Review: this Bosch heated jacket gives you a toasty chest – for a hefty price
23.1.2023
Translation: Katherine Martin
It’s cold. For me, that usually means one thing: layering. Many jackets aren’t warm enough – and with many jumpers, it’s the same story. This heated jacket from Bosch could be a game changer. If only it were a little cheaper.
Never before have I had a jacket delivered in a specially designed box. That’s my first clue that this is going to be more of a DIY product than a fashion one. In a second box I’ve ordered in addition, there’s a 12-volt battery (compatible with all of Bosch’s 12-volt system tools) and a matching charging dock. Why? Because this black jacket is heatable.
Source: Carolin Teufelberger
Not bad at all for a work jacket
I’m glad that the jacket (actually more of a zippered hoodie) is more subtle than I’d expected. The brand name is only embroidered on the top left, not all over the chest. Right next to it, there’s the on/off button, which can also be used to switch between three different temperatures. Red indicates the highest temperature, green indicates medium and blue indicates the lowest temperature.
If you want the jacket to heat you up, you’ll need to attach the included battery. To do this, there’s an inside pocket with a connector plug. For the battery to fit, it needs to go into an adapter resembling a case. The battery’s 370 grammes become noticeable as I’m putting on the jacket. When I’m wearing it, it’s fine; the elasticated hem cushions the extra weight. The size of the battery bothers me more than its weight; the shape of it is easily noticeable, even when the jacket is zipped up. Because of this, the battery can also be clipped to your belt. The thing is, this reminds me too much of the time when people did that with their flip phones.
Source: Carolin Teufelberger
It’d be nice to have the heated components lower down
I crank up the heat to the highest setting straight away. After five minutes, I can feel the warmth coming through. One user has already summarised the sensation pretty well in a product review: it feels as if you’ve stuffed a couple of those cheap hand warmers inside your jacket. The jacket has three heated elements: two at chest height, next to the zipper, and one at the back, slightly below the mid-point. It would’ve been nice to have that last one positioned a little lower down. I don’t usually feel the cold in areas of my body that are right under the jacket. Instead, it’s the parts close to the hem that get chilly. Basically, at the transition between my back and butt, or below my navel.
That being said, the heated elements work and can really be felt in each area. On long walks outdoors, the jacket keeps my upper body warm. However, at the temperatures we’re getting at the moment, the jacket alone doesn’t cut it. I wear it as a middle layer, which is no big deal; I’d never wear it as an outer layer anyway. Although Bosch really has made an effort to keep it all subtle, its features are still too ugly for everyday wear. The polyester gives the jacket a slight sheen, the brand name appears in a conspicuous red and the on/off button lights up.
Source: Carolin Teufelberger
Conclusion: too pricey for me
On the other hand, that isn’t what it’s meant for. I’m happy to wear it while gardening or walking the dog, but that’s the very problem. I do these things way too rarely (only when I’m visiting my parents, if at all). As an occasionally worn gimmick, the heated jacket is too expensive for my liking. It costs 199 francs including the battery and charging dock. Without the accessories, it’s 50 francs cheaper. If, unlike me, you already have a 12-volt battery from Bosch Professional, it’s financially worthwhile.
The jacket could be useful to you as a warming middle layer if you’re often outside for long periods in winter. Given that it’s only heated at certain points, however, you’d be ill-advised to wear it as an outer layer; the sleeves and large parts of the back and stomach barely get warm. But it does heat up reliably and stays that way for several hours. And in a pinch, you can use the USB port to charge your mobile phone or earphones.
My life in a nutshell? On a quest to broaden my horizon. I love discovering and learning new skills and I see a chance to experience something new in everything – be it travelling, reading, cooking, movies or DIY.