As a photographer living in Herentals, the damp Belgian winters can be a real challenge, especially when waiting hours for wildlife in the freezing fog. Staying warm isn’t just about comfort; it’s about patience. If you’re cold, you go home early and miss the shot.
I recently picked up this Bertschat “Dual Heating” heated vest to see if it could extend my shooting sessions. Here is my honest take after taking it into the field.
Image: Bertschat.eu
The Good
1. It Actually Fits (Almost) Everyone
One of my biggest worries with gear like this is sizing. Being on the heavier side, finding specialized clothing that fits comfortably over a sweater can be a hassle. This vest uses a “Two Sizes Fits All” system (it has adjustable zippers or velcro panels) which is brilliant. It fits me easily, but it’s adjustable enough that it would fit someone smaller too.
2. A Game Changer for Wildlife Photography
The most important metric for me is: Did I get the shot? Because of this vest, I was able to stay out photographing hours longer than I typically would in freezing conditions. When you are standing still waiting for a bird or deer, the cold seeps in quickly. The active heating kept my core warm, allowing me to focus on the viewfinder rather than my shivering.
3. Power Flexibility & Duration
The vest lasts anywhere from 4 to 10 hours on a single charge, depending entirely on the heating level you select. On the highest setting, I get about 4 hours—perfect for a morning session.
A massive plus is that two 10,000mAh power banks are included in the box. This means you immediately have a backup ready to go if you are planning a full day out. It also works with other power banks. As a tech enthusiast, I already carry power banks for my phone and cameras, so if the included batteries die, I can just swap in one of my Anker or other generic battery packs and keep going.
4. Simple to Use
No complex menus or apps. It’s easy to turn on and adjust, which is exactly what you need when you are wearing gloves and dealing with camera settings. The buttons are located at the top of the vest, meaning I don’t have to fully unzip my jacket to change a setting.
Image: Bertschat.eu
The Bad
1. The USB-A Connector
We are living in a USB-C world. My Sony cameras and my phone all use USB-C. Thankfully, the battery charges via USB-C, which is great. However, the vest connects to the battery using the older USB-A connector. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it does mean you need to ensure any spare power banks you bring have a standard USB-A output port—you can’t use those newer, USB-C only banks to power the heating elements.
Image: Bertschat.eu
2. Washing Concerns
This is a big one. You are inevitably going to sweat or get dirty while hiking through the Kempen forests. The vest is handwash only. While it’s good to know it can be cleaned, the construction makes it risky due to the wiring. It’s definitely not a “throw it in the wash with your jeans” item, which limits how rough I want to be with it.
3. Price & Bundle Limitation
The standard price is €169 (often discounted to €149). At first glance, this seems expensive. However, it’s important to realize that you cannot buy the vest without the batteries, and the box includes two 10,000mAh power banks.
Considering that two quality power banks of this capacity would typically cost you €50-80 separately, the price of the vest itself is actually quite reasonable. While it’s annoying if you already own plenty of power banks and just want the vest, for most people, this bundle offers good value.
The Verdict
If you are a photographer, hunter, hiker, or just someone who spends hours standing still in the cold, this Bertschat vest is a solid investment. While the “forced” bundle with the power banks bumps up the initial price, the value is there, and having two batteries in the box is a lifesaver for long shoots. The USB-A connection is a bit dated, and you’ll need to handwash it carefully, but the ability to comfortably wait for that perfect wildlife moment for up to 10 hours makes it a keeper in my kit bag.
Rating: 4/5 Recommended for: Photographers, hunters, fishermen, and anyone who refuses to let winter drive them indoors.
Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4pcwdUh
Disclaimer: Bertschat had no input on this article, nor were they offered the review before publishing.