Insulation keeps heat. Heat makes it.
In short: without electricity, the warmest vest (or gilet, or body warmer) is a down vest with a windproof shell and a high collar. A synthetic vest is almost as warm and copes better with damp weather. A fleece vest is a comfortable mid layer, but on its own it lets the wind through. All of them can only hold on to the heat your body makes. When you stand still for hours, a heated vest is the logical next step: it adds warmth you can turn up.
✓ 30-day returns · ✓ 2-year warranty · ✓ 4.7 on Trustpilot · ✓ 10,000+ users
This comparison is by Gløde, which sells heated vests. The non-heated types are compared on general properties. Already decided on heated? Go straight to our heated vest comparison.
The vest types compared
| Type | Warmth when standing still | Wind | Damp weather | Weight and bulk | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Down vest | High for its weight | Depends on the outer fabric | Down loses warmth when wet | Light, packs small | Dry cold, layering under a coat |
| Synthetic insulated vest | Medium to high | Depends on the outer fabric | Keeps insulating when damp | A little heavier for the same warmth | Wet, changeable weather |
| Fleece vest | Low to medium | Lets wind through | Dries fast | Soft, a bit bulky | Mid layer, active use, indoors |
| Softshell vest | Low to medium | Good | Handles light showers | Light | Cycling, walking, windy days |
| Wool vest | Medium | Moderate | Stays warm when slightly damp | Medium | Everyday, a smart look |
| Heated vest | Very high: insulation plus active heat | Depends on the shell | Depends on the shell | Similar to a normal vest, plus power bank | Long hours outside, standing still |
What makes a vest warm?
Insulation
Insulation traps still air. Down does this very efficiently for its weight. Synthetic fill is less efficient per gram, but it keeps working when damp. Fleece traps less air and lets wind straight through.
Wind
Wind strips warm air from your body. A windproof shell and a collar that closes high matter more than a few extra grams of fill. A fleece vest under a windproof jacket is warm; on its own on a windy sideline, it is not.
Fit
A vest works best close to the body, with room for a layer underneath. Too loose and warm air escapes at the hem and armholes. Too tight and the insulation is compressed and warms less.
Activity level
This decides more than any material. When you walk briskly, you make plenty of heat and almost any vest feels warm. At a market stall, a bus stop or in a hunting hide, you make much less heat. Insulation can only keep what is there.
Adjustability
A normal vest is either right, too warm or not warm enough. Layers help. Heat you can switch up or down is the most direct way to adjust to a long, changing day.
Type by type
Down vest
The warmest non-heated vest for its weight. Packs small, layers well under a coat. Down loses much of its warmth when wet, so look for a water-repellent outer fabric if you live somewhere damp.
Synthetic insulated vest
The sensible choice for wet winters. It keeps insulating when damp, dries quickly and is easy to wash. Slightly heavier and bulkier for the same warmth.
Fleece vest
Soft, breathable and pleasant indoors or as a mid layer when you are active. Not the warmest on its own: wind goes straight through. Under a shell jacket it works well.
Softshell and wool vests
A softshell vest blocks wind and suits cyclists and walkers. A wool vest looks smart and stays warm when slightly damp. Neither is the warmest choice for standing still.
Heated vest
A heated vest combines insulation with heating panels at the front and back, powered by a 5 V power bank. You get warmth exactly where you lose it fastest, around your core, and you can turn it up when you stop moving. It is the one vest type that does not depend only on how much heat your own body produces.
When a heated vest is the logical answer
If you mainly move around, a good down or synthetic vest is enough. Heated becomes the logical answer when you are still for a long time in the cold:
- Sideline and stadium: two hours on a cold stand.
- Market stall, terrace or outdoor work: a whole day in one spot.
- Hunting, fishing, birdwatching: long waits without moving.
- Dog walks at a slow pace, school runs, the bus stop: short but bitter.
- A cold home office: warmth on you instead of heating the whole house.
Want warmth for your whole upper body? Read our guide to the warmest winter jacket.
What to look for in a heated vest
Heating zones
Front and back are the basics. A neck zone makes a noticeable difference on windy days. Høgge has five zones: two at the belly, two at the back and one in the neck.
Heat levels and control
Three levels is common. Høgge goes up to 50 °C, and you can set the front and back separately.
Power bank and runtime
Our 10,000 mAh power bank gives 3–6 hours of warmth, the 20,000 mAh one 6–12 hours, depending on the heat level. On Høgge, a second USB port can charge your phone.
Washing
Disconnect the cable and the power bank first. Høgge² can then go in the washing machine; follow the care label.
All models side by side, with sizes and runtimes: our heated vest comparison.
What Gløde offers today
Heated vests for women and men, a heated fleece and an insert that makes your own vest or jacket heated.
See all heated vests for women or heated vests for men.
Frequently asked questions
What is the warmest vest without heating?
A down vest with a windproof outer fabric and a high collar. In damp weather, a synthetic insulated vest is a close second because it keeps insulating when wet.
Is a down or a fleece vest warmer?
Down is clearly warmer for its weight and blocks more wind if the shell is windproof. Fleece is softer and breathes better, which makes it a good mid layer when you are active.
Down or synthetic: which is better?
Down is warmer per gram and packs smaller. Synthetic keeps insulating when damp, dries faster and is easier to wash. For wet winters, synthetic is often the more practical choice.
Is a heated vest warmer than a down vest?
When you stand still, usually yes. A down vest can only hold on to your own body heat; a heated vest adds warmth you can turn up. When you are moving briskly, a good down vest is often enough.
Gilet, body warmer or vest: what is the difference?
In everyday use there is none. They are different names for the same sleeveless jacket. In the US, "vest" is the usual word; in the UK people also say gilet or body warmer.
How long does a heated vest stay warm?
With our 10,000 mAh power bank, 3–6 hours; with the 20,000 mAh power bank, 6–12 hours, depending on the heat level.
Can I make my own vest heated?
Yes. Øney is a universal heating insert for your own jacket or vest. It is one size, runs on 5 V USB and has overheating protection.
All our heated clothing comparisons →
Gløde — warm the person, not the room.
