I have been using a heated jacket or vest for several years, and it’s become a DIY winter essential.
I would never be able to fully celebrate how much I love heated jackets, vests, and gloves, and any kind of heated clothes.
You could say that I’m temperaturely-challenged, in that I’m always colder than the other humans around me. My mom started asking me put my hand on the back of her neck when I was a kid, as my hands can be as cold as ice packs. Helpful to have a human ice pack nearby, I suppose.
Why do I need them?
A few years ago, when my fingertips were numb for six weeks, I learned that I actually have Raynaud’s. It’s a condition where there is an interruption of blood flow to extremities when there’s exposure to cold temperatures. It’s not a rare condition, as Raynaud’s Association says that 5 to 10 percent of Americans have it.
Those 6 weeks of doing winter DIY projects with hands that were functioning more like giant muppet gloves changed my cold-weather gear. I became vigilant about keeping my core, my hands and my feet warm. It may take as long for me to get ready to go out in the colder weather, as it does a baby. However, the heated jacket, insoles, and gloves have helped me avoid another long numb episode. And I’ve avoided taking medication to increase blood flow, too.
How long can a heated vest last?
Whether you have Raynaud’s or if you just like to DIY outside in the cold, a heated vest is a wise purchase. Some rechargeable batteries last up to 10 hours on low heat setting. The extra heat will keep your core temperature warm and increase the amount of time you can work outside comfortably.
Can you comment on the battery life of the gloves and insoles?