As outdoor media professionals, there are mixed reviews on heated jackets. Some pros love them and some pros prefer simply layering up and keeping moving to stay warm. For those who find themselves braving the elements to capture the perfect shot or story — often having to stay still so the wildlife won’t spot them — a heated jacket could make your time outdoors in cold weather a little more comfortable.
Epedically in mountain states and cold weather international destinations, a winter morning or the unpredictable weather of Spring equally require you to be in the cold and find creative ways to stay warm.
Here are a few benefits to wearing heated jackets in the field.
Extend your battery life with heated pockets
The first time I zipped up the Venustas Heated Waterproof Heated Lightweight Jacket, it was 20°F and I was on a ridge in western Montana waiting for a pair of elk to come into camera range. What I didn’t expect was how much difference those heated pockets would make. And not just for my hands. The pockets kept my spare battery from dying which made me comfortable knowing I had plenty of time in the field with reliable gear. Not all heated jackets come with heated pockets, so be sure to do your research.
With heated pockets, you can easily keep your phone, camera and drone batteries warm enough to hold a charge until you need them. And even if your heated jacket doesn’t come with heated pockets, you could secure your camera battery in a pocket just underneath the heated jacket in your mid layer jacket. The heat will still help extend the battery life. Bonus tip: Get a heated jacket that’s also waterproof so you can protect your batteries and cell phone from the elements. Look for waterproof zippers with taped seams.
Stay out longer during winter wildlife photo shoots
In cold weather months photographers often camp out in the early morning to photograph wildlife. And once you arrive, there’s no hiking to warm you up when your job is to stay hidden and still for hours. And when you have gear and a tripod in the snow, you may have to take your gloves off more than you’d like.
This is where the heating zones in a heated jacket help. Venustas engineers designed their heated coats with five zones — chest, mid-back, and both pockets. You get core warmth where it matters. It’s also not bulky like some insulated jackets, so you still get full range of motion with a camera rig.
Enjoy warmth during on-air interviews and social media coverage
The last thing you want to do during an on-air interview is shiver because you’re too cold. And if you’re filming for social media behind the scenes or as a content creator, being cold can distract you and you may not be your creative best self. Let’s say you’re covering a snowshoeing clinic in the shooting B-roll, interviewing instructors and checking in with a local guide. The event is outdoors, temps are in the teens, and you have to look presentable. A heated jacket like the Venustas jacket worked perfectly for this. It has a clean, low-profile cut and the heat will help you stay toasty and focused, without feeling the urge to get to the lodge or heated room as soon as possible and miss a good filming opportunity.
If you’re doing on-camera work, you can also stash your lav mic receiver in one of the inner pockets. Again, small field detail, but it matters when you’re out there for hours at a time.
Additional tips for using a Venustus heated jacket in the field
Charging + Battery Life
The 12V battery takes about 2 hours to fully charge and has three heat levels so make sure you have enough time to fully charge the battery before you head out. On low, you should get about 10 hours, on medium around 5–6, and on high about 3. You should carry a spare battery in your pack (or in your heated pockets) for longer days.
Adjusting Heat Levels
The control button is on the chest and easy to access. One press cycles through heat levels (red for high, white for medium, blue for low). You’ll see the light through the shell, which is nice in low light.
Washing and Maintenance
Yes, it’s machine washable, but take the battery out. After a full season of use, you should have all the seams, zippers, and heating zones still working great.
Pocket Functionality
The pockets are a generous size and the heating effect makes them great for electronics. You can even get a GoPro in there to keep the battery warm enough for a longer session. There are seven functional pockets including two zippered chest pockets, two zippered hand pockets, one zippered sleeve pocket, one inner chest pocket, and one battery pocket.
Final thoughts on using a heated jacket
A heated jacket isn’t a piece of gear you wear to make a statement. It’s the kind of jacket you start relying on quietly, because it works, it adapts and it can make your job a little easier when conditions aren’t cooperating.
If you’re an outdoor reporter, photographer or filmmaker working in cold climates, a heated jacket might just be one of the most practical additions to your kit. It’s not flashy. It’s not overbuilt. But it’s versatile enough to go from pre-dawn trail to mid-afternoon interviews without having to swap layers.