Milwaukee was the first to come out with a heated jacket, and they have been expanding and updating the product line ever since. In our discussion about who makes the best heated jacket, I had nothing but good things to say about their 2nd generation jacket. It’s a warm comfortable design.
There is greater competition in the powered heated jacket market these days, with Bosch, Dewalt, Ridgid, and other brands now into the mix of things.
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Milwaukee has announced their “Season 5” heated jacket models. Their first jacket came out in 2010, and so yes, this is their 5th season. Wow, how time flies.
What’s New?
The 3rd generation heated jackets have been redesigned from the ground up. They feature carbon fiber heating elements that are woven between rugged exterior materials and inner thermal insulating liners. As with the 2nd-generation jackets, the new designs have three heat settings and two heating zones (back and chest, and lower pockets) that can be independently adjusted.
Milwaukee says that the redesign focused on creating optimal fit, better heat retention, and improved visibility. The jacket’s styling has also been updated with two-tone colors Both the black and red jackets now feature grey side panels and accents. The outer shell is made from a rugged wind and water resistant material, while the inner insulation is made with a thermal fleece lining that helps to retain heat.
The included battery holder also features a USB power port that can charge compatible portable electronics and also displays remaining runtime for the battery.
Runtime is up to 6 hours with an M12 battery (1.5Ah on low setting), and can be extended by using an M12 4.0Ah battery or an M18 battery power port with an M18 Li-ion battery.
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ETA: Summer 2014
Advanced preorder prices look to be comparable to prices for 2nd generation jackets and kits.
The 3-in-1 Realtree camo heated jacket is new for this year, and features a separate base layer and outer shell that can be worn alone or together. The 3-in-1 jacket also features a removable hood.
New and Updated Models
These models will feature updated designs.
M12 Heated Jackets
The new updated red and black jackets that are coming out will be Milwaukee’s 3rd generation designs. The Realtree Xtra 3-in-1 jacket is a completely new design, while the other Realtree heated jacket is updated with 3rd-gen features.
All of the jackets are available in small, medium, large, extra large, XXL, and XXXL sizes.
- Red Heated Jacket (2390 Bare & 2391 Kit)
- Black Heated Jacket (2394 Bare & 2395 Kit)
- Realtree Xtra® Camo 3 in 1 Heated Jacket (2386 Bare & 2387 Kit)
- Realtree Xtra® Camo Heated Jacket (2392 Bare & 2393 Kit)
M12 Heated Hoodies
These are new color options in the heated hoodie lineup. Size options are the same as with the jackets: S-3XL.
- Black Heated Hoodie (2380 Bare & 2381 Kit)
- Realtree Xtra® Camo Heated Hoodie (2382 Bare & 2383 Kit)
- Realtree Max-1® Camo Heated Hoodie (2384 Bare & 2385 Kit)
Models with No Changes
M12 Heated Jackets
The women’s jacket is available in S-3X sizes, while the high-vis jacket is available in M-4XL.
- Women’s Heated Jacket (2339 Kit)
- High Visibility Heated Jacket (2346 Bare & 2347 Kit)
M12 Heated Hoodies
- Red Heated Hoodie (2370 Bare & 2371 Kit)
- Gray Heated Hoodie (2372 Bare & 2373 Kit)
- High Visibility Heated Hoodie (2376 Bare & 2377 Kit)
M12 Heated Hand Warmers
- Realtree Xtra® Camo Heated Hand Warmer (2321-20 Bare & 2321-21 Kit)
- Black Heated Hand Warmer (2322-20 Bare & 2322-21 Kit)
Phil
Milwaukee aren’t sitting on their collective duffs, that’s for sure.
I propose a new version of Project Runway. In this one, the models, wearing the Milwaukee and other brand clothing, actually build the runway, then strut themselves across and learn who is in and who is out. 😉
Stuart
Bosch produced a weird fashion dance video to promote their workwear in Europe (https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/bosch-professional-workwear-fashion-dance-show/%3C/a%3E%29. Eventually took down the video.
JT
I have a bunch of M12 and M18 batteries, but still haven’t bought a jacket yet. I am hoping there is a sale on one of their older generation jackets!
Crossing my fingers
Matthew
Love the 2nd gen jacket with pocket warmers. Well worth the price. I think I’m going to do a black hoodie, & wear them both when it gets extremely cold here in Michigan. Sometimes those really cold winter days and wearing layers under the jacket prevented the heat from doing anything. Still trying to figure out the best set up to wear this heated jacket.
JT
Hello Matthew,
Since you own a heated jacket, does that mean I should not get a heated jacket sized up?
I typically wear medium but I was considering large since I assume you are suppose to layer?
I guess I can buy the medium instead and wear a larger jacket over the heated jacket?
Stuart
I wear size medium shirts and jackets, and the medium gen2 heated jacket fits well. They work well on their own, meaning maybe one layer underneath (e.g. long sleeve cotton shirt) and nothing over on the outside.
For really frigid weather, skip the heated jacket and bundle up with many layers.
Unless I am mistaken, the hoodies and jackets are intended to be the only outerwear you wear.
JT
Thanks for the reply Stuart.
Now ill wait until there is a sale
KL
THEY NEED TO UPDATE THE WOMEN’S MODEL. It inexplicably sold for as much or more than the men’s 2nd gen while having no pocket warmers and no battery fuel gauge.
Yes, there will eventually be deep discounts on the 2nd gen, just as there were with 1st gen, but sometimes in oddball sizes like 3XL.
The jackets are sized big for tradesmen, I wouldn’t bump up a size.
Drew V
Two questions:
1) Is the battery pocket in the same location as earlier versions?
2) Are the jackets now machine washable?
Stuart
1) The battery pocket is at the rear left hip area.
2) YES! “Machine washable and dryable.”