Thick jackets are great for keeping you toasty during the coldest days. Problem is, thick winter jackets can be uncomfortable and constricting, especially if you need to move around. For those situations, a heated jacket might make more sense. You know, something like this Ministry of Supply Mercury Heated Jacket.
The third generation of the outfit’s heated jacket, the updated garment boasts three times larger heating elements than its predecessor, a change that, the outfit claims, lets it deliver three times the heat as the previous model. Yes, three times the heat sounds like a lot, but they do offer heat settings, so you can dial things down if it gets a little too warm for comfort.
The Ministry of Supply Mercury Heated Jacket is a synthetic puffer coat with a circle-shaped quilt pattern that’s been shown to be more durable over time (less wear and tear) compared to traditional block stitching. Both the shell and insulation are cut from a fabric fashioned out of 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. According to the outfit, this results in each garment producing a 52 percent reduction in emissions compared to previous versions that used virgin materials. Suffice to say, if you put a premium on sustainable garments, it definitely deserves a spot in your closet.
Of course, what we really love about this is the lack of bulk, since it relies more on the heated panels than heavy insulation to keep you toasty. Specifically, it uses 30W carbon fiber heating panels in the chest and back to deliver heat directly to your torso, which you can adjust to any of three settings by simply pressing a single button. The heating panels, by the way, are powered by a 10,000 mAh battery integrated right into the garment, which can also pull double duty as a power bank if you need to charge your phone. Naturally, the battery is rechargeable, with support for USB-C fast charging (80 percent with a two-hour charge). And yes, it’s removable, so make sure to take it out before throwing this with the rest of the laundry.
The Ministry of Supply Mercury Heated Jacket uses coffee-infused S.Cafe fibers that claim to mitigate odor over extended wear, all while getting a PFC-free water-repellent finish, so it can keep you dry on wet days, too. Do note, they recommend refreshing the water-resistant finish annually using the Nikwax TX.Direct Waterproofing Spray, which is also available from the outfit’s website. Truth be told, we appreciate this, as it makes renewing the water resistant treatment a bit more straightforward.
It has a relaxed fit that should allow plenty of layering during the colder months, all without the typical bulk you get from most winter jackets. There are plenty of spots here to stash gear, too, including two zippered hand pockets, zippered side-entry pockets, and an internal open pocket, while a hood is neatly stowed in the collar for those days the chill is accompanied with rain.
The Ministry of Supply Mercury Heated Jacket is available now, priced at $498.