Q36.5 Termica Jacket : Orange

The Q36.5 Termica winter jacket is a lightweight (400g) low volume, pre-shape cold weather jacket intended for a high-intensity training in full winter conditions.

The design is an extremely advanced vision of the modern windproof winter ‘shell’. Core body heat zones and areas of the garment most exposed to the wind (chest, upper back, upper arms and front of forearms) are built from Q36.5's Unique Fabric ThermalShell. This is a laminated polyamide-polyester with a micro fleece backing. The key to the fabric is the middle layer. A Japanese-made hydrophilic 18 micron non-porous PU membrane. Q36.5 favours the use of hydrophilic (water-loving) over hydrophobic membranes (such as Goretex™), as they best allow for the body to transpire and remain dry whilst maintaining an optimal body temperature during intense athletic activity. The hydrophilic membrane offers the most suitable combination between thermal insulation, vapour permeability and waterproofness for high intensity cycling in cold and extreme cold weather. The polymer molecules of the membrane have a predetermined activation point at which they ‘open’ and increase permeability (allowing the body to transpire more efficiently at high temperatures) and ‘close’ at lower temperatures allowing for an increase in the insulation properties when the body temperature is lower.

The sides and back are constructed from a high-density thermal fleece fabric which nevertheless has excellent moisture management helping to transport moisture from the body at a controlled rate to ensure optimal operating body temperature and to avoid over-cooling. The same fabric is used in the proprietary-design second internal ‘barber’s collar'. This collar may not seem much of a selling feature but it is part of the secret to the incredible performance of the Termica Jacket. If you have ever ridden in deepest winter you will know that the opening of a jacket at the back of the neck when in a tucked position, can cause spears of icy air to penetrate your very being, rapidly cooling your body - particularly if you are working hard and sweating. The second collar on the internal side of the first, is a soft and elastic fleece cut to easily rest directly against the neck (much like the elasticated tape used underneath a cape by barbers) and serves to hermetically seal the body from cold air which can often enter from the rear part of the neck during activity, offering superior protection to that provided by the traditional single collar found on other cycling jackets. It really is the little things that make all the difference!

As with much of the Q36.5 range, the Termica jacket is developed using RSR mapping and is ergogenically cut. Regional Sweat Rate (RSR) body mapping, is a process whereby the rate of perspiration in different areas of the body is studied to help develop Q36.5’s unique fabrics and patterns. As such, the Termica jacket is breathable to varying degrees throughout its construction. This not only leads to optimised wicking for cooling purposes but also results in varying densities of fabric that results in lighter weight clothing. Like much of the performance cycling clothing market, Q36.5 clothing is designed and cut to be worn in the cycling position - indeed, you will notice the pre-shaped fit when trying the clothing on and it is important to adopt a cycling stance in order to appreciate the garments fully. Q36.5 have taken this concept a little further than most however and have developed a range of Ergogenic patterns. Such ergogenic patterned clothing is designed so that the panels and fabrics are tuned to support the muscle groups, thusly the Termica has a snug but unrestrictive fit which supports a balanced position to reduce fatigue: a true technical advantage. The Termica is also cut with the same unique sleeve pattern (minimal seams, none frontal facing) as the short and long sleeved jersey to optimise aerodynamics.

Continuity abounds through the Q36.5 range and the Termica shares the same invisible pocket system as used in the jerseys. Rather than crudely sewing an extra layer of fabric over the back of the jersey to create 3 pockets as is traditional, Q36.5 have integrated the pockets into the design of the jacket leaving 3 subtle openings they dub ‘Invisible Pockets’. The addition of a 4th zippered pocket completes the package and – believe it or not - this design, aside from being far more aesthetically pleasing, offers a small but quantifiable aerodynamic advantage. Like the Hybrid Que, the Termica has an additional sleeve pocket on the left arm for easy access to nutrition / 'phone / spares etc.

The fit of Termica is close and conformable without ever being restrictive. You may initially be deterred when trying it on but we beg you to persist! Once you have worn it on the bike you will understand the fit even more. The proprietary fabrics used in Q36.5 clothing function optimally when the fit is snug against the body and it is an inherent design element of the brand. This closeness and pre-shaped fit lends the ergogenic qualities that enable the fabrics to better support and stabilise the body, but this closeness is never at the expense of comfort and there is a notable freedom of movement when adopting the riding position.

If, like me find that less-is-more and you grimmace at the prospect of spending 20 minutes or more prising yourself into the various layers that often seem necessary in order to brave the worst conditions, then the Termica - nay, every aspect of Q36.5 - is for you.

Awful out? Base layer + Termica. Job done. Put something on your legs though, please!