I use this $90 removable coat heater to stay warm as I trek around the city in freezing winter weather - here's how it works

Anseris

• I'm typically cold, especially in the fall and winter, even while wearing a warm jacket or layers.
• Anseris' Torch 2.0 Universal Coat Heater and Warmer attaches to the inside of coats and jackets to keep you warm with three different heat settings.
• Weighing only 5 ounces, the device is lightweight and compact, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Regulating my body temperature properly has always been a challenge. I get cold easily, and usually that means I'm freezing. I'll put on multiple layers, but sometimes the extra weight gets in the way of my mobility or I start to overheat. Now with the help of this battery-powered, portable heater, I can keep myself warm when I begin to feel chilly. The Torch 2.0 Universal Coat Heater and Warmer was designed to fit any adult-size coat or jacket and transform it into a heated garment.

How it works

The Torch 2.0 Universal Coat Heater and Warmer is a series of three thin heat pads that can be strategically placed inside of a coat or jacket with one pad situated in the back and two in the front, with one on each side. When I took my coat heater and warmer out of the box, I couldn't help but notice that it looks a lot like these disposable ThermaCare heatwraps.

The heat pads are powered by a rechargeable battery that can be placed in a hidden battery pocket attached to one of the front pads. There are three different heat settings - low, medium, and high - so you have more freedom to control your body temperature. A fully charged battery pack can last up to four hours on the low-heat setting and two and a half hours on the high-heat setting.

There's just one button, the power button, and it is also used to cycle through the three different heat settings, which you do by pressing the power button repeatedly. The button is on the same panel that houses the hidden battery pocket, so when the device is attached, all you have to do is reach into your jacket and press the easily accessible button to turn the device on or off and change the heat setting.

Attaching the Torch 2.0 is quick and easy. There are two installation kits containing three permanent adhesive Velcro patches that you can stick onto the inside of your coat or jacket. After waiting 24 hours for the adhesive to dry, simply attach the heaters to the Velcro pads. You can transfer the device between two different coats with the included installation kits.

For some reason, I didn't realize that two installation kits were included and thought the Torch 2.0 would only attach to certain fabrics, so I have only used the device in coats and jackets lined with Velcro-attracting fabric. Now that it's starting to get colder, I'm excited to attach the Torch 2.0 inside my heavier coats with slicker linings using the kit.

In terms of sizing, the Torch 2.0 comes in three unisex sizes - small (fits women's XS, small, medium and men's small), medium (equivalent to women's large, XL, 2XL and men's medium, large, XL), and large (fits men's 2-3XL). The device weighs only 5 ounces and is very compact, so it won't weigh you down, which is especially helpful if you are adventuring outdoors.

The specs

Anseris

The heating pads are designed to direct heat toward your core. The device has proper CE and FCC certifications, and there are safety features implemented in the device to protect from short circuits and hot spots (there is no risk of the battery starting a fire). The heat-setting temperatures in degrees in Fahrenheit are 100 to 110 on low, 110 to 120 on medium, and 120 to 135 on high. I normally stick to the medium heat setting unless it's unbearably cold.

The battery is a slim, rechargeable 5 volt, 6,000 mAh lithium polymer battery that has a USB port, and therefore, you could charge your cell phone or tablet with the same battery pack. A charger as well as a USB to micro USB cord and a USB wall charger adapter are included. As mentioned before, a single charge can last up to four hours and the battery itself lasts for 500 charges. The Torch 2.0 is compatible with other 5 volt power banks for extended use.

The Torch 2.0 should be hand washed only, without the battery pack of course, but the Velcro adhered to jackets and coats is machine washable.

Cons to consider

While a fully charged battery lasts long enough to travel from building to building, if you're on lengthier outdoor excursions, such as skiing or snowboarding for a full day, you'll have to use the Torch 2.0 methodically, unless you have another means of charging the battery pack.

The Velcro installation kits use permanent Velcro, so you'll have to commit your coat or jacket to the Torch 2.0. While you could swap out permanent Velcro for semi-permanent Velcro, too much heat could potentially melt the adhesive, leaving a sticky residue on your jacket lining.

The bottom line

Anseris (formerly Torch Electrek) is a Denver-based heated apparel brand that created the Torch 2.0 with winter and outdoor activities in mind. While target customers include hunters, skiers, snowboarders, hikers, runners, ice fishers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, anyone else who just wants to stay warm while enjoying the majesty of the outdoors will benefit from this coat heater. The extent of my usual outdoor activities is walking to and from different buildings in large cities. With the Torch 2.0, I'm never freezing and instead am warm and toasty wherever I am.

Buy the Torch 2.0 Universal Coat Heater and Warmer, $82.18-$109, at Amazon

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