Makita 18V LXT Heated Gilets
Makita heated gilet keeps your core warm without bulking your arms up, so you can still work clean on fixings, first fix, and snagging.
When you're in and out of cold units, lofts, or scaff all day, a gilet is the sensible option over a big coat. Makita heated gilet options run on the 18V LXT system, giving you adjustable heat where it matters, while keeping your shoulders free for lifting, drilling, and driving. Pick the right size for layering and get one sorted for the next cold start.
What Jobs Are Makita Heated Gilets Best At?
- Working through cold morning starts on shell-and-core sites, where keeping your chest warm stops you stiffening up before the day's even going.
- First fix and second fix work where you need arm freedom for drilling, clipping, and running fixings, but you cannot stand around in a bulky jacket.
- Loft work and plant rooms where the temperature drops fast, so a Makita gilet gives you steady warmth without overheating once you get moving.
- Outdoor maintenance and call-outs where you are in and out of the van, so you can flick the heat up between tasks instead of piling on layers.
Choosing the Right Makita Heated Gilet
Keep it simple: buy the Makita heated gilet that fits your layering and your battery set-up, not the one that looks warmest on paper.
1. Fit for layering
If you're wearing it over a hoodie in winter, size it so it zips up without pulling tight across the chest. If it's too tight, you lose movement and the heat feels patchy because it is stretched hard over base layers.
2. Battery choice and run time
If you already run Makita 18V LXT on your tools, stick with that and share batteries. For all-day cold work, carry a spare battery and treat heat like any other kit on site, because full power all shift will drain it quicker than you think.
3. Where you actually work
If you are mostly indoors but in cold buildings, a heated gilet is spot on because it stops the chill without making you sweat. If you are on exposed scaffold all day, you will still want a proper outer layer over the top for wind and rain protection.
Makita Heated Gilet FAQs
Who makes the best heated gilet?
It depends on your battery platform and how you work. If you are already on Makita 18V LXT, a Makita heated gilet is hard to beat because you can share batteries with your tools and keep spares in the van without buying into another system.
How long does a Makita heated jacket last?
Run time comes down to battery size and the heat setting. On low, you will get a lot longer than on high, and bigger LXT batteries last noticeably longer. If you need it for a full shift, plan on carrying a spare battery rather than hoping one pack will do everything.
What are the disadvantages of a heated jacket?
The main downside is you are managing batteries, and high heat settings can drain them quickly. Also, heated clothing is not a waterproof shell, so in wind and rain you still need a proper outer layer over the top to stay dry and stop the heat being stripped away.
Are heated jackets unhealthy?
No, not in normal use. They are designed to give gentle, controlled warmth, not scorching heat. The sensible approach is the same as any warm kit on site: use a comfortable setting, do not crank it up if you are sweating, and layer properly so you are not relying on heat alone.
Can heated jackets be worn in the rain?
You can wear them in light showers if the garment is rated for it, but do not treat heated clothing like a waterproof. On proper wet days, put a waterproof jacket over your gilet and keep the battery and controls protected, because staying dry is what keeps you warm long-term.
How do you wash a Makita heated jacket?
Remove the battery and any power lead or controller before washing, then follow the care label for the exact garment. Do not try to wash it with the battery fitted, and do not rush-dry it with high heat if the label says air dry only.
Should a heated jacket be tight?
No, it should be close enough to sit neatly but not tight. If it is tight across the chest or shoulders, it is uncomfortable on the tools and you will struggle to layer underneath. Aim for a fit that lets you move freely and still zip up over a hoodie when it is properly cold.
Are Makita heated jackets water resistant?
Some are water resistant, but that is not the same as waterproof. Treat it like a warm mid-layer: fine for day-to-day damp and light showers, but if you are working in steady rain you still want a proper waterproof over the top.
Who Uses Makita Heated Gilets?
- Sparkies and plumbers who need warm core and free arms for overhead work, clipping, and testing without a coat catching on everything.
- Chippies and kitchen fitters doing fine work in cold plots, where you want warmth without losing feel and movement at the bench or on the install.
- Facilities and maintenance teams living in and out of cold corridors, yards, and plant rooms, who want quick heat control between jobs.
How Heated Gilets Work for You
A heated gilet is about keeping your core warm so your hands and arms keep working properly. It is not a replacement for weatherproofs, it is a smart layer you control.
1. Core heat, not bulky insulation
The heating zones warm your chest and back, which helps you stay comfortable without needing a thick coat that gets in the way when you are drilling, fixing, or lifting.
2. Adjustable settings for real site conditions
You can run it low for steady warmth while you are moving, then bump it up when you are standing still doing testing, setting out, or waiting on deliveries.
3. Battery-powered, so plan like you would with tools
Run time depends on battery size and heat level, so if you are out all day, bring a spare LXT battery the same way you would for a drill or impact.
Makita Heated Gilet Accessories Worth Having
The gilet is only as useful as the power and carry set-up, so sort these now and you will not be caught cold mid-shift.
1. Spare Makita 18V LXT Battery
This stops the usual pain of the heat dying halfway through the afternoon when the temperature drops, especially if you are running it on higher settings between tasks.
2. Makita 18V LXT Charger
A fast, reliable charger keeps you turning batteries around overnight or in the van, so you are not choosing between powering your tools and staying warm.
3. Battery holster or belt set-up
If you are climbing ladders or working in tight spots, a tidy battery carry keeps the pack secure and stops it snagging when you are twisting and reaching.
Shop Makita Heated Gilets at ITS
Whether you need a Makita heated gilet for quick call-outs or a proper cold-weather layer for site starts, we stock the full range of sizes and options to suit the Makita 18V LXT system. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery so you can get warm kit on site fast.
