A Milwaukee heated jacket uses thin carbon fiber heating panels sewn into the chest and back, powered by the same M12 battery that runs the M12 tool line. Most models run up to about eight hours on the low setting with the battery that comes in the kit, and a few hours on high. Johnson Hardware & Rental stocks Milwaukee heated jackets, vests and hoodies in Johnson, VT, so you can try one on and leave with a battery and charger in the same trip.
How does a Milwaukee heated jacket work?
The jacket has carbon fiber heating elements built into the fabric, usually one panel on each side of the chest and one across the upper back. Some models add heat in the hand pockets or the collar. An M12 battery sits in a holder in a back pocket at the hem, and a single button on the chest turns the heat on and steps it through high, medium and low.
That is the whole system. There is no cord to the wall and nothing to plug in once the battery is seated. Press and hold the button to start, press again to change the setting, and the light on the button tells you which level you are on. Many models start in a quick heat mode for the first few minutes and then settle into the level you picked.
The heat sits close to your core, which is where it does the most good. Warm the chest and back and your body sends more blood to your hands and feet. That is why a heated jacket feels like it does more than the panels alone would suggest.
|
Setting |
When it helps |
What it does to runtime |
|---|---|---|
|
High |
First few minutes outside, standing still, wind on a lift or a roof |
Shortest runtime, a few hours on the kit battery |
|
Medium |
Steady outdoor work in the cold |
Middle of the range |
|
Low |
Moving around, in and out of the truck, milder days |
Longest runtime, up to about eight hours on the kit battery |
How long does the battery last?
Runtime depends on the heat setting and the battery size. On low, most Milwaukee heated jackets run up to about eight hours on the battery that ships in the kit. On high, plan on a few hours. A larger M12 battery stretches both numbers, and a compact battery shortens them.
The battery holder on most models also has a USB port, so the same battery can top off a phone during the day. That pulls a little power away from the heat, so skip it if you need the full runtime.
A few habits make the charge go further. Start on high to warm up, then drop to medium or low once you are comfortable. Keep a second battery in a pocket close to your body on the coldest days, because a cold battery delivers less than a warm one. And charge the battery indoors overnight rather than leaving it in the truck.
M12 or M18 heated gear?
Milwaukee's heated jackets, vests and hoodies run on M12 batteries. The M12 pack is small and light enough to ride in a jacket pocket all day, which is why Milwaukee built the gear around it. If your tools are all M18, you still need an M12 battery for the jacket. Every heated gear kit includes one along with a charger, so you are not buying into a second system to get started.
If you already own M12 tools, any of your M12 batteries will run the jacket, and the kit battery will run your tools. If you are still deciding between the two platforms for your trade, our M18 vs M12 guide walks through the tradeoffs.
Can you wash a Milwaukee heated jacket?
Yes. Take the battery out and unplug and remove the battery holder first, then follow the care tag inside the jacket. Most models are fine in a washing machine on a gentle cycle and should be hung to dry rather than put through a hot dryer. Zip the pockets and the main zipper before washing so the heating panels do not fold hard against the drum.
Let the jacket dry fully before you put the battery back in. Do not iron it or dry clean it. If you are not sure about a specific model, bring it in and we will check the tag with you.
Is it covered by warranty, and can Johnson Hardware help with repairs?
Milwaukee heated gear carries its own limited warranty, which is shorter than the warranty on Milwaukee tools, and the battery and charger are covered under their own terms. If a jacket stops heating, the first checks are the easy ones: a charged battery, the holder plugged all the way in, and the button held long enough to start.
If the problem is in the jacket itself, bring it to the store. We are the largest authorized single store Milwaukee tool dealer in New England and an authorized warranty center, so our staff can confirm whether the jacket is still under warranty and get it on its way to Milwaukee for service. Heated gear is serviced by Milwaukee rather than on our bench, but we handle the paperwork and the shipping so you do not have to. Battery and charger issues are handled at the counter like any other M12 battery, and our Milwaukee tool repair page explains how in store repairs work for tools.
Who should buy a heated jacket?
Anyone who spends cold hours outside without moving much. Operators sitting on equipment, crews waiting on a delivery, plow drivers between runs, anyone hunting from a stand, and anyone who stands at a sideline in January. If you are already layering winter workwear for the jobsite, a heated jacket can replace a bulky mid layer and leave your arms freer to work.
If you outfit a crew, we set up contractor and municipal accounts and can quote heated gear in quantity along with the rest of your cold weather supplies. Our contractor supply store page explains how those accounts work.
Frequently asked questions
How does a Milwaukee heated jacket work? Carbon fiber heating panels in the chest and back draw power from an M12 battery in a back pocket. A button on the chest cycles through high, medium and low.
How long does the battery last on a heated jacket? Up to about eight hours on low with the kit battery on most models, and a few hours on high. A larger M12 battery runs longer.
Do Milwaukee heated jackets use M12 or M18 batteries? M12. The kit includes an M12 battery and charger, so M18 owners do not need anything else to start.
Can you put a Milwaukee heated jacket in the washing machine? Yes, after removing the battery and the battery holder. Wash gentle and hang to dry, and follow the care tag for your model.
A note from Johnson Hardware & Rental
We keep Milwaukee heated jackets, vests and hoodies in stock through the winter, along with M12 batteries and chargers. Stop in at 1442 VT-15 in Johnson, or call (802) 635-7282 to check what is on the rack this week.