Boondock Puffins

Ladies Halvarssons Vimo Laminated Jacket

This is a review of the Ladies Halvarssons Vimo Laminated Waterproof Motorcycle Jacket, which I bought on a sort of whim, so it is interesting to look over how it has performed.

I will look at the pros and cons of the jacket, explain why I chose it and link to my next article which looks at some of the other options out there for women’s jackets.

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Overview

When I went to buy this, I had three goals – I wanted a jacket that was laminate (stay tuned if you don’t know what that means, I’ll explain in a minute), brightly coloured and vaguely affordable. I managed one and a half of these. I should say, that is in addition to the essential safety of having CE approved armour. 

Let’s split this up into different categories then, and consider the jacket in terms of: Looks, Fit, Comfiness, Protection, Waterproofing, Temperature and Affordability.

Look – 7/10

It is not the most flattering cut, and why are there so few bright ladies motorcycle jackets out there for women? 

Fit – 7/10

I’m a size 10 normally, this jacket is a size 12. I can fit a fleece underneath even with the liner in which is good. One major flaw of the jacket is that the arm holes are super tight which makes it a bit frustrating to fight with each time (although this is potentially great because it stops any and all drops from going down your arms in torrential rain).

*As a top tip, if you undo the zips, put your arms in and then do the zips back up, you get around this problem for the most part.

Comfiness – 8/10

Aside from the sleeve issues, this jacket is very comfy. The other major draw back is the neck fastening – the flap that should strap across is overly tight, which sometimes leaves you feeling slightly strangled in bad weather. The awesome storm collar gets around this to a certain extent, but when you’re in truly rubbish weather and want to have no gaps, it is a bit tricky. 

Protection – 9/10

This has CE approved armour and it is very comfy and secure. The major problem I’ve had in this area is the back protector. The one that was recommended, and which I actually picked up after our long Scottish trip, is way too big. It just fits in the back of the jacket, but as I sit down, it gets pushed up uncomfortably past my neck, and almost acts as a head rest. Not what I wanted. As a result, I’ve put in my old armour back in which is less sturdy but allows me to sit comfortably, until I find a better option.

Waterproofing – 10/10

I have put this jacket through its paces in crappy weather – including snow – and it has been phenomenal. Nothing has leaked at all. This aspect really cannot be faulted.

Temperature – 10/10

Removable thermal lining (and the jacket is still comfy without it), plenty of zips for ventilation.

Affordability – 7.5/10

At around £450, this is not the cheapest jacket for women – stay tuned to the end for my run down of other jackets that are out there for you. However, it was the best combination of things that I needed from what is really a very small selection. I couldn’t have a cheaper, lighter armoured jacket with a waterproof over the top because I needed the thermal layer to brave the UK weather that we encounter regularly, and as much as the Rukka jacket is awesome in terms of fit and comfort, it is just way out of a normal beginner price range.

Other Noteworthy Features

Magnetic clasp that seals jacket over buttons. Super satisfying, and I’ve also found accidentally that you can carry your keys on your stomach if you’re not careful about the magnet! 

Pockets – 2 at the front that work as hand warmers off the bike, and 1 inside the lapel which is waterproof and good for your phone.

Adjustable straps to bring it in at the waist and arms if needed.

Overall – 8.5/10

For a jacket of this sort of price, I was hoping more thought would be given to fit and style as well as function, but my feeling is that the motorbiking world has a way to go, at least in the UK, before there is a range of choices for decent, affordable, functional as well as cool looking jackets for women. That said, I would highly recommend this ladies motorcycle jacket – it’s laminate did not falter. It has kept me with a good body temperature, dry, safe for several hundred miles so far, and ultimately that is what I require a jacket to do.

Where to find one?

I have to admit, I bought my jacket a couple of years ago now – they can be tricky to get hold of still, but can nevertheless be found here.

Halvarssons have made an updated version of this jacket which looks awesome (and which I will inevitably upgrade to eventually!) – find it here.

Shout out to the guys at Infinity Motorcycles in Wallingford for all their help with this, you guys rock!

If this was interesting or helpful to you, or you’d like to weigh in with other suggestions or thoughts, please do leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!

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