Best Heated Jacket Scores and Final Rankings
#6 – Makita 18V LXT Camo Heated Jacket DCJ201
Final Score: 76.0 points
Pros
- Removable sleeves
- Best heated jacket for hunting
- Accurate fit according to the size chart
- Battery adapter clip lets you move the pack to your belt
- Storm cuffs instead of hook and loop straps on your wrist
Cons
- Slow heating
- Lowest maximum temperature
- Lets the highest percentage of heat out
- Only 3 heat zones
Final Thoughts
Makita’s Camo Heated Jacket is one of the early generation models in our testing. While it doesn’t keep up with the rest of the group overall, I love this as an option for milder climates, especially since you can remove the sleeves. Makita’s lower value rating is simply due to the fact that there’s no kit option available, meaning some users may need to buy an additional battery and charger. If you’re already on the Makita 18V LXT platform, the value is much better.
#5 – Bosch 12V Max Heated Jacket PSJ120
Final Score: 88.5 points
Pros
- Accurate fit against other heated jackets of the same size
- Battery adapter clip lets you move the pack to your belt
- Highest maximum and sustained temperatures
- Excellent heating time
- Highest battery efficiency
- Excellent value rating
Cons
- Only 3 heat zones
- Control placement makes it a little tough to see
- Online sizing chart is way off
Final Thoughts
Bosch only stumbles in a couple of areas. As another early generation model, it only has 3 to work with. However, pushing higher maximum and sustained temperatures than the rest of the group makes it a legitimate cold weather option up north. For a heated jacket that’s been around for several years, its ability to keep up with the most recent models is impressive. Incidentally, Bosch’s heated jacket is made in Vietnam rather than China like the rest of the group.
#4 – DeWalt 20V Max Heated Jacket DCHJ060ABD1
Final Score: 89.4 points
Pros
- Multiple battery storage locations thanks to the extension cord
- Accurate fit according to the size chart
- 5 heat zones, including both sleeves
- Excellent heating times
- Excellent value rating
Cons
- Lowest battery efficiency rating
- No battery adapter clip
Final Thoughts
I love that DeWalt lets you move the battery to so many locations with their extension, but it would be even better if they add a clip to the adapter. The only major downside is that you’ll run through your battery faster than other options. I’d like to see the next version have the option to turn the sleeves off and just heat the core when you want to preserve battery life.
#3 – Makita 18V LXT Hi-Viz Heated Jacket DCJ206
Final Score: 90.0 points
Pros
- Hi-Viz yellow with plenty of reflective striping
- Transparent ID chest pocket
- Storm cuffs instead of hook and loop straps on your wrist
- Accurate fit according to the size chart
- Battery adapter clip lets you move the pack to your belt
- Highest insulation effectiveness
- 5 heating zones, including left/right upper back and middle back
- 2nd highest battery efficiency
- Only jacket in this test with a hood
Cons
- Slow heating times
- Using the battery pocket pulls the jacket midsection tighter
Final Thoughts
Like their camo model, Makita’s Hi-Viz Heated Jacket doesn’t come as a kit, so the value score suffers there. If you’re on the Makita 18V LXT platform already, your value rating is higher. The only other downside is the slow heating time. However, if you’re prepared for that, it’s not a deal-breaker. This one is going to be your best bet for any job site that requires or recommends high visibility outerwear.
#2 – Milwaukee M12 Toughshell Heated Jacket 202R21
Final Score: 91.4 points
Pros
- Accurate fit according to the size chart
- 5 heating zones, including left/right front pocket
- Highest value rating
- Excellent heating times
Cons
- No battery adapter clip
Final Thoughts
Milwaukee’s Toughshell Heated Jacket holds its own across the board with the only chink in its armor being the lack of a clip for the battery adapter. Its steady performance, design, and $199 price tag earn it our top value rating for the group.
#1 – Milwaukee M12 Axis Heated Jacket 203B21
Final Score: 94.3 points
Pros
- Accurate fit according to the size chart
- Most comfortable heated jacket overall
- Excellent insulation effectiveness
- Excellent heating times
- 5 heating zones, including left/right shoulders
- Excellent value rating
- Side entry battery pocket is more accessible than others
Cons
- No battery adapter clip
Final Thoughts
The Milwaukee Axis Heated Jacket earns the title of “Best Heated Jacket” in our review thanks to high performance and design marks in almost every category. The only place it scores less than 90 is in battery efficiency, where it earns a middle-of-the-pack 77. The one thing you’ll want to watch out for is the soft quilted outer shell. It’s not as durable as the others, but does have ripstop stitching and is designed to function as a middle layer in colder climates. It’s the most comfortable jacket in the group and is another excellent value pick.
