As time goes on, the demand for portable power banks continues to grow. With the increasing use of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile gadgets, people are always in need of a reliable power source to keep their devices on the go. The demand for portable power banks isn’t only limited to charging mobile devices; they’re also becoming an essential component for heated apparel.
Winter is the time when staying warm and comfortable has become a top priority, and we tend to use heated apparel such as jackets, gloves, and socks to keep ourselves warm. These heated garments require a good power source to function effectively throughout the day, making a reliable battery critical. But not all portable batteries are the same, and choosing the right one can make all the difference.
For heated apparel, the best type of battery would be a lithium-ion battery. Lithium batteries have a longer lifespan, recharge faster, and are lighter compared to other types of batteries. You don’t have to worry too much about this since most reputable brands use lithium batteries, such as Sailwind’s portable battery bank.
In this guide, we will explore the best batteries for heated apparel, discussing the essential features to consider when selecting a power bank for heated vests and jackets, such as capacity, voltage, and performance. With this guide to choosing a battery for your heated jacket or vest, you won’t have to worry about running out of battery this winter.
What Types of Battery Should You Use for Heated Jackets?
There’re two main types of batteries, categorized based on their disposability. One is called rechargeable batteries or secondary batteries, which can be recharged and reused several times. The other, commonly named disposable or primary batteries, are designed for single use only and cannot be recharged. Dry cells and most alkaline batteries are examples of primary batteries. Examples of secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, and lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are typically the best choice for heated jackets or vests because of their following characteristics:
- They have a low-self discharge rate, meaning they can maintain their charge for a long time, so you can leave your jacket lying around for a few days, and it will still be ready to use.
- They have a high energy density and can pack more juice into a smaller package, making them lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods.
- They can withstand a wider temperature range, so you can count on your heated jacket to turn on without any problem, no matter how cold.
Nickel-metal hydride batteries, or other rechargeable batteries with high energy density and lightweight, are also suitable for heated jackets or vests. These batteries can deliver the necessary power to keep the jacket or vest heated and comfortable for an extended period.
You should, however, avoid using alkaline or lead-acid batteries. While these battery types may be suitable for other applications, they’re not suitable for use in heated jackets or vests. The low voltage output of alkaline batteries makes them unsuitable for powering a heated jacket for an extended period of time also because they are not rechargeable. Similarly, lead-acid batteries, while powerful, are bulky and heavy, making them challenging to wear in a heated jacket or vest.
Now, after knowing which type of battery you should choose for your heated jackets or vests. Here comes the next question, what should you look for in a power bank?
How to Choose The Right Power Bank for Heated Vests and Jackets?
When it comes to choosing the right power bank, there are several important factors that should be taken into consideration as a starting point:
- Capacity: One of the most important factors to consider is the capacity of the power bank. The capacity means how much charge it can hold. Choosing a power bank with a suitable capacity is key, depending on the number and type of devices you plan to charge. A battery pack with a capacity between 7,000 mAh and 11,000 mAh is lightweight enough and lasts long enough for heated jackets.
- Charging Speed: The charging speed of a power bank can vary. The charging speed determines how quickly it can charge your electronic devices. Fast-charging battery packs are becoming more popular as people rely more on mobile devices. Power banks with a fast charging capability can quickly charge your device, reducing the amount of time you need to spend connected to an external power source.
- Safety Certificate: Checking for safety certifications is crucial when choosing a power bank. The most common certifications include CE, FCC, RoHS, and UL. These certifications indicate that the power bank has undergone testing and meets specific safety standards. The CE marking indicates that the power bank meets the essential requirements for health, safety, and environmental protection within the European Union. The United States Federal Communications Commission grants the FCC certification for electronic products that emit radio frequency energy. RoHS certification is a European product standard that ensures that the product does not contain hazardous components. UL (Underwriter’s Laboratories) is a safety consulting and certification company based in the United States which provides safety-related information and certifications.
- Output Ports: The number and types of output ports are essential factors to consider when selecting the right battery pack, the more ports a power bank has, the more devices you can charge simultaneously. Most of them come with multiple output ports, so you’ll be able to charge your phone while keeping yourself warm. It’s also worth noting the power output of the ports on the power bank. Each port may have a different output rating, so you should plug in the higher output rating if you want a faster charge.
- Portability: Portability is crucial since you will use the power bank in the heated jacket. When considering it, weight is generally the most concerned aspect. Some batteries, such as lead-acid batteries, are bulkier and heavier compared to lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. Lithium batteries are generally the best choice for power banks because they are lightweight, have a high energy density, and can provide high power output. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly a better choice for portable batteries because they are safe, have a long cycle life, and are relatively inexpensive. Lithium polymer batteries are more expensive but can be shaped to fit into different form factors, which can be very handy for some portable devices.
- LED: LEDs are a helpful feature to have on a power bank as they can provide useful information about its status, such as remaining battery life or charging status. It is common for portable battery packs to have LED indicators that indicate the remaining charge. There are some power banks that have multiple LEDs to display the battery’s status more accurately. While others may have a single LED that changes color based on how much power is left.
What Are The Best Power Banks for Heated Jackets and Vests?
When it comes to using a portable battery pack for heated vests and jackets, it’s essential to choose one that can provide enough power to keep you warm for the duration of your outdoor activities without adding too much weight or bulk to the jacket or vest. With so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are some of the best power banks for heated jackets and vests to help you stay warm and comfortable in cold weather:
Nimble Champ Pro
Sailwind Rechargeable Portable 10000mAh Battery
GoalZero Sherpa 100 AC
Anker 737 Power Bank
How to Use the Battery Pack for Heated Vests and Jackets?
Find the battery pocket inside the vest and connect your charged battery to the cable. Before closing the zipper, make sure that you’ve tightened it.
Press and hold the button on the chest of your vest for 3 seconds until you see the red light blinking slowly.
Within a few seconds, you can feel the warmth from your Sailwind® heated vest. There are three heat levels that you can choose from and adjust accordingly. Single press the button to switch heating levels between High, Medium, and Low. Different light colors indicate three distinct modes of heat.
To turn the vest off, hold the button for 3 seconds and disconnect it.
For more information, check out How to Use Heated Jackets | 5 Useful Instructions For Beginners!
Conclusion
In conclusion, as technology advances and our reliance on electronic devices increases, portable power banks have become an essential accessory for anyone on the go. When it comes to heated apparel, choosing the one that can satisfy your various requirements is crucial. Choosing the right portable battery pack for your heated clothing can make a big difference in your outdoor experience.
Lithium-ion batteries with a high capacity and output are generally the best option for heated apparel. By considering the factors we have discussed, including capacity, charging speed, portability, safety features, and additional functions like LED lights, you can make an informed decision about which power bank to choose. Following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you can select the perfect portable battery pack to keep your heated apparel running smoothly and efficiently, no matter where your adventures take you. You can stay warm and connected while enjoying your favorite outdoor activities, whether hiking, skiing, or simply walking the dog on a cold winter day.
With so many options available on the market, you will be able to find a power bank out there such as Sailwind’s portable power bank that will be the perfect fit for you and your heated apparel needs after reading this guide.
Related Websites
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