The Best Heated Jackets for Walks, Rides, Hikes and Hunts
Evan Rally
left for contents
Ready to ditch the shivers and embrace the warmth? You’re in the right place. Heated jackets have come a long way from the weak batteries and burning-hot wires of a decade ago, but there are still a glut of terrible products on the market. Let’s find the gems.
Ready to get a heated jacket? Consider these:
- More heating zones doesn’t always mean a warmer jacket. Companies boast about zone counts, but heating element quality and power output matter way more. A jacket with fewer, more powerful, and strategically placed zones can be warmer than one with tons of weak, poorly positioned elements. Don’t get caught up in the zone number hype.
- Battery life claims are often wildly misleading. Those “10-hour battery life” claims? Usually on the lowest setting in ideal conditions. Actual usage on high heat? Expect significantly less. Don’t believe the marketing hype; dig into tests and understand heat level vs. battery life trade-offs.
- For you motorcycle riders – heated jackets don’t mean tethering to your bike. While plug-in 12V systems are the classic, many newer heated jackets are powered by slim batteries that tuck away inside the jacket itself, providing all day warmth without a tangle of wires. And, you can wear them off the bike.
Best Heated Jackets for Every Scenario
Before we get to specific jackets suited for both men and women, let’s quickly break down what kind of heated jacket might be your best riding buddy (or hiking pal, or everyday winter warrior).
- Everyday Use: Comfort, consistent warmth, and versatility are paramount. You need a jacket that can handle daily wear, whether you’re commuting, running errands, or just braving a polar vortex to get the mail.
- Hiking: Lightweight, packable, and breathable is the name of the game. You’ll want a jacket that moves with you, won’t weigh you down on the trail, and can adjust to your needs whether you’re hoofing it or sitting down for a breather. Battery life is key for longer treks.
- Hunting: Sitting for hours in the blind, you want something that’s going to keep you warm while stationary without hot or cold spots. Insulation is key. If you’re after turkeys, camo helps too.
- Motorcycle Riding: You need a lightweight, reliable heat source that can stand up to wind chill at speed. It has to have a reliable battery or be able to plug in to your bike’s battery for endless warmth.
Here are the top picks laid out, but we have a few more options in the article below (like a fleece from Venustas).
Everday 
|
Hiking 
|
Hunting 
|
Motorcycle Riding 
|
Pros:
| Pros:
| Pros:
| Pros:
|
- Enlarged heating zones for full-body warmth
- Long-lasting battery doubles as a power bank
- Waterproof design with multiple storage pockets
- Four heating zones: Collar, pockets, and back
- Three heat settings: High, medium, low
- Up to 10 hours of warmth with a 7.38V battery
- Long-lasting warmth with adjustable heat settings
- 100% waterproof and windproof for outdoor protection
- Includes a power bank for heating and phone charging
- Plugs directly into your motorcycle for unlimited power
- Pre-wired for heated gloves and other gear
- Slim fit design slips under any riding jacket
All of these jackets feature three heat levels – the industry standard – aside from the 12V vehicle plug-in option which has many more. Most of these jackets are washable – just remove the batteries and they can go in the washer and dryer.
Best for Everyone: Venustas Heated Jacket
This is the heated jacket that can do it all – maybe not the best option for each individual use case, but certainly the best for daily use: walking the dog, some hiking, a bit of camping, and riding a motorcycle around town.
The best all-around heated jacket is the Venustas Heated Jacket. This jacket strikes a balance between performance and everyday wearability.
Venustas Men’s Heated Jacket delivers all-day warmth with advanced heating technology and insulation.
- Enlarged heating zones for full-body warmth
- Long-lasting battery doubles as a power bank
- Waterproof design with multiple storage pockets
- Charger not included in the package
Quick Facts:
- Run Time on Highest Heat: 6 hours
- Heating Zones: Chest, back, and collar
- Separate Battery: With USB Type-C input and Type-A output, so you can charge a phone with it too.
Key Features:
- Upgraded 7.4V Battery with 4800mAh: Offers improved battery life and consistent heat output. Users often point out that Venustas provides a good run time for the price, almost 6 hours in testing.
- Four Heating Zones (including collar): Strategically placed zones warm your chest, back, and even neck. That collar heating is really nice for keeping the cold from getting to the often exposed neck.
- Lightweight and Stylish Design: Looks right casually or on a hike, without screaming “technical gear.” It’s designed to blend into your everyday wardrobe, so you can wear it to the coffee shop or the office without looking like you’re geared up for an expedition.
- Two Year Warranty on Heating Elements: Should you need it, they’ll replace the heating elements. So feel free to put this jacket through it’s paces!
- Several Cut Options: Get a classic jacket, puffer, or fleece. Several options come with removable hoods and different levels of wind and water resistance.
Our contributor Carl uses his Venustas vest for winter motorcycle rides and walks around the neighborhood. He wanted a heated jacket that could handle both, and Venustas delivered with its lightweight and easily hidden battery that tucks in by the lower back.
Men's Jacket 
|
Men's Puffer 
|
Women's Jacket 
|
Women's Fleece 
|
Pros:
| Pros:
| Pros:
| Pros:
|
- Three-in-one design for various weather conditions
- Five heating zones for even warmth distribution
- Extra battery pack for longer heating duration
- Six heating zones for full-body warmth
- Up to 13 hours of heat with an extended battery
- Water-resistant and machine-washable for easy care
- 30% larger heating panels for superior warmth
- Up to 10 hours of heat with adjustable settings
- Includes an extra battery for extended outdoor use
- Five heating zones for full-body comfort
- Up to 10 hours of warmth with adjustable settings
- Machine washable and durable with YKK zippers
Best for Hiking: Ororo Classic Heated Jacket
For hikers and anyone who values freedom of movement, the Ororo Classic Heated Jacket is a top contender. This jacket is all about lightweight warmth and versatility, styled in a technical jacket that moves with you on the trails.
A taller collar with detachable hood and adjustable hem feels just like your favorite technical jacket, except you won’t need a mid-layer, scarf, or even a shell given the heating elements in the chest, back, and collar and the wind and water resistant outer shell.
Quick Facts:
- Run Time on Highest Heat: 6 hours
- Heating Zones: Chest, back, and collar
- Separate Battery: With USB Type-C input and Type-A output, so you can charge a phone with it too. About the same size battery as Venustas.
Key Features:
- 7.4V Battery System with 4800mAh: Provides hours of cordless heat with a perfect for hiking and daily use.
- Four Heating Zones: Focuses warmth on your chest and back, keeping your core cozy without overheating you during activity. Collar can be switched on and off as well, making a scarf unnecessary.
- Lightweight and Packable: Won’t weigh you down on the trail and easily stuffs into a backpack when not needed.
- Water and Wind Resistant: Protects you from light rain and wind chill.
- USB Charging Port: The battery pack doubles as a portable charger for your phone – a lifesaver on the trail.
What really stands out about this jacket versus others is its technical styling and features. Battery-wise, you’re looking at a very similar experience to the Venustas jacket, but the adjustability, weather-resistance and styling are much better fit to the needs of hiking.
Best For: Hikers, walkers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a lightweight, versatile heated jacket for everyday cold weather comfort.
Men's
|
Women's 
|
Pros:
| Pros:
|
- Four heating zones: Collar, pockets, and back
- Three heat settings: High, medium, low
- Up to 10 hours of warmth with a 7.38V battery
- Fast heating with up to 10 hours of battery life
- Slim fit design for a flattering look
- Wind and water-resistant for outdoor protection
Best for Hunting: TideWe Heated Jacket
Just looking at this jacket you can tell who it’s for. The TideWe jacket is a similar offering to Venustas and Ororo in that it’s powered by a separate rechargeable battery pack, but you get a bigger battery that’s not as comfortable to carry when moving – but perfect for long stretches sitting and waiting.
It’s also quite a bit cheaper than the others! But don’t let the low price fool you; this jacket delivers surprising heat and features for the money.
Quick Facts:
- Run Time on Highest Heat: 3 hours (10 on low)
- Heating Zones: Chest, back, and collar
- Separate Battery: With USB Type-C and microUSB inputs and two USB Type-A outputs
Key Features:
- 5V Battery System with 10,000mAh: Provides hours of heat and some phone charge as well – this battery has two ports so you can charge a device while your jacket is heating.
- Two Piece Design: The inner liner carries the heating elements, with an outer waterproof shell with sealed seams and a hardened brim hood that comes in black or forest camo.
- Three Heating Zones: The inner fleece shell delivers warmth to the chest and back, with temperatures ranging from 100F (low) to 130F (high) – necessary when you’re stationary in frigidly cold conditions.
- Two USB Charging Ports: Power your heated gear while also powering up your phone or another device at the same time.
Best For: Hunters and budget-minded buyers looking for a solid heated jacket lacking some of the bells and whistles of Venustas or Ororo. Pick up some heated hunting pants as well.
TIDEWE Men’s Heated Jacket keeps you warm and dry in any weather with its 3-in-1 versatile design.
- Long-lasting warmth with adjustable heat settings
- 100% waterproof and windproof for outdoor protection
- Includes a power bank for heating and phone charging
- Battery life may be shorter on the highest setting
Best for Motorcycle Touring: Gerbing 12V EX Pro Heated Jacket
This jacket is built for one thing and one thing only: absolute, unwavering warmth on your motorcycle. The Gerbing 12V Heated Jacket is not messing around. This goes way above and beyond what a 7V portable system can deliver – it’s a personal furnace you wear under your riding gear.
Quick Facts:
- Run Time on Highest Heat: Unlimited, with its highest heat at 135F
- Heating Zones: Chest, back, collar, and sleeves
Key Features
- 12V Power System: This Gerbing jacket plugs directly into your bike’s battery, giving you virtually limitless heat. Say goodbye to range anxiety. The jacket plugs into a Gerbing temp controller unit that then connects directly to your bike’s battery.
- Extensive Heating Zones: Seven Microwire heating zones target your chest (x2), back (x2), collar, and sleeves (x2). You’ll be enveloped in warmth from head to torso to arms. You also get glove connections at the end of the sleeves so you can attach a pair of Gerbing heated gloves.
- Compatible with Multiple Vehicles: You can plug this jacket into a motorcycle, but also a snowmobile, ATV, boat, or even an airplane for unlimited heat.
- Premium Construction: YKK zippers and an elastic cuff at the wrists keep the heat in and the cold out.
Keep in mind this jacket is not a protective motorcycle jacket – you’ll still want something else over top for impact and abrasion protection. This jacket is meant to be worn underneath another motorcycle jacket.
You will need a Gerbing Battery Harness and a Gerbing Temperature Controller to get the jacket running, but you’ll never have to worry about battery life on a ride or adventure.
Gerbing also offers 7V options with portable batteries like the Gerbing 7V Khione 2.0 Heated Puffer Jacket, but they won’t provide the range and max heat output of a 12V bike connected system.
Best For: The hardcore rider who is putting in serious miles in the cold, especially when you may be far from a power outlet for longer than expected.
The Gerbing 12V Heated Jacket Liner keeps you warm in any riding condition with Microwire Technology and seven heating zones for full coverage.
- Plugs directly into your motorcycle for unlimited power
- Pre-wired for heated gloves and other gear
- Slim fit design slips under any riding jacket
- Heat controller and battery harness sold separately
The Gerbing 12V Heated Pant Liner delivers all-day warmth with Microwire Technology and four heating zones for full lower-body coverage.
- Plugs into your motorcycle for unlimited power
- Pre-wired for heated socks or insoles
- Lightweight design fits under any riding pants
- Heat controller and battery harness sold separately
Best for Adventure Riding: Klim Aggressor eFire Heated Shirt
If you demand the best of the best, and are willing to pay for it, the Klim Aggressor eFire Heated Shirt is in a league of its own. This isn’t exactly a heated jacket, it’s a super lightweight heated shirt powered by a slim battery that tucks inside.
Perfect for adventure riders who need maximum mobility and ultralight gear.
Quick Facts:
- Run Time on Highest Heat: 2.5 hours (8 on low)
- Heating Zones: Chest and back
- Separate Battery: With USB Type-C and microUSB inputs and two USB Type-A outputs
Key Features:
- 7.4V Battery System with 2,250mAh: Provides enough heat for a day ride while being significantly smaller than the typical portable battery for a heated jacket – about half the size of the one that comes with Venustas and Ororo jackets.
- Lightweight and Breathable Material: This shirt is designed to add heat but also let it (and your sweat) wick away – exactly what you want when you’re going at high intensity in a cold climate. Sweat kills faster than cold.
- Two Heating Zones: Chest and back. This layer prioritizes trapping your natural heat with a waffle pattern instead of sticking heating elements everywhere, thus making it super slim and easy to layer. You still get three heat levels.
Interested in more base layers? See our guide to layering on your rides.
Best For: Adventure and off-road riders tackling cold conditions. As long as you can keep the battery charged up, this shirt gives you the flexibility to take on hard enduro or adventure rides in the harshest conditions.
- Gridded fabric design traps heat
- Flat low-profile seams for excellent minimum-bulk layering
- Engineered specifically for power sports
- Poly-spandex blend
- Anti-microbial
- Moisture-wicking
Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Okay, so you’ve seen some top contenders. But how do you choose the heated jacket that’s perfect for you? Here’s a quick buying guide to help you dial it in:
- Power Source: Battery vs Plug In
- Battery Powered (5V or 7V): Cordless freedom, versatile for on and off-bike use. Battery life is a factor, usually ranging from 3-10 hours depending on how hard you crank the heat.
- External Power Source (12V): Maximum heat, unlimited power, best for serious cold and long motorcycle rides. Requires bike connection.
- Heating Zones: More zones generally mean more even and comprehensive warmth. Consider zones in the chest, back, collar, and sleeves.
- Heat Levels/Control: Look for jackets with multiple heat settings and easy-to-use controls (especially for motorcycle riders).
- Material and Construction: Durability, water resistance, wind resistance, and breathability are all important, especially for motorcycle and hiking use.
- Fit and Layering: Consider how the jacket will fit with your other layers. Liners are designed to be slim; standalone jackets may have a more relaxed fit.
- Battery Life (for Battery-Powered): Check battery life ratings and consider your typical use case. Extra batteries can be a good investment for longer adventures.
- Safety Features (for Motorcycle): Look for integrated armor if you want added protection.
Heated Jacket Comparison: Quick Glance
| Venustas | Ororo Classic | TideWe | Gerbing 12V EX Pro | Klim Aggressor eFire | |
| Best For | All-Around & Casual | Hiking | Hunting & Cheapest | Motorcycle Touring | Adventure & Enduro Riding |
| Power | 7.4V Battery | 7.4V Battery | 7.4V Battery | 12V (Vehicle Plug) | 7.4V Battery |
| Heating Zones | 4 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 2 |
| Water Resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hrs | Up to 10 hrs | Up to 10 hrs | Unlimited (Bike) | Up to 8 hrs |
| Men’s | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Women’s | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Warmth Awaits: Your Next Adventure Starts Here
Don’t let cold weather dictate when and how you ride, hike, or live your life. A heated jacket is an investment in comfort, safety, and extending your adventures into the frosty months. Whether you choose the Gerbing for ultimate motorcycle warmth, the Ororo for hiking freedom, the TideWe for budget-friendly heat, the Venustas for everyday versatility, or the Klim for the lightest weight, you’ll be equipped for the next adventure (or dog walk!)
Stay warm out there!
What are your experiences with heated jackets? Share your stories and recommendations in the comments below!