Heated jacket is designed for cold-weather sports and activities, such as motorcycle riding, downhill skiing, diving, winter biking, and snowmobiling, trekking and for outdoor workers such as construction workers and carpenters. Heated jackets are playing a more and more important role in their daily life. But are you really familiar with your heated jacket? So let’s give you a comprehensive introduction of heated jacket.
What Is a Heated Jacket?
The term "heated jacket" refers to a battery-powered jacket that is mainly designed for cold-weather sports and activities. Unlike traditional jackets, you can count on them to maintain your body temperature no matter how cold the surroundings are.
Their construction and working aren't as complicated as they may seem; heated jackets simply run on power banks or batteries integrated into the lining.
However, electrical jackets aren't the only type of heated jackets available.
Other than chemically heated jackets which consist of single-use packs of heating chemicals, you'll also find stored-heat jackets that hold packs of gel you can microwave before use.
Nonetheless, the battery-powered one is the most popular and efficient type of heated jacket. Besides winter sports and activities, these jackets are also ideal for outdoor workers such as carpenters or construction workers.
How were heated jackets invented?
The first heated jacket was created in the early 1920s by a man named George Endress. Endress was an electrical engineer and he created the jacket to help keep workers warm in cold weather conditions. The jacket was made out of a heavy-duty material and had metal coils running through it. These coils were connected to a battery pack that could be worn on the belt. The battery pack provided power to the coils and helped to heat up the material, making it warm for the wearer.
How safe are heated jackets?
It's a question many people ask when considering a cozy heated jacket to keep them warm in the cold winter months. Despite some people's doubts about the safety of heated jackets, there's no need to worry. In fact, a heated jacket can be a reliable friend to help you get through the winter.
One concern some people have is the risk of electric leakage or injury caused by water and electricity. However, the risk is minimal as most heated jackets on the market are designed with low voltage and provide adequate protection against the rain and wind. So, there's no need to worry about getting wet or electrocuted.
Another concern is whether a heated jacket can emit radiation that could hurt the skin or body. In fact, this is a myth. The infrared rays produced by a heated jacket are not harmful to humans and can actually help promote blood circulation and boost the body's immunity.
For those who want to ensure the safety of their heated jacket, it's important to follow some basic safety instructions, such as:
- Removing the battery and using a mesh laundry bag before washing the jacket.
- Avoiding bleaching or ironing the heated apparel, and using pins on it to prevent damage to the electric wires.
- Not putting the battery with mental objects to prevent electrical short circuits.
- Keeping the battery away from moisture and liquids.
So, to answer the question, are heated jackets safe? The short answer is yes. Heated jackets are safe to wear for most people and don't pose any significant risks. While some people may have concerns about the safety of heated jackets, these concerns are often based on myths and misunderstandings. With the right precautions and following basic safety instructions, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a heated jacket with peace of mind.
What are the types of heated jackets?
There are a few different types of heated jackets on the market. Some are made with different materials, some have different heating elements, and some have different features. Here is a breakdown of the different types of heated jackets and what sets them apart.
No. 1 Made with a water resistant and windproof shell. This type of heated jacket is great for people who are constantly outdoors and need to keep their core temperature warm. The heating elements in this type of jacket are usually located in the chest and back areas.
No. 2 Made with a softshell material. This type of heated jacket is great for people who need a little extra warmth but don't want the bulk of a heavy coat. The heating elements in this type of jacket are usually located in the chest and back areas.
No.3 Made with a down material. This type of heated jacket is great for people who need a lot of warmth but don't want the bulk of a heavy coat. The heating elements in this type of jacket are usually located in the chest and back areas.
No. 4 Made with a synthetic material. This type of heated jacket is great for people who need a little extra warmth but don't want the bulk of a heavy coat. The heating elements in this type of jacket are usually located in the chest and back areas.
No. 5 Made with a wool material. This type of heated jacket is great for people who need a lot of warmth but don't want the bulk of a heavy coat. The heating elements in this type of jacket are usually located in the chest and back areas.
How to choose heated jacket?
When it comes to heated clothing there are a number of factors to consider. While the battery and heating elements are essential, you should also take into account items such as the material the coat is made from, the insulation packed into the shell, and even the number of pockets. Keep reading to see some of the key considerations when shopping for a heated jacket:
BATTERY
The battery is obviously one of the biggest factors when shopping for a heated jacket or heated vest as it does the majority of the work to keep the coat warm. The majority of heated jackets and vests use a a rechargeable lithium battery to generate heat. We recommend avoiding vests and jackets that use rechargeable nickel batteries as they are heavier and lose their ability to recharge over time.
BATTERY LIFE: This is one of the most important considerations when evaluating heated outwear. The majority of heated jackets and vests can provide heat for up to ten hours on a low setting, but the differences can be dramatic when using a high or medium setting. While some coats or vests may last six hours on high, others will drain the battery in three hours. Think about how you will use the coat and what kind of battery life you need. While a skier or someone working outside all day may want the maximum number of hours on high, someone who only wears their heated outwear for a short hike or walk in the woods might not need a long-lasting battery.
CHARGING TIME: Charging times can vary, while some batteries may fully recharge in 3-4 hours, others may take up to 7-8 hours. How often you use your heated vest or coat will determine how important a quick recharge time will be to you. We highlight the charging time in all of our reviews, so you know what to expect from the coat or vest you choose.
MOBILE PHONE CHARGING: Some heated jackets and vests now come with the ability to charge a mobile phone using the battery pack. Not all brands have this functionality, Ororo and Ravean are examples of the coats that will charge your phone. However, it should be noted that this will lower the runtime of the battery so make sure you consider the implications for battery life when charging your phone.
CHARGING OPTIONS: One other consideration with batteries is the ability to charge it using a charger in a car in the event you are out and about when the battery dies. Some brands use a USB port to charge the battery which is compatible with a car charger, while others use a proprietary charging system that will only work in a wall socket. If charging on the go is important to you, make sure the brand you choose can be charged in a vehicle.
HEATING ZONES AND MATERIALS
While the battery produces the heat, carbon fiber or conductive thread is what delivers that heat to the shell of the jacket or vest. Heat zones are woven into the coat where they generate heat that radiates around the shell. Most heated coats and vests have heating elements built into the chest and back area, ranging from three to five different zones. Here is a quick overview of the two primary heating methods:
CARBON FIBER: One of the more commonly used heating elements in heated clothing is carbon fiber. This technology uses strips or tubular heating elements made of carbon fiber to heat the jacket or vest. The carbon fiber elements are spread across sections of the jacket to provide warmth. Carbon fiber works well providing uniform heat as well as flexibility. While slightly stiffer than the material used to make the jacket or vest, it is unlikely that you will ever notice the heat zones or experience any reduction in flexibility. Numerous heated clothing brands use carbon fiber technology.
CONDUCTIVE THREAD: Conductive thread is an e-textile that carries an electrical current much the same way an electrical wire does. This means that it can be used to create a circuit that will generate heat. Conductive thread is very thin making it perfect for a coat or vest where weight and flexibility are important. The majority of heated jackets and vests have three to five heating zones. Conductive thread is an excellent choice for heated clothing and is used by a number of apparel companies but is not as popular as carbon fiber at this point. Conductive thread is often used in headed gloves, socks, and base layers due to it being so thin and light. A few examples of heated clothing makers that use conductive thread include Gobi and N NIFVAN.
FIT: It’s important that your heated clothing fit comfortably. It can be even more crucial with a heated vest or jacket because a secure fit means you’ll trap the heat inside. Heated clothing seems to run a bit on the small side for most manufacturers so it is extremely important to consult the sizing chart for any vest or jacket you’re considering to determine the best option for your body. The majority of complaints related to heated clothing have to do with sizing so do not skip this step.
MATERIAL: You want your heated outerwear to be comfortable which is why you should consider the materials used to make it. The majority of heated vests and jackets use cotton or polyester or a blend of the two. There are also heated jackets made of canvas and even down puffer coats. Most heated outwear is wind and water-resistant while some are completely waterproof. How you use the vest or jacket will determine how important these features are to you. Always consider the liner as well, it should be may of a comfortable and cozy material, fleece is popular in heated outwear, it is comfy while holding in the heat.
INSULATION: If you plan on being in extreme cold on a regular basis you will want a heated vest or coat with lots of insulation. Heated down puffers are an excellent choice for those extremely frigid days. Extra layers of insulation not only keep you warm, they also allow you to run the battery on a lower setting, which will extend the time you can spend out in the cold.
HOOD: While a hood is not always necessary, it can be a real benefit on a particularly cold or wet day. Many heated jackets come with a detachable hood which is nice if you don’t need a hood on a daily basis. It bears mentioning that the hood will not be heated.
POCKETS: Most heated vests and jackets have pockets just like a normal coat. These are great for storing your personal belongings when you are out in the weather. In most heated jackets, there is an inside pocket for the battery. One nice feature available in some heated jackets is heated pockets. This creates a cozy spot for your hands when out in the cold.
How does a heated jacket work?
During use, the battery powers the heating element. The heating elements generate and distribute heat around the jacket. Padding and insulation keeps the generated heat inside the jacket, making the process more efficient. Most heated jackets are made of synthetic polyester. This material is moderately water resistant, which protect the internal heating elements and battery from water-related damage. Polyester does not absorb moisture, helping you stay dry while working.
How to wash a heated jacket?
The instructions are also applicable to heated vests, heated coats, and heated hoodies.
Before You Wash
Take a look at the care tag! Nothing is more important than that when you are going to wash your jacket. So always remember to read the care tag, and sometimes you might learn something specific to your clothes. In addition to the information on the care tag, there are 2 things you should notice before you wash.
-Remove the Battery
Make sure the battery is disconnected and removed before washing your heated apparel. After removing the battery, tuck the plug into the battery pocket and zip up. (The wire may easily get tangled with other clothes or get stuck in the washing machine if you leave it unpacked.)
Plus, it’s also worth taking a few seconds to check your pockets and take out the stuff inside, as it might damage your jacket.
-Remove Stains
If there are stains on your electric heated jacket, please pre-treat them before washing them. Wipe the stains gently with a wet tissue, and if it’s necessary, you can use a mild stain treatment. Bleach is not allowed to apply to electric heated jackets, so do other treatments that are harmful to heated appeal. If it’s hard for you to choose the appropriate treatment, you can try it on the areas of the clothes that are out of sight, such as the inside of the waistline.
Washing
There are 2 options for washing your clothes: hand-wash it or use a washing machine. No matter which way you choose for cleaning, the temperature of the water should not exceed 86℉.
-Hand-Wash It
If you hand-wash it, just clean it like other clothes. But one thing you should bear in mind is that never wring or twist the heated clothing as it can damage the heating system. You can drain the dirty water and rinse the clothes a few times with clean water.
-Machine-Wash It
A mesh laundry bag is strongly recommended for the wires of the electric heated jacket, which is delicate and requires additional care. Make sure to set your washing machine to a gentle circle and wash it in cold water.
Drying
Do not wring or twist your heated clothing! And a drying machine is not recommended! Once the washing is done, you should hang the jacket for air drying. That’s it.
How to store your heated jacket?
Store your heated motorcycle gear and other battery heated clothing in a clean, dry environment. Storage containers should be kept away from direct sunlight and other sources of extreme heat. Batteries MUST be recharged to at least 60% once every three months to remain in working order.
I believe the above introduction will be very helpful for you to have a better understanding of heated jackets. Please start your journey of heated jackets.
