Updated on Oct. 31, 2024
Bone-chilling cold keeping you indoors this winter? Try one of these best heated vests to keep your core (and the rest of you!) toasty and warm.
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If you’re someone who spends long hours outdoors in the winter—perhaps working outside, shoveling lots of snow, enjoying winter sports, or attending outdoor events—you know your hands and feet are likely the first places to get cold. That’s because your torso (or core) reacts to cold temperatures by concentrating blood flow around your vital organs in order to protect them.
This means that in addition to a good pair of gloves, warm socks and shoes, and a warm hat, you need other warming outdoor gear to keep your torso warm so that it keeps circulation going in the rest of your body. One sure way to wrap your torso in a warm hug? A heated vest, which we daresay rivals heated toilet seats, heated blankets, and heated flooring as one of the Best Ideas Ever.
The best heated vests keep your core warm for hours, allowing you freedom of movement without being too bulky, and are durable enough to last from winter to winter. Heated vests are typically powered by rechargeable batteries and have several zones that keep the front and back of your torso warm and cozy, even when outdoor conditions are frigid.
We rounded up a list of the best heated vests, based on features and options, prices and user reviews.
Still feeling the chill? Check out these products to help you stay warm this winter.
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For an all-around combination of features and performance, we tap Arris’ adjustable heated vest as the best overall. With eight heating elements and five heat settings, this vest heats from 104 degrees to an ultra-toasty 176 degrees. Users say its adjustable fit means it’s not too snug, so even at the highest heat setting it doesn’t feel like you’re inside a sauna.
The vest is powered by a 7.4V lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 15 hours, and it’s recharged with a USB type-C cable. Note that this fleece vest is not waterproof, so you’ll need a water-resistant layer on top when there’s rain or snow.
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We appreciate the simple good looks and functionality of this men’s vest from TideWe. It heats up in less than a minute, with three heating levels and four heating zones that reach up to 131 degrees. The vest is power by a lithium-ion battery (connected to a Type-C charger), with a battery life of up to 10 hours on the lowest setting.
Available in black or camo (the black version is attractive enough to wear by itself as outerwear), this heated vest is made from water-resistant polyester, making it perfect for wearing outside on rainy days.
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The streamlined look of ProSmart’s unisex vest might just fool you—its smart styling and slim fit make it look like a traditional winter vest! But inside, two heating zones and three warmth levels keep you snugly warm.
Available in sizes S to 2XL, a lithium-ion battery warms this vest up to 140 degrees, and keeps it warm for 10 hours before it needs recharging. This fleece vest is not waterproof, so you’ll need an outer layer in wet weather.
For another excellent option, check out this heated vest on Amazon customers can’t get enough of.
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If you’ve never worn a heated vest before and aren’t sure if one is right for you, this wallet-friendly Nunewares vest is a good place to start. The lithium-ion powered vest is made from water-resistant polyester, and comes in five sizes, from S to 2XL—each with adjustable side panels to allow for larger chest or midsection. It heats from 113 degrees to 149 degrees, and when its fully charged, it will stay warm for up to eight hours on the lowest setting.
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This women’s vest from Ororo is loaded with features, starting with its high-quality construction and sturdy zippers. An inside pocket holds the fast-charging, mini lithium-ion battery, meaning its two outside pockets are free to keep your hands warm. Neck, back and front midsection heating zones allow for even heat distribution, and the nylon shell is water-resistant.
This slim fit vest comes in six sizes and seven colors, so you can stay stylish while staying warm. This vest heats to 130 degrees., and stays warm for up to 10 hours on the lowest setting.
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If your job calls for you to be working outdoors for long hours in cold conditions, this hard-working DeWalt vest gets our vote. Made from reversible micro fleece and Sherpa fleece, it’s powered by a DeWalt 20V battery—the same one that powers many of the brand’s power tools.
This heavy-duty heated vest is cut extra long in the back for coverage when bending over, and packed with eight pockets for storing tools. There are three heating zones, and an extendable collar to protect your neck from winter winds. Note that this vest is wind resistant but not water-resistant, so you’ll need an extra layer in wet weather.
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This Dr. Prepare heated vest comes with the convenience of six heating zones and a removable hood for ultimate coziness during winter activities. It has three heating levels, a water-resistant polyester outer layer, an adjustable construction and a cotton inner-layer to stay cozy. While the USB battery pack is not machine-washable, once removed, the vest itself can be laundered with a laundry bag if desired.
This vest also has a zippered pocket for smartphones or other small items, lasting between three and eight hours on a full charge.
When buying a heated vest, ask, “How much will I actually use it?” If winter activities keep you outside often, a heated vest could be your best investment.
Heated vests use either carbon fiber or wiring to deliver warmth. Carbon fiber elements offer reliable heat, with most vests placing them in key areas like the chest and back. Many also include heating zones in the collar, stomach and shoulders. Wired heating vests are effective but may charge slower and risk overheating.
Choose a heated vest with a fast-charging, long-lasting battery. Many vests hold a charge for three to 15 hours, depending on the heat level and elements. User reviews often provide insights into battery performance, so check how long the vest heats on a full charge.
Top vests use durable materials like polyester and nylon for water and wind resistance. Insulators like micro or Sherpa fleece add warmth while staying light and allowing mobility.
Heated vests typically come in sizes XS to 3XL for men, women and even children. Many have adjustable heating controls to ensure a comfortable fit. For those who dislike tight fits, ordering up a size may help.
Look for vests with automatic shutoff or overheat protection. Some also include temperature sensors to alert you if the vest overheats.
Heated vests often feature water-resistant outer layers, keeping heat in and moisture out. While fleece isn’t waterproof, it offers some water resistance, which helps in cold and wet conditions.
Choose a lightweight vest that packs easily for skiing, hiking or other outdoor activities. Look for zip closures or pull-over designs for quick wear and controls that adjust heat easily.
Expect prices between $75 and $250. Many vests include limited or lifetime warranties, adding value to your purchase.
Elizabeth Heath is a travel, home and lifestyle improvement writer with The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, Reader’s Digest, TripSavvy and more. She has written several guidebooks on outdoor and travel tips and her and her husband are extremely passionate about the great outdoors. Given her long-term experience with travel and outdoor products, she is a well-equipped source when selecting the best heated vests.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
We selected top-rated vests based on heating capacity, material quality, sizing, battery life and price. We focused on options with high customer satisfaction, weather resistance and comfort for extended wear during skiing, hunting or hiking.
Yes, heated vests use low-voltage batteries, reducing any risk of electrocution. They’re also safe for pacemaker wearers.
Most vests use USB-C cables. Charging times range from three to eight hours, and USB-C compatibility allows charging on the go via vehicle USB ports.
A fully charged vest can provide heat for 3 to 15 hours, depending on the model and settings.
Most heated vests are machine-washable after removing the battery pack, though some are hand-wash only. Always check care instructions before washing.
