I decided that to put up with another year in cold riding conditions, mainly evening bloodbike duties called for something to help keep the trunk warm and purchased a Tucana heated vest from Sportsbikeshop. I looked at cheaper Chinese offerings but few were of the close fit type vests and sizing seemed all over the place, plus wasn't prepared to take the risk on them packing in after the first few weeks use.
I'm a 42, so ordered their XL size to be worn over a base layer and the fit was spot on. I could have got away with a large for a closer fit.
Battery wise, these come without batteries, so I ordered a 10000mA 5v2A one (OKZU from Amazon...specifically designed for heated clothing in mind as it comes with overheat protection and a stable output current).
I have to say I wished I'd taken the leap years ago. Setting for the chilliest ride has been on low, but really it hasn't been needed yet as temps have held no lower than 10 degrees so far on my evening riding but even then, the lowest setting was almost too warm. It has helped with my back pain though (I'm on the list for surgery as my lower back is destroyed) and that's a big plus. You'd hardly know you're wearing it as it doesn't pad you out like some and it can be worn when walking the dog or around the house to keep heating bills low.
The 10000mH battery lasts for ages on low. So far, 8 hours hasn't drained it. The vest seems very well made with a soft feel but durable windblocker polyester outer and fleece lined inner, including pockets.
Zips are decent too and battery pocket will accept relatively slim 10000mH batteries without them feeling too lumpy but if you're riding for say 3 hours you might be better buying a few 5000mH batteries which are half the bulk and it'd last well enough.
There are two heating zones on the front around kidney area on left and similarly placed low on the right front. There's a central and upper/mid back element too and all are heated at the same time with three heating levels via an internal easy to use button.
Overall I can't recommend this highly enough. On its own it provides a decent additional insulation area with wind blocking and has a high close fit neck collar which helps keep the throat warm without interfering with the helmet strap.
I'm a 42, so ordered their XL size to be worn over a base layer and the fit was spot on. I could have got away with a large for a closer fit.
Battery wise, these come without batteries, so I ordered a 10000mA 5v2A one (OKZU from Amazon...specifically designed for heated clothing in mind as it comes with overheat protection and a stable output current).
I have to say I wished I'd taken the leap years ago. Setting for the chilliest ride has been on low, but really it hasn't been needed yet as temps have held no lower than 10 degrees so far on my evening riding but even then, the lowest setting was almost too warm. It has helped with my back pain though (I'm on the list for surgery as my lower back is destroyed) and that's a big plus. You'd hardly know you're wearing it as it doesn't pad you out like some and it can be worn when walking the dog or around the house to keep heating bills low.
The 10000mH battery lasts for ages on low. So far, 8 hours hasn't drained it. The vest seems very well made with a soft feel but durable windblocker polyester outer and fleece lined inner, including pockets.
Zips are decent too and battery pocket will accept relatively slim 10000mH batteries without them feeling too lumpy but if you're riding for say 3 hours you might be better buying a few 5000mH batteries which are half the bulk and it'd last well enough.
There are two heating zones on the front around kidney area on left and similarly placed low on the right front. There's a central and upper/mid back element too and all are heated at the same time with three heating levels via an internal easy to use button.
Overall I can't recommend this highly enough. On its own it provides a decent additional insulation area with wind blocking and has a high close fit neck collar which helps keep the throat warm without interfering with the helmet strap.
