I'm looking for a warm long sleeve upper body mid-layer for road riding. Requirements are insulation, breathable and wicking.

I don't need DWR, water resistant, waterproof, waterproof/breathable or wind blocking fabrics and am not looking for a jacket or outerwear. I'm looking for an insulating, wicking and breathable fabric, something like a thermal jersey with lots of insulation.

This will be a true mid-layer, worn between a base layer and an outer shell. Seriously considering the 7Mesh Callaghan JerseySuggestions on similar products warmly welcomed.


-Tim-

Not sure if this is something like what you are thinking if, but LG makes (as do others) insulated jerseys that can work as an outer layer or a mid layer.

An example:
Louis Garneau Tirreno Pro Thermal Jersey - Performance Exclusive

Pearl Izumi makes some nice ones too.

I had picked up a long sleeved jersey at performancebike.com (actually while in the a local store) while on sale for $19.

But for actual cold winter cycling a plain old Walmart or other discount stores brand name polar fleece works great. Sure... no back pockets like a cycling jersey has. But my water-proof wind break has a back pocket (made of mesh to enable venting).

I just stack multiple base layers. I have some very thin layers and some mid-weight ones.

My favorite is a Patagonia lightweight long sleeve. The knit texture is smooth, and somewhat wind blocking due to the fine threads. It's cool enough to wear under a short sleeve jersey up to almost 70F if the day warms up. But it's really nice with another base layer (or two) under it, and a jacket on top.

I rarely ride much below 40F. Combinations of thin and mid-weight layers with or without a wind blocking jacket work fine for 40-70F. For the annual New Year's ride, often at 28F to 30F, I have the usual unlined jacket, 3 long sleeve base layers, and a base tee.

The stacked thin layers handle the air that diffuses through my jacket when riding at speed. Each layer slows down the remaining air flow before it passes to my skin. My textured / waffled very breathable layers go next to my skin.

I got a heavier base layer with a zip neck some years ago, but rarely use it. It's just too warm.

I have a few decent "thermal" jerseys but have used a cheap fleece vest, $8 at the second hand store, with great results while on the bike. Very warm indeed. The price to warmth ratio of cheap fleece garments is incredible. I live in my Columbia fleece.

But I'm looking for something without all the loft. I know I will pay.


-Tim-

Your example of the 7Mesh Callaghan Jersey with a shell jacket and a base layer is something I'd wear at 30-35F, and seems marginally too warm for 40F, and definitely too warm for 45F.

It does look nice as an outer layer, without a jacket. I'd need to test it with different base layers to see what temperatures it would handle. It's very nice to not use a jacket, just some layers, when the temperatures are "moderate".

Tis the season.. if so inclined..
Castelli Holiday Sweater Jersey - Long-Sleeve - Men's | Competitive Cyclist

I have an Icebreaker wool long sleeve. thin but pretty warm under my riding jacket. Or for warmer than that i put a long sleeve mid-heavy poly pro shirt

We ride in a lot of the same areas, last year for temps around freezing I wore this as my base layer:

wiggle.com | dhb Merino Long Sleeve Base Layer M_150 | Base Layers

Then this as mid- or outer layer (I have the 2015 model, essentially the same):

wiggle.com | dhb Classic Long Sleeve Thermal Jersey (Marl) | Long Sleeve Jerseys

When needed I would add a outer windproof jacket or vest.

I'd recommend you look at some of the other dhb stuff on the Wiggle site. I'd avoid the windproof stuff as it's mostly too warm for temps above the teens. I only used my windproof jersey a few times last year and it was mostly too warm, crazy deal though. I usually ride in the morning or at night when it's coldest.

Iv'e done pretty well with different weight/style Merino Wool base layers from SmartWool, IceBreaker and Minus 33. Lots of options/styles/weights between those mfg's and have been happy with quality and fit. There is enough retailers out there competing for your business, that you can find some decent deals on them.

Cashmere sweater. Nothing better between a merino base layer and a high tech shell. Ideally get it at the thrift store for ~10 $ so you don't mind riding in it. Works great for hiking, too. Surprisingly breathable and warm for the weight.

I've never considered cashmere for sport/utility use. And I'd still use a body armor base layer. But I think to the idea of thrift store cashmere for cycling is a great idea.

Cashmere makes it plenty warm and comfy, and second hand makes it plenty thrifty. I have a couple of old merino sweaters that the moths got to that I wear as mid-layers in the coldest weather, and they work great.

Are you in Georgia?

Any used name brand long sleeve full zip jersey on ebay. Honestly, this is like a $15 item for me.

Or multiple base layers, which are $15 pickups at Marshalls. This year Walmart has some Russell base layers for $12.

Yeah, what [MENTION=68730]nycphotography[/MENTION] said. You guys naming these expensive cycling specific pieces are flushing your money. I use a generic wool t shirt as my mid layer.

32 Heat l/s undershirt from Costco. Get a size down, because it's Costco-sized.

@WolfRyder and @Jakedatc, thank you for mentioning Icebreaker. I'm looking at their site right now. Some nice stuff.


-Tim-

I have a Sierra Trading Post local to me - I keep an eye on their Smartwool, IceBreaker, Ibex, etc inventory. There's usually something available in the $30-$50 range in a LS shirt, which is pretty good for a nice merino garment. Also, when I signed up for their email list, they immediately sent me a coupon for an additional 20% off purchases over $75 total (good for 3 transactions within a couple weeks of the email being received, IIRC). Between shirts, socks, hat, "flexi chute," etc, I think that I've spent close to $300 on merino wool in the last two months.

Lot of good deals on base layers here:

baselayer - Search Results | Steep & Cheap

The Smartwool merino henley on the first page for $67 - got it at STP (wearing it right now, actually) for $30 last week. It's my new favorite comfy shirt.

I like a cycling soft shell for an outer layer since it's cut right for cycling, has pockets in the back and typically has reflective elements. Then you can stuff whatever you want inside it for extra warmth but like others said, no reason to over pay for the mid layer. The soft shell is very breathable but helps cut the wind down. I bought my pearl izumi soft shell on a blow out from Sierra Trading post.

I forgot to mention to sort by price(low - high)

This is $40 from Sierra Trading post, Pearl Izumi SELECT Barrier Jacket (For Men) - Save 42%

I'd get it one size too large so you can fit a good base layer and a vest if need be. If you need more wind protection, just add a windshell. This makes for a pretty functional set up that will take you down to 40 degree comfortably.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far.

I'm not really looking for a jacket, outerwear, anything "Barrier" or waterproof/windproof. I also just purchased a bunch of Craft wind-block base layers so am good in terms of next-to-skin and wind block.

I need a very warm mid-layer for cycling down to 32°f, that's all. Insulation and wicking with low loft/bulk are my concerns.

So far I am considering the following garments. I like the high necks on both.

• 7Mesh Callaghan
• Icebreaker Descender

The founder of 7Mesh was formerly president of Arc'teryx. If the 7Mesh garments are half as good as Arc'teryx then they will be outstanding. I don't know anyone who regrets purchasing an Arc'teryx garment or thinks that they were a poor value. I'm hoping for the same, or looking for something similar.

@franswa, thanks for the link to Steep & Cheap. Lots of nice stuff including Swix which I was surprised to see. I'm a fan of their products.


-Tim-