Winter creates an atmosphere for warm cups of coffee by the fire, or in bed reading your favorite book. However, life and work have to go on despite the long cold days ahead.
Layers and layers of clothing could keep you warm, but how many layers would you need to go about your daily routine? Would five hoodies be warm enough? But fret not, fashion designers have incorporated technology to bring you the heated jacket!
The best heated jackets keep your upper body safe from strong winds, snow, rain, and sleet, while also being waterproof. Yes, they are also gender-based; no need to worry about messing your style with an oversize male jacket to keep warm.
Table of Contents
How to choose the best heated jacket
Material
There are three layers of the typical winter jacket: the outside layer or shell, the insulator or filler layer, and the lining. Consider the benefits and disadvantages of each material when selecting a heated jacket.
The outer layers of jackets are usually made up of polyester or nylon based synthetic textiles. Softshell, for instance, for its pliability and warmth, is one of the most common materials that are used to form an exterior jacket layer. It is also breathable, compact, windproof, and waterproof in addition to being warm.
Soft jackets are made to be suitable for sports such as hiking, cycling, or mountaineering in mild weather. Since it is not windproof yet, if you intend to ski or climb under harsh conditions, it is best left at home.
Polar fleece, a fabric made of polyester, is another popular jacket material. The polar fleece was developed in 1979 and, due to its warmth and water resilience properties, became an ideal material for sports jacks. It is light, breathable, and comfortable, too. However, it is not suitable for extreme conditions because it is not wind resistant.
Also used as a jacket outer layer, especially puffer jacks, are Ripstop nylon and polyester ripstop.
These materials are soft, silky, and don’t tear easily. Moreover, they are non-porous, waterproof, and windproof. This makes ripstop materials, particularly in extreme conditions, ideal for the winter.
Other jackets have an external layer of cotton or poly-cotton. A thermal jacket with a 100% outer layer of cotton is generally more breathable but not as insulated as synthetic materials. On the other hand, poly-cotton blended with polyester, more insulating, and flexible.
Heated Element Position
How does a standard jacket vary from a heated jacket? Simple to use. Traditional jackets rely on several layers of insulation materials, while heated jacks provide extra warmth from the fabric’s carbon fiber heating elements.
Heating items are located where you are most exposed to cold temperatures. Mainly the upper and mid-back left and right chest. Top of the range models also includes heating elements in the sleeves and in other areas around the jacket.
Battery, Voltage, and Heat Output
Heated jackets typically support rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with different voltages: five, seven, and 12 volts. The higher the voltage, the higher the heat output. As the battery voltage rises, the coverage area also increases.
Many heated jackets currently on the market are powered by 7-volt batteries that deliver excellent heat and generally are durable. The batteries, too, are affordable, compact, and lightweight.
Some heated jackets have 5-volt batteries. These smart devices typically feature two USB ports (regular and micro) for power banks or USB batteries.
Are Heated Jackets Safe to Use?
Thin wires are built into a heated jacket. The cables warm up when the electric load is low. Heated garments are designed not to get too hot. A water-resistant membrane separates the power cables, making them safe under wet conditions.
How do you clean a heated jacket?
The best option is to read the instructions that come with your heated jacket. Spot cleaning is always the best option, however, you can machine wash them. Here are some general steps for washing your jacket.
- Remove the battery from the pocket after disconnecting it. The battery will damage if it comes into contact with water. Ensure this is fist done before step two
- Once you have unplugged the battery, return the connector cable into the pocket for protection against water during washing.
- Put your heated jacket into a mesh laundry bag. The bag protects the wiring system from damage.
- Machine wash your jacket. Avoid dry cleaning at the laundromat as much as you can. Besides, it saves you some pocket change to do it at home yourself. Set your machine to a gentle cycle and use cold water. Of course, bleaches should not be anywhere close when washing your heated jacket.
- Finally, no wringing out twisting and line dry your heated jacket for proper drying outside. Please don't get tempted to iron it.
Do heated jackets last long?
As long as the battery in the panels works, heated jackets will last. Most of the jackets rely on rechargeable batteries to provide up to 10 hours of continuous heat that can be fully charged in about 7 hours. It will last you for hours as long as you keep your heated jacket charged.
The effects of a heated jacket on the body
The positive impact of a heated jacket far outweighs the negatives because you will stay flexible, agile, energetic, and less likely to get hurt or feel sore later by staying cold. In comparison to performing while cold, being warm also boosts performance.
Additionally, heat treatment is not for muscles alone. It improves the range of motion by enhancing blood flow and increasing circulation, thereby decreasing sore joints’ stiffness.
We would like to thank you for reading this article. Find out more about how to choose the Best GPS Watch for Hiking and Best Camping Chairs with our reviews and ratings. Furthermore, please take a look at the Best Camping Water Filters, Best Camping Chair For A Bad Back and Best Hiking Watch Under $100 to buy the right one.