When the fit, fabrics and style of a piece of kit all comes together as a cohesive, functional package, it’s a beautiful thing. After testing a summer kit from MAAP, shoulder season arrived and so did the MAAP Training Thermal LS Jersey. I’m a fan of thermal jerseys and this one is my new favorite (you’ll see why).
MAAP Training Thermal LS Jersey Features:
- Signature team fit
- Reflective lettering throughout
- YKK Vislon locking zipper
- Raglan cut sleeves
- Low-profile collar than typical thermal jerseys
- Silicone logos around inside of hem
- Light DWR for weather resistance
- Colors: Navy, Flame, Black, or Light olive (tested)
- MSRP: $155
Shoulder season champion
There’s a magical time of the year in spring and fall when a thermal long-sleeve jersey is all you need. Crisp, fresh air and reasonable temps make for great riding. It’s not too hot or too cold just yet and with the right kit, you can do it all in cozy comfort. The MAAP Training Thermal LS Jersey arrived at the end of September as morning temperatures started hanging out in the 50’s. Thermal jerseys can be had in a variety of weights and I’ll call this one midweight and definitely thicker than the Bontrager Circuit Long Sleeve Jersey I just tested.
The Training Thermal LS features MAAP’s “team fit”, but it’s not much different than the Evade Pro Base Jersey. I’ve got just enough space to wear a sleeveless base layer to further extend the temperature range, but that’s about it. Honestly, this jersey ticks off every box in my fit checklist. The sleeves are long enough to ensure coverage, the hem is also sufficiently long for good protection, the collar is just the right height to play well with jackets and the pockets remain large and accessible enough to stash a shell and anything else you would want on a cool-weather ride. I can’t find a single thin amiss with the fit and cut of this jersey. It’s almost like MAAP took my personal preferences and wrapped every one of them into the Thermal LS.
As usual, I have been able to wear it for road, gravel and MTB rides. Pick your favorite — this jersey is great for each discipline. I’ve also worn it alone, with a short-sleeve base layer and as a mid-layer under a couple of different shells. The hat-trick of disciplines and usage reinforces the versatility. My recommended temperature range is about 50-65 degrees. Things get a little warm on the upper end (as expected). For lower temperatures, a vest, light wind shell or heavier jacket can be used to maintain comfort.
With a snug fit, the thermal fabric wicks moisture like a champ. When worn under the Gore ShakeDry Stretch Jacket, the lower-back did get a little saturated and revealed that accessing items in the pockets can be difficult when wet. It was a struggle to get my phone in/out as it snagged on the fabric. Outside of that, there’s little to call out.
Overall quality is very high with the Training Thermal LS. It feels every bit worth the price of entry. To further extend the utility, it has a lightweight DWR to fend off light rain. A nice little bonus. No, it doesn’t block wind, but it takes the edge off.
I have to give one more shout out to the collar height. It’s tall enough and tight enough to seal out cold air. But, it’s not so tall to interfere with a zipped-up jacket collar. In my opinion, thermal jerseys should all have the collar height on this jersey. Going any taller creates an uncomfortable logjam on your neck. Gratefully, MAAP understands that and has saved us all from that all-too-common annoyance.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and 170 lbs and the size Large fits to perfection.
The Good
- The perfect fit for comfort and efficiency
- Excellent sleeve length
- YKK zipper is easy-to-use (and locks in place)
- Wicks away moisture as an outer or mid-layer
- Hem stays put
- Cozy thermal fabric
- Collar height and diameter is perfect
- Good odor control after multiple uses
The Bad
- Pockets get a little difficult to use when saturated
The Bottom Line: MAAP Training Thermal LS Jersey
MAAP has delivered a shoulder-season winner with the Training Thermal LS Jersey. It has quickly become my favorite thermal jersey and sees repeated use between washings because it’s that good. The fit is excellent and the fabrics and finish are all top-shelf. As an outer layer or a mid-layer, this one is really hard to beat for cool weather riding.
Buy Now: Available from MAAP.cc
