Heated vest experience?

[LostArra]

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.

 

[Tod osier]

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 use the Milwaukee vest as a layer. It does work, no question.

The heat is not in an ideal place, but it is what I have. I'd look for one that put heat on the lower back (mine doesn't). I use the vest over the base layers walking in for the pockets it has and I like it for that. I'd seriously consider one of the heated baselayers if I was starting over.

 

[Ditt44]

A friend has one he got off Amazon, seems to like it and no problems with it but I don't know the brand. I had looked into this last year and while I apparently didn't save any links, I had found that a series made for motorcycle riders was actually more practical and interesting than anything I found marketed toward hunters. So, ski gear or motorcycle gear are two areas I would research.

 

[Dexter Grayson]

I have the same question. So I ordered the pnuma gear heated shirt and pants. Haven’t had a chance to try them since it’s still 90 degrees here.

 

[Tater86]

I agree with the poster above, they are nice, but I have yet to find one that actually warms your lower back/kidney area. This is the main area of heat loss and yet no one makes a vest to heat this area.

 

[Poser]

I bought a Heated Hunter last year on a post season deal -I think it was $60 on that deal. It nothing more than a rebranded existing design that several brands sell. The zipper is grossly undersized and on the left side (euro style) vs the right. The zipper snagged and broke when I tried it on the first time. I then spent $40 at my local repair shop to have a entire new and upsized zipper installed. I complained to the brand and they refunded me $40. I did use it on some of the coldest days skiing last year and it warmed me fine, but the zipper needs to be replaced immediately.

 

[Brewski]

I use a generic $50 heated vest bought from amazon three years ago. It has front, lower back, and neck heaters with three heat settings. The best and critical feature is the USB input so I can power it from USB portable batteries, super useful for all day whitetail winter sits I just bring multiple USB batteries. Proprietary batteries suck.

I layer it on top of my wool base layer and under any other warm or rain jackets. My body runs very cold and the vest is an absolute game changer. I don't bring it backpack hunting due to weight and battery charging. I use it for all other stationary hunting (and alot of non hunting activities) below 50 degrees. After walking in and getting setup I let my body cool for about 20 minutes and then use the adjustable vest temps throughout the day as needed.

If u don't want to go vest, the USB hand heaters are also helpful when sandwiched between layers.

 

[Davyalabama]

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.

 

[dreamingWest]

I bought the Ororo heated vest and heated fleece jacket from Amazon. They work, though I sometimes feel like I'm cheating wearing while hunting. Since I won't tree stand hunt without my Sitka Fanatic vest, I've decided to keep the heated jacket and sell the vest. Subfreezing temps (not windy) I've been cozy in a merino long sleeve base layer, Ororo heated jacket, Sitka Fanatic vest.

 

[camping1601]

Pnuma here for around 3 years now and I love it. I wear it over a light Merino baselayer and layer over it as needed. On my short afternoon sits Illgoout with little on and rely on it mostly. My only wish is it had a bigger battery.

 

[LostArra]

Pnuma here for around 3 years now and I love it. I wear it over a light Merino baselayer and layer over it as needed. On my short afternoon sits Illgoout with little on and rely on it mostly. My only wish is it had a bigger battery.

Is the Pnuma more a vest or baselayer?

 

[Axlrod]

Is the Pnuma more a vest or baselayer?

I have the Pnuma, I use it as a base. I wear a light shirt under it. I have 2 batteries. It helps a lot in a stand, and at my son's football games.

 

[Pulleye16]

ororo vest here as well.

Probably my favorite and most useful piece of clothing I've bought. Hands down worth it and saves huge vs layering especially on cold mornings and evenings with warm afternoons. Also shines best straight-up when is freak'en freezing!

 

[2muchhp]

I have a Pnuma, it works but doesn't save me on layers.
If I put that thing on its flippin cold.
I supose I could use it in milder temps and loose a layer.
I have two batteries and ration them both, heat takes alot of juice.
Yes makes a sit more comfortable.

 

[MallardSX2]

Ororo

Love it.

 

[willtim]

Cabelas brand. It was a gift and I thought it was a gimmick...not any more.

 

[Solm]

I have not tried one yet. My buddy who is a snap on dealer has a heated jacket and likes it. I thought it was there own brand but not sure.

 

[LostArra]

Ororo

Love it.

Fleece or puffy?

 

[Agross]

This is perfect timing as I almost started this thread a couple days ago. My wife is really wanting a heated vest for whatever, whenever in the colder months, she’s not a hunter . I have been looking at the Milwaukee ones but by the time I buy the vest and then the battery and charger, it’s about $200. Don’t really want to spend that much on something she may not get a ton of use out of.

 

[Jake_B]

I have the ororo puffy for everyday use, i wore it to a football game last Sunday and loved it

Have the pnuma that i wear for hunting, as others said, grab a backup battery