The High-Tech Camping Gadget Outdoor Enthusiasts Will Want To Pack For Cold-Weather Trips

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

If you're willing to brave the elements, the colder months of the year can be an epic time to go camping. Even some of the best national parks that have the most visitors can be transformed into near-empty wonderlands during the wintertime, but you should definitely invest in some high-tech gadgets ahead of your trip. A heated jacket could be the one thing that saves you from feeling miserable. 

There are plenty of reasons to visit national parks and other outdoor destinations when it's cold outside. The only real downside is that you may struggle to feel comfortable after a few hours outdoors. It can be hard to stay warm at night while camping. If you aren't wearing the proper clothing, you could run the risk of hypothermia, which can be life-threatening. If you're looking to enjoy some of the best destinations for winter fun, make sure you have quality clothing and gear to keep you warm and safe. Base layers, windbreakers, and accessories like beanies can all help — but if you really want to stay cozy, you should consider purchasing a heated jacket.

Even if you're someone who prefers to step away from your usual gadgets and unplug while spending time outdoors, investing in a high-tech heated coat might be a good idea. There are multiple options on the market that cost anywhere from $70 to $350. These innovative coats rely on batteries to create heat so you can spend hours outside without catching a chill. Activities like hiking, ice-fishing, skiing, camping, snowboarding, and snowshoeing will be much more pleasant if you have a high-quality heated coat.

The heated jackets on the market today rely on modern technology to keep people warm, but some say they've actually been around for over 100 years. A similar model was first invented by a German electrical engineer named George Endress in the 1920s, who designed a coat with heated metal coils for people who had to work outdoors in cold conditions.

The heated coats that you can buy today are made with conductive materials like carbon fibers or metal that run through the inside of the coat. The conductive materials attach to a battery pack that can run an electrical current through to heat up the entire coat. The process is similar to a heating pad or a heated blanket, except you won't have to plug it in to feel the heat since the battery packs provide the power. Most heated jackets on the market are rechargeable, but the battery will only remain charged for a certain number of hours. Many heated coats have high-tech temperature regulation systems and settings that allow outdoor enthusiasts to adjust the temperature as needed.

Many of the best jackets on the market are made from materials that evenly distribute heat and have built-in safety mechanisms that will automatically turn off the heat source if it reaches a dangerous temperature. Since the batteries are low voltage, the risk of getting shocked or electrocuted by a heated jacket is relatively low. Still, it's important to keep the battery away from liquids. You should never wear it to sleep. Common sense is crucial. If your jacket becomes unusually hot or uncomfortable, take it off. If the battery pack feels extremely hot to the touch, switch it off.

If you plan to wear your heated coat for outdoor recreation activities, choose an option crafted from heavy-duty materials that will stand up to your adventures and the elements. Keep in mind that the conductive materials and the battery pack make heated coats heavier and bulkier than non-electrical options, so you'll want to choose something appropriately lightweight and comfortable. 

The material that insulates the coat is an important factor. Options made with natural or synthetic down are a good choice, as are jackets with a waterproof outer layer. If you opt for a heated coat that isn't waterproof, consider layering it under a rain jacket. You'll want to select one that fits you well to retain warmth but leaves room to wear plenty of layers underneath. If the battery on your coat dies, you don't want to be left without any source of warmth, so wearing appropriate cold-weather layers is still important.

OAOA innovation makes a nice lightweight option at an affordable price point. Starting at about $70 on Amazon, the OAOA Innovation Heated Jacket has three different heating levels, with the highest reaching 147 degrees Fahrenheit. It has an average rating of 4.5 stars based on over 700 reviews, which often mention that the battery lasts about 2.5 hours on the lowest setting. Venture Heat makes a high-end option that is insulated with real down fill for around $350. It can be controlled via Bluetooth, has three different heat levels, and the battery can last 10 hours or more at the lowest heat setting.