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The most expensive vest Outdoor Life tested ($539), with a tougher, water-resistant shell, collar and lumbar heat, and a control button that hangs below the hem. It measured the lowest temperature (116.8 °F) and died fastest on high (about 2 hours). It's hand-wash only, needs a proprietary charger, and despite the name contains no wool.
In the box: Yes. A large 8 x 4-inch battery with its own charger, and two battery compartments (Outdoor Life)
Top complaints
- Least heat and shortest high setting
It measured 116.8 °F, the lowest of the vests Outdoor Life tested, and died fastest on high (about 2 h, vs. 4 on normal and 8 in power-saving mode).
Source: Outdoor Life - Big battery in an awkward spot
The 8 x 4-inch battery either takes up the left front pocket or sits on the lower back, which is uncomfortable when leaning against something. It uses a unique charger (Outdoor Life).
Source: Outdoor Life - Hand-wash only, and no wool
Outdoor Life notes it must be hand-washed and, despite the name, contains no wool.
Source: Outdoor Life
What owners love
- Tougher shell
The outer shell feels more durable than the puffer vests and is water resistant (Outdoor Life).
Source: Outdoor Life - Even warmth with collar and lumbar zones
The large panels feel evenly warm across the front, back, collar and lumbar (Outdoor Life).
Source: Outdoor Life - Easy-to-reach control
The control button hangs below the hem, and the vest has a dual zipper (Outdoor Life).
Source: Outdoor Life
- You want strong heat on high
- You want to machine wash it
- You want value for money
- Outerwear-style durability and water resistance
- Even, gentle warmth over large panels
- Swapping in a second battery (two compartments)
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Outdoor Life: Tested, no award (updated 2024-11-27), $539: durable shell and collar heat, but the lowest temperature, the shortest time on high and hand-wash only.