. Customer service seems to be very responsive.​
ARRIS Heated Vest for Women
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8 Carbon Fiber Heat Zones
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4/6/8 Hours of Battery
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7.4V 7200mah battery
Pros
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Neck warmer
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8 Heating Zones
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Unique sizing
Cons
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Long Charging Time
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No USB
The ARRIS heated vest for women takes heating power up a notch with 8 heating panels. It has 4 panels in front, 3 on the back, and a neck warmer in the collar. This vest comes with 5 heating levels that can range from 104℉ to 176℉. One of the best features of this vest is that you can turn off specific panels in the vest to conserve the battery or just lower the heat.
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​The ARRIS uses a 7.4V 7200mah high-capacity battery to heat the carbon fiber heating element, the battery can last for up to 8 hours on the lowest setting.
The ARRIS also uses a pretty unique sizing scheme, it is basically one size fits all. The vest comes with three different side panels that you zip in to make get the correct size. While it sounds weird, people seem to love it and find it easy to find the correct fit.
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The ARRIS gets excellent reviews all the way around. The big complaints have to do with the battery. The biggest disappointment with the battery is the charging time, it can take up to 8 hours to fully charge. As with every other piece of clothing that we have looked at there were a few reviewers who received a defective battery.
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Overall, the ARRIS is a great choice, particularly if you like to customize the fit of a vest and have greater control over the heating elements.
TIDEWE Heated Vest
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4 Carbon Fiber Heat Zones
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4/6/10 Hours of Battery
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10000 mah battery
Pros
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Neckwarmer
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Pocket Warmers
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Available in camo
Cons
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A few defective batteries
The Tidewe is a great vest at an excellent price, it is the cheapest of the heated women’s vests we looked at but the low price doesn’t seem to impact the quality of the vest or the heat it produces.
This heated vest is made from high quality polyester that is incredibly durable. The 100% fleece inner keeps you toasty warm and is super comfortable.
This heated vest has 4 carbon fiber heating zones with two underneath the front pockets, a large mid back heat zone and a heated collar with is always a hit. The 10000mAh power bank will keep the heat coming for 10 hours on low, 6 on medium and 4 hours on high.
The battery has a USB port for charging electronics and will automatically shut off when the temperature goes beyond 131°F to preserve the battery. The Tidewe can be machine washed but they recommend air drying it.
The reviews are fantastic for this heated vest with warm pockets being a huge selling point. Everyone loved the heat and look of this vest which is available in both black and camo. The only complaint seemed to involve a defective battery. This is an excellent heated vest at a great price.
​Venustas Women's Heated Vest
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4 Carbon Fiber Heat Zones
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4/6/10 Hours of Battery
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10000 mah battery
Pros
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Neckwarmer
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Pocket Warmers
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Available in camo
Cons
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A few defective batteries
The Venustas heated women’s vest is another great choice to help you stay warm out in the cold while looking good. This vest is available in four colors so you can find a look that you love.
The Venustas is made from 100% nylon fabric with a mylar thermal lining, making this heated vest lightweight while also being wind and water resistant. There are four carbon fiber heat zones in this vest, two on the chest, a large one going across the back and the always beloved heated collar which lets you leave the scarf at home.
The Venustas has a 10000mAh battery which will generate heat for 3 hours on high, 6 hours on medium and 10 hours on low. The battery pack has a USB port for charging smart phones and other mobile devices. The vest is also machine washable.
This vest gets great reviews with the heated collar being a big selling point. One person referred to the Venustas as a “warm hug on demand” which is a great way to describe this heated vest. As usual there were some defective batteries and sizing issues but most were quickly resolved. Always use the sizing guide when ordering to make sure you get the correct size.
iHood Heated Vest
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8 Carbon Fiber Heat Zones
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4.5 /6.5/9.5 Hours of Battery
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7.4V 14400mAh battery
Pros
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Neck and ear warmer
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8 Heating Zones
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Turn on/off individual zones
Cons
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Smallish pockets
This is our new favorite heated vest and it is bursting with features that make it comfortable and warm.
One of the best features of the iHood is the ability to turn the various heat zones on and off independently. The iHood lets you turn on the chest, back and collar/hood zones separately, allowing you to control the heat levels more precisely as well as save the battery life by turning off heat zones you are not currently using.
The iHood heated vest has two pockets on the inside, one for storing the battery while the other can be used to stash your phone, keys, or other important items you want to secure.
The power bank not only powers the vest but can also be used to charge your phone or other electronics. It has 2 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, and 1 micro-USB port. It also offer up to 9.5 hours of heat depending on what heat setting you use. This is an excellent heated vest and we highly recommend it. Buy this one with confidence!
Written by Mark Vallet
Updated January 2021
BUYING GUIDE - BEST HEATED JACKETS AND VESTS IN 2021
When it comes to heated clothing there are a number of factors to consider. While the battery and heating elements are essential, you should also take into account items such as the material the coat is made from, the insulation packed into the shell, and even the number of pockets. Keep reading to see some of the key considerations when shopping for a heated vest or coat:
BATTERY
The battery is obviously one of the biggest factors when shopping for a heated jacket or vest as it does the majority of the work to keep the coat warm. The majority of heated jackets and vests use a a rechargeable lithium battery to generate heat. We recommend avoiding vests and jackets that use rechargeable nickel batteries as they are heavier and lose their ability to recharge over time.
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BATTERY LIFE: This is one of the most important considerations when evaluating a heated outwear. The majority of heated jackets and vests can provide heat for up to ten hours on a low setting, but the differences can be dramatic when using a high or medium setting. While some coats or vests may last six hours on high, others will drain the battery in three hours. Think about how you will use the coat and what kind of battery life you need. While a skier or someone working outside all day may want the maximum number of hours on high, someone who only wears their heated outwear for a short hike or walk in the woods might not need a long-lasting battery.
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CHARGING TIME: Charging times can vary, while some batteries may fully recharge in 3-4 hours, others may take up to 7-8 hours. How often you use your heated vest or coat will determine how important a quick recharge time will be to you. We highlight the charging time in all of our reviews, so you know what to expect from the coat or vest you choose.
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MOBILE PHONE CHARGING: Some heated jackets and vests now come with the ability to charge a mobile phone using the battery pack. Not all brands have this functionality, Ororo and Ravean are examples of the coats that will charge your phone. However, it should be noted that this will lower the runtime of the battery so make sure you consider the implications for battery life when charging your phone.
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CHARGING OPTIONS: One other consideration with batteries is the ability to charge it using a charger in a car in the event you are out and about when the battery dies. Some brands use a USB port to charge the battery which is compatible with a car charger, while others use a proprietary charging system that will only work in a wall socket. If charging on the go is important to you, make sure the brand you choose can be charged in a vehicle.
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HEATING ZONES AND MATERIALS
While the battery produces the heat, carbon fiber or conductive thread is what delivers that heat to the shell of the jacket or vest. Heat zones are woven into the coat where they generate heat that radiates around the shell. Most heated coats and vests have heating elements built into the chest and back area, ranging from three to five different zones. Here is a quick overview of the two primary heating methods:
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Carbon Fiber: One of the more commonly used heating elements in heated clothing is carbon fiber. This technology uses strips or tubular heating elements made of carbon fiber to heat the jacket or vest. The carbon fiber elements are spread across sections of the jacket to provide warmth. Carbon fiber works well providing uniform heat as well as flexibility. While slightly stiffer than the material used to make the jacket or vest, it is unlikely that you will ever notice the heat zones or experience any reduction in flexibility. Numerous heated clothing brands use carbon fiber technology, just a few examples include ORORO, Venustas, and Milwaukee.
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CONDUCTIVE THREAD: Conductive thread is an e-textile that carries an electrical current much the same way an electrical wire does. This means that it can be used to create a circuit that will generate heat. Conductive thread is very thin making it perfect for a coat or vest where weight and flexibility are important. The majority of heated jackets and vests have three to five heating zones. Conductive thread is an excellent choice for heated clothing and is used by a number of apparel companies but is not as popular as carbon fiber at this point. Conductive thread is often used in headed gloves, socks, and base layers due to it being so thin and light. A few examples of heated clothing makers that use conductive thread include Gobi and N NIFVAN.Fit
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FIT: It’s important that your heated clothing fit comfortably. It can be even more crucial with a heated vest or jacket because a secure fit means you’ll trap the heat inside. Heated clothing seems to run a bit on the small side for most manufacturers so it is extremely important to consult the sizing chart for any vest or jacket you’re considering to determine the best option for your body. The majority of complaints related to heated clothing have to do with sizing so do not skip this step.
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MATERIAL: You want your heated outerwear to be comfortable which is why you should consider the materials used to make it. The majority of heated vests and jackets use cotton or polyester or a blend of the two. There are also heated jackets made of canvas and even down puffer coats. Most heated outwear is wind and water-resistant while some are completely waterproof. How you use the vest or jacket will determine how important these features are to you.Always consider the liner as well, it should be may of a comfortable and cozy material, fleece is popular in heated outwear, it is comfy while holding in the heat.
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INSULATION: If you plan on being in extreme cold on a regular basis you will want a heated vest or coat with lots of insulation. Heated down puffers are an excellent choice for those extremely frigid days. Extra layers of insulation not only keep you warm, they also allow you to run the battery on a lower setting, which will extend the time you can spend out in the cold.
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HOOD: While a hood is not always necessary, it can be a real benefit on a particularly cold or wet day. Many heated jackets come with a detachable hood which is nice if you don’t need a hood on a daily basis. It bears mentioning that the hood will not be heated.
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POCKETS: Most heated vests and jackets have pockets just like a normal coat. These are great for storing your personal belongings when you are out in the weather. In most heated jackets, there is an inside pocket for the battery. One nice feature available in some heated jackets is heated pockets. This creates a cozy spot for your hands when out in the cold.
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FAQ'S
CAN A HEATED VEST BE WASHED?
The majority of heated outerwear can be machine washed and dried but there are some that require hand washing and air-drying.
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Directions will vary between manufacturers but in most cases, you simply have to make sure you remove the battery, zip the connector cable back into its pocket, and then wash and wash and dry on a gentle cycle. Most heated apparel makers say drying cleaning and bleach will damage your heated clothing so simply wash at home.
Always follow the directions that come with your particular piece of heated apparel, as straying from their recommendations will often void your warranty and could ruin your heated clothing.
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HOW EXPENSIVE IS A HEATED COAT OR VEST?
While the majority of heated coats and vests fall into the $100-$200 range, they can run over $300 and on the budget side you can find a heated vest or jacket for around $80.