A Beginner’s Guide to Cold-Weather Running Gear
As a beginner runner, the prospect of facing colder temperatures might seem intimidating, but fear not! Running in the cold can be invigorating and rewarding if you’re equipped with the right gear. In this 6-step guide, I’ll walk you through the essentials of choosing the perfect cold-weather running gear and teach you how to conquer the chilly miles with confidence.
1. Dress for Success
When gearing up for a run in the cold, my golden rule is to dress as if it’s 15-20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature. This ensures you stay warm without overheating once your body temperature rises during the run- and you WILL warm up! Better to start underdressed and feel chilly than to be overdressed and overheat. Layering is key, starting with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin, followed by insulating layers for warmth, and finally, a windproof and waterproof outer layer like a vest or jacket- to shield against the elements if necessary.
2. Consider Chilly Run Conditions
Before heading out, take a moment to assess the weather conditions. Whether it’s sunny, cloudy, windy, or rainy, each factor plays a role in how you should layer up. If the sun is shining, you can err on the side of dressing in less; cloudy think warmer. On windy days, opt for wind-resistant outer layers, while on rainy days, ensure you have a waterproof jacket to stay dry. Dressing appropriately for the conditions will make your run more enjoyable and comfortable.
3. Mind the Running Surface
The type of running surface can influence your gear choices. If you’re running on icy or snowy terrain, consider trail running shoes with added traction or YakTrax, which act like snow tires for your feet. For cold pavement runs, standard running shoes with good insulation will suffice. In the rain,, make sure the bottom of your shoes aren’t worn out and can grip the wet surface appropriately (I love Puma’s PUMAGRIP, which performs spectacularly on the wet boards I run on! Side note: Puma now has a no-hassle returns trial period!). Be sure to adjust your gear based on the specific conditions of the running surface.
4. Timing is Everything
The time of day you choose to run in the cold can impact your gear choices. Learn to adapt your wardrobe as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. Early morning and evening runs may require warmer layers plus reflective elements on your clothing to enhance visibility. Some clothing and accessories have built-in reflective gear, such as this Brooks vest or a this headband. In the absence of those, you can try bracelets (which my kids use) or noxgear to get lit (literally).
5. Choosing the Right Cold-Weather Fabrics
Selecting the right fabrics is crucial for staying warm and dry. Opt for moisture-wicking materials like merino wool, which naturally pulls sweat away from your body, keeping you dry and warm. Bonus points for wool– thanks to its natural anti-bacterial and anti-stink properties, you do NOT have to wash it every time you run! Fleece-brushed fabrics can provide warm insulation, too, while technical polyester gear is a decent choice for its moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. Stay away from fabrics like cotton, which can hold moisture, making them feel heavy and keeping you colder than you need to be.
6. Accessorize for Comfort
Don’t forget the accessories! They’re perhaps what can make or break your cold-weather runs. Invest in good moisture-wicking, warm socks, a hat and/ or ear-warmer headband, and a neck gaiter to protect your extremities from the cold and limit exposure. Gloves are super-important, too, and while they can be fancy, they certainly don’t have to be. My hands often warm-up so much that I hit a point where I NEED to get my gloves off asap. For this reason, you’ll most often find me in simple dollar-store gloves, which I buy a dozen of every few years (either at the actual dollar store or in bulk on Amazon). If I keep them through the run (or race), great. If not, I can ditch them and not cry about it. Bonus points if they’ve got touch screen tech on the fingers.
Running Brands with Quality Cold Gear
Here are some of my tried and true favorite brands (share this post for last minute gifts!):
Smartwool:
Buff:
Tracksmith:
- Brighton base layers
- Fells waffle knit
- Downeaster tops
Athleta:
- Rainier tights & joggers-both on sale right now!
- Altitude pants
- Whistler tops
Vuori:
- Chilled out Leggings
- Canyon Vest
Oiselle:
- Lux anything- yum!
- Wazzie Wool
- Katron outerwear
- Lightning Layer vest
Janji:
- Vests
- Vortex gloves
- Merino hoodie & headband
Skida
- Fleece-lined headbands in so many fun patterns!
Knockarounds
Some of the items listed above are on the expensive side at full retail value, but are worth every penny and will last you a VERY long time when cared for properly. Most of them double as regular clothes for me, too (we refer to them as “fancy running clothes” in my house). Look for online sales by signing up for emails on their websites or following these brands on social media. Try hitting up other retailers such as Sierra Trading, Amazon, or Title IX for discounted gear. Also, think about going second hand- you can find lots of these items on marketplaces like Mercari and Poshmark.
Conclusion
Embracing cold-weather running is a fantastic way to stay active and maintain your fitness routine throughout the winter without having to hit the dreaded ‘mill. By dressing appropriately, considering weather conditions, monitoring running surfaces, and choosing the right fabrics and accessories, you’ll be well-prepared to conquer the cold and enjoy the many benefits of winter running. So lace up those running shoes, gear up, and hit the cold pavement (or boards) with confidence! Remember that a qualified coach can always help give you more individualized advice based on where you live and your personal preferences. Hit me up if you are interested in some coaching!
Disclaimer: As an affiliate for some of the brands linked on this page, I may get a small commission from your purchase, so thank you for helping support my small business! Come back here anytime you want discounts on more goodies and feel free to share with friends!