One of the oddest, but strangely compelling products we saw at the 2010 Milwaukee New Tools Press Event was their Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket Kit 2331. A battery powered jacket? Oh yeah – and why not, with much of the country (our own Florida excepted) having to deal with freezing temperatures, snow and all manner of uncomfortable working environments. While we don’t envision needing this too often in Southern climates, the jacket was really an effective solution that made unique and clever use of the existing M12 battery technology.
Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket Kit 2331 Features
Powered by the next generation M12 Red Lithium battery, the M12 Cordless Heated Jacket delivers comfort to users on and off the job site. This multi-layered soft shell jacket utilizes new cold weather technology to actively warm the body and stimulate blood circulation. Three sewn-in carbon fiber heating zones distribute heat to core body areas, with a stylish performance-fit that gives users maximum flexibility and comfort during use. The 2331 M12 Heated Jacket features three heat settings, for varying heat needs and is water and wind resistant for a variety of weather conditions. Ideal for cold job site conditions and cold outdoor sports and activities, the M12 Heated Jacket delivers continuous heat for up to 6 hours per battery charge.
It’s also quite comfortable – check it out:
Specifications
- Voltage: 12V
- Heat Zones: 3 (R Chest, L Chest, Back)
- Heat Settings: 3 + Warm-Up Feature
- Pockets: 2 side hand pockets + Cell Phone/MP3 chest pocket
- Jacket Material: Soft Shell: 95% Polyester / 5% Spandex
- Battery: LITHIUM-ION
- No of Batteries Included: (1) M12 RED LITHIUM Battery
- Charge Time: 30-Minutes
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Shipping Weight: 4.4 lbs
This type of innovation is almost a no-brainer, until you realize that it’s new. In that case, it’s a major innovative step in the right direction. While the jacket kit with battery and charger is around $169, you can find just the jacket for $119. That means for those who already use the M12 system, this product is going to be very accessible. Now, if only Milwaukee could shrink their batteries and make a pair of rechargeable heated gloves…
