Most of the same considerations for buying a traditional vest hold true for buying a heated vest. Here’s everything you should consider when shopping for the best heated vest for you:

Heating Elements

Every heated vest has heating elements or “zones” sewn strategically throughout the garment—almost always near your body’s core, including the chest and back. Some of the best heated vests add extra zones near the collar and pockets, too. In general, the more zones a heated vest has, the better it will be at keeping you warm.

There are two general types of heating element construction: Carbon fiber and metal. Carbon fiber is more durable and more efficient at distributing heat but tends to be more expensive. That’s why it’s often found in the best, most premium heated vests. Metal elements are cheaper but less efficient and prone to hot spots

Power

Heated vests require portable battery banks to keep them chugging along. Battery life is arguably the most important consideration when shopping for a vest. Most heated vests last anywhere from 4-10 hours on a single charge, but the real-world figures can vary with outside conditions, your own body temperature, and the quality of the battery pack. Lower-quality vest manufacturers tend to be very generous when quoting the battery life of their own vests, so it pays to read actual buyer reviews.

Materials

As with shopping for a typical outdoor vest, you’ll want to make sure your new heated vest has a durable outer shell. Look for one that’s water-resistant or even weatherproof with polyester or nylon. You’ll also want a comfortable, breathable lining made with synthetic (like fleece) or Merino wool to help regulate your body temperature.

Safety Features

Today’s best heated vests are very safe to wear. Look for models with overheat protection—a feature that automatically switches off the heating elements if they run too hot. Likewise, short circuit protection helps protect against battery and electrical malfunction.

Wash and Care

Pay close attention to the care instructions. Some heated vests require hand-washing, while the best vests are surprisingly machine-washable—usually on the gentle cycle with the battery pack removed (obviously).

Price

Heated vests vary widely in price, from budget-friendly models around $50 to premium, high-end options north of $300. As with most outdoor gear, you tend to get what you pay for. The best heated vests offer more features, including premium construction, longer battery life, more efficient heating elements, and better safety features.