Venustas Heated Vest Review for RVers: Compact Heated Comfort for the Road
It was 23°F one morning in Grand Teton National Park, and we were freezing before the sun even came up. We layered up with hoodies, fleeces, and bulky jackets, but the chill still cut through. The RV was warm inside, but the second we stepped out with Coco for her morning walk, we knew our cold-weather gear wasn’t cutting it.
That’s when we realized our RV wardrobe needed an upgrade.
Enter the Venustas Heated Vests: a compact, battery-powered layer that fits neatly in our tiny RV closet and delivers just the right amount of warmth when we need it most.
In this review, we walk through how these vests have performed in real RV life during breezy campsite setups, early morning walks in the dark, and cold-weather hikes. We cover how they fit, how they pack, how long the batteries last, and whether they’re worth it for fellow RV travelers looking to stay warm without sacrificing space.
Quick Verdict
If you travel in an RV or spend a lot of time outdoors and need to stay warm without the bulk, the Venustas Heated Vest is a game-changer.
✅ Slim enough to hang in small RV closets
✅ Can be worn with or without heat
✅ Comfortable fit for both men and women
✅ USB-C battery lasts 2 to 9 hours depending on heat level
✅ Works great for layering in variable weather
✅ Pair it with other Venustas Gear: Heated Gloves, Heated Socks, Heated Camping Chairs
👉 Venustas Discount Code!
Why We Tried a Heated Vest
Last fall, we were camping at Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort in the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. The mornings dropped to 28°F, and even with the propane heater running inside the RV, it was a shock stepping out into the cold. A bulky coat was too much for quick outdoor chores like hookups or walking Coco, and layering wasn’t cutting it.
We needed something lightweight, easy to grab, and warm enough to handle those freezing mornings without adding bulk to our already limited RV wardrobe. That’s what led us to try the heated vests from Venustas.
Key Features of the Venustas Heated Vest
These vests are more than just heated layers. After testing both the men’s and women’s versions, here are the features that stood out most for our RV lifestyle:
- Lightweight and packable: While not ultra-compact, the vest folds flat and fits neatly into one of our RV drawers or packing cubes. It is much easier to store than a heavy coat.
- Six heating zones: Carbon fiber heat zones in the upper back, each shoulder, each hand pocket, and the collar provide targeted warmth. You control them with a single button on the chest.
- Versatile wear: We wear ours with or without the battery, depending on the day. On mild mornings, it works well as a lightweight vest for walking Coco around the RV park.
- Machine washable: Just remove the battery pack, make sure that zipper is closed, and place it in a mesh garment bag (protects the internal wires) before tossing it in the wash. We have washed our vests multiple times and they both still look brand new!
- Battery powered via USB-C: Charges with a standard power bank. We have charged ours using both RV shore power and a portable battery with no issues.
- Men’s and women’s sizing available: Both styles offer the same features and warmth zones.
- Venustas Warranty: 1 year on the battery & 3 years on the heating elements
Compared to bulky winter jackets or thick puffers, these vests are easier to pack, layer, and store. That makes them a smart choice for cold-weather RV trips where space and flexibility matter.
Heated Vest Performance: Real-World Use
We first put the vests to the test on an offroading trip during a cold and windy evening. We were going for a quick ride and didn’t want to drag out bulky coats. With the vests on the low heat setting, we stayed warm for over two hours while handling everything outside.
Since then, we’ve worn them while walking Coco in brisk morning air, exploring trails in chilly mountain weather, and even sitting around a (smoky) campground fire. They hold heat well and adjust quickly when you cycle through the settings.
One of our favorite parts? You do not need to turn the heat on every time. On days when it is just a little chilly, the vest still works as a great middle or outer layer without the battery. That flexibility means we reach for it more often than expected.
While standing in line waiting for the Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster in Pigeon Forge one chilly evening, we had multiple people ask us about our vests. The light on the chest that shows the temperature level caught their eye, and within a few minutes, we were showing off the different features and where the battery connects.
One of them even offered to buy it off us right then! It was one of those moments that reminded us how often other people, especially campers, are also looking for practical cold-weather gear.
Want to see the latest deal or grab one for your next RV trip? Click here to check pricing and use our discount code.
Battery Life and Charging
We typically charge the vests overnight, and the battery takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach a full charge. Once it is ready, the battery life really depends on which heat setting you use.
On the low heat setting (100°F), we easily got 8 hours of steady warmth. That was enough to last through a full day of wearing it on and off while working, walking Coco, and relaxing at the campsite. On medium heat (113°F), we probably had 5 or 6 hours, which covered an entire evening cooking outdoors and sitting by the fire without issue.
The high heat setting (131°F) definitely drains the battery faster. In colder temps without cycling to a lower setting, it lasted us about 2.5 hours. Honestly though, leaving it on high heat will have you so toasty you will probably need to turn it down for a bit unless it is below 0.
The battery itself is similar in size to competitor’s batteries and tucks into an interior pocket. It connects with a USB-C cable and doesn’t get in the way while you’re moving around. On days when we just needed a little extra warmth, we left the battery out and wore the vest on its own.
If you plan to use the heat regularly or for longer stretches, having a second battery is worth considering. We have 3 batteries and rotate them when we expect a full day outside.
Long battery life, everyday comfort, and an exclusive discount: see if it’s still on sale here.
Fit and Design
We had mixed results with sizing.
Alan is 6’1” and typically wears a men’s XL. The Venustas vest fit comfortably with room to layer a hoodie or fleece underneath and he can even wear his Carhartt over it without it feeling bulky.
Morgan ordered her recommended size based on the size chart but the vest is way too big. Alan actually fits in it too! Even with layers underneath, the vest is oversized and lacks a fitted look. If you prefer a closer fit, it may be worth sizing down.
The material is soft and flexible, and the style is clean enough to wear around town for errands or out to dinner at a casual spot near the RV park. It looks like a regular vest and does scream “tech gear.” It just looks like a well-made vest.
Despite the heating elements inside, the vest doesn’t feel bulky or wired. The battery slips into a hidden interior pocket and stays out of the way even during more active tasks like walking Coco and setting up camp. It is easy to forget you’re wearing a heated vest until you notice how warm you still feel when you are standing still for a while.
Need a heated vest that fits your RV lifestyle? Click here to check current sizes and pricing.
Why It’s Perfect for RV Life
Space is always at a premium when you live or travel in an RV. As full-time RVers with a lot of hobbies, every piece of clothing we carry has to earn its spot, and this vest makes the cut.
We hang both of our vests in the closet in our bedroom, and they take up less space than our bulkier coats or even some of our mid-weight jackets. The slim profile makes it easy to keep them accessible without crowding out other essential layers.
The vest also adds flexibility to our layering system.
Whether we need a lightweight layer inside the rig or a heated option for colder temps outside, it adapts without adding bulk. Plus, being able to wear it with or without the battery makes it even more versatile.
For us, it’s become one of those staple items we always keep within reach because it works perfectly in so many RV and camping scenarios.
During one of our late-fall camping trips, we had friends stop by and ask about our vests. After trying them on, they immediately started looking them up online. They were surprised by how warm the vests felt even without being bulky and loved that the battery tucks away so neatly.
It is always a good sign when fellow RVers want to buy the gear right off your back.
Looking for a space-saving heated vest that fits RV life? Buy a Venustas Heated Vest Today!
Negatives of the Venustas Heated Vests
Now we have something else to charge.
The heat setting light is pretty bright when it is dark outside.
They are not fully waterproof.
Yeah…. if you can’t tell we didn’t find many cons so all of these are a bit of a stretch.
Our Take After RV Testing This Heated Vest
If you’re an RV traveler looking for a warm, space-saving layer that actually fits your lifestyle, the Venustas Heated (Gear) Vest is a solid pick. We’ve used both the men’s and women’s versions across multiple states and in all kinds of weather, and they’ve earned a permanent place in our RV wardrobe.
Heck, we liked our vests enough we bought more Venustas Gear like the Heated Camping Chair which is Coco approved.
The combination of long battery life, flexible wear (with or without heat), and comfortable fit makes this vest easy to reach for, again and again. It may not replace your winter coat in the coldest conditions, but it will absolutely fill the gap between bulky outerwear and basic base layers… and do it in a way that’s friendly to RV closets and power setups!
Ready to stop freezing at your campsite? Get your Venustas Heated Vest here