Best Heated Vest For Men

Best For Hunting: ORORO Men’s Lightweight Heated Best with Battery Pack 

Let’s talk heated vests.

First, understand that most heated vests work on a battery power pack . . . which sometimes is NOT included with the vest. (This one is popular with our readers, in case you need to buy a separate battery).

Second, before buying a vest, consider WHERE the heating elements are—some are in the lower abdomen area (which is great for warming hands), while other vests have heating in the upper chest, neck and back.

After trying out several vests and asking our readers for their real-world experiences, here are some key takeaways we learned:

1. Sizing is all over the place. While most vests are billed as unisex, some have sizing that runs small (we will note that in our reviews). When you purchase a vest, be sure to try it on immediately to make sure sizing is correct.
2. Even though most vests are billed as “all weather,” don’t wear them in a downpour. Yes, the battery pack is low voltage, but still.
3. Most vests are machine washable . . . but you have to remove the battery pack first!

One popular use for heated vests is for hunting and other outdoor activities. After trying different vests, we think the ORORO men’s vest is best for this, thanks to four heat zones (including the upper back). Very good quality and not bulky.

What We Liked

• Great workmanship.

• Not bulky.

• Heated collar.

• Machine washable.

• 4 colors.

• 3 temperature levels.

What Needs Work

• Must use ORORO’s own battery pack.

• When set on high, only a couple of hours of heat. 

Best Tried & True Brand: Milwaukee M12 Heated AXIS Vest

If you prefer a name brand, this vest by Milwaukee is probably your best bet—excellent quality, albeit at a price. 

What We Liked

• Super warm.

• Battery lasts among longer compared to others we researched (up to six hours).

• Heating elements in upper chest and back.

• Single-touch LED controller is easy to use.

What Needs Work

• Must use Milwaukee’s own charger.

• Battery pack is located in small of back—that is uncomfortable for some users who are sitting/driving.

Best Budget-Friendly: DOACE Heated Vest for Men and Women 

One popular use for heated vests is outdoor sports spectating—think watching your kid’s soccer game on a cold fall day. This vest is our pick for those folks . . .  all the heating elements (front, back, hands, neck) do an excellent job of taking the chill off.

Here’s what the vest looks like in real life—we liked the matte finish on the fabric:

Here’s what the vest looks like in the packaging:

We liked the simple controls for this vest (green is the lowest heat level, blue medium and red is high). Note how you can pick different levels for the front, back or neck of the vest . . . very handy:

What We Liked

• Heat zone near top of neck.

• Can turn individual zones on, off—and set individual zone heat levels (high, medium low). 

• Great for football, soccer games.

• Lightweight.

• Perfect to wear under a hoodie.

• Looks sharp.

What Needs Work

• Better fit for men than women.

• Battery not included.

Best Polar Fleece: Heated Vest, Warming Heated Vest for Men Women Rechargeable 

Most heated vests are made of polyester, with a smooth or slick fabric finish. If you prefer a polar fleece style, this would be our pick. One of the best features here is a side zipper that lets you expand the sizing of the vest.

What We Liked

• So comfortable.

• Lightweight.

• Expandable with side zipper.

• Includes neck heating zone.

What Needs Work

• Battery pack is extra.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!