Cold Weather Running Gear

For me it was definitely an trial and error thing, and several runs taking note of the conditions and how I felt based on how I was dressed. I'd rather start chilly that be overheated by mile 2! I've learned what I can get away with by temp, wind, sunny or overcast, etc. I live in California, and while we don't get the extreme temps you'll face, I still have cold weather gear for the windy, rainy, foggy, and occasional sub freezing mornings.

Layers for sure. Wicking fabrics, same as summer - you don't want sweat soaked cotton hanging on you and making you colder, especially when you stop. I hate things tied around my waist or flapping when fully unzipped, so I've gathered a pretty good collection of half-zip long sleeved tops - bonus if they have thumb-holes and can be pulled at least part way over the hands. If it's really cold, I can put a layer underneath for more core warmth. And my "really cold" is really rare as I live in California, so snow and ice are not a factor for me, just the occasional mornings in the 30's, or thick fog with 40's. tongue

Top to bottom, I have these items for winter running -

Fleece beanie
Fleece ear wrap
Neck gaiter (never used it, but I've got one!)
Half zip long sleeved tech tees
Half zip merino wool long sleeved tees (Costco has these the past two years and I LOVE them!)
Wicking tanks and short sleeved tees
Gloves with a techy-touch finger & thumb so I can still use my phone apps/music
Windbreaker/shell type jacket
Fleece vest
Compression tights (full length)
Compression capris
Compression bike length shorts
WOOL SOCKS - love love love my Smartwool socks! Happy feet!

I've had really good luck with the running tights at Target (cheap, too) as well as their half fleece-half "down" jacket for super cold days. My favorite cold weather gear is a long sleeve under armour cold gear shirt - it's amazing, and I wear it by itself or as a base layer under that jacket when it gets super cold. Gloves or mittens, a neck/face guard, and a headband (misc. brands) round it out for me.

If you'll be running on snow and/or ice, I'd recommend a pair of yaktrax.

It comes down to a bit of trial and error. You should, however, feel a little chilly at the beginning of your run otherwise you're overdressed and may overheat.

Compared to here winters in MD are pretty mild, you probably want a pair of cold weather tights and a mid-weight half zip (with a wicking layer on underneath)as well as glove and a beanie. That show see you through all but the coldest days, for really cold weather you can't go wrong with a lightweight merino wool base layer (it stays warm even when damp from perspiration) and I'll second Amy's suggestion of wool socks.

I wear Under Armour compression tIghts and a long sleeve compression shirt, form fitting not the real tight ones, I also use a outer layer of sweat pants and long sleeve shirt under armor also. That way I can pull clothing off if I need to. Last year I got a nice Brooks cold weather jacket. I also have a nice pair of dual layer Brooks gloves under mittons so when my hands get warm I will pull off the outer shell. I wear brooks gortex lined running shoes. Unfortunantly I cannot stand when the temp gets in subzero conditions my gear keeps me good till it hits below zero. I live in MI last winter was very unusually cold for December January and Feburary. As long as the temp does get in the sub zeros I think i enjoy running in the cooler weather.

I use a base layer of Under Armour or Reebok fleece lined wicking top, similar wicking fleece lined tights, a pair of wind pants (even cheap ones from Walmart work, a fleece top, and a windbreaker jacket. I use Under Armour or Nike or Champion running gloves, and a fleece hat or ear band. I do have gaiters and masks, but I usually don't need all that unless it is like 10 degrees here in NY. I do remove layers sometimes as I go, so zip-ups are great!