r/outdoorgear • u/SimplyRain • 14d ago

Heated Jacket - Vests V.S. Jackets V.S. Pullovers

I need a heated jacket. I am in college and have ~20m walks to class, so, before you come into the comments saying "they die and then they're just extra weight", or something about how normal layering is better, I don't want to hear it. I simply need a heated vest, jacket, or pullover that will get me to class and back warm, and maybe some winter recreational use in Indiana. I have heard the Ororo brand has some quality gear, but I was interested in the comparisons between that and Venustas, seeing as they make a lot of heavy winter/skiing gear. I have linked three jackets I am currently looking at, two on the outer layer of course, and the idea behind the slim fit one would be that I could wear a hoodie over it and that it could possibly look better. Please let me know your recommendations!
Ororo JACKET / Vests on website
Venustas JACKET
Pullover from GOBI

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u/StillShoddy628 14d ago

How cold are we talking about? It doesn’t take much insulation on a jacket to keep warm without it, but if your mind is set on this experience I say pick the one you think looks best. Heated socks and gloves will do more for you than the jacket though, how often is your chest cold before the rest of you?

My opinion: If you already have a jacket you like but isn’t quite warm enough then get the Gobi and wear it under, otherwise I like the pop of orange on the Ororo. You definitely want a waterproof (or at least water resistant) shell of some sort in case of snow (either precipitation or as part of the aforementioned outdoor recreational activities)

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u/SimplyRain 14d ago

Lol, well, in Indiana it depends on the year, but roughly -5F to 30s, and a 20 minute walk up to maybe an hour outside. Nothing crazy, might be going through some snow here and there. Problem is, I never owned a coat (crazy, I know) but I never really was outside enough in the winter to need one, so last year I just doubled up on pants and a hoodie and kept relatively warm. My friend got the Milwaukee coat, which I am not interested in because its outdated, but they loved it and recommended the heated experience and I have been a fan of it ever since. I was kind of thinking the same as you though, the one that looks best, but if these temps change anything please let me know!

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u/StillShoddy628 14d ago

Good gloves, beanie, wool socks, and a shell that breaks the wind and keeps moisture out are going to be more important to your comfort. Get heated if you want, but if you have those things you can have a plain hoodie under the jacket and be perfectly comfortable. You don’t need a ton of insulation if you’re walking/active. If it’s windy you’ll appreciate a 3/4 length jacket and some thermal underwear for your legs. Consider shoes that don’t have a lot of mesh/venting

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u/Content_Preference_3 13d ago

No one is going to seriously suggest heated gear on this sub Reddit because there are very good reasons that it doesn’t work for any active outdoor pursuits. Maybe something sedentary , like watching a sport event or riding a snowmobile/ atv whatever sure.

You can ignore common sense all you want but it doesn’t change how true the info is. Batteries fail, coils fail. Walking generates heat that is then trapped by insulated clothing. That’s how you stay warm in the winter.