Cold weather running gear

jessejames3ball
jessejames3ball Posts: 268
edited January 4 in Fitness and Exercise
I live in Minnesota and plan on running outside as much as possible this winter. For those of you that run in cold weather, snow, etc..., any tips on gear and staying properly warm but not overheating after the running starts to heat you up?

Replies

  • CALake
    CALake Posts: 269 Member
    Under Armour pants are my faves- but I ditch the brand name good looking stuff for a chunky fleece coat on top. Anything designed for cold weather should help you keep warm but be breathable at the same time.
  • lawkat
    lawkat Posts: 538 Member
    You lose the most heat from your hands and head. Wear gloves and a hat. Layers are important because you can remove them as you warm up. I find that if I keep my core warm, I can stay warm. I will buy cold weather running clothes, but there is not one brand that I think is better over others. They each have their own thing.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Layers.......

    For extremely cold days (-35° C or so) I start with a merino wool base layer (torso & long johns) a long sleeve tech shirt & tights and a polartec fleece top *& running shell as well as gloves & toque. Merino wool socks are great for really cold days too (the merino wool is light, warm, wicking and stays warm if it gets wet)

    For moderately cold days I'll forgo the base layer and may substitute a medium weight half zip top for the fleece (in my profile picture it was about -15°C and I had a long sleeve tech shirt under my half zip and, as you can see from the damp patches on my chest & icicles on my toque I was definitely perspiring)

    Around the freezing mark tights, long sleeve shirt & my running shell.

    Above freezing and I'm probably in shorts.

    The biggest challenge I faced was finding gloves that were light but warm at the same time - after trying a plethora of different brands I found some Columbia gloves that have a reflective lining that are very comfortable down to about -25°C. Anything much colder than that I'll wear my ski gloves or a pair or mittens.

    Your should be chilly when you start out, you will warm up and don't want to overheat. It takes a bit of trial an error as everyone has different cold tolerance.
  • KimertRuns13_1
    KimertRuns13_1 Posts: 702 Member
    Under Armour cold gear mock neck tops
    Sugoi sub/mid zero tights
    Nike running gloves
    I always wear something to cover my ears. If it is windy and well below freezing I wear a balaclava over my head/face. I also agree with layers so that you can shed if you get too warm.
  • jessejames3ball
    jessejames3ball Posts: 268
    I have a pretty good in with a base layer company so I'm getting setup head to toe with a cold weather gear base layer.

    I have the Under Armour storm pants. Hopefully after I get my leg base layer in that will be good enough? I have a thermal shirt and a Champion cold weather/light weight jacket for the top.

    How about a wind breaker set? It will be brutally windy here in the winter. Is that something anyone has as their outer layer?
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I have a pretty good in with a base layer company so I'm getting setup head to toe with a cold weather gear base layer.

    I have the Under Armour storm pants. Hopefully after I get my leg base layer in that will be good enough? I have a thermal shirt and a Champion cold weather/light weight jacket for the top.

    How about a wind breaker set? It will be brutally windy here in the winter. Is that something anyone has as their outer layer?

    I use a "no-name" Running Room reflective running jacket as my shell (Running Room has locations in Minnesota) but there are quite a few companies that make similar jackets. One thing to look for is the jacket being a bit longer in the back (mine pretty much cover my butt) to keep the cold air out.
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