Back in the summer, in the middle of the heatwave I got an email asking if I would like to try the 8K Flexwarm® heated jacket. ‘I would love to’ I replied, ‘but maybe not right now!’ Fast forward to November, and those scorching temperatures are far behind us, so now was the perfect time to test my new heated hooded jacket.
So first of all, here’s the technical bit…
What is Flexwarm?
Flexwarm® is a “unique, ultra-thin (0.5mm) printable heating element… printed and layered between the inner and outer layers of fabric to create 3 fully controllable heating zones.” “Adaptive sensor technology (AST) is one of our most significant features, while carbon fibre is unable to detect and control temperature accurately (as it has no sensors inside). Flexwarm® adapts to your environment. Ensuring that our apparel is always at the optimum level of warmth for your body.”
There are three products available for both men and women, a jacket, gilet and hoodie, in a variety of different colours. I was sent the women’s hoodie in navy and decided to give it its first try on a day out this weekend.
Before wearing any of the Flexwarm® heated jackets you need to make sure you charge the power bank which is supplied. This charges via USB with the included cable and then plugs into the special inside pocket in the jacket. The power bank has two USB sockets so you could also charge your phone at the same time as powering the jacket. It also has a handy torch built in!
Once the jacket is connected to the battery there are two ways to control the heating elements inside. There are two buttons on the side of the jacket – one which is used to turn it on and then set the temperature to low, medium or high. The other button allows you to either have the front, back or both elements turned on.
Alternatively you can connect the jacket to your smartphone via the Flexwarm® app. This allows you to control the temperatures of the front and back panels separately.
Sizing
At this point I feel I need to address my big, and only, issue with the 8K Flexwarm jacket. That is the sizing. I understand that the jacket needs to be quite close fitting for you to get the benefit of the heated panels, but the sizing seems to be super small. I am a UK size 12/14, I ordered the XL women’s hoodie, which is the biggest size they make and it only just fastens on me. You can see from this picture how tight it is across the hips and I am wearing size 12 jeans in this picture.
The actual measurements in the size guide are not too far out (although a hip measurement would also be helpful) but I just think it’s a bit ridiculous that the biggest size available only fits up to a size 14 at a push. I guess if you were a woman needing a larger size you could buy one of the men’s jackets but I would like to see larger women’s sizes available in future.
The women’s jackets do have a slightly stretchy panel on the hips which allows for a bit more room for manoeuvre. The jackets also have a two way zip so I can unzip it from the bottom to have it a bit looser, especially when sitting down.
Is it warm?
So now we’ve got the sizing out of the way, the big question is does the 8k Flexwarm heated jacket actually keep you warm? Well yes it does! On the day these pictures were taken it wasn’t actually that cold and what I thought was good about the jacket was that it was reasonably warm even without the heating panels turned on. With the heating on low it kept me the perfect temperature. I have since worn my Flexwarm jacket on the school run – it was 1°C the other day and I turned the heating panels up to full. It kept me nice and toasty in the freezing playground!
The heating panels do take a little while to warm up (in around 6 minutes according to the website) but once they get up to temperature you can definitely tell. It’s not like having a hot water bottle under your jacket but more like the warmth you get from wearing a few layers or a much thicker jacket.
The temperature is easy to control either from the buttons on the jacket or from the app. To be honest I’ve found it easier just to use the buttons on the jacket. The app does give you more control over the temperature of the back heating panel as there is a slider to adjust rather than just low, medium and high.
The 8K Flexwarm is a great jacket if you spend a lot of time outdoors. I know I’ll be making the most of it on the chilly school runs this winter. There isn’t a lot of room to wear more layers underneath it but it’s slim enough to fit under a bigger jacket if you wanted something longer (I can’t be the only one that gets a cold bum!). The 8K Flexwarm isn’t fully waterproof either (although it is shower proof) so you could use it to keep warm under a thinner waterproof jacket too.
At £250 the 8K Flexwarm hoodie is definitely aimed at the outdoor market who will pay a premium for high performance products. If I’m completely honest I probably wouldn’t splash out that much myself to wear it on the school run but it certainly fulfills the brief if you are looking for a thin, lightweight but super warm outdoor jacket.
And if you’d like to get your hands on an 8K Flexwarm jacket of your own you can win one simply by completing the Rafflecopter below. Please note the prize will be one 8K Flexwarm jacket in black. The winner can choose a men’s (size S-L) or women’s (size XS – M) jacket.
8K Flexwarm jacket giveaway
Terms and conditions:
- Giveaway will run from 23/11/2018 until midnight on 16/12/2018.
- There is one prize to be won.
- The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is offered.
- One entry permitted per person.
- This giveaway is open to UK entries only.
- Entrants must be age 18 or over.
- Data controller for the purposes of this giveaway is Toby Goes Bananas. Your details will not be used for any other purpose than selecting/informing a winner.
- Winner’s details will be passed to 8K Flexwarm, who are responsible for sending out the prize.
- Entrants must enter by completing the Rafflecopter.
- All entries will be checked.
- The winner will be chosen at random from valid entries after the closing date
- The winner will be informed by email.
- Failure to respond within one week may result in a new winner being drawn.
- Once drawn, the winner’s name will be displayed on this blog post
- Entry into the giveaway will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.
**Disclosure: I was provided with a 8K Flexwarm heated jacket in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.
perfect for cold sundays watching my boys play footie
my wife would love this when out walking
l would use for work as l work outside mostly so this would be very welcome doing my rounds in the winter
All the time – I’m always cold ! Would be invaluable for my health
I would use the 8K Flexwarm heated jacket when walking the dog in the evening.
My wife would wear it to watch our son’s ice hockey games
In the mornings and evenings while walking the kids to school. I can honestly say it would be literally everywhere but mostly on the school run as we always walk it.
When out walking my dogs – it is cold by the coast!
Something I need for walking the dogs this winter or watching the hubby play football. These would be ideal for a cold person like me
Make a bigger size ,please
I would wear it walking around the nearby lake!
I’d give the jacket to my wife Anne,she goes and watches the football and this jacket would be ideal for her over the coming months .
I would wear it on the daily dog walk! It’s getting chilly and this would be snuggly and warm.
I would use it when going to and from work x
Everyday when walking dog in mornings and evenings
Would use when I am doing my horses and walking the dogs
I would actually choose the man’s one as my husband would love one of these for when he goes out foraging for fungi on wintery days
When I am out and about walking for my Fitbit challenges keep me nice and cosy
When I take my grandchildren out walking in our beautiful lanes and woods
walking the dog
I would gift it to a work colleague who always feels the cold really badly
For winter woodland walks
Any time I went out for walks with my dog
A winter holiday in Iceland or a trip to Euro Disney
I would use it for when i’m out walking in the park with my dog
This would be perfect when out birdwatching – it gets so cold keeping still!
I’d wear it for my morning walks with the dog.
Winter walks with our two bedlington terrier dogs. 🙂 X
I’m going to Iceland soon. Worrying about the cold!
I would wear it when I go out walking at the weekends
I would use it all the time, but especially when I’m outside in the garden or the park in this weather with my little boy who lives to be outdoors!
Jacket looks great on you, Ive never seen a jacket like this before, it looks amazing with the hear control buttons! xx
when i’m on walks with my family
I live in the Yorkshire Dales so a coat like this would be brilliant for nearly every outing especially in bad weather as you can easily be stranded for hours!
I love this and would use it everywhere but particularly while waiting for the bus on the way home from work
I’d wear it when I go to watch the Leicester Tigers play at Welford Road.
this would be great to keep me warm while I’m walking round town trying to get the best prices for the things we need!
Every day during Winter, particularly when taking my grandchildren for walks in the park.
would wear on winter dog walks as I live in the Highlands and its cold
I would wear this jacket whilst watching sport over the winter.
I would use it all winter as I really feel the cold! This would be perfect when I am outdoors with the kids x
I don’t drive so would use this for the long school run!
I think that I would probably put it on in the autumn and take it off in the spring as I struggle with the cold. Where have these jackets and gilets been all my life?!
while walking my dog every day, this will really help keep the Winter chills away
id use it when going to work as i have to catch the bus and we dont have a shelter so in winter it is freezing!
I would give it to my son who stands on the touchline watching my grandson play football each Saturday morning. Hes freezing and would really appreciate this warming coat.
to keep the Highland chills at bay while out walking my dog
Gosh it’s expensive isn’t it – I think it would be great for me as keeping my chest warm is key to managing my asthma at this time of year – that said, as a size 20 I don’t think I’ll be getting to excited just yet!
On long walks over the Clent Hills.
I`d use it when we go on our local coastal walks
I’d use it any time I’m out and about this winter.
I would use it watch my son play football on a cold morning
My wife would love one for when she goes on her regular shopping trip with her best friend every Tuesday! She gets a bit upset when it has to be cut short due to the cold weather, like yesterday…
to my sons football
Perfect for cold ski days
when out walking out our dog or taking my son to school x
I would wear it every day when I take the dog on her long walk
I’d use it to keep warm when I’m out walking the dog, thanks for the chance to win.
On my way to and from work each day, as it gets pretty cold at 7am!
When walking the dogs
I’d wear this jacket daily. I live in the north of Scotland and have a large dog that seems to relish being out in the cold and wet!
When would you use the 8K Flexwarm heated jacket?
on our daily walks in our local nature reserve with our great dane
When would I wear this?……..All the time in the winter!
This heated jacket would be perfect when i walk to work and back home. I don’t drive so have to walk in all weathers!
For my workouts and running outside 🙂
At the moment I’d probably put it on as soon as I get up. It’s so cold in the morning!
I’d wear it every day as always feel the cold, although this would be perfect for our skiing trip this winter
hanging around watching my son play or ride his bike. I swear there is nowhere colder than his school playground lol
In the winter months to keep me nice and warm.
Ooooh on my morning commute to work, would love it! Like a real Ready Brek Coat!
Walking the dog
Out and about
This looks lovely and great for the school run #triedtested
I would love to see the arborealisfrom anywhere that it was possible to see it and I guess it is cold….. but down to reality I would probably get to wear it doing outside jobs around the house and garden if I was not out walking in it….. or…. I could just wear it inside the house and save on the heating bills this winter..
I’d wear it whilst taking the dog for a walk! It looks fabulous and exactly what I need! I am always cold!
I would wear it on my daily walks with the dog on these cold winter months
Everyday through the winter as we do a 6 mile walk everyday, plus we love hiking over the mountains. It’s so wonderful to be out and about with that crisp cold air, but not so nice being cold & having goosebumps bigger than a egg! lol
Whenever I’m outside as I’m always cold x
Perfect to wear n the walk to work on cold days!
When going outside on a cold day for more than half an hour.
I’d be tempted to live in it! It would really come into it’s own dog walking, when the wind whistles across flat Norfolk fields I wonder if I will ever defrost
I’d give to my daughter she would be hugely grateful for this for playing golf and her golf competitions , especially 18holes ! Fab prize Thankyou for a chance x
On my walks along the Cornish coast.
I would love to win one for my always cold hubby. Thanks for the chance 🙂
I would wear it everywhere in the winter
I would use it throughout the cold season. I freeze easily. And I always have to wear a lot of clothes on myself to keep warm. It looks like this jacket can make my life easier.
When out and about during the winter
id take it on our annual ski trip, i dont ski i just watch the hubby and daughter this would be perfect for keeping me toasty
I’d wear it on the winter morning school runs – it was minus 4 this morning!
I’d wear it everyday here.. these pennines are very brisk
This would be perfect for when I take the dog out and for when I go fishing. Looks great as well as staying warm.
I walk to work, so this would make a real difference for the cold mornings!
As a childminder I spend a lot of time outside with small people I’d love this to keep me warm whilst we play.
It would be perfect for when I’m walking the dog or when I have a really early start and can’t face the idea of getting out of a warm bed.
i work nights so would be a great help
I would wear it for everyday use now the weather has got cold
Keep me nice n’toasty while watching the BSB .
I really feel the cold and would use this every day in cold weather. It would be extra lovely to wear to the beach on our dog walks
I would love to have one of these amazing jackets. I would love to use it when I went out walking with the dogs!
I would wear it walking around the nearby park
walking the dog
I’d love to use it when I take my pups out walking!
I would use it this winter on the school run and next winter.
Winter walks and when there is any gardening needed before Spring
All the time seeing as I’m always cold!!!
I have always felt the cold so if I was lucky enough to win this I would be wearing it everywhere.
Fantastic prize, thank you x
I’d gift it to my daughter for work, she has to spend a lot of time outside and really feels the cold.
I would wear it all the time, I’m always freezing lol x
What a fab idea, this would be great for day to day trips to the shops etc.
i would take this on my holiday to Norway and Denmark where it’s really cold!!!
I have a regular stall at the farmers market and it can be chilly there, so this would be a boost x
for when I am down the park watching the grandkids play
Dog walking
I’d wear it when shopping, walking the dog and out with my grandchildren
Walking my dogs near the beach it is usually breezy!
On the school run, usually I drop the kids off then I go to the shop or run errands, so some days I spend a lot of time walking. Would be fantastic.
On cooler days when out hillwalking – up hill and down dale, its sublime insulation would warm me up without fail!
id wear it to work 🙂
out walking the dog
I’d use it in the school playground. It’s the coldest place on Earth
when out and about it looks fab x
Weekend walks on the beach in the winter!
I’d wear this on the cold winter days when seeing to my horses x
I’d use it all throughout the Winter months.
Anywhere outside during the winter . Perfect when taking my grandson out thanks for the chance
I would use it foor my sons football training tjree nights a week and sarurday and sundays for his matches, it would be perfect x
I’d use it for my Winter walks
We do a lot of dog walks, so this would be ideal in the colder months.
I do a lot of walking so I would wear it every time I go out.
Fabulous I’d wear this on the school walks to and thro when I take the dog out for his daily hike and when out walking
I would give it my mum as she has recently had chemo and lost her hair so feels the cold when she goes out
I’d use it when I’m out in a huge freezing train shed fixing the doors over the winter months
All the time, I always feel the cold.
I’d wear it when I’m watching my son play football
Would be just perfect for wearing on our adventures in and around Snowdonia 🙂
I go walking most days and this jacket would make it so nice. It is such a good idea, I don’t know why no one has thought of it before now.