These heated jackets for men and women are easy to use and warm up quickly

Available in sizes 8-20, this vibrant red parka jacket has a faux-fur-trimmed hood in contrasting black, which matches the popper buttons throughout too. We were immediately drawn to the number of pockets the heated coat has, including two on the chest and two deeper waist ones. Whether on a dog walk or just heading out and about, pockets always win extra practicality and comfort points.

In fact, it’s inside a pocket that the heated element of this jacket originates from, with there being a rechargeable battery pack in one of the popper-fastening compartments. This slimline 210g rectangular battery sits neatly in the pocket and is then attached to a USB cable at the end of a wire threaded through the coat.

We found the coat to be a boxy fit, which works well over layers, particularly on colder days. But, if you did want to have a more structured silhouette, there’s a bungee cord to pull for cinching in the jacket at your waist. We also liked the mid-length shape, for creating warmth in our upper body and not being too bulky.

After putting the coat on, we attached the USB cable to the battery pack, which was straightforward. There is no switch to activate the heating and, similarly, if you’d like to turn it off, just pull the cable out of the battery pack. We were pleased to notice the coat began warming up quite quickly, and this gradual heat spread throughout the coat’s inner panels. By the time we’d been walking for a few minutes, the jacket had become toasty warm, and it retained that heat after unplugging the cable too.

We also marvelled at the fact that, to everyone else passing us, this coat looked like any other. The wires and battery aren’t visible at all. It’s estimated by the brand you’ll get two to six hours’ heat from the battery. We found a full charge lasted for a good few walks, before we needed to plug it back in.

The waterproof coat has taped seams to stop any leaks seeping through, and there’s a breathable mesh lining as well. It’s machine-washable too, just be sure to remove the battery pack first. For the £150 price tag, we think this is a reasonable cost for a warming, robust coat to wear in all weathers.

The size range in this heated parka covers S-XXL, and we found the fit true to size. There are four sizeable pockets covering the front, with the bottom two clicking shut with popper fastenings. We also liked the lighter faux-fur trim on the hood, which adds a cosiness and on-trend aesthetic.

A matching men’s version of the women’s voltera heated parka (£150, Very.co.uk), the boxy shape is similar and so are the taped seams, waterproof fabric, and breathable mesh inner. We noted the coat is thick and durable, without feeling heavy. Because of that, we wore it on longer walks, as well as short trips out.

After attaching the USB cable to the rechargeable battery pack, we felt the heated jacket warm up. When we were suitably cosy, we pulled the cable out and enjoyed the lingering warmth, which kept us snug while walking. How long we left the USB plugged in tended to depend on the outside temperature, and it was helpful to have the option to remove it or keep using the coat’s central heating system. It’s the same battery setup as in the women’s version, so we found the power between charges lasted a similar amount of time.

Priced at £165, we saw excellent value for money in the easy-to-use heated parka. The waterproof coat’s warmth and practical features made trips out in the cold weather much more appealing.