For superior overall upper body warmth when you hit the temperature zones between Fall and Winter, or know a cold weather morning might warm up or cool even further, it can be helpful to have a packable, easy on/off option insulating. That is the purpose of the Equipe RS Winter LS Mid Layer from Assos. The Equipe collection is race bred, so it’s no accident this long sleeve “Thermobooster” mid layer resembles an close fitting LS jersey. By mirroring its silhouette, adding a full-length zipper, and including a pocket that doubles as a storage pouch, the Assos design team has created a super versatile second layer that boosts thermal insulation around your core, arms and upper body, yet disappears in a rear pocket when things warm up. Such a piece allows you to enter your winter training rides fully prepared for fluctuating weather and/or drastic changes in elevation.

Layered directly above your Skin Layer, the "Thermobooster" traps body heat, breathes, and expels excess moisture using the fast wicking yet very warm OSMOS Heavy textile. This is the thickest of the OSMOS-family of brushed-back fabrics, and it features a stretchy warp-knit fabric composition that smoothly wraps your torso and upper arms for a full-on fortress against the cold. The raw-cut hem and reversed, full-length zipper smoothly integrate with layers above and below, ensuring your complete outfit system remains as streamlined as possible. The brushed fibers hold more body heat in, but also allow excess heat levels and moisture to pass through to the next layer for better overall management.

The nature of the Equipe RS Winter LS Mid Layer is a testament to Assos serving every need a cyclist may have. One feature that is a noticeable change from the short sleever version is a lower cut collar, which factors in the excess material from a full balaclava for a more complementary experience. It is a race cut piece for proper fit under sleek, aggressively cut outer layers for a fully integrated feel and natural mobility, so it might not be the best option for everyone, but those cycling athletes that train hard in the winter could well find it indispensable.