When it’s really cold, I can hardly function, let alone stay out on the water long enough to fish. Sometimes I need a little heat pumping through my veins in order to stick it out. The new Heated Vest from Flambeau Outdoors, $159.99 (MSRP), is perfect for slipping underneath a PFD, or wearing under a drysuit. And no, it won’t electrocute you if you fall in while wearing it, I checked. It will stop working though, so stick with the drysuit.
No matter what you’re wearing over the vest, it’s thin and comfortable enough that you won’t feel it under there, except for the steady heat on your chest and back. Simply slip the battery into its own little pocket on the inside of the vest and hit the on button marked with the Flambeau logo, located on the left chest, shown below. After a few minutes you’ll be toasty enough to stay out as long as your extremities will allow.
A small chest pocket lets you store small essentials like your keys, though it’s not enough room for much else. Though it is perfect for storing your license or some emergency cash. The two main pockets on the vest are large enough to store more gear, or just to warm up your hands before you next cast. Even without the heat turned on, the vest is pretty warm by itself, which is great should you run out of batteries.
Not only is the battery interchangeable between Flambeau’s full line of heated gear, but it also features a USB outlet that allows you to charge up your phone or action camera while you fish. The Heated Vest and the rest of the heated products will be available soon from Flambeau Outdoors.
For more information about Flambeau Outdoors, or their Heated Vest, check out their website, FlambeauOutdoors.com.
