When I first posted about Milwaukee’s M12 Cordless Heated Jacket, it wasn’t cold enough to give it a try. Now it’s December and it’s seen some use. I haven’t worn it working construction, but it’s kept me warm on several photographic shoots and that’s why I wanted it. The jacket is warm even without the power, so I don’t always switch it on, but it’s nice to have the reserve when it’s wanted. The heat could be described as subtle, not like an electric blanket on high, but it’s definitely noticeable and appreciated. It will run about 5 hours on the lowest of the three settings, considerably less on high. It has 5 heated panels and heated pockets, a boon when wearing very thin gloves to operate a camera. The on/off buttons glow when the heat is on, good for conversation if you’re out after dark.
Milwaukee’s M12 Heated Jacket
A nifty feature of the jacket and power source is the inclusion of a USB port for charging mobile devices. A cord can be threaded from the battery pocket to an inside pocket or the zippered breast pocket, ideal for a cell phone. The inside pocket is not big enough for my iPhone 6+, but the breast pocket is just right, and would be my first choice in any case.
I wore the jacket on a trip to Martha’s Vineyard for the Island Cup, the annual November clash between the Nantucket and Vineyard high school football teams.
Gang Tackle
The field there was exposed to the steady 30 mph winds and cold temps so I wore a thin polyester vest for extra protection. Although many of the spectators were huddled in blankets, I found that I didn’t need to hit the power until well into the afternoon. When I did turn it on, it warmed rapidly.
Whaler fans bundled against the cold.
Of course I didn’t hesitate to tell people that I was wearing a heated jacket, prompting quite a few questions and a little envy. It served me well for the day and I didn’t need the spare battery I brought.
The Milwaukee M12 Cordless Heated Jacket. The freedom of movement allowed by dressing lightly is one of the benefits of shooting with heat.
The jacket comes with a battery and charger or jacket only if you have Milwaukee 12v tools. If you intend to use the batteries you already have, you will need the M12™ Power Source (49-24-2310) to adapt the battery to the jacket. It’s available in a variety of sizes in black, red and Realtree Xtra© Camo. Special order through Marine Home Center or on-line from many tool retailers.
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