Embrace the Warmth: iHood Battery-Powered Heated Jacket and Vest Review

I waited a while before writing this review of the iHood Heated Jack and Vest simply because it was still too hot outside, and I wouldn’t have benefited from the core advantage of these iHood products, the battery-powered heating elements sewn into the materials. But now, the weather has changed, and on my early morning walks, it’s much chillier out. Enter the iHood battery-powered heated jacket and vest, an innovative solution for those looking for a stylish jacket or vest but who also want an extra level of on-demand warmth. (*Disclosure below)

From the innovative storage that both the vest and the jacket come with to the fact that with a fully charged battery, you can fully heat either the jacket or vest for several hours, I have to say, iHood delivers on what it promises – an “ALL-AREA” heating system. The vest and jacket both have three zones of heating elements (front, back, and neck).  

Both items are quite comfortable and seem to be well-designed and manufactured. And they work just fine for warmth and weather protection without using the battery. If you have the battery in the dedicated pocket, you also have power available to charge your smartphone on the go as well.

Video walkthrough of both iHood products

I put together a video walkthrough and review of both the vest and the jacket, where I go through the packaging, the construction, how the battery works, how to use the built-in “badge” to control the different heating elements, and more. Please watch the video, as there is probably more information there than in this review.

What IS in this review are photos of the product. So, between the video and this review, you will get a good idea about the iHood outdoor wear.

iHood Heating Technology

The standout feature of the iHood is undoubtedly its heating system. Designed with versatility in mind, both this jacket and vest incorporate strategically placed heating elements across the front, back, and neck regions. Powered by a rechargeable battery, users can customize their warmth experience with three adjustable heat settings.

The heating elements provide targeted warmth, ensuring you stay cozy in the coldest conditions. The front and back heating elements are a game-changer, especially when facing icy winds or low temperatures. The neck region, often neglected by other heated apparel, adds an extra layer of comfort, preventing that unwanted chill from creeping in.

On the front of both the jacket and the vest is what I call a “badge.” It is where you control the different heating elements that are built into the outdoor wear. Three raised buttons allow you to control the three heated regions, and one button at the bottom to turn the badge lights on or off.

The level of heating region is indicated by the light color: red (hot), white (medium), and blue (low). When you initially turn on a region, the red light pulses – this indicates that it is in the first heating stage and will automatically switch to medium heat after a set amount of time. This is a great way to quickly heat up the jacket or vest and then move to medium to preserve the battery.

The temperature of the heating elements can go up to 158 degrees. For the High temperature, the range is 149-158 degrees F; for Medium, it’s 131-149 degrees; and for Low, it’s 122-131 degrees. 

Battery Performance

The iHood’s power source is a fairly compact 12V rechargeable battery pack, offering hours of uninterrupted warmth. It is a 14,000 mAh (52Wh) battery with two USB Type-A ports (one is used to heat the jacket, and the other can be used to recharge another device). The impressive battery life allows users to enjoy the heated elements for several hours, making it perfect for outdoor activities, commuting, or simply braving the winter cold. On the highest heat, it is estimated to last about 3.5 hours; on medium, about 5 hours; and on low, about 7 hours. If you only use one heating area and have it set to low, the battery can last up to twelve hours.

It takes a couple of hours to charge it up entirely. And there is a digital display that will indicate either the percentage of battery available for heating (or charging) or, when plugged in it shows the charging progress. You can use either the micro-USB or the USB-C ports to charge the battery (I recommend using the USB-C as it seems to charge a bit faster.)

The jacket and vest come with a USB charging cable, allowing convenient recharging at home or on the go. The battery pack neatly fits into a dedicated pocket, ensuring it remains secure and unobtrusive while you enjoy the benefits of a warm embrace.

Construction and Manufacturing

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the iHood combines style and durability. The jacket is water-resistant as well as wind and scratch-resistant. The vest is more of a puffy style, and its water resistance is not as high as the jacket. 

Both the iHood Jacket and the iHood vest come with carrying cases that make travel super easy. There are even pockets to hold the battery and charging cables, which is quite convenient.

The heating elements are seamlessly integrated into the lining of the jacket and vest, ensuring a comfortable and discreet fit. The construction is both machine-washable and easy to maintain, a testament to the practicality of the iHood for everyday wear. I have washed the jacket (in a delicate cycle and drip drying only), and everything seems to be working fine with it.

Zipper Design and Pockets

The iHood jacket features a sleek and modern zipper design that adds to its aesthetic appeal and enhances functionality. The outside zippers of the jacket have an exterior liner that prevents water from coming through the zipper itself. The main zippers are YKKs. 

However, the interior zippers on the jacket and the vest are a bit more fragile and do tend to get caught in the material around them.

Pockets are conveniently placed, with ample space for essentials such as keys, phone, or wallet. The battery pocket, in particular, is thoughtfully designed to keep the power source secure while maintaining a streamlined appearance. Inside the power pocket (which is on the interior) is a USB-A cable connecting within the lining to all the embedded heating elements.

There are plenty of exterior and interior pockets in the vest, and the jacket has a considerable number of interior and exterior pockets (12, in fact), which is really great if you are on the go.

Both the jacket and the vest have hoods. The vest’s hood folds up into the collar (but does not prevent the neck from heating when folded into the collar). The jacket’s hood is detachable (and does have some reflective branding for safety). I wish there were a larger pocket in the back to carry the hood when detached.

Shop for the best price!

Depending on where you look, the size, the color, and what you select, the prices for the iHood Vest and iHood Jacket seem to vary. As of the writing of this review, the Jacket is on sale on the iHood site for $169.99 (normally $189.99). The Jacket is on sale on Amazon as well for $113.00 (normally $149.99). These prices do include the rechargeable battery as well.

The Vest is listed on the iHood site for $139.99 on sale, down from $169.99, and is currently also on sale on Amazon for $89.99 (usually $139.99).

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The iHood battery-powered heated jacket and vest successfully marry technology with practical design, providing a stylish solution to winter’s chill. The innovative heating elements, durable construction, and thoughtful features make it a nice choice for those seeking both warmth and style in their winter wardrobe. While there are minor areas for improvement, the iHood’s advantages far outweigh its drawbacks, making it a compelling investment for anyone looking to embrace the warmth during the colder months. Stay warm, stay stylish – embrace the iHood.

Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page.

HTD says: Having a warm jacket or vest is great when the weather gets cold. But having a battery-powered iHood Jacket or Vest that you can turn on and magically heat up for several hours is even better!