Cold weather gear for a fat bloke

You shouldn't be running at all. You will be damaging your knees and back.

Serioulsly losing weight is 80% diet!!!!!!!!!!! Get on top of that and the weight will fall off. You can exercise and run all you like when you are slim. It is easier to lose weight when you do not exercise.

Oh, and I wear Aldi winter running stuff as it was on sale a few weeks ago. It's great, but I'm in the UK so I don't know whether you can get that?

Patttience wrote: »

You shouldn't be running at all. You will be damaging your knees and back.

Serioulsly losing weight is 80% diet!!!!!!!!!!! Get on top of that and the weight will fall off. You can exercise and run all you like when you are slim. It is easier to lose weight when you do not exercise.

This is terrible advice. I can't help you with the clothes (I run in t-shirts and gym shorts). But I started running at over 300lbs (I'm 5'9"), and I've had knee problems all my life (I played hockey growing up, did some damage, then spent years at 300# doing more damage to them). I've always had lower back issues too. The good news is that since I started running, my knees and back (at 47 years old) feel better than I can remember them feeling in my entire adult life.

LONG JOHNS!...Im from upstate NY lol cant live without them invest in some hoodies some good hats and gloves and some nice winter boots for walking...u got this! OH they have some nice face masks too for keeping the harsh weather out..snow pants with suspenders...yeah all the things u hated when u were a kid.....think think think... its what u wear under that matters the most really...

I know Under Armor stuff isn't cheap, but it is good stuff. Look for layerable items like Microfiber long sleeve T's and Crewnecks. Sometimes you can catch the Under Armor brand on sale at sporting goods stores (Cabela's, Gander Mtn).

nosajjao wrote: »

msf74 wrote: »

Layers are your friend.

Get some wicking base layers (which can be fitted or semi fitted) and then add a more relaxed fit top over that if you are self conscious. If you are running in the dark then reflective and florescent tops are a good idea. You could do the same with the bottoms (i.e base layer with looser shorts over the top.)

Without knowing your budget it is hard to give you specific recommendations

Everyone's arguing about running or not running and you had to go pop in and actually respond with some solid advice to the question he was actually asking. How rare this is these days.

I'll report myself to the Ministry of Truth for immediate reprogramming!

[Edit: Accidentally quoted myself -_-; ]

If you are a Costco member, they have pretty much all the winter gear you need -- base layers, running gloves, balcava, rain gear, although I don't know about the size range on the base layers. However, the Costco base layer XL is large on me (I'm ~ 230 lb), so you may be able to buy a smaller size than you think.

I'm finding that a base layer + gym shorts + a fleece vest + a hat is fine down to freezing. I'll probably add a layer when it drops below freezing (this weekend, sad to say).

ntw25 wrote: »

I am not looking for anything "form fitting", I already run in the dark to avoid being seen, looking like the Michelin Man would probably get me shot

For base layer, form fitting is what you're after as that's largely what provides the insulation properties. as you're losing weight there's little point in going for Merino, but that's very much the best option. UnderArmour, Helly Hansen, Haglofs etc all make good stuff.

High viz tee over the top helps to give you the visibility, and helps to camouflage the form fitting base layer a bit. I understand the preference not to look like a badly packed kit-bag, as I've been there myself.

I wear tights in cold weather, I don't bother with anything over or under them but if it helps then slip a pair of shorts over the top. No real practical effect but again they break up the lines of the form fitting aspect.

As it cools further I'll use a fleece half zip top, Berghaus or Haglofs.

The main things for me are insulation and wind proofing. As you're running theres little point in waterproofing. I opt for the get wet, then have a shower approach.

Hat and gloves make a huge difference to comfort, and in many ways I'll opt for those with a tee and shorts as they do seem to have a big effect.

Something like a buff is pretty good as it's adaptible.

As upthread, lighting and visibility is important. Head-torch is useful for me, but some like knuckle lights. and something on your back.

The main thing is layering up, that lets you shed layers if you need to.

To actually add to the discussion - as others have said make sure you are visible. With winter comes less daylight, which can mean you are out at dark, or worse, twilight. Get reflective arm bands, and LED blinky lights. They make these specifically to just strap around your arms/legs/whatever so you can be more visible.

Layers & wicking is what you need.

I started running at just under 300 pounds, and had troubles finding the right clothing too. Shopping in stores was a nightmare, but I was able to find some great stuff online, however, they were mostly women's stores so I can't help much there. Major kudos to you on the running! Just keep in mind when you are buying that you will want bright reflective stuff since you will be out in the dark.

Patttience wrote: »

You shouldn't be running at all. You will be damaging your knees and back.

Serioulsly losing weight is 80% diet!!!!!!!!!!! Get on top of that and the weight will fall off. You can exercise and run all you like when you are slim. It is easier to lose weight when you do not exercise.

This is beyond bad advice. I agree that diet plays a huge part in keeping weight off and maintaining it but exercise is vital. Don't weight (haha) until another time to exercise. And telling people its easier to lose weight when you do not exercise...maybe for a few folk but generally I think this is false and crappy advice to give.