Bates Thermal Vest
BATES THERMAL VEST
EVALUATION
A SMALL PIECE IN THE PUZZLE OF HOW TO STAY WARM
BABY, WHEN ITS COLD OUTSIDE-OR just cool—layering clothing works. But choosing the right layers can be a frustrating puzzle, because if you choose wrong, there'll be frost on you and the pumpkin. Layering often means bulk, too, and if the pieces of the puzzle don’t fit, you can have the worst of both worlds, and be cold and uncomfortable.
Bates Industries Inc., known for its leather goods, has taken a look at the puzzle and come up w ith a new piece, called the Thermal Vest. Not that vests are anything new; in fact, you might easily think that Bates’ garment is just one more example of the genre. Indeed, with its Thinsulate insulation. laminated between a nylon shell and a brushed-nylon interior, along with a full-length YKK zipper, snap-over windfiap and two pockets. Bates’ vest seems like common fare.
Instead, the differences are subtle, in details that will warm a motorcyclist’s heart. For example, 3-inchwide elastic panels in the vest's sides provide a comfortably close fit, while allowing plenty of room to stack on multiple layers of clothing underneath. Plus, the absence of a collar, and the generously scooped arm openings and neck, combine with the extremely thin insulation to make a remarkably slim garment that adds very little bulk when worn alone under a jacket.
Despite its thin insulation, Bates' vest is surprisingly warm, just the ticket for cool mornings and evenings. Admittedly, the vest alone can’t stand up to arctic temperatures, but it does an excellent job, considering its size and light weight. Moreover, the vest can be wadded up into a tight little ball, about the size of a quart of oil, for easy carrying.
Overall, then. Bates Thermal Vest (available in black only, in XS-XXL, for $39.95 from Bates industries Inc., P.O. Box 240 WP, Long Beach. CA 90801: [213] 435-6551) can be a worthwhile addition to your closet of cold-weather gear. It's a small, wellfitting piece of the puzzle that'll help you stay warm. And that's important, 'cause, baby, it's cold outside. S
