‘I tried a heated jacket and I’m not taking it off until spring’
I’m one of those people who complains about being cold all the time. I hibernate during the winter months and if I have to venture outdoors in freezing temperatures, I wrap myself up in a gazillion layers, make a flask of hot tea and shove a hot water bottle in my bag (yes, really!) Even then, I still moan about my numb fingers.
So, when I stumbled across a heated jacket by outdoors apparel brand Ororo on Amazon, naturally, I was invested. This clever piece of kit features a rechargeable battery pack that sits in a pocket and is designed to spread heat across the body.
But can it really provide hours of glorious warmth and keep you toasty on the go? Is it bulky to wear and a faff to charge? To find out, I roped in the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute and some of my perpetually cold colleagues to help me put the jacket through its paces. Scroll on for our honest review.
What is the Ororo Heated Jacket?
Women's Heated Jacket
Ororo offers a range of heated apparel, from gilets and vests to hand warmers and mittens, but we put the brand’s signature heated jacket to the test.
It’s made with water-resistant fabric, has a detachable hood and features four heated zones around the collar, mid-back and pockets. There are also three heat different settings so you can tailor the level of toastiness to suit your needs.
According to the brand, it heats up in just 30 seconds and the battery lasts for up to 10 hours. Keep reading to find out if it lives up to its impressive claims...
How we tested
With the help of two other chilly testers, I trialled the heated jacket over a few weeks, wearing it on on bracing walks, during a ski trip and when mooching around town. Once testing was complete, we reported back on a range of factors including design, comfort, ease of use and, of course, performance.
We assessed how long it took to warm up, how easy the heated element was to operate, whether the material was comfortable to wear for long periods and if the battery life was long-lasting. We also looked at the fit, additional design elements like pockets and zips and how easy it was to wash.
Back at the GHI, our expert collated all the feedback and awarded the jacket an overall score.
Our Ororo Heated Jacket review
Score: 87/100
Women's Heated Jacket
Ease of use
Worried a heated jacket will be more hassle than it’s worth? Panic not, as this one’s a cinch to use from the get-go. Though testers would have liked clearer set-up instructions, everyone got to grips with it almost instantly.
To get started, simply connect the battery pack to the charger and let it fill up for around six to eight hours. The LED lights on the battery will stop flashing once it’s fully charged and you’re good to go. Plug it into the power cable located in the jacket’s left inner pocket, push the logo button and embrace the warmth.
Our panel liked that the jacket has one simple button to active the heat, cycle through the three settings and turn it off, with one describing it as, “basically foolproof.”
To clean it after a muddy adventure, there’s no need to lug it to the dry cleaners – just pop it in a laundry bag, bung it in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle then lay it flat on an airer to dry. I’ve already washed mine twice since I got it a few months ago and can confirm the fabric has maintained its quality.
Design
Testers were “pleasantly surprised,” by the sleek, technical design. “I was expecting it to be heavy and bulky, but it was pretty lightweight and not much different from my other jackets,” noted one panellist.
Despite the slim fit, the jacket didn't feel restrictive and the stretchy fabric allowed for total freedom of movement, with enough room for a jumper underneath. We would recommend sizing up, however, if you’re adventuring in sub-zero temps and need to layer up. The lining was soft and breathable, with one tester saying, “I didn’t get sweaty or overheat when wearing it.”
Heating capabilities aside, the innovative design is also packed with a host of useful features for outdoor pursuits, including a secure, detachable hood (which won’t fall down as you move) a high collar to keep you protected and three zipped pockets for all your essentials.
We would have appreciated a longer design for extra coverage, and some testers felt the jacket was slightly lacking on the style front, but that’s a sacrifice we’re willing to make for ultimate warmth and comfort.
Performance
The big question: did it keep us deliciously warm and cosy? That’s a big yes, according to our panel. “It felt like wearing a warm hug,” commented one tester, while another said: “The heat was well distributed, I loved it around my hands, neck and back.”
It warmed up quickly – you can start to feel some heat within moments of switching it on – and spread across the jacket in a few minutes. It even kept one tester cosy on the slopes in Alpes d'Huez. “I found it kept me really warm, dry and protected from the wind,” they told us.
The battery life also lived up to its claims, offering hours of unparalleled cosiness before running out of juice. “I’ve worn it several times and still haven’t had to charge it,” noted one happy tester.
We would have appreciated more heat around the chest area for additional warmth, but that was our only quibble.
Final verdict: Is the Ororo heated jacket worth it?
Personally, I can’t recommend it enough. For me, it has made outdoor trips – from short strolls to lengthy hikes – in cold weather much more appealing. Wearing the jacket means I don’t have to bundle myself up in lots of layers, I can simply put it on over my jumper and I’m ready to go.
I’ve even worn it on particularly nippy days when I’m working from home and don’t want to switch on the heating.
Not only does it keep me ultra snug and comfy, but it’s also extremely practical thanks to its weatherproof, breathable material, functional hood and array of pockets. It’s easy to keep in tip-top condition and even comes with a handy storage bag so you can neatly stash it away in the summer months (here's hoping).
The Ororo Heated Jacket is available to buy on Amazon.
More tried and tested picks to keep you toasty
Komfort 2 in 1 Fleecy Heated Mattress Topper and Electric Blanket
Cosy Foot Warmer FW20UK
Snugsie Giant Blanket
Intelliheat Heat Pad
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We take testing very seriously at the Good Housekeeping Institute – whether it’s waterproof trousers, greens powders or treadmills. Our health and wellness tester Kim Hawley has a level 4 personal training qualification and has more than 30 years' experience working in the fitness industry. For this test, she analysed all the testing feedback and assessed the product against its claims to give it a final score.
Priyankaa Joshi, our senior health and wellness writer, has written about hundreds of products and is always on the hunt for the buzziest new launches to put to the test. She translates the test results into clear reviews to help you make an informed decision before you buy.
You Might Also Like
