In our gear tests, we found that most of the cheapest heated vests on the market today aren’t worth the money. To find something decent that we feel comfortable recommending, you’ll usually need to spend more than $100. Venustas’ Heated Vest is right in that sweet spot, with a good balance of tech, battery life, quality, and price.

Heated vests, especially puffer-style models, can be bulky. We like the thinner design of this option, which allows it to layer easily under bulky winter jackets and outerwear. The carbon fiber heating elements are adjustable to one of three heat levels, and the zones are larger than most other heated vests we tested, especially at this price point.

“I’ve worn this heated vest (and Venustas’ heated fleece zip-up) for the last few weeks,” said writer Mike Richard. “Between hiking in the Whites, wearing it around the house, and on my daily jogs, it’s held up very well. Where many of the vests I tested center their heat on a smaller targeted core area, the zones in this one feel more like large ‘panels,’ so the heat feels nice and even throughout my entire upper body.”

The quality of this vest is solid (especially at this price), even if it lacks the fit and finish of more premium models. We also wish the included 4800mAh battery were larger, although the brand does offer additional batteries in three sizes. Those gripes aside, it checks all our must-have boxes, so we think it’s a great buy.

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