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Venustas Men's Heated Vest with Battery (Upgraded Quilted) vs Gobi Heat Colorado Heated Hunting Vest (men's and women's)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Venustas Men's Heated Vest with Battery (Upgraded Quilted) ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on real heat time. Gobi Heat Colorado Heated Hunting Vest (men's and women's) wins on fit & comfort, durability.
The biggest complaint about the Venustas Men's Heated Vest with Battery (Upgraded Quilted) is large, heavy battery; for the Gobi Heat Colorado Heated Hunting Vest (men's and women's) it's only three heat panels. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Venustas Men's Heated Vest with Battery (Upgraded Quilted) | Gobi Heat Colorado Heated Hunting Vest (men's and women's) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in heated vests | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Power-bank vest | Power-bank vest |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 9% | — |
| Overall score | 3.5 | 3.6 |
| Heat output | — | 3.0 |
| Real heat time | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Fit & comfort | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| Washability | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Durability | 3.0 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $120 · $$ $120–200 · $$$ over $200. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Venustas Men's Heated Vest with Battery (Upgraded Quilted)
- Large, heavy battery
Outdoor Life lists the large, heavy battery as its main con and says the vest suits stationary activities better than backpacking.
Source: Outdoor Life - Batteries that stop charging; durability doubts
Amazon's review summary says battery life is mixed: some owners report it won't take a charge, and some say the vest lasted only a year.
- Runs slightly small
Multiple Amazon owners say the sizing runs slightly small.
Gobi Heat Colorado Heated Hunting Vest (men's and women's)
- Only three heat panels
Bob Vila lists only three panels (two chest, one back per Gobi) and no hood as its cons.
Source: Bob Vila, Gobi Heat official product page - Runs a bit short of the claim on high
It ran just over 4 hours on high for Bob Vila. Gobi lists up to 5 hours on high.
Source: Bob Vila, Gobi Heat official product page - Short battery warranty
Wirecutter says Gobi Heat offers only a 90-day warranty on its batteries.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
Who should pick which
Pick the Venustas Men's Heated Vest with Battery (Upgraded Quilted) if
Long, stationary cold: games, golf, ice fishing
Wearing with bibs (chest-mounted control)
Lower-back (lumbar) heat
Skip it if: You want a light vest for hiking or backpacking; You believe the 20-hour claim; You're between sizes (runs slightly small)
Pick the Gobi Heat Colorado Heated Hunting Vest (men's and women's) if
Hunting and other long, still waits in the cold
Rough use (abrasion- and tear-resistant shell)
Bigger or taller bodies (roomy, long cut)
Skip it if: You want a slim layer under a jacket; You want a hood or collar-to-waist heat; You want a long battery warranty
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