REVIEW – Living in Michigan, having warm outerwear in the winter is essential. I’m not a big fan of bulky winter coats, and I love to wear hoodies. I’ve tried vests as an option before, but they were either really bulky or too thin to provide enough warmth. Recently, I was allowed to test out a heated vest from IUREK. Having never used any type of heated apparel, I was intrigued and eager to give it a try.
What is it?
The IUREK ZD938 is a heated vest that is powered by a large capacity 10,000mAh rechargeable battery.
What’s in the box?
- Vest
- Rechargeable Battery
- Battery Charger w/EU, UK, and AU adaptors
- Handbag
- User Manual
Design and features
The IUREK heated vest and accessories come packed in a convenient carry bag. The vest is very lightweight and is made using DuPont cotton and polyester that is breathable, lightweight, waterproof, windproof, and machine washable.
The company name is embroidered on the upper right chest and just above that is a rubberized logo. More on that later in this review.
The vest also has two zippered front pockets and a removable hood.
Overall, I like the style of the vest, and it is solidly constructed right down to the use of trustworthy YKK zippers.
The star feature, of course, is the vests heating element. There are four heating zones, the two pockets, mid-back, and the collar. Each area is heated using carbon fiber coils that heat up quickly. There are 4 heat settings, Preheat, Low (100°F), Medium (113°F), and (High131°F). For safety, the heating element is equipped with a temperature control system that provides short-circuit and overheating protection.
Battery pack
The vest is powered by a large capacity 10000 mAh rechargeable battery pack. The battery is about the size of a deck of cards and weighs just under half a pound.
There is a battery percentage readout that displays the exact battery life from 0 – 100%. The battery uses a Type C input port for quick charging via an included Type C cable.
As an added bonus, the battery pack doubles as a portable charger for your smart devices. You can charge those devices using the USB output port located on the top of the battery.
When fully charged, the battery will provide 10 hours of heat on the low setting. So, depending on how you use the vest, your mileage may vary. Personally, I didn’t find the battery life to be a problem. I just got into the habit of plugging it into the charger after each use. Fully charging the battery takes about 5 hours.
Setup
To start using the vest, plug the battery pack into the DC plug located in the small inside pocket. To turn it on, long-press the rubberized logo control button for 3 seconds. The logo will begin to pulse red, indicating it is in preheat mode. Yes, the logo actually lights up. It takes about 5 minutes for the vest to preheat. At which time, it will automatically default to the medium heat setting. A single press of the control button changes the heat setting. The color of the logo indicates the heat setting, blue for low, white for medium, and red for high. Long pressing the control button again turns the vest off.
Performance
I tested the vest in temperatures ranging from the mid-’40s to the low 30’s and was extremely impressed by how it performed. Despite being lightweight, it does a great job of blocking out the wind and retaining body heat. The heating element worked like a dream keeping me nice and toasty, whether I was walking my dog or just out running errands. As an added bonus, wearing it after working out at the gym provides soothing heat to my sore muscles. The vest feels so good that I literally hate taking it off when I get home.
If you can’t tell already, I love this vest, and I’ve worn it just about every day since receiving it. It looks great, has a comfortable, tailored fit, and it is not at all bulky.
What I like
- Stylish
- Lightweight
- Warm
- Heats up quickly
- Good battery life
- Battery doubles as a charger
- Removable hood
What I’d change
- Absolutely nothing
Final thoughts
The IUREK heated vest instantly became one of my favorite products I reviewed in 2020. If you spend any time outdoors in the fall and winter, this vest should be on your wishlist.
Price: $129.98
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by IUREK.
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I’ve never understood vests. I know it’s a personal taste thing, but putting the electrical component (pun) aside, don’t extremities get cold first because they’re hangin’ out there? Mine do. My Mom gave me a vest for Christmas and I asked her if I could have the arms for my birthday. I’d get too hot in the torso and my arms were freezing. I needed – – a COAT !
Can other USB-C batteries be swapped in?
Cybe,
This is from IUREK’s website.
“We DO NOT suggest you use batteries from other companies on IUREK heated clothing. If the power of your battery is beyond what the garments is capable of taking in, the heated apparel could light on fire or the battery could explode.If you need a back-up battery, please order on http://www.iurekwear.com.”
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Total garbage company, though. I bought a jacket and, less than a year later, the battery died. The only way to contact them about a warranty replacement is through email. I’ve now emailed them ten times over two months and have only received one response, about two weeks in. I’ve since been ignored. I wouldn’t buy from these guys, they’ll ghost you on your warranty.