Klim Override eFire Vest - Black

I picked up one for me and one for my wife as a low-bulk heated mid-layer to wear under our Gore-Tex shells. The fit is trim without making you feel like the Michelin Man when you zip your jacket over it, and the materials feel high quality. As a piece to live under a touring jacket, it disappears nicely and still adds noticeable passive warmth even before you switch the heat on.

The heat layout is simple and effective for the chest and upper back: two vertical panels either side of the main zip and one across the upper back/shoulder-blade area. If I’m being picky, I’d love a fourth pad lower down the lumbar area as the heat on the shoulders felt a bit weird at first, and not where I would prefer it (center or lower back). I guess a 4th pad would reduce battery life, but then, the battery is tiny so ... i'd not be averse to a larger battery either.

Power is via a USB-C rechargeable battery with three heat levels, and there’s a neat, lit led coloured chest button to cycle between the modes. On the bike I found the “medium” and “high” settings warm up very quickly. Battery life is what you’d expect for a compact pack (a couple of hours on high, and I never ran out on low, but only did a 4 hour ride as the longest, but that was plenty), which lines up with advertised performance.

The vest is also machine-washable with the battery removed, which is handy, although I've not washed it yet as it's always between layers so has never got dirty or smelly.

Downsides? Price is high (it's Klim, what do you expect!), and if you live on the high setting you’d want a spare battery for all-day rides. Heat is focused high on the torso, so if your chill spot is lower back or kidneys you may wish for more coverage. Otherwise, as a low-bulk, easy-to-layer heater it does exactly what it says.

Overall, a well-made, packable heated gilet that solves the “puffy mid-layer under motorcycle armour” problem with minimal fuss.

Great fit, light weight and warm even without battery turned on