I recently purchased the iHood All-Area Heating System 3.0 Vest and put it to the test in Northern New Jersey’s windy, 40-50-degree weather. Find out whether it is the perfect gear to keep you warm during late fall activities below:
iHood Heated Vest 3.0 Performance
Style and Fit
The iHood vest caught my eye with its stylish design. It’s black, hooded, and puffy – but not overly so – and extends just below the hip. Sizing is consistent with other popular brands like Columbia and North Face, as I found the medium size to be a perfect fit.
Driving Comfort
My first test involved running errands. With just a flannel shirt underneath, the vest’s performance in the car was my initial focus. As someone who finds heated car seats overwhelming after 30 minutes, the vest’s adjustable heating zones (back, chest, and hood) were a significant aspect. However, I had to fully remove the vest at one point due to its intense heat, highlighting a minor usability issue with the control button.
Warehouse Shopping Experience
Next, I tested the vest in a large warehouse store. The low heat setting was comfortable, especially in colder sections of the store. However, the battery’s weight and bulk were noticeable during extended walking, resembling carrying a large smartphone.
Outdoor Sports Viewing
The vest truly excelled during a windy, 50-degree outdoor lacrosse game. With all heating zones active and layered under a mid-length coat, the vest provided excellent warmth. The only downside was the back panel’s heat concentration, which I had to turn off for comfort.
Best Places To Buy
- Visit the iHood Store on Amazon
- Best Buy: Unavailable
- Walmart: Unavailable
- Official Store: $89.99
iHood Heated Vest 3.0 Features
- Internal Pockets: The iHood Vest has two pockets inside. One’s perfect for keeping the battery, and the other? Great for stashing your phone, keys, or whatever you need to carry around.
- Multi-functional Power Bank: This thing’s not just for heating the vest. It charges your phone and other gadgets too. Plus, it shows you how much juice is left, so you’re never guessing.
- Independent Heat Zone Control: Want heat on your chest, back, or around your neck? Just adjust it to heat where you need it. It’s like having your own thermostat.
Also Read: The Ultimate Family Guide to Amtrak Sleeper Car Travel – Comfort, Convenience, and Fun
What’s In The Box?
- The iHood Heated Vest
- Charging Cable and 3000mAh Battery
- Packaging Bag
- User Manual
Technical Specifications
Heating
- Heating Elements: Left and Right Chest, Collar, and Mid-Back
- Heating Levels: Pre-Heat, Low (113-122°F/45-50℃), Medium (122-140°F/50-60℃), and High (149-158°F/65-70°C)
- Heating Colors: Pre-Heat – Red Blinking LED, Low – Blue LED, Medium – White LED, and High – Red LED
Battery
- Battery Capacity: 3000mAh (22.2Wh)
- Battery Weight: 3.77oz
- Port Variety: Includes 2 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, and 1 micro-USB port.
- Battery Input: Type-C 5V/2A
- Battery Runtime: Low – 8 hours, Medium – 5 hours, and High – 3 hours
Other Things To Know
- Machine and Hand Washable
- 18-Months Warranty on the Battery
- 2-Year Warranty on the Heating Elements in the Vest.
Also Read: Outdoor Travel – The Ultimate Guide to the Gear Your Family Needs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Trendy Look: I love the look of this iHood vest! It’s got that chic, black, hooded style, and it’s puffy but not too much. Plus, it hits just right below the hip. Super stylish!
- Fits Like a Dream: It sizes up perfectly with other big brands like Columbia and North Face. I grabbed a medium, and it fits me just right.
- Customizable Warmth: This vest is a game-changer with its adjustable heating zones – back, chest, and hood. Perfect for those chilly Jersey days.
- Awesome for Chilly Outdoor Events: It was a lifesaver at a windy, 50-degree lacrosse game. Layered it under my coat, turned on all the heat zones, and I was snug as a bug!
- Comfy for Indoor Shopping: Walking around those big, drafty warehouse stores, the low heat setting kept me comfortably warm.
Cons:
- Can Get Too Hot: At times, this vest gets so hot, that I’ve had to take it off for a bit – talk about too much of a good thing!
- Tricky Heat Control: The button to adjust the heat could be easier to use. Sometimes it feels like a bit of a hassle.
- Battery Feels Heavy: Carrying the battery around feels like lugging a giant smartphone. You notice it after a while, especially on long walks.
- Heat’s a Bit Much in the Back: The back panel can get too hot, even for me. I’ve had to switch it off a few times to keep it from overheating.
Verdict
Recommended for Outdoor Activities
Overall, the iHood All-Area Heating System 3.0 Vest is ideal for static outdoor activities in around 50-degree weather, like watching sports. It’s fashionable enough to wear without the heating elements in other scenarios.
