We Tested the Best Heated Vests of 2025

Best Overall

Gobi Dune Heated Vest

Best with Hood

iHood Heated Vest

Sitting still in a frigid blind for hours, shivering on a windy ski lift, or just walking the dog in December, a heated vest might be the answer to your winter blues. But with so many brands out there, all mostly unfamiliar, it’s hard to tell which is an expensive hunk of junk and which will perform as advertised. That’s why I put popular models to the test while camping and skiing to find the best heated vests.

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How I Tested the Best Heated Vests

First, I field tested the best heated vests during various activities. I used them while skiing, camping, and walking around my neighborhood. I lent them to friends so we could all compare the vests’ heating zones and battery life. Then I performed some control tests on battery power, heat levels, and features. I also made note of each vest’s comfort, features, and ease of use, especially for those equipped with Bluetooth. I powered on all of the vests while fully charged and checked on them hourly to verify their battery life. 

After they were all on and warmed up, I placed a digital probe thermometer inside the sleeve hole and rested the tip on the nearest heating panel to measure the temperature. This is to give an idea at how warm the vests are getting, but it isn’t exact by any means. Most of the manufacturers list much higher temperatures. In truth, I think all of the best heated vests on this list will keep you warm, especially when layered. Continue reading my Things to Consider section for more information on warmth.

Best Heated Vests: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: Gobi Dune Heated Vest

See It

Pros

• Warmest
• Lasts a long time (but not as long as advertised)
• Five color options
• Machine washable

Cons

• No collar heating
• No Bluetooth

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Key Features

• 
  Heat Settings:

  
  Three

• 
  Battery Life:

  
  Up to 5 hours on high

• 
  Heat Zones:

  
  Chest and back

• 
  Price:

  
  $190

While the vest didn’t achieve the claim of six hours on the highest setting, it was the last man standing in my battery power test and during field testing. Three friends and I donned heated vests on a cold and windy desert camping trip while we set up camp in the dark, made dinner, and relaxed by the fire. Each died right around the time we were ready to crawl into our sleeping bags three hours later, except the Gobi. My lucky tentmate was able to fall asleep in a warm cocoon, still wrapped in the Gobi. She said the control button on her chest even provided enough ambient light to help her set up the tent before she dug out her headlamp.

In my battery power test, I checked on the vests four hours after they powered on and the Gobi was the only one still lit. When I took the temperature of the Gobi, it measured 30 degrees higher than the second hottest at 157.5 degrees Fahrenheit. These successful tests along with the price point, color options, and easy care instructions makes this the best overall heated vest. The only thing I’m missing is the collar heating panel that I loved on other models. This vest is great for anyone looking for a simple, easy to use heated vest that lasts a long time and gets very warm.

Best with Hood: iHood Heated Vest 

See It

Pros

• Can control heat zones as well as modes
• Retractable heating hood
• Water resistant
• Machine washable

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Key Features

• 
  Heat Settings:

  
  Three

• 
  Battery Life:

  
  4.5 hours on high, 6 hours on medium, and 8.5 hours on low

• 
  Heat Zones:

  
  Hood, back, and front

• 
  Price:

  
  $90

The iHood heated vest is the only one on this list with a hood, and it’s retractable and heated. There are two panels over your ears. This is the only vest I tested where you can actually control the heating zones along with their settings. You can even control if the control button on the chest lights up or not. There are four buttons, one for each zone: hood, back, and front. And a button to turn the light on and off. This is a great way to save battery should you only need some heat or if you don’t want to use the hood.

It read 127 degrees Fahrenheit when I measured the vest’s temperature. And it almost lived up to its battery claims. This vest lasted the second longest behind the Gobi in my controlled test with all heating zones on high. It’s a bit bulky for layering, but it’s water resistant if you plan to wear it as an outer layer. The heated hood is a nice touch. That, with the puffy collar makes up for the fact there’s no collar heating panel. If you’re typically recreating in snowfall or your ears are always cold, you could benefit from this vest’s heated hood.

Best with Bluetooth and Collar Heating: Venture Heated Puffer Vest with HeatSync

Venture’s Heated Puffer Vest lived up to its advertised battery life and it read a respectable 128.7 degrees Fahrenheit. I love the collar heating and bluetooth capabilities of this model. I wore this skiing and once I had a few runs under my belt, I was feeling overheated. Instead of having to fumble under my layers to find the control button on the hem, I could pull out my phone and adjust the temperature from the app. While the control button only offers three heat settings: low, medium, and high, there are 10 available in the app. This vest is my favorite because it has all of the qualities I prioritize: bluetooth compatible, collar heating, and machine washable.

Muddy Nucleus Heated Vest

It looks less like a vest, and more like a heated tank top, but that’s the beauty of Muddy’s Nucleus vest. It’s designed as a next-to-skin layer, or you can wear it over your base layer. You don’t have to wait for your vest to heat through your layers, it’s already warming your core.

The heating zones are large, but don’t get too hot. That said, when it’s used as designed, the hot air is trapped underneath your other layers. The downside is that you can only control the heat settings with the button, which means you have to fish it out from underneath your other layers, and bibs complicate things even more. But for cold sits, brisk mornings, or late nights, this comfortable layer will jack up the temperature.

Venustas Upgraded Quilted Vest

The upgraded Venustas vest has a long battery life thanks to a sizable battery. It stayed on for over 5 hours on the highest setting. This quilted vest traps heat and layers well for frontcountry excursions or sitting by the fire. 

The large battery makes it impractical for backpacking or long hikes, but it’s ideal for stationary winter activities. It’s conveniently machine washable, and the control button sits on the chest. That means you can still easily change modes when wearing bibs.

Weston Heated Vest (Upgraded)

The Weston Heated Vest is easy to use. There’s a button on the chest that allows you to toggle through low, medium, and high. It features a collar heating panel and lasts three hours on high. When I measured the temperature it was a respectable 126.5 degrees Fahrenheit. I lent this to a friend for a cold and windy desert camping trip, and he did complain about the lack of lumbar heating. Though, the heating zones are personal preference. The inside of the pockets are fuzzy for you to warm your hands in the cold. If you’re taking your heated vest camping, it’ll probably only last for the evening and you will want to recharge it during the day. The Weston takes a readily available USB-C charger so it’s easy to do on the go.

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Heated Vest

Warmth

Obviously, if you’re buying a heated vest, you are concerned with warmth. I took the temperature of all of these vests to get a ballpark idea of how hot they actually get. But, this does not exactly translate into how warm you’ll be. First, I’d like to caution against relying solely on a heated vest for warmth in the backcountry. Any battery powered device is subject to fail. Maybe you spill your water bottle on the battery pack; maybe it dies. Maybe a squirrel chews through the wire. You never know what can happen and a heated vest is not an excuse to improperly layer. If you’re bringing a heated vest into the backcountry, layer it as a normal vest without a heating element. 

Read Next: How to Layer for Hiking

Second, how warm one of the best heated vests will get doesn’t solely depend on how hot it is. The size, and even the location, of the panels matters too. While yes, the Gobi Dune certainly got the hottest, I would still choose a vest with a collar heating element for myself because it warms me up the fastest. One of my testers complained that the Weston didn’t have a lumbar panel. My advice is to pay closer attention to where the heating panels are located than you think you should.

Controls

After a few ski runs, you start to warm up. Some people de-layer, some people let the chill set back in on the lift, and some lucky few turn down their heated vest. However, if that vest is buried under a couple other layers (don’t put it on under your bibs or waders), panic ensues. Overheating means you start to sweat which will make you colder. So try to be strategic about where your vest’s controls are located, or pick one with Bluetooth. The eWool’s button conveniently hangs lower than the hem of the vest for easy access. The Therm-ic can only be turned off by unzipping the vest and unplugging the battery.

Battery Life

Some heated vests can use a different power bank to function and most companies sell their batteries separately so you could switch them out in the field for longer run times. Take into account the battery life so you’re not left freezing. Also keep in mind that you should detach the battery from the cord when you’re not using it, otherwise it will slowly suck power.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Heated Vests

Heated vests are a great way to get outside in wintertime. I put several popular models to the test to help you determine which is right for your local conditions and typical activities. They work best when layered with proper clothing for the elements. Find your cure to the winter blues.