Heaton Wear - Testing the heated T-shirt over 2,000 km.

One question, one source of anxiety returns every year for several months: how can we combat the cold? OK, the market is full of thick jackets, large adaptable bubble jackets, and even the option of taking the car when icicles start forming under your nose. But sometimes, you need more.

Heated grips have long been a frontline weapon in this battle. Then came heated gloves, and since the beginning of winter we have been testing a heated T-shirt, the IRC Heaton Wear. A traveling companion that reveals its best qualities when riding a roadster, on long distances or in cold weather.

Close contact

At first glance, this long-sleeved garment looks like any other technical garment. Quite understated, it only highlights the brand name. Visually, only the connection cord betrays its difference; to the touch, you can feel the electrical wires running through the fabric, but this sensation stops at the fingers and is not felt on the skin. The stretch fabric hugs the body and begins to retain heat.

Un tshirt noir Heaton Techwear de chez IRC Components

It was during a short ride from La Rochette to La Rochelle that we really understood the added value of the Heaton. During the preparations, the first tests allowed us to feel the heat subtly, but not to the extent of putting our hands near a radiator or the pervasive diffusion that can be felt in gloves when heated grips are in action.

A few hours later, riding at a good pace, I had long forgotten that I was wearing this special T-shirt. Then, after some 400 km in the rain and at a gentle 5, I realized that... I was cold. The presence of the small Heaton battery in my pocket brought back my memory and allowed me to really test the product.

I set off again in the gloomy weather. After a few kilometers, a subtle and welcome realization takes over. The cold has discreetly dissipated. I still don't feel hot (like under a nice shower) but I do feel a gentle physical calm. Neither too hot nor cool or cold, the jersey seems to adjust to the temperature to keep me comfortable. This feeling stays with me until I reach my destination (literally). My only regret is that the sleeves are not heated by the wiring.

The battery allows you to choose between several heat settings. The default setting seemed the most sensible to me; the others are mainly for "breaking the temperature."
Leaving La Rochelle to reach Rennes, using the Heaton allowed me to clear my mind in the chilly early morning, prolonging the warmth of breakfast on the misty roads of the West. 300 kilometers in the fog to start the day makes your teeth sweat.
There was enough battery left to continue on a gentle ride from Rennes to Vierzon. It wouldn't last until the destination, but I couldn't ask it to last all day.
The last leg to Chambéry was under clearer skies, where heating wasn't necessary. However, just knowing that you can warm your chest and back at any time makes the gloomy weather forecast almost irrelevant.

Multi-purpose use

Just like heated gloves, this Heaton garment is not limited to motorcycling. It can also be used for skiing, cycling on bike paths, hiking, bear hunting, and other leisure activities in cool weather.

With the battery provided, heat is distributed for around six hours. For regular use, the box also contains the necessary wiring to connect it to the motorcycle. From then on, there are no more questions about battery life.

Un t-shirt noir, des fleches rouges, une batterie de type Power Bank