The demand for clothing that is heated is growing rapidly, especially with the outdoors industry prepping for winter. It can be a little difficult to determine what will best suit your needs, so here’s an easy guide on the best way to select a heated vest or jacket based on your needs and preferences.
1. Size and Fit of the Jacket
While sizing can vary by retailer, your jacket must be sized correctly so that the elements of heat inside are able to work. Always consult the site of the manufacturer for sizes charts. If you aren’t sure what size to buy choose a smaller size.
Remember that some jackets are built to be more stylish than warm. These types of jackets often are less insulated than more advanced winter cycling equipment. It is worth looking into a more professional winter cycling jacket you feel your current jacket is not performing well in colder temperatures.
2. Thermal layers
To keep heat out the majority of heated jackets require an additional layer. Thinsulate is a common choice for these layers. It is lightweight and will trap heat efficiently. It is likely that you will want to wear the layer on your skin, as you don’t want it rubbing against the exterior of your jacket. If you are considering purchasing an item that is heated, but not an additional layer of warmth, it may be necessary to put on more.
3. Charging Time & Battery Life
Each of the jackets listed in the table above come with chargers and a battery pack. Some batteries will fully charge within two hours, while others require up to eight hours. Of course, the more heated elements that your jacket is equipped with the more time it’ll take to recharge. If you are in a position that you don’t have a place to plug in your charger an external battery charger could be an ideal solution to supply your battery with additional power.
You should also keep in mind the anticipated battery life for each jacket to ensure that you know how long you will be able to stay warm without needing to recharge or change batteries. If possible, try and locate a jacket that is powered by lithium-ion batteries because they tend to keep their charge better than other rechargeable batteries.
4. Heating Levels
Most of the jackets on our list have two levels of heat that are Low and High. If you’re planning to stay out for a brief time and are looking to conserve energy by using the low setting, it is more than adequate. But if you’re going for a long commute or plan to ride at high speeds, it’s recommended to go with the higher setting.
5. Comfort Controls
A majority of jackets come with a remote control, however you must be able to control how hot the jacket is able to produce. When you travel from a warm area to one that is cold, the jacket won’t cause you to start shivering as soon as you turn it off. Every heated jacket should be equipped with a temperature control.
6. Battery Life Indicator
It’s frustrating when you discover your battery is in a dead state just before getting home, similar to the gas tank in your car. One method to avoid this situation is to check the indicator for battery life before leaving for your bike ride , and making sure that the battery is charged. Certain jackets can tell you how long the battery should last based on the level of heat you choose so that you never get stuck in the cold without any warning.
7. Style and Style
Keep in mind the activities you will be using your heated jacket for. An open cut is recommended for those who plan to use the jacket for outdoor pursuits. If however, you’re looking for something more flexible and can be worn in a daily wardrobe, you’ll need a more tailored jacket.
For more information, click men’s heated jacket