The Guide to Choosing the Right Heated Jacket

Before purchasing a heated jacket, it is important to choose it correctly. In this article, we will review the different criteria to consider in order to make a relevant choice for your next smart jacket.

Used for many years by athletes, night workers and people living in cold places, this type of jacket is becoming more democratic and today targets a wider range of people.

Here are the criteria to follow so as not to make a mistake when purchasing.

1. How to correctly choose your jacket, down jacket or heated vest?

1.1 Look at the use you can have of it

To select the heated jacket that will accompany you in all your adventures, it is necessary to know what you are going to do with it. A skier and a mountaineer will not need the same clothing as a hiker or a fisherman. What will determine the model you should select will be the cold you will experience.

The lower the thermometer, the more heat and insulating layers you will need. What should also be taken into account is the fact that the lighter the jacket, the easier your movements will be, since they will not be hindered by substantial insulation.

1.2 The different models of heated jacket

Here are the different models that you can find in our collection of smart and heated technical jackets.

• Our heated coats will be ideal for regions where temperatures are cold. Thick, they are equipped with a water-repellent finish to resist humidity and wind. Their microfleece lining ensures comfort and optimal thermal support in any situation. At the front, the front zip has a storm flap, equipped with press studs to minimize heat loss. This is accompanied on both sides by patch pockets with a coated and waterproof zip. Whether you activate the heating system or not, this jacket will give you effective protection against the cold. These models are perfect for practicing winter sports in extreme cold.

• Our heated down jackets have a waterproof surface with a water-repellent finish. They are made with fabric envelopes containing a thick down to retain heat. Light and ergonomic, their handles are adjustable and very comfortable. Equipped with hand-warmer pockets on the front, their side openings will effectively protect your hands from wind and cold. To maximize comfort, their heating system will offer you uniform and pleasant heat throughout the day. These models will be perfect for practicing winter sports when temperatures are close to zero. You can also use them during your urban outings in the middle of winter.
• Our heated vests are made with an ingenious construction featuring fabric envelopes filled with down. Sleeveless, the armholes have an elastic nylon edging to reduce heat loss. Offering light and efficient heating technology in all climates, it is the ideal model for hiking and exploration activities when temperatures drop but remain bearable.

To sum up, a big jacket, such as a coat, will be optimal for skiers who can indulge their passion in freezing weather. For everyday wear, such as on the street or indoors, on a construction site, a vest or a down jacket will be perfect. Appreciated by outdoor workers, our models of vests are very popular in the construction industry. Exposed to the cold every day, postmen and guards will also appreciate this type of jacket for its versatility, its casual chic look and its lightness. Can be used as an under jacket or over a sweater, our designers and engineers are constantly working to make the best possible items.

1.3 Checking the size of the garment

Like any clothing, it is important to choose the right size of clothing. The first thing to do is to take your measurements . You will need two main pieces of information, your chest size and the distance between your shoulders . To be as precise as possible, use a tape measure and take your measurements. This done, write them on a sheet of paper, go to the jacket that interests you, find its size chart and compare it with your measurements. You will thus have a garment that will suit you as well as possible.

2. The benefits of a heated jacket

2.1 Where does the heated jacket come from?

The technology used for this type of technical clothing actually dates back to the 19th century. At that time, the English electrician and chemist Joseph Wilson Sawn , was working on the development of incandescent light bulbs. For years, he focused on carbon fiber. Known worldwide today, he was one of the first researchers to approach its creation and use. In 1860, his goal was to use this fiber for its interest in transmitting heat. He wishes to heat it strongly so that it emits light and thus makes a bulb filament out of it. However in those years, the technology was not as advanced as today, it then begins with filaments of carbonized paper or carbonized cotton fiber. Later, in 1880, Lewis Howard Latimer improved the technique and succeeded in designing a bulb that lasted several hundred hours.

Nevertheless, despite this, the invention was forgotten until the middle of the 20th century. Akio Shindo, a Japanese chemist, is developing a carbon fiber manufacturing technique based on the use of polyacrylonitrile. Rich in carbon, his process was improved by Richard Millington who obtained fibers with a carbon content close to 100%.

First used as a composite material in the aeronautics, automotive and medical fields, this revolutionary fiber is lighter than steel, five times stronger and twice as rigid.

This technology is also of interest to researchers in the field of textiles. Indeed, in the 1800s, Joseph Swann did not wish to manufacture composite materials, but simply to transfer heat. Carbon, the sixth element of the periodic table, is an excellent conductor of heat.

During the 1990s, carbon microfiber was developed to develop new innovative textiles . This is the start of the race for heated clothing. In the early 2000s, gloves and insoles were favored and then moved up to bust level. Specialized in this field, Climb Winter, a French company, offers jackets, down jackets and vests incorporating this technology. Combining aesthetics, performance and lightness, its founders have the ambition to make it a leader in the field within ten years.

2.2 What is the difference between a traditional jacket and a heated jacket?

When you put a traditional winter jacket and a heated jacket side by side, the difference is minimal. Both are designed with a water-repellent and windproof outer shell. In addition, they both have insulating and breathable down to limit heat loss while evacuating excess to limit perspiration. In sum, they are the same jackets. However, the difference is in the lining. In an ordinary jacket, this one consists only of down. Conversely, in a heated coat, the lining is accompanied by heated panels or panels made with carbon nanotubes . Located at the level of the spine, cervical and front pockets, they allow, when activated, to emit a pleasant and uniform heat in the garment.

2.3 What is a heated jacket used for?

When temperatures approach zero degrees, this type of smart jacket proves to be an ideal solution. Allowing you to fight against the discomfort caused by the cold, these coats are a must. Close to 0°C and in extreme conditions, they make it possible to avoid hypothermia and the dangers that icy atmospheres can cause.

Thanks to its thermal technology, this suit also allows you to opt for a thinner and lighter winter look. Diffusing a pleasant temperature in all weathers, you will no longer need to wear different layers of clothing to limit heat loss . You will thus be able to opt for a normal style and lighten up while no longer suffering from the freezing winter cold.

Combining a traditional technical jacket with heating technology, these thermal jackets also protect against wind and weather. Promoting blood circulation at the same time, they will relieve your muscle pain.

Ideal for outdoor activities such as skiing, hunting, fishing and even hiking, you won't take your coat off.

3. Its technical characteristics

3.1 Composition of clothing

In order to resist the cold, a heated jacket is made up of different layers. Composed of three layers, the first must be breathable, the second must keep warm and the third must provide waterproof protection. Coupled, they offer protection against the external elements to follow you in all your activities.

For the first layer, it is generally made up of cotton, synthetic materials, wool etc. For a heated jacket, this will be made of synthetic fabric preferred for its softness, performance and breathability. It allows moisture to pass through to keep you dry while regulating your body temperature when you're working out.

For the second layer, it will be intended to protect you from the cold. It will transfer the moisture from your body to the outside while retaining the heat it releases. For a heated garment, it will mostly consist of padded down. Another textile used will be fleece, which is appreciated for its resistance to cold. Created in 1979, fleece is made from polyethylene terephthalate and gives clothing great comfort for everyday use.

Finally, for the third layer, we find the famous Gore-Tex® coatings, which are waterproof and breathable. Offering great water resistance, their lightness and durability are significant criteria for this type of garment.

3.2 Adjusting the heat of the jacket

To control the temperature of a jacket, simply refer to the button located inside or outside the garment. Integrated into the walls of the garment, it controls the heating of the electrically heated fiber in order to distribute it evenly.

The three heating modes shown above are represented by the colors on the garment button. Easy to control, just press it for 3 seconds to turn on the jacket. Thereafter, in order to change between the heat modes, it is necessary to press the button once.

3.3 The autonomy of the jacket

A heated jacket promulgates pleasant warmth thanks to its thermal system. However, it requires energy to operate. This will be granted by an external battery of greater or lesser capacity. Typically, a 10,000 mAh portable charger will provide about 8 hours of heating time .

Autonomy will also be impacted by the heating mode chosen. Offering 3 types of heating at distinctive temperatures, the higher the heat, the more the time of use will be impacted.

Also offering heating technology, do not hesitate to consult our collection of gloves . Designed for adventurers looking for adventure, they will follow you anywhere by protecting your upper limbs from the extreme cold of winter.

We are coming to the end of this article, let us know in the comments if this guide has helped you and which of these jackets you plan to buy for the next winter season.