India, Jan. 27 -- As someone who grew up in a coastal New England town, I know that trying to stay warm in the winter practically becomes its own pastime. I've tried almost everything, including wearing so many layers that I feel like I don't have a full range of motion in my limbs and investing in expensive, high-quality fabrics like wool. It wasn't until I was home visiting my family one snowy, brutally cold day that I finally discovered my new holy grail item for staying cozy this season: a heated vest.

Borrowed from my parents, who keep it hanging by their front door to use at a moment's notice, this heated vest feels like a warm hug. I first reached for it when I was taking one of our dogs out to the backyard, easily layering it un...