At the Milwaukee New Tool event, Cole Conrad, tasked with growing the company’s heated jacket business, demoed the newest product. We reviewed the original M12 Heated Jacket remember requesting a black version two years ago, and Milwaukee came through – and then some. The new models include a black jacket and the new High Visibility model. New features include woven fleece into the lining of the jacket to make them naturally warmer – even before adding the M12-generated heat source. The front icon has also been changed to include a hand icon that provides separately zoned heat to the pockets. This is independent from the core heating zones. In this way, the pockets and core can be independently set to high or low heat.
Milwaukee Black High Visibility Heated Jackets Features
The battery holder also now has a fuel gauge activated by a top-mounted button and also has a powered USB port that can charge portable devices like cameras, phones, etc. Velcro is integrated into the pocket and along the zipper to help guide and hide the cords for portable music players and other electronics.
The Black, Red and RealTree Camo heated jackets all have the same features and the price is going up about $20 (retail) to $199. Shipping is August 1st.
Now for the really impressive news (aside from the fact that the black jacket is now available, of course). The Milwaukee M12 heated jacket is now also M18-ready. For extended run time on the jacket, Milwaukee is offering an accessory for season 2 and 3 jackets, making it compatible with both compact and XC M18 batteries which deliver 10 and 18 hours of run-time respectively. We don’t recommend using these on the Milwaukee heated hoodie or the Milwaukee Realtree headed hoodie as the M18 RedLithium battery will prove to be a bit too heavy for the soft pocket.
Also, a new 12V DC adapter option allows you to now power the Heated Jacket from a vehicle port. Bobcats, tractors, ATVs, snowmobiles, etc now can deliver unlimited power to the jackets during use. For convenience and safety, the connector is “breakaway” for those who accidentally forget to disconnect and also for safety and egress regulations and requirements.
The high visibility jacket is certified for commercial and roadside construction. It’s also going to be available in three international markets to broader the horizon.
The High Visibility jacket has 3M safety stripes and pen pockets are located on the arms while a chest pocket on the right side is perfect for walkie talkies or portable phones. A zip-in hood is integrated into the jacket for when you need it (but removable for when you don’t).
Milwaukee is also allowing end-users and distributors to use the hidden back pocket of the High Visibility Jacket to facilitate embroidery on these jackets. We’d love to see one for Pro Tool Reviews… then again, maybe we should just go for Black.
Pricing is $149 for the jacket and $199 with one M12 battery and charger. Shipping for all the jackets is set for August 1.
