Electric vest for cold weather.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
With the variable weather we get here in the UK my main bike gear is a storm-proof riding suit. It is wind-proof, water-proof and fits well at all it's appertures - where neck, hands etc stick out. Cold weather riding is firstly about keeping the cold out, before keeping the warm in! I've never used heated gear, but suggest ensuring your outer wear is up to the mark first.
I have the gerbings battery jacket, and the first gear wired jacket. The battery one is cool but only good until early november. They both have pros and cons but the wired one is definitely better for long trips. Its also nice not having to worry about charging batteries.The battery powered jacket has heat pads in chest and back. The wired one has the entire front and back along with arms and neck.
I would get the jacket and pass on vest if you are planning to go cross country. Its a nice addition to have heated arms, and option to plug gloves into ports in sleeves. This way you don't have wires running all over the place.
The most important thing is to have a good main jacket to keep the wind from penetrating. If you don't have a good jacket the heat wont build up rite and at 70 mph can almost feel like its off.
I would get the jacket and pass on vest if you are planning to go cross country. Its a nice addition to have heated arms, and option to plug gloves into ports in sleeves. This way you don't have wires running all over the place.
The most important thing is to have a good main jacket to keep the wind from penetrating. If you don't have a good jacket the heat wont build up rite and at 70 mph can almost feel like its off.
Last edited by chrisg81983; Nov 13, 2016 at 07:40 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,682
Likes: 8,414
From: Utah
I have both the Gerbings Jacket liner and vest and they both work well. I seldom wear the vest but will pack it because of the smaller size on fall and spring trips. I only wear a long sleeve tee under the liner and it's like riding wrapped in a heating pad.
Mk and Gbrown both gave great advice, I hope you're hugging the southern border.
Good Luck
Mk and Gbrown both gave great advice, I hope you're hugging the southern border.
Good Luck
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 63
Likes: 5
Yes, go with the jacket liner instead of a vest. Last year I got the Warm & Safe Gen 4 liner with a wireless controller. The controller is strapped on the clutch side of the handlebars and a twist of the dial it adjusts to any heat level I want. It works great and extended my riding season until the DOT starts laying down the stinkin' salt.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,423
From: USA
I've had and used a Wider electric vest for decades. It has served me well, very well. Unfortunately,it has somehow shrunken while on the hanger.
These days, I'd be far more inclined to try the various infrared heating gearcase opposed to the hot wire type like the Widder.
Widder has a strongly mounted electrical connector. This is good for me, as I can't count the number of times I've forgotten to unplug, only to have the connector pulled apart as I walked away from the bike. Never any damage
I prefer a vest because I can put it on under a jacket and close to my body. This keeps my core warm. A jacket goes over things, which blocks a lot of that heat from getting to you.
I've had heated chaps. Didn't work very well because they were outside of my clothes.
I've had heated gloves. Didn't like them due to bulk and lack of feel. I end up death gripping the bars because I can't feel anything.
Wind is a huge enemy. Block it well.
The likes of hippo mitts on your bars are very effective. But, they sure are ugly.
Snowmobiling is all about riding in the cold. That's why snowmobile suits work so well. Worth considering imo.
You never see them these days, but a riding blanket or apron is very effective at keeping your legs warm. I had one once that I custom made for a specific bike. It was nice in the winter.
Beware the roads and their conditions when you are warm. It's easy to lose track of icing. Especially in the shadows. Ride with care and thought in the cold.
These days, I'd be far more inclined to try the various infrared heating gearcase opposed to the hot wire type like the Widder.
Widder has a strongly mounted electrical connector. This is good for me, as I can't count the number of times I've forgotten to unplug, only to have the connector pulled apart as I walked away from the bike. Never any damage
I prefer a vest because I can put it on under a jacket and close to my body. This keeps my core warm. A jacket goes over things, which blocks a lot of that heat from getting to you.
I've had heated chaps. Didn't work very well because they were outside of my clothes.
I've had heated gloves. Didn't like them due to bulk and lack of feel. I end up death gripping the bars because I can't feel anything.
Wind is a huge enemy. Block it well.
The likes of hippo mitts on your bars are very effective. But, they sure are ugly.
Snowmobiling is all about riding in the cold. That's why snowmobile suits work so well. Worth considering imo.
You never see them these days, but a riding blanket or apron is very effective at keeping your legs warm. I had one once that I custom made for a specific bike. It was nice in the winter.
Beware the roads and their conditions when you are warm. It's easy to lose track of icing. Especially in the shadows. Ride with care and thought in the cold.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,908
Likes: 29,889
From: PNW
To me February is still winter. I'm guessing you are riding from Mississippi to Florida? In that case I'm sure a vest would be fine.
If you are riding anywhere near mountains - don't. Especially with the frau on board. Freezing is only one of your worries.
If you are riding anywhere near mountains - don't. Especially with the frau on board. Freezing is only one of your worries.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 792
From: Kansas City, Missouri
I recommend a heated jacket liner. even wearing that sometimes my hands and feet get cold so I usually wear heated socks if it gets really cold, below 32 degrees. I'd definitely get the type that wired directly into the bike instead of a battery pack. riding in freezing temperatures can be very dangerous be careful and have fun.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 46
I have a heated vest & gloves. The gloves are a little stiff which makes my hands go numb quicker, so I do not wear them. The vest, sometimes just having the vest on is enough. I tried the vest in 20* weather & it still got a little too toasty for me. Good luck & hope all goes well.
Toby
Toby
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 35
From: Southern Maryland