Stepping away from the intense world of military commitment and extreme endurance challenges like Ultra-OCR, I recently found myself exploring the world of heated apparel. It’s been a journey from prioritizing endurance to embracing comfort. Among my latest, greatest discoveries is the Venustas Women’s Heated Vest, a piece that promises warmth and ease for outdoor enthusiasts. Here, I dive a bit into what makes this vest stand out and whether it deserves a place in your outdoor gear collection.
Concept
The Venustas heated vest operates on a simple yet effective concept. It features a small battery, roughly the size of a cell phone, which, once charged, plugs into the vest. Heating is controlled by a button on the chest, activating heated panels near the stomach/pockets and an additional panel on the neck. The neck panel heats up quickly and is particularly impressive. The stomach panels double as personal hand warmers when you slip your hands into the pockets.
Materials and Comfort
The vest is crafted with a waterproof nylon outer shell, making it both practical and comfortable for various outdoor conditions. It includes a detachable hood, which is a versatile feature, handy for fluctuating weather. The zipper quality, both on the hood and the main front zipper, feels robust and durable. Inside, the vest is lined with a mylar thermal material, reminiscent of space blankets used in marathons, which effectively retains heat while maintaining flexibility and comfort.
Washing Instructions
The vest requires some care when washing – it should be placed in a mesh bag and washed in cold water on a delicate cycle. The battery must be removed before washing. Line drying is recommended in order to preserve the integrity of the heating elements and fabric.
Heating Panels
There are four heating panels at the front (two on each side) and one on the back, providing ample warmth. The placement of the front panels behind the pockets is a thoughtful design, warming your hands as well. The heating levels are controlled by a circular button on the upper left chest, with four settings:
- Blinking red for preheating.
- White for low heat.
- Blue for medium heat.
- Red for high heat.
The preheat mode lasts about five minutes, shifting to low heat automatically, with the option to change settings as needed.
Battery Life and Charging
The battery tucks away in an internal pocket, connecting via a small cord. It’s unobtrusive and lightweight, akin to carrying a cell phone in your pocket. Charging is via USB-C, taking around 6 hours for a full charge – convenient for outdoor activities where only USB power sources might be available. Battery life is as follows:
- High: 3 hours
- Medium: 6 hours
- Low: 10 hours
These durations are accurate according to my own experience. An added bonus is the battery’s numeric display showing remaining charge, which adds precision to the user experience. The battery also features a USB output, allowing you to charge a device, though this will reduce the heating time.
Overall Impression
The Venustas Women’s Heated Vest has quickly become a favorite in my outdoor wardrobe. It’s cozy, effective, and the adjustable heating is a significant plus for varying conditions. I’ve found it great for neighborhood walks and longer outdoor hikes alike.
The vest is priced starting at $129.99 now, which, considering its features and performance, offers great value for the money. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to add warmth and comfort to their outdoor activities.
