The Heat Has Landed

Whitewater Fishing’s upgraded TORQUE 7.4V Heated Vest is in stock and shipping to dealers ahead of late-season open water and first ice

MUSKEGON, Mich. (September 29, 2026) – Whitewater Fishing introduced the upgraded TORQUE 7.4V Heated Vest back in July, in the heat of the summer show season. Talking about heated apparel while everybody was wearing shorts got a few grins. Nobody’s grinning at the thermometer now.

The TORQUE 7.4V Heated Vest is officially in stock and shipping. It’s arriving on dealer racks just as the mornings turn sharp and anglers start planning for late-fall walleyes and bass, cold-water muskies and, before long, first ice.

More Heat Where Anglers Need It Most

The biggest upgrade is power. Whitewater built the TORQUE on a 7.4V platform, a step beyond the low-voltage systems common in heated outerwear. That extra power made room for more heating elements. Two new elements now sit across the lower back and work with the original zones to wrap the lumbar and upper torso in steady, deep warmth.

A one-touch button cycles through three color-coded settings. Low (~100°F) takes the edge off a cool breeze, Mid (~113°F) handles raw, damp days, and High (~131°F) is there for freezing boat runs and long hours on the ice. Power comes through a built-in DC cable tucked inside the pocket.

Warm Even With the Power Dialed Down

Heat is only half the story, though. The vest is insulated with 80g of Sorona® Aura, a bio-based fiber whose springy, parallel structure traps body heat without the bulk. It also resists flattening, so the vest keeps its loft even after a season stuffed in a boat locker. Turn the heat down and the insulation keeps your core warm on its own.

The outside is the same wind-resistant shell fabric Whitewater uses on its premier technical outerwear, so bitter drafts stay out, and a DWR finish sheds spray, mist and rain. Inside, a smooth polyester lining slides over hoodies and base layers without bunching.

Built to Fish In

Sculpted armholes cut away extra fabric at the shoulders, so casting and setting the hook feel natural. Lycra binding at the collar, armholes and waist seals out drafts. Three zippered pockets (one chest, two waist) keep phones and small gear secure, and reflective logos add visibility on dark early launches. When the sun finally breaks through, the whole vest packs down small.

“Heated gear used to be something you dug out in January,” said Doug Veldhuizen, Merchandise Manager for Whitewater Fishing. “Now anglers wear it from the first cold boat ride in spring to the last one in November, and out on the ice in between. The jump to 7.4 volts and those extra lower-back elements make a difference you feel the second you switch it on.”

“For our dealers, it’s an easy conversation,” Veldhuizen added. “Get it on a customer, push the button, and let the vest do the selling.”

Available Now

The TORQUE 7.4V Heated Vest is available now in Black, sizes M–3XL, with an MSRP of $229.99. The compatible companion 10,000mAh 7.7V DC Power Bank is sold separately at $39.99. Dealers can place orders through their Whitewater Fishing sales representative or [ordering contact/info].

TORQUE 7.4V Heated Vest FEATURES:

• Upgraded Core Heating: 7.4V system now features two additional heating elements in the lower back for expanded core warmth
• On-Demand Control: One-touch button delivers three adjustable levels of heat via a built-in DC power cable (7.4V/2.4A power bank sold separately)
• Three-Stage Heat Intensity: One-button control cycles through color-coded settings to deliver targeted on-the-water warmth: Low (~100°F), Mid (~113°F), or High (~131°F)
• Premium Insulation: 80g Sorona^® Aura insulation provides maximum passive warmth without bulk
• Advanced Wind Resistance: Redesigned shell material creates a nearly windproof barrier against bitter drafts
• Weather Protection: Durable nylon outer fabric with DWR treatment to shed moisture and resist stains
• Angling Architecture: Sculpted armhole design ensures maximum range of motion for repetitive casting and hooksets
• Packable Design: Lightweight construction compresses easily for compact storage in gear bags or boat lockers
• Storage Layout: Three zippered pockets (1 chest, 2 waist) keep critical gear secure
• Comfort Trims: Lycra binding provides a snug fit to lock in heat, complemented by a smooth polyester lining for friction-free layering
• Safety Touchpoints: Integrated reflective logos for enhanced visibility in low light

SIZES: M – 3XL

COLOR: BLACK

MSRP $229.99

10,000mAh 7.7v DC Power Bank sold separately (39.99)

ABOUT WHITEWATER

Whitewater performance fishing apparel gives anglers distinct advantages whenever Mother Nature’s unpredictability conspires to ruin angling adventures. Whether faced with wind, rain, snow, sun, or extreme temperatures, Whitewater apparel equips anglers with the ability and confidence to overcome the elements, so they apply their focus and energies on fighting fish, not the conditions. Whitewater is a brand by Nexus Outdoors, headquartered in Muskegon, Michigan, USA. Learn more and order at whitewaterfish.com.