What is the Lakeland Outdoor Wearable Heated Robe?
Lined with soft polyester fleece, the Lakeland Outdoor Heated Robe is a shower-proof coat with heated elements, designed to warm you up on winter walks or after a spot of cold water swimming.
The heated elements run off a rechargeable battery pack (not included), and are operated by two buttons on the outside of the coat. There are three heat settings, and the coat can be used with or without switching on the heated elements.
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How does the Lakeland Outdoor Wearable Heated Robe fit?
The Lakeland Outdoor Wearable Heated Robe is one-size-fits-most. I'm a UK 10-12 and it has an oversized fit on me, as you can see for the photos in this review. It would comfortably fit up to a UK size 20-22. A 5' friend tried the coat and it came almost down to her feet, which she said was too long to walk comfortably in.
Due to its oversized fit, some of the heat is lost through the bottom of the coat. However, the heating elements are placed on the chest and on the back from my shoulders to my bum, so I could certainly still feel the benefit - especially when seated. The cuffs and hood are elasticated to minimise heat loss.
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How warm is the Lakeland Outdoor Wearable Heated Robe?
I asked my sea-swimmer friend, who braves the English Channel every day of the year, to test out the coat after a mid-November swim and she was amazed by the coat. Switching the coat on to pre-heat while she swam for around 10 minutes, she said putting it on after a dip in cold water was "like wrapping myself in a radiator."
It's worth selecting one of the lower heat settings after swimming, to benefit from the warmth of the coat but avoid the risk of chilblains (which can be caused by going from one extreme to another). My friend usually starts to shiver about 5 minutes after a swim, but she found this didn't happen at all with the heated robe.
For me, who only ventures into the sea during a heatwave, the coat didn't feel as warm as I'd hoped while out walking. I had it on the highest heat setting and while it certainly makes a difference and takes the edge off the cold, I find a closer-fitting heated gilet like the Kemimoto Heated Vest, worn under a winter coat is more effective at keeping me toasty.
On the lowest and middle heat settings, it didn't offer much extra warmth, although it is a cosy and well-made coat even without the heated elements turned on.
How do you wash the Lakeland Outdoor Wearable Heated Robe?
The Lakeland Outdoor Wearable Heated Robe can be washed on a 30°C wool cycle - it's important to remove the power bank first. The coat can't be put in the tumble dryer, and you can't use an iron on it either.
It dries relatively quickly - I'd recommend turning it inside out to dry for best results. Once completely dry, you can plug the power bank back in.
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Price: is the Lakeland Outdoor Wearable Heated Robe worth it?
At £140, the Lakeland Outdoor Wearable Heated Robe is on par with a Dry Robe in terms of price. Of course, the Lakeland Robe has the heated element, so in this respect it does offer great value for money.
You'd pay roughly the same price for an Ororo Heated Gilet or Dreamland Heated Throw - although these do come with a power bank and power cord respectively, whereas the Lakeland Robe doesn't come with a power bank included. Each of these products works on the same principles, but it's worth carefully considering which type is best for your circumstances and lifestyle. For keeping warm at home, heated throws are hard to beat; and heated gilets offer a versatile option that works just as well at your desk as on chilly dog walks.
If you're a cold-water swimmer or spend time in extremely cold temperatures, the Lakeland Heated Robe could be a brilliant investment. Providing maximum coverage and effective warming, it's like a big warm hug of a coat.