We were lucky enough to be one of the first to get to test Milwaukee M12 Heated Jackets last year, early in the season. Unfortunately not everyone was as lucky; many of the jackets did not make it to stores in time for the holidays… or even by the end of winter. Heated jackets don’t do a lot of good in March or April when the last of the back orders were finally cleared. It seemed that the small size was really popular and perhaps unexpected that women might really like a heat jacket as well?
Next winter this will not be the case as the Milwaukee Jackets 2331 ($169, Ohio Power Tool) will be in plentiful supply as well as in a new color, Camo. This makes sense to us because the most benefit we found with this jacket last year was when we were sitting outside not moving around, like you would be when you are hunting. But what about a BLACK jacket fellas? (UPDATE: Realtree AP Camouflage Jacket ready to order 2332 Jacket Only or 2333 Jacket Kit with battery)
The new jackets also gets a few upgrades including larger battery pocket that can accommodate the XC battery (although we did find 2 regular M12 fit in original) also the blinking controls moved to the inside which after the 40th time someone asks, why is your jacket glowing probably isn’t a bad idea. Read more on the new Realtree AP camouflage jacket launch below the Youtube video in the Milwaukee Press Release.
MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation continues to expand the industry’s largest sub-compact battery system with the introduction of the new M12™ Realtree AP™ Heated Jacket. The new addition to the M12™ family follows the Fall 2010 launch of the very popular red M12™ Heated Jacket to satisfy mounting user requests to expand the jacket line to include gear for activities off the jobsite like hunting and fishing. This fall Milwaukee will offer the M12™ Heated Jacket in the most popular and versatile camouflage pattern, Realtree AP™. Coupled with Milwaukee innovation and powered by RED LITHIUM™ battery technology, the new jacket provides unmatched performance for the outdoorsmen.
“Compatible with the entire line of M12™ professional power tools, users can easily utilize the same battery they have been using all day on the jobsite for a weekend of hunting or fishing with their M12™ Realtree AP™ Heated Jacket,” says Mark Senske, Sr. Product Manager, M12™ Cordless Tools for Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. “Features such as a special fabric blend to reduce noise during movement, a concealed heat controller and a back tag patch to visibly display hunting licenses, demonstrate Milwaukee’s commitment to provide innovative products whether users are on or off the jobsite.”
Designed with best-in-class durability, the jacket will actively warm the body and stimulate blood circulation in even the coldest conditions. Hidden in a sleek back pocket, which can now expand to hold an XC battery, the M12™ RED LITHIUM™ battery delivers superior runtime, with up to six hours of continuous heat on a single battery charge.
Providing unparalleled warmth and comfort, the new heated jacket utilizes three carbon fiber heating zones, positioned in key areas, to warm the user’s core. This durable heating element can be set to high, medium, or low with a simple touch of a button. While the red M12™ Heated Jacket’s easy-touch heat controller is located on the lapel, the controller for the M12™ Realtree AP™ Heated Jacket is concealed just inside the lapel so that the blinking light of the controller is not visible while the user is trying to blend in to their surroundings. The heated jacket is also water and wind resistant to provide comfort and durability in harsh environments.
With constant innovation in Lithium-Ion, MILWAUKEE® continues to expand its leadership position in the sub-compact category. With over 30 tools currently in the system, the M12™ platform is the largest sub-compact system in the industry, offering innovative solutions in power, productivity, and portability.