Heated vest experience?

Maverick1

WKR
Joined
Jun 1, 2013
Messages
1,898
First thing I would suggest is pair your heated garment with a merino fishnet base layer. Really brings out the best of both garments.

For heated garments I have two.

The Milwaukee heated hoodie. It works. But it is kind of bulky and heavy for the heat it provides. And I don’t like the cuffs on the sleeves. (uncertain if the heated hoodie is sold any longer?) One that works really well is to buy a M18 to 12v adapter. Allows you to use 18v batteries with the hoodie. The 18v batteries will last all day. But they are like carrying a huge, heavy block of plastic around in your pocket. I also bought an extension cord so I can put the M18 battery in my backpack and not have to wear it. It works well heat wise. Logistically though the Milwaukee hoodie is kind of a pain. I’d cut off the sleeves to make it a vest, especially since the cuffs are too small and annoying.


Pnuma best works really well. Opposite of the Milwaukee. Thin and lightweight. Paired with fishnet merino is the way to go. Suggest buying two batteries and two chargers. Their battery life is reasonable. Heat works well.
 

Maverick1

WKR
Joined
Jun 1, 2013
Messages
1,898
For those with the Pnuma it appears I found a larger battery that plugs directly to the current barrel connector. I have an extension cable coming tommarrow so I'll report back.
Please provide an update. Interested in this setup if it works. I did something similar with my Milwaukee heated hoodie as noted above.
 
Joined
Jun 7, 2023
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@Ralphie @Maverick1

Glad to see the net layer below the pnuma vest getting the attention it deserves. It warms a significantly greater surface area of skin with those little pockets of air that trap the heat. Plus it keeps the heating element off the skin, so no discomfort on the “high” setting.

PNuma should really consider preinstalling a mesh layer into the vest itself, kind of like a swimming trunk liner.
 
Joined
Jun 7, 2023
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456
Are you guys talking about something like this for fishnet shirt?
Similar. Less of German nightclub targeted design, more outdoor backpacking centered.




These are solid options. The aclima ship from Finland.

Edit: That Amazon option may work in a pinch if you’re only going to use in a static position with the vest, but I wouldn’t do much else with it, except maybe the occasional techno night club. It’ll hold more water, and stink faster than the other options… and the thicker nylon netting would be hell on your shoulders with a backpack.
 
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Stubee

FNG
Joined
Dec 17, 2022
Messages
9
I got an Ororo vest last year with two batteries. Yes, it sure works for me for stand hunting in northern MI and NW Ontario. It lets me skip the heavy zip-up neck underlayer and without that I don’t get so darned hot walking in to a stand. So I can wear a light or medium underlayer on really cold days and a sufficieny thick wool shirt, and everything is open on the walk in. It has 3 heat settings and works very well. I love it.


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BigNate

WKR
Joined
Dec 24, 2020
Messages
419
Location
Athol, Id. USA
I bought my wife the Ororo vest with a couple batteries and she uses it a lot. However, for me I walk a long way in then sit. IMO, The extra battery weight isn't ideal, and you're better off not relying on batteries to keep warm. I'm currently layering a puffy vest over wool base, and have outer layers to go over.

If I were buying again now, or need to replace, Wiggys makes a jacket and pants with the same fill as their sleeping bags, and they are terrific. I believe they also have a vest.
 
Joined
Nov 13, 2014
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For anyone following this I'm having some issues with the battery I linked above. For whatever reason it turns itself off or won't turn on at times with the vest plugged in. You to unplug and reconnect to get it to start working again. I'm likely going to return it and try a different one. Other than that having it in the cargo picket of my pants is working out very well.
 

*zap*

WKR
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Dec 20, 2018
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N/E Kansas
I have one and it is worth using in some situations. Best to get one for a decent price and try it for yourself.
 
Joined
Oct 27, 2022
Messages
69
I bought a tidewe cheap, it actually helps a lot. I wasn’t going to spend a lot of money on one, it does help really cool days. It is cotton, so having a merino base layer another light merino layer for wicking then this was beneficial for me. They make more expensive one, but hey I wanted to see if it was worth it, on my day hunts, it sure is.

I have one of these cheaper ones as well, and I love it. Actually just purchased a TideWe jacket/base layer because I like the vest so much.

I also have heated socks that have been a game changer, because my feet are easily what gets the coldest. I don’t keep them on all the time. But what I actually do is turn them on high heat for 10 minutes, get the toes warmed up, turn off, and repeat that process as needed. That feeling when you can literally feel the heat wrapping around your toes.. amazing.
 
Joined
Oct 27, 2022
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This is the vest I use.


And these are the heated socks I use.

https://a.co/d/0wdyQ0g

I’m sure there is some more pricey stuff I could get that would work even better. Maybe some day. But these have worked just fine for me so far.

Liked the TideWe vest so much I decided to get something else from them.

 

SalCP

FNG
Joined
Feb 21, 2024
Messages
10
Location
Manasquan, NJ
Does the use of a heated vest eliminate a layer in cold weather?
Just in case it ever gets cold (it's till pushing 90 here) I would like to maintain the range of motion for drawing my bow.
Even if it doesn't eliminate a layer does it actually make a long sit more comfortable?
Any suggestions on brands? Pnuma and Arris seem to be popular.
I would layer up as usual and use the heat sparingly. The battery will die quickly. Only use it when absolutely necessary to warm up. Blue tooth control is best. You can run them on a timer at different heat levels to preserve battery life.
 

Stubee

FNG
Joined
Dec 17, 2022
Messages
9
What ororo vets did you guys order ?

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horpensky

FNG
Joined
Dec 1, 2024
Messages
16
Location
AB
I have this cheap one from Amazon and wore it this season above a merino base layer and below a top layer + jacket. I'd hike in and turn it on about 1/2 hr after settling when I'd start to cool off. I typically get cold easily and found it really helped take the edge off. It extended my comfort level to the point that I'd get up from my spot due to boredom/ADHD before actually getting cold.

It came with a 5000 maH battery and I have an extra I carry in my pack. In temperatures as low as -20C/-4F, I never ran it higher than medium and it would last a full day if I was careful about turning it off when I was moving. I have some Aclimas on order and really look forward to seeing how the combo performs.

As someone mentioned above, if I had a do over, I'd get a fleece version instead of the loud synthetic. But it's under other layers anyways so you can't hear it.
 

Ditt44

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 30, 2023
Messages
271
Location
PA
I finally broke down and bought a heated vest when I saw the predicted temps for the first few days of PA's rifle season. I am very happy with the "Snow Leopard" vest. I used it the first two days and only had to turn on the heat to 'low' at most. Granted, I was wearing a Sitka Fanatic jacket over it but with it OFF, the warmth was really noticable to the point I just didn't need to turn it on. I spent 11 hours, dark to dark, on the first day and only used it for the afternoon hours.

Definitely recommend. If I only had my Stratus for an outer, yes, I would definitely use the heat and would be fine.

Snow Leaopard vest on Amazon
 

HoosierHunter07

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 12, 2024
Messages
100
I bought a fieldsheer heated vest from another rokslide member this season and I love it. I bought a pair of their heated bottom merino base layers to try, but they haven't arrived yet. I plan on trying their socks too.
 
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