Most people think you just need an extra thick jumper or a fancier down jacket to stay warm in British winters. I used to think the same… until one soggy October weekend in the Lakes taught me otherwise.
Since then, I’ve learned that a heated bodywarmer isn’t just some fancy gadget but proper comfort when the chill won’t let up. Whether you’re camping, walking the dog, fishing at dawn, or just trying to keep warm without blasting the heating, a heated vest or gilet might just become your new winter essential.
Vest, Gilet, Bodywarmer: What’s the Difference and Who Needs Which?
Let’s clear up one thing: “gilet,” “vest,” and “bodywarmer” get thrown around like they’re all the same, but each suits different folk.
A gilet is sleeveless, often padded, usually casual, and built for movement. Think of your classic hiking or cycling mid-layer. A vest can mean the same thing, but Brits sometimes use “vest” for a smarter, tailored piece, maybe under a suit. A bodywarmer in the UK is bulkier – more focused on warmth than style. I reach for my bodywarmer when I’m car camping up in Scotland and want to keep toasty, not when I’m heading to a fancy pub.
For campers, dog-walkers, or anyone active, a heated gilet is your best mate – it’s light, offers freedom to move, and delivers warmth straight to your core. For super cold or static activities (like birdwatching at dawn), a thick heated bodywarmer is hard to beat.
Top Heated Bodywarmers, Vests & Gilets in the UK
1. Ororo Heated Vest
Specs & Features:
- Panels: Chest, back & collar heating
- Battery: Ororo Mini 5K Li-ion (4800 mAh, ≈10 hours low / 3 hours high)
- Price: £110-£120
- Style: Streamlined, unisex, suitable for casual wear or layering
- Control: Three heat settings; single-button operation
I’ve taken the Ororo vest across harsh Cornish coastal mornings, and it performed like a trusty heat source, cutting through those biting winds and letting me skip the stove-on-sundown scramble. The padding feels reassuringly rugged, and it never comes off looking too ‘techy’.
Charging is surprisingly easy – the battery top-ups in under 4 hours, and the included USB-C stick keeps a full 10 hours on low heat. That makes it reliable for full-day hikes or long campsite sessions.
What I love is how easy it is to use: one click for low, two for medium, three for high. No faffing. Just pop it on, turn it on, and immediate warmth envelops core areas. For everyday use, including dog walks, commuting, camping, the vest hits the sweet spot between comfort, durability, and performance.
2. Conqueco Heated Vest
Specs & Features:
- Panels: Chest, back, neck coverage
- Battery: Up to 8 hours on low, 4 on high
- Price: ~£100
- Fabric: Thick polyester fleece lining, practical cut
- Sizes: S-XL
On a crisp Wiltshire morning, the Conqueco vest surprised me with instant warmth from its cosy fleece lining and evenly spread heat zones. It’s not flashy, but it radiates reliability – ideal for people who prioritize function over form.
Its battery life on medium is enough to last a full outdoor day, though heavy users may want a spare pack. The vest stayed dry in damp conditions, and a quick hang to dry had it ready for the next day – no signs of wear even after repeated use.
Note: Conqueco's brand support isn’t the strongest – some users report poor customer care. So if you’re shopping with peace of mind, consider that. But function-wise, it offers solid warmth and feels hardwearing.
3. Gokozy Heated Gilet
Quick Specs & Features:
- Panels: Five carbon-fibre zones (neck, back, abs, waist)
- Controls: Dual-zone temperature, 3 heat levels (≈140 °F max)
- Battery: USB power bank (10,000 mAh) lasting ~3.5h high, ~8h med, ~8.5h low
- Price: £70-£100
- Style: Slim, monochrome, functional
For a midgey midnight by Loch Linnhe, the Gokozy gilet was a hero. The dual-zone controls let me keep my core blazing hot while going easy on my neck. Fast heat-up and long-lasting warmth made it perfect for camping nights.
The battery is generous – not just heated wearpower, but a chance to charge your phone via USB too. But fair warning: the LED heat indicators stay lit until you power down, which might bug some users.
Comfort-wise, it's slim enough to layer under a waterproof or thicker coat, though those with broader chests might find it snug – upsizing is a good call. If you want core warmth without fuss, it's a clever, affordable pick.
Top Heated Bodywarmers: A Quick Comparison
Ororo Heated Vest
Heating Zones: Chest, back, collar
Battery Life: Up to 10 hrs (low), ~3 hrs (high)
Control Settings: 3 heat levels, 1-button control
Style: Sleek & versatile for outdoor or urban wear
Material: Durable fabric, lightweight padding
Battery Type: Proprietary Ororo Mini 5K
Price Range: £110–£120
Best For: Daily wear, commuters, reliable winter warmth
Conqueco Heated Vest
Heating Zones: Chest, back, neck
Battery Life: Up to 8 hrs (low), ~4 hrs (high)
Control Settings: 3 heat levels
Style: Practical & outdoorsy
Material: Thick polyester with fleece lining
Battery Type: Standard lithium battery
Price Range: ~£100
Best For: Budget-conscious campers, reliable core warmth
Gokozy Heated Gilet
Heating Zones: Neck, back, abs, waist (5 zones)
Battery Life: Up to 8.5 hrs (low), ~3.5 hrs (high)
Control Settings: 3 heat levels, dual-zone control
Style: Slim, functional, best for layering
Material: Softshell with carbon-fibre heat elements
Battery Type: USB power bank (often 10,000 mAh)
Price Range: £70–£100
Best For: Cold nights camping, layering under outerwear
Main Benefits of Heated Outerwear
You might wonder, isn’t a thick jacket enough? Sure, until you’ve sat outside at 6°C with rain in the air for five hours straight. Here’s why heated bodywarmers are worth your cash:
- Targeted warmth: Heats up your core where it counts think of places like chest, back, and sometimes neck. I’ve layered them under rain jackets and skipped the usual shivers around the firepit.
- Cuts energy bills: I’ve worn mine indoors all winter to dodge cranking the heating. Cosy at my desk, and the smart meter isn’t screaming at me.
- Flexible layering: Pop one under a waterproof or softshell, and you’re set for anything from frosty commutes to cold wild-camping bivvies.
- Freedom to move: Less bulk than a parka, and your arms are free.
How to Pick the Right Heated Vest or Gilet?
Picking the right heated bodywarmer actually matters. Don’t just grab the first one you see online.
- Heat settings: Look for at least three levels. High is good for sitting still, low for walking about.
- Battery life: Does it last your whole day? A battery that dies just before sunset is a pain. I’d rather carry a spare than freeze.
- Material: Polyester is the norm, with fleece for comfort. Make sure it dries fast if it gets soaked.
- Value: Higher price usually means better build and longer life, but only buy what you’ll actually use. If it’s just for camping weekends, you don’t need the top-shelf one.
- Looks: If you care about style off the campsite, Ororo’s a safe bet. Others are more functional.
Personal tip: Try before you buy, if you can. I once found out the “XL” actually fit like a medium – shouldn’t need to play Russian roulette with sizes.
Choosing Compatible Battery Packs for Heated Vests
Most heated bodywarmers don’t come with a battery. You’ll need a good power bank – think Anker Powercore 10000mAH. It’s small, tough, and tucks nicely in the inner pocket.
I cycle through two of them on long weekends away. Three hours on high, double that on low. Always keep your battery warm inside the vest; a frozen power bank dies quicker than a midge on a windy moor.
Accessibility and Sizing Options: Don’t Get Caught Out
Sizing is tricky. Most vests only go S-XL. If you’re above or below that, check specialist brands or see if a US import works. Go up a size if you want to layer underneath, but not too much, you want those heating elements snug against you.
If you’re shopping for a group, or for kids, measure up first. Nothing worse than new kit that doesn’t fit before a weekend trip.
Care, Cleaning, and Packing: Easy Maintenance for Campers
Keep it simple. Most heated bodywarmers can survive a machine wash – just unplug the battery first. I hand-rinse mine between trips, especially after muddy campsites.
To pack, roll it tight; don’t fold across battery wires. Store the battery separately and give both a once-over before next use. If you’re wild camping or heading for unpredictable weather, a dry bag is your best friend.
One tip from a hard-earned lesson near Brecon: leave the battery on charge before you pack. Arriving at camp with a dead power bank is a beginner’s mistake I made only once.
Conclusion: Best Heated Bodywarmer for Every Camping Need
If you want a “fit and forget” heated gilet for everything from hiking to pub trips, grab the Ororo. For those who care about warmth, not style, the Gokozy is reliable and toasty. On a budget? Conqueco offers real-world heat even on the coldest UK campsites.
Don’t wait to freeze through another British winter. Pick your heated bodywarmer based on real use, not just hype. Your bones, wallet, and mood will thank you.
For other cold-weather camping tips, check out our guide to the best winter sleeping bags. Stay warm and carry on camping.
