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Best heated jackets and coats to keep you warm this winter

 (Unsplash)
(Unsplash)

There are many moments in Back to the Future II that fans of the movie marvel at, not least the futuristic inventions that audiences in the 80s imagined the shiny new millennium might have in store.

From self-lacing sneakers to apps that pinpoint the precise end of a rain shower, the second instalment of Robert Zemeckis’s epic trilogy is packed with genius wizardry and tech.

While we still live in hope for a time-travelling DeLorean to roll onto forecourts (ahem, CC: Tesla), there is one version of a product in the movie that you can get your hands on right now - a heated jacket.

In the movie, Marty McFly wears a jacket which self-dries after he foils Griff and his band of bullies and falls into the Clock Tower pond.

Today’s heated jackets are the closest we can get to that - and once tried (especially in winter’s freezing temperatures), it’s hard to go back.

How do heated jackets work?

Using heating panels in the chest and back, they’re powered with the help of lightweight portable battery packs. The rechargeable power banks usually sit in a dedicated pocket in the lining or in an internal pocket, keeping it safe from our infamous British weather.

Are heated jacket safe?

Absolutely - there’s no chances of accidental shocks here. As well as a safety switch-off which cuts the power if the panels are overheating, most coats are made to withstand bad weather, featuring things like water-repellent finishes. These also add an extra layer of protection to the power banks.

Whether you want to find a way to make working outdoors less of a misery, or you simply like the idea of an extra boost of heat on the move, a heated jacket can make winter wonderful again.

We’ve rounded up the best designs for both men and women to shop now.

See our favourites below

Kintiwe Heated Jacket for Women

The Scandinavians have a saying: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes". That's certainly true when it comes to this future-forward coat, which has carbon fibre warming panels by the front two pockets and three across the back. They're powered with a 7200mAh battery which can last for up to eight hours with a top temperature of 60°C - Jack Frost won't get a look in. There's also a hood and elastic cuffs to keep the cold well and truly out.

Buy now £139.99, Amazon

Men’s Thermogen Powercell 5000 Insulated Quilted Heated Jacket Black

This unassuming-looking jacket has a hot secret up its sleeve. It uses a rechargeable copper heating zone to keep you toasty, whether you’re braving the commute or heading out for a hillside hike. Not only will the padded hooded jacket keep chills at bay, but you can even charge your phone through the water repellent jacket - what’s not to love?

Browse Regatta’s full range of heated jackets for men and women here.

Buy now £125.95, Regatta

Regatta Women’s Voltera Waterproof Heated Jacket Claret

Stay red hot in more ways than one with Regatta’s heated jacket, available from sizes 10 - 20 in a rich claret colour. The heated hooded jacket boasts a water-repellent finish, taped seams and plenty of insulation, while still being breathable, keeping sweat at bay.

It’s warm enough on its own, but if you need an extra boost, simply activate the battery powered heating system on the back panel - you’ll be snug as a bug in no time. The power bank, sold separately, sits safe from the elements in an inner pocket.

Buy now £79.95, Regatta

Ladies’ Battery Heated Waistcoat Jacket With Collar - by Warmawear™

Whether you’re tending to the garden or nipping to the shops for supplies, this heated sleeveless jacket will be your white knight in keeping warm. Made from easy-care polyester, it heats using a battery pack stored in an inner pocket. The high collar also helps protect your necks against wintry breezes. Available in small to medium sizes.

Buy now £34.99, Primrose

Blazewear Women’s Explorer Jacket - Navy

Using TriZone Heat Technology with heating elements across the chest and on the back, the Explorer jacket puts outdoor pursuits back on the cards. It uses a rechargeable 5V powerbank, which once connected, offers three heat settings so you can reach your desired level of toastiness with the push of a button.

Besides the built-in central heating, the jacket is filled with Thermolite insulation, which will cloak you in warmth alone, while fleece-lined front pockets help keep your mitts warm too - helpful if you forget your gloves.

Buy now £199.99, Blazewear

CONQUECO Heated Vest Jacket: Lightweight Slim Fit Gilet Coat

A gilet with ambition, this piece is ideal for everything from taking Rover for daily walkies and camping trips to keeping warm on the terraces at the next big game.

The padded sleeveless jacket has warming panels across the chest, all working to keep your core nice and warm with a choice of three settings that go up to 65℃ - winter weather stands no chance.

Available in sizes M - 3XL.

Buy now £105.99, Amazon

Regatta Women's Voltera Loft II Insulated Heated Jacket Navy

A warm coat that doesn’t weigh you down, Regatta has hit the nail on the head with its Voltera insulated jacket, which comes in navy as well as a beetroot red. The heated tech is one large panel on the back, which runs on a battery pack. It’s lightweight and water repellent with elasticated cuffs and hems to keep the warmth where it should be.

Buy now £63.95, Regatta

Electric Heating Cotton Coat Men Women USB Charging Heated Jacket

Once bought, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get this heated jacket sooner. It will have you feeling as snug as a bug no matter what’s on the agenda, from a wintry walks and ice fishing to snow-based exploits on the slopes. There are three heat settings which you can adjust according to the chill and the shell is made from water repellent polyester to keep you dry when it’s damp. This doesn’t mean it’s showerproof though, so avoid wearing in rain.

Buy now £32.99, ManoMano