my package arrived from Montreal. I had been eying one of these jackets ever since I first saw a blue one last January in SFO . ( read here ) but I thought that I had to go to Corvallis to get one
I couldn't wait to unwrap the package
and get the battery charged
You must know that men don't need instructions so I just plugged the adapter into the wall and the other end into the battery and the lights started to blink. When the LED on the charger turns green, then it is ready to be used
It seems like a well made jacket. There is a Tourmaster tag inside which explains the construction. There is a fleece layer, and also an insulation layer which is then sandwiched by a heat radiating layer. It says water resistant on one tag and in the booklet it says it is waterproof
The battery attaches to the plug in the left pocket and there is a battery compartment with a velcro enclosure.
Originally I was going to purchase a jacket for Mrs Skoot whom is always cold but she didn't want one, so instead I bought one for myself. I am thinking that when she trys it out one day, then I will most likely have to buy another one.
I put in the battery and turned it to 50% and I tried to feel the heat
No, I'm not feeling myself but there are supposed to be heating pads in the chest and I was trying to find them. When the sun goes down it starts to get chilly faster and a little bit of warmth makes you feel warmer
I think once you zip it all the way up and perhaps put on another rain shell the heat will be contained within the jacket under the reflective heat layer. There is also an elastisized draw string which can keep the waist tighter, thus stopping heat loss.
I think it makes me look thinner too.
I hope it will works as advertised. I look forward to a follow up post with results.
ReplyDeleteChris:
DeleteIf you are planning on coming back here for the winter, you may consider getting one. I think it's going to be colder here than in OK.
PS: bring your smoker back, I would like to taste the output . . .
Also based on Troubadour's post I opted for the heated golf vest from Mobile Warming. It was on close-out and should be adequate for our Arizona winters which are a bit less rugged than yours up there in the Great Frozen North, Bob. I'll be interested to read your follow up comments after you've given the jacket a proper test. I expect to use my new vest sometime around January!
ReplyDeleteDoug:
DeleteI wished I could have purchased a Close-out. I paid reg price but shipping was Free.
You should try your vest now, to make sure it works
You look awfully dapper in that flapper! All ready to get toasty on the coasty!
ReplyDeleteSteve:
DeleteYou could probably use this jacket as a Riding Jacket liner and also as a casual jacket for those evening walks. Dual purpose for those traveling with limited storage options
Since your bike isn't power constrained like Troubadour's, why go for a portable battery powered liner? So it can also be used when you aren't riding? I looked at the separate battery powered units but decided that I didn't want to deal with the additional batteries. Plus, we're a little colder ;-)
ReplyDeleteRichard:
DeleteI do have a regular heated Vest which plugs into my bike(s). It is 12V but I have no heat troller, it is either ON or OFF and I maintain temperature by unzipping my jacket when necessary. I haven't used this vest for years but when traveling you need to wear dual purpose things. I don't have any power issues with the R with 600 watts available, but my Vstrom only has 400 watts.
I can used this as a regular evening jacket on summer evenings, rather than a riding jacket liner, and I can turn on the heat if necessary.
I am also a hobbyist, so I am going to make a 6V power pack and plug it into the jacket and see how hot it goes. It won't have a controller so it will be full 6V power, or OFF for supplementary power if I need more hours of heat. This should simulate approx 80% heat capacity, which according to their charts should work out to about 110°F, and 4 AA's around 2,000 ma should go another 2-1/2 hours
Bob
ReplyDeleteI'm developing heated Crocs(tm) - interested in being a tester?
Nikos:
DeleteI think I would go for a pair of those. You could hide the heating pads under the soles with the batteries somewhere in the heal section.
Just don't try to board a plane
Mmmmmm so sexy in black holding those breasts...eerrrr
ReplyDeleteSay thats a nice jacket Bob.
Steve:
DeleteI like the jacket, seems well made and has lots of insulation to retain body heat, even without the heat ON.
There is a more expensive Gerbring model which uses 12V, You can plug it into your bike OR you can buy their 12V battery pack and controller system do it is dual purpose. This model will probably put out more heat as it has more heating pads
Did I mention that I like this jacket. If only they had more inside pockets.
Bob
ReplyDeleteDo you have one of those touchless thermometers? Wondering how hot the pads get?
Dom:
Deleteaccording to their info, it should get up to 135°F at full power but then the battery will only last 2 hours, but 5 hours at 50% heat level which is around 4V, according to my theory.
With your Hack, if you put two 6V batteries in Series instead of using only one 12V battery you should have greater capacity, and thus be able to use 6V for this jacket when riding, and only use battery power when you are walking around.
I am thinking that you don't want to wear this jacket over too many layers, but rather that the extra layers be 'on top of" or wear over the jacket to retain body heat. The jacket is insulated and has heat reflecting layers built-in
Nice jacket Bob.
ReplyDeleteSo far we've been happy with ours. Brad uses his under his Aerostich and it keeps him warm. It has been 35˚ for him in the mornings when he leaves the house. It is the type of jacket you don't want too loose. A little snug to get the heat against the body.
Trobairitz:
DeleteI didn't have a colour choice, or I would have chosen Grey. I know what you mean about not having it too loose, then the heat will escape . . . sort of like heat in a sleeping bag. Also it should be closer to your body and not over too many clothing layers.
Glad to see it is working out for Brad on those cold mornings. I just want to be a bit warmer as I walk around taking photos so my plan was to use it more as a casual jacket, rather than a jacket liner for riding
No, no, no, no, no. You weren't supposed to take it out of the package. It was supposed to be saved until next winter. It is too new to use right now! How could you take the tags off?!?!? HA!!!
ReplyDelete:)
Lori:
DeleteGood to hear from you. Hope all is well with you
I know, it's not like me to use something new right away. I usually keep it for a year or two first. Yes, I snipped the tags off.
Bob, I think I need one of these! Can you email the link and the info on where to get one? I would greatly appreciate it as my morning commute is a little chilly and it would be nice for when I have to do the early morning and late night dog walks during the winter & spring.
ReplyDeleteDar:
DeleteEarlier I sent you their link via: email. It's the same place I bought mine and you can thank Troubadour for finding them. I plan to wear mine more as a casual jacket (not on the bike) I think you will like it
My jacket is a size small and it fits quite snug but not too snug, roomy enough that I can wear a sweater under it. This goes for both my Aerostich suits too which are size 42, just snug enough for a couple of layers underneath. I forgot to mention in my blog is that I wear a Buff under my collar to keep the heat in, the cold out and protect my neck from sun/wind burn, bugs with stingers and debris.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the jacket, I love mine as I can wear it when I'm off the bike, standing around in the parking lot at coffee, bike nights or evening walks. Add a scarf or a buff and a hat depending on the activity and temperature. http://www.buffwear.com/
Troubadour:
DeleteYou're right about heat management and the loss of heat that is being generated. I have a buff somewhere, and also a neck warmer. I bought Large and it seems to be form fitting so you are much slimmer than you appear. I bought it so I could wear it for "off bike" use