Finding the Best Heated Vests: Our Tests & Tips
Let’s talk heated vests for women
First, understand that most heated vests work on a battery power pack . . . which sometimes is NOT included with the vest. (This power pack is popular with our readers, in case you have to purchase it on your own).
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:
- Sizing is all over the place. The vests in this article are best for women, based on our research and try-outs. But we should note that sizing (especially for vests that tout themselves as unisex) can vary widely from brand to brand. When you purchase a vest, be sure to try it on immediately to make sure sizing is correct.
- 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.
- Most vests are machine washable . . . but you have to remove the battery pack first!
What do these vests look like real life? Here is one we tested by a popular brand called Doace:
Given our tests, here are the vests we think are best for women.
Best Fit: ORORO Women’s Lightweight Heated Vest with Battery Pack
Our testers’ top choice included a vest by ORORO as the best overall fit for women—and the heating elements were most impressive, delivering warmth in the hands, back and neck for multiple hours (when set on low). And yes, it includes a battery.
What We Liked
• Not bulky.
• Heated collar.
• Machine washable.
• Includes battery.
• Great overall quality and construction.
• Multiple colors in case you don’t like black.
• 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 For Style: PETREL Heated Vest for Women with Battery Pack
Yes, most of the heated vests we tried for this article did a good job . . . but when it came to style, this one by PETREL hit it out of the park. We like the diamond quilting pattern and multiple colors (yes, white and purple, believe it or not).
What We Liked
• Very warm.
• Good for outdoor sports.
• Excellent fit.
• Includes battery.
• 5 heat zones.
• Size zippers help with sizing.
What Needs Work
• Runs a bit small.
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, on the other hand, this would be our pick. One of the best features here is a side zipper that lets you expand vest’s size.
What We Liked
• So comfortable.
• Lightweight.
• Expandable with side zipper.
• Includes neck heating zone.
What Needs Work
• Battery pack is extra.
Best Easy to Use: Hoson Heated Vest for Men and Women
Yes, this vest includes a battery and has among the simplest controls of any we found in our research. Also great: note the reflective zipper, which makes this vest great for walking the dog at night.
What We Liked
• Lightweight.
• Affordable.
• Battery.
• Flattering, stretchy side material.
• Controls are simple to use.
What Needs Work
• Not everyone is a fan of the stretchy sides.
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!
We obsess over baby gear . . . so you don't have to. Baby Bargains has one mission: help you find the best gear for your baby with unbiased reviews by experts with 20 years of experience. At prices that don't break the bank. When you purchase a product from links on this site, we make a small affiliate commission. Learn more 
