MontBell U.L. Thermawrap Inner Vest ($99):
Racers on the hustle can generally produce enough metabolic btu's to stay warm. "Generally" here is the operative word, because when the pace slows, the skies unleash, and the cold winds blow, it's all about keeping your core temperature stable. The MontBell U.L. Thermawrap Inner Vest, therefore is an, err, core example of this methodology, covering your vital organs while giving your arms unencumbered flexibility to do the hands-on maneuvering that racers need to execute in a flash. At a gossamer 5.2 ounces, the U.L. (code-speak for Ultra Light) won't slow you down and stuffs into almost nothing. The Ballistic Airlight nylon shell overlays MontBell's own Exeloft synthetic insulation, which strikes a wonderful balance between the airy lightness and compressibility of down with the safety afforded by warm-when-wet synthetic loft. Zip it up, and the micro-fleece-lined collar and elastic armholes provide a near gasket-like, windproof seal to keep you warm—core for the choir, in other words. Contact 866-546-6824, www.montbell.com.
