Cold weather has always been the biggest obstacle to keeping my running and hiking routine going through winter. When it is 25°F outside, crawling out of a warm bed to go exercise feels… questionable at best.
So when Bosch released the Bosch PSJ120 heated jacket, originally designed for construction workers, I decided to try something a little unconventional and use it as a winter running jacket.
Turns out, heated jackets and early morning runs are a surprisingly good match.
In fact, this one simple piece of gear made getting out the door in the cold dramatically easier.
Quick verdict: A surprisingly effective winter running jacket that keeps your core warm and reduces the need for multiple bulky layers.
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Bosch PSJ120 Heated Jacket Overview
The PSJ120 uses Bosch's 12-volt lithium-ion battery platform to power three heating elements inside the jacket. It was originally designed for contractors who work outside all winter, but it turns out those same features are perfect for outdoor exercise.
Reflective accents improve visibility, the soft shell material blocks wind, and the heating elements warm your core quickly when you step outside into freezing air.
Pros & Cons
- Three heating zones warm the core quickly
- Excellent wind resistance
- Battery pack includes USB phone charging
- Reflective accents improve night visibility
- Reduces the need for bulky winter layers
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Hand wash only
- Battery adds slight weight
- LED indicator hard to see in sunlight
- Zipper pull is on the “wrong” side for a typical US men’s jacket
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Battery Powered Heating System
The jacket runs on a small Bosch 12V lithium-ion battery which slides into a holster that comes with the jacket. The power cable plugs into the holster and the battery sits in a zippered pocket inside the jacket.
Once inside the pocket the battery sits comfortably on your side and does not bounce around while running. I honestly forget it is even there most of the time.
USB Charging Built Into the Battery Pack
The holster also includes a USB port that allows you to charge your phone while wearing the jacket.
You simply connect your cable, press the USB button on the side of the holster, and the battery will charge your phone while still powering the heating elements.
I track workouts using Noom, so this has actually saved me a few mornings when I forgot to charge my phone overnight.
Heating Performance
The heating system has three levels:
- High (red)
- Medium (green)
- Low (blue)
You turn the heat on by holding the chest button for four seconds. Pressing it again cycles through the heat levels.
Battery life depends on the heat setting:
- Low: about 6 hours
- High: roughly 2 hours
When I head outside before sunrise I usually start on high to pre-warm the jacket, then switch to medium or low once I start jogging.
Even though the heating elements are only in the chest and back, warming your core makes your whole body feel warmer. Blood circulation stays more normal instead of pulling heat away from your hands and feet.
Wind and Water Resistance
The soft shell material blocks wind extremely well and sheds water surprisingly effectively.
It is not marketed as waterproof, and Bosch recommends avoiding heavy rain while the heating system is on. Still, light rain or snow has never been a problem in my testing.
Sizing
The jacket is available in sizes from Small to 3XL.
For running I chose a size slightly smaller than I normally wear so the jacket fits closer to my body and keeps the heating elements near my core.
| S | M | L | XL | XXL | 3XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest | 49" | 51" | 53" | 56" | 58" | 61" |
| Height | 29" | 29.1" | 30" | 30.1" | 31.4" | 31.6" |
| Arm Length | 32.4" | 33" | 33.7" | 34.3" | 34.9" | 35.7" |
Final Verdict
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Bosch heated jacket battery last?
On low heat the battery can last about six hours. On high heat it usually lasts around two hours.
Can you run in a heated jacket?
Yes. The heating elements warm your core which makes winter running much more comfortable.
Is the Bosch heated jacket waterproof?
No. It is water resistant but Bosch recommends avoiding heavy rain while the heating system is active.
Do Bosch tool batteries work with the jacket?
Yes. If you already own Bosch 12V tools you can use the same batteries.
Is the jacket machine washable?
No. Bosch recommends hand washing and air drying the jacket.
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