ConsFirst / Heated vests

Gobi Heat

Gobi Heat Dune Heated Vest (men's and women's): the downsides first

We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more

#1 of 8
$$Power-bank vestScore 4.0/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 47 ratings (1-star 6%, 2-star 5%). Outdoor Life's link (B08K1V9S1H) redirects to this listing.

Outdoor Life's best overall: it was the warmest of nine vests it tested by a wide margin and ran up to about 5 hours on high. It has no collar heating, and Wirecutter flags Gobi's 90-day battery warranty as short. It has few Amazon ratings, with a couple of complaints about a loose fit.

In the box: Yes. The maker lists a 5,000 mAh battery (extra batteries $79)

Top complaints

  • No heated collar

    Both Outdoor Life and Wirecutter point out that it heats only the chest and back, with no collar zone.

    Source: Outdoor Life, Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Short battery warranty

    Wirecutter calls Gobi Heat's 90-day battery warranty meager. The product page lists a 1-year warranty but doesn't give separate battery terms.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Gobi Heat official product page
  • Fit and charger complaints

    On Amazon (47 ratings), one 1-star reviewer says a medium fit like a garbage bag and let air in, and another complained about a charger without a USB wall option. That may be an older version, since the maker now lists a PD fast-charge battery.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (reviews), Gobi Heat official product page

What owners love

  • Warmest in Outdoor Life's test

    It measured 157.5 °F at the panel, about 30 °F hotter than the second-hottest vest.

    Source: Outdoor Life
  • Long-lasting battery

    It ran up to 5 hours on high (advertised 6, per Outdoor Life) and was the only vest still lit at the four-hour check in the camping test. Gobi now lists up to 5 h on high and 10 h on low.

    Source: Outdoor Life, Gobi Heat official product page
  • Washable, with colors to choose from

    It's machine washable once the battery is removed, and comes in five colors (Outdoor Life) and a water-resistant shell (maker).

    Source: Outdoor Life, Gobi Heat official product page
Good for
  • The most heat Outdoor Life measured
  • Long cold sits like camping or tailgating
  • Machine-washable everyday wear

Scores (tap for why)

What experts say

  • Outdoor Life: Best overall (updated 2024-11-27): the warmest tested and the longest in the camping battery test. The cons are no collar heating and no Bluetooth.
  • Wirecutter (NYT): Tested but not picked (2026-09-16): no heated collar, and only a 90-day battery warranty.
Check price on AmazonMaker's pageWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked heated vests whose biggest complaint is something else.

#2 in heated vestsORORO Classic Heated Vest (men's and women's)

The heated vest Wirecutter says is worth considering and Bob Vila's best overall (men's lightweight version). Bob Vila got about 6 hours on high. Its pluses are a UL-certified battery, the longest warranty Wirecutter found and the widest size range. With over 11,000 Amazon ratings, few are 1 or 2 stars, but owners say it runs small and battery life is mixed.

Its catch: runs small; fit is hit or miss#3 in heated vestsVenustas Men's Heated Vest with Battery (Upgraded Quilted)

Outdoor Life measured 5.5 hours on high, one of the longest runs it saw, but the big, heavy battery suits standing around more than hiking. The listing's 'up to 20 hours' is far beyond that. Wirecutter notes Intertek-certified batteries on the Classic version. Amazon owners like the quality and fit, but some report batteries that stop charging and vests that lasted only about a year.

Its catch: large, heavy battery#4 in heated vestsGobi Heat Colorado Heated Hunting Vest (men's and women's)

Bob Vila's pick for hunters: a camo vest with a tough, water-resistant cotton/poly shell and fleece lining that ran just over 4 hours on high. It has only three heat panels and no hood, and Gobi's batteries carry a short 90-day warranty per Wirecutter. There are almost no Amazon ratings.

Its catch: only three heat panels

Head-to-head

See all 8 heated vests ranked →