Favourite quote/snippet from the linked vest page:

"update your garments when new firmware becomes available."

Now there's a sentence that I suspect we wouldn't have imagined 10 years ago...

I recently got a whole series of heated gloves, socks, coat, etc., and when I have them all on I think of the preacher from Johnny Mnemonic.

I also got my wife a similar one a couple of years ago, and it definitely marks the high-water mark for gift giving. I doubt I'll ever be able to live up to it. You can also buy a spare battery as a follow up gift the next year.

Now if only she would gift me one in return...

> This was possibly my most successful gift in our 12 year marriage.

My husband got me this heated blanket from LL Bean and it is my absolute favorite gift he's given me in 15 years together! This thing is amazing! I want to wfh just to curl my feet in the blanket. https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/124706

I want to get one for every family member now.

FWIW an other option which turns out to be quite ridiculous for heat is the hanten (japanese winter vests).

They're thick padded cotton, and once the vest has warmed up (which doesn't take too much time) it's really warm and comfy, if a tad bulky.

Wool is more effective insulation than cotton, and also insulates when damp/wet, unlike cotton (thus the saying "cotton kills"). I suspect the reputation of this type of jacket is more cultural than anything.

> Wool is more effective insulation than cotton, and also insulates when damp/wet

Not a factor when (again) not exposed to the elements.

> I suspect the reputation of this type of jacket is more cultural than anything.

It really is not. I suggested it from experience because I have one in my closet.

Isn't that just a regular jacket, in Japanese style?

Not really. In terms of length it sits somewhere between jacket and coat, but is also very much designed to be worn indoor (as traditionally japan doesn't use central heating). It doesn't much protect against the elements as it has a non-overlapping lapel with cords stiched on the edge for closure. In essence the front is mostly open, even when tied.

I didn't even know jackets and coats were different things.

It's funny, but I'd like to have the complement of that! I'm never cold in my torso, it's always only the arms and hands.

Heat your torso and the arms and hands will get better circulation and feel warmer as well.

Doesn't work like that for me. I get all sweaty but hands remain cold.

Same. Search for something like fingerless gloves or mittens. By keeping your wrists properly insulated your hand/fingers don't get cold but you can still use them pretty much as normal.

I use them occasionally if I get cold hands.

Put off by the Bluetooth + phone app. Can you change the temperature without an app?

Anyone else notice the irony given the article?

"Low-tech Magazine questions the blind belief in technological progress, and talks about the potential of past and often forgotten knowledge and technologies when it comes to designing a sustainable society."

"The Summit Heated Vest has 2 ways to adjust the temperature. First, the built-in waterproof touch control button. With a simple button push, it lets you choose from 4 instant heat settings with multi-colored LED indicator."

Oh yes, we don't use the bluetooth functionality at all. Everything on the vest is button-operated.

Can anyone recommend a well made EU-based alternative? The Fieldsheer collection looks great, but duties and taxes.

My parents have used the Therm-IC products for years, especially socks for skiing, they've been happy with them.

Personally I find that either I'm doing low intensity physical activity and I can just put on my Sorel Glacier XT boots and Hestra Army Leather mitts and stay warm, or I'm doing something more high intensity and my feet and hands only need normal boots and gloves.

In both cases I wear a thick merino base layer, fleece midlayer with varying thickness according to temperature and activity level, and GoreTex Pro outer layer that has zippers under arms and along thighs such that you can adapt ventilation seamlessly to variations in activity level. This works nicely from +5 C all the way down to -30 or -40 C (depending on wind chill and humidity, you might not last very long at -40 C though).

$10 diy options on AliExpress work just fine: https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrYvL2U

I use it for a motorcycle jacket.

Wonder if they sell just the heat and controls. My wife wouldn't like the material / style but would love to make her own

I say this only so that you know it's worth searching, because I don't have any links handy at the moment: yes, you can buy the wiring or carbon inserts separately as well as some kind of controller. I say this because I've previously researched such things for making heated motorcycle clothing (which, when combined with the higher power of a motorcycle electrical system, will keep you balmy for as long as the bike is running). One can do anything from sourcing your own wire to buying pre-made carbon inserts (such as in heated auto seats), to kits you just sew into the clothing. There are pages that will tell you how to do the math for wattage draw, etc., should you need such.

It's been a number of years since I've done this research, so your options should be even more broad now, because heated clothing that isn't motorcycle/snowmobile-specific is a relatively new thing (thanks, lithium batteries!).

Anyway, the stuff is out there, you'll just have to go look for it.

Thanks so much mikestew, I'll have to chat with her about this. I've also considered vest for my bike, just haven't been riding much during the pandemic.

I want a sleeping bag with this.

Which "this", a warm and grateful spouse, or a hot water bottle?

Search AliExpress for "jacket heater". they're all pretty simple devices.