PRODUCT REVIEW : North Bay heated jacket and pants for womens by Olympia

Hi fans!

Cold weather is quickly approaching, and I’m taking this opportunity to present you an indispensable product for your engine-lover’s closet: the North Bay heated jacket and pants set by Olympia. Quality, design and comfort: those are the three key words that come to mind to describe this kit.  

In terms of quality, Olympia has truly designed an exceptional product. The jacket and pants are made of high-quality Polyester bonded fleece and are both equipped with a two-layer bonded fleece layer. Both pieces are machine washable.

In addition to the heating wires in the collar, the jacket has three heated panels: two in the front and a large one in the back, whereas the pants have one on each thigh. The 12-Volt heating system connects directly to the vehicle’s battery, which gives it a level of heat that is much higher and more immediate than systems that rely on an external 7-Volt battery. Each of the jacket’s sleeve is equipped with a universal plug for heated gloves. 

In addition, the pants come with a connector wire that enables the user to plug the pants into the jacket, which is a very convenient aspect of the set. Each garment can therefore work independently or together, and comes with all the necessary wires.  

My favourite feature of this kit is the control button, which is easy to reach and to use.

Whereas many models on the market use a knob control system, the North Bay pants and jacket are controlled with a single pressure button. Press once to turn on the system, then once to navigate between each of the three heat levels (low, medium, high), and once more to turn it all off. The button is easy to access (on the left collar bone for the jacket and on the left thigh for the pants), and easy to press, even with gloves on. This enhances the rider’s safety by eliminating the distractions caused by more complicated and hidden control systems. 

When it comes to the design, I simply adore the look of this set. Olympia offers a model for men and one for women (thanks, Olympia!), which enables everyone to pick a model that best suits their body proportions. The women’s pants offer a nice level of elasticity at the hips to leave ample space for our lovely curves, and the jacket creates a feminine, fitted waist. The design is subdued enough to fit with all styles, and I like the small colourful accents that were integrated in order to add personality and originality to both garments. 

I especially appreciate that the kit can pass for an everyday set: it doesn’t look like a motor sports set. Although this kit was designed as a liner over which pants and a jacket are worn, it is sufficiently insulating from wind (and obviously from the cold) to be worn on its own. I like to wear the pants over my padded leggings, in order to combine protection and heat.  

The North Bay set seems to have been inspired by the world’s most comfortable pyjamas. The interior fleece is exceptionally soft, and the material is just stretchy enough to allow for lots of freedom of movement, without sacrificing the insulating aspects of the set. Mesh panels were added in order to ensure good air circulation, which enables the jacket to breathe while remaining nice and toasty. It is surprising how thin, flexible and subtle the heating wires are; it is easy to quickly forget they’re there. To finish, the heated collar is tall enough to protect the neck from the cold.  

What sets the North Bay kit apart from the competition? 

Let’s begin with the heating system. It’s 12-Volt system that plugs directly into the vehicle’s battery makes it particularly efficient. The network of integrated connecting wires is very convenient, and allows the user to create an interconnected heated suit, especially since all the necessary wires are included. The heating system is very easy to use and safe on the road, thanks to the innovative control button.

In terms of design, this is a very comfortable, versatile and high-quality set. It is suitable for all tastes and all body types. Finally, it is exceptionally comfortable thanks to the fleece interior, the elasticity of the material, and the flexible and thin heating wires. 

I give the pants a 10/10.

As for the jacket, a few improvements would make it perfect. 

Firstly, the elastic at the waist would be greatly improved if it were larger and more elastic. This would enable it to better suit all hp sizes. Second, I found the sleeves a bit too long. Finally, I would have loved for the sleeves to have a thumb hole, in order to avoid the sleeves running up when a second layer is put on, and to avoid wind coming in.  

I’ve had the chance to test an exceptional set, whose quality, look and comfort are impressive. I would add that the price tag is quite reasonable: it is possible to get your hands on the complete set for less than 700$. If you’re a motorcyclist, this kit will enable you to significantly lengthen your season, and your purchase will therefore quickly become profitable.

If you are more into snowmobiling, your season will be more pleasant thanks to the comfort provided by the set, and you’ll therefore be able to enjoy longer days in the great outdoors. Whatever your motor sport, if you like to have fun outside in cold weather, I strongly recommend investing in a heated kit like this one.