Winter temperatures can be brutal, driving a lot of people indoors. But what if there was a way to fight the cold? What if your jacket was heated?
It’s a brilliant concept, really. Getting chilly? Turn your jacket on and you’re enveloped in a gentle warmth!
Construction tool companies have popularized the heated jacket over the last 10 years or so. I’ve always assumed it was just another excuse to buy more overpriced proprietary batteries that power their cordless tools. How can it possibly be comfortable to wear a jacket that plugs into a sawzall battery?!?
Well, today we’re reviewing the iHood Heated Jacket, designed foremost as a heated jacket and not a cordless tool product line extension. Keep reading to find out whether or not this heated jacket makes the grade as a true winter outdoor essential!
Where to Buy
iHood heated jacket: Amazon & iHood (use BTT20 for 20% off)
Spare battery: Amazon & iHood (use BTT20 for 20% off)
The Bottom Line
I liked this jacket! The main complaints from the tool company jackets is the clunky batteries that were made for POWER TOOLS – not for clothing! The battery in the iHood is barely noticeable.
The battery lasted nearly 3 hours on maximum power. I was surprised that just 20W of output power could keep me as warm as it did.
The fit wasn’t perfect for me, but at 6’5”, I’m in the 99th percentile for height. I have pretty low expectations for fit if I’m not putting on a “big & tall” garment in the first place.
Were I a few inches shorter, this jacket would easily be my “daily driver” in the winter months here in Minnesota. I’d keep the battery plugged in on the counter in the mud room, and grab it when I knew I was going to be outside for any length of time.
The option to push a button to turn on heat is really convenient.
The iHood also allows me to wear a lighter jacket than I otherwise would. I don’t need some bulky giant coat that I’m going to be taking on or off. I can simply turn my heat up or down (or off).
Keep reading to learn more about this jacket!
Product Overview
Jacket Temperature & Heating
Let’s start with the scariest “feature”… iHood claims this jacket can heat up to 158°F. So, it will burn you right?
No. That number must come from some sort of lab test or is its maximum capability. When I put the jacket on maximum heat, the highest I measured was 94.6°F (in a 68 degree room.) And this is perfectly toasty!
This jacket features a modern slim-fit look and claims the following specs: “Three heating zones (collar, check, back, and waist) with a total of six heating elements. Powered by a 12V battery pack, it can reach temperatures up to 158°F, ensuring on-demand warmth in any weather condition.”
With six heating elements in the iHood heated jacket, I was expecting to feel warm in one area, but not others. Actually, it really felt quite even. I guess my torso isn’t that discerning!
The jacket features a button system on the front left side of the jacket where you can easily cycle through heating levels for the different zones:
I mostly used the jacket on high heat in all zones. However, this actually left me a little sweaty when I went for a short ½ mile walk when it was 30°F outside. I was only wearing a thin long-sleeved shirt beneath the jacket too. Depending on the outside temperature, I think you could easily use this on low or medium and stay quite warm.
Battery
This is what really sets iHood apart from the tool manufacturers: the battery is small! The top complaint for other heated jackets is that the batteries are uncomfortable, which is not surprising since they’re made for power tools!
Additionally, I was thrilled to get a full 2 hours and 45 minutes of battery life out with the jacket on high heat in all zones.
This is pretty close to the rated 3 hours:
Depending on time & outdoor temperature, you might want to consider getting a second battery. I’d recommend going with one battery first though to see if you really need a second battery or not. You might be surprised that you use it on low or medium power and it lasts a long time.
Other Features
Not just for heating, the iHood jacket is also designed for durability and convenience. It boasts water, wind, and scrape-resistant build, with sealed seams for complete waterproofing as can be seen here:
This makes it ideal for a variety of outdoor activities like walking, hiking, and snowshoeing – or sitting through a Friday night football game in the cold autumn weather!
Though I didn’t have a chance to try it, the coat is machine washable! iHood recommends machine washing on gentle in a laundry bag.
Lastly, I liked that the lights on the front switch can easily be turned on and off with the bottom button. I think it looks too much like a novelty when the lights are on, but they sure are super-helpful to know what level your jacket is set to.
Things I Didn’t Love
Something to be aware of is that the jacket is not waterproof and iHood recommends wearing a rain jacket over the top if it’s raining. Obviously the jacket is not going to be damaged if it can be machine washed; however, I suspect the battery might be the issue.
The icons on the buttons on the front of the jacket are REALLY small. There’s no way I can read them. So, you’re going to have to memorize which ones are which. Not really a big deal, but slightly inconvenient.
Though this jacket likely fits most of the population, at my height, it was too short in the sleeves and torso.
Lastly, though I love the location of the battery compartment – it’s located on the internal left side – the zipper is really small and gets hidden behind a small piece of fabric (designed to keep the zipper from poking you.) But in cold weather, it may be difficult to access and operate this zipper.
iHood Heated Jacket Review Final Thoughts
This jacket brought the heat! Maximum was too much for me when I was walking in 30°F weather. And I love that it’s not bulky.
When compared to the competition, the iHood heated jacket’s #1 feature is the battery size and shape. You don’t even know it’s there.
I wish there were more size options for the big & tall market, but hey, I can’t have everything. Overall, I’d say this jacket definitely hits the mark for an outdoor essential. Try it and let me know what you think!
Need something to keep you warm in the tent at night? Read our review of the best battery-powered heating blankets!
