Winter Running Gear | Cold Weather Gear 2018 – Runner’s World

In much of the country, the “-ber” months signal the end of daylight, warm temperatures, and a runner’s motivation. Let’s admit: It’s hard to drag yourself out of bed when it’s pitch black outside and your breath crystalizes the instant it escapes your lips. Or, if we do gear up for a run, it’s often on a treadmill at the gym, avoiding any wintry slop outside.

But, with the right attitude and tools, you can achieve just about anything. In our case, being equipped with the proper winter accessories that fend off anything Mother Nature delivers is all you need to bring back the joy of playing outside.

Gloves Before Sleeves Before Pants

As the temperature begins to slide, you’ll see runners sweating buckets beneath windbreakers and running pants. But, resist the temptation to bundle up, because as soon as you’re moving you’ll quickly overheat. If you’re unaware what you should be wearing given the conditions, you can always use our What to Wear tool. Or, take my advice: The first thing you should reach for is a thin pair of gloves to wear with shorts and a T-shirt because fingers often get chilly first. As the winds pick up and the temperature dips further, swap the tee for a long-sleeve shirt, then progress to pants and jacket as the conditions approach Arctic.

Layering is Wise

Smart runners know to dress in layers. A thin jacket can be tied around your waist easily if you find yourself too warm. But, beneath that, look for a synthetic base layer that will wick sweat away from your skin or wear a half-zip top that you can use like a window—open it to dump heat quickly so you don’t get too wet.

You can apply the same concept to your hands. As the temperature gets too low for lightweight gloves, slip a mitten over top to really boost your warmth and comfort. Modern materials even allow you to operate your smartphone or watch without taking your hands out of the mitten.

What about your head, where you lose the most heat? Unless you’re bald, you might find a hat to be too warm on any days when it’s too warm to snow. In that case, consider pulling on a headband or Buff, which you can use to keep from getting a brain freeze when cold wind relentlessly pounds your forehead.

To help you get out the door, here are 11 of our favorite winter running accessories.

[Related: The Best Winter Running Shoes of 2018]

Smartwool Merino 250 Cuffed Beanie

Price: $28

Smartwool

Made of 100 percent merino wool, this beanie is perfect for all wintry weather thanks to a double-locked construction that gives extra warmth. Mostly we like the wool cap because we can wear it all winter without every really needing to wash it—the wool’s natural properties fend off stink that other fibers can’t. Roll the cuff up for a stylish touch or keep it pulled down low over your ears when the Polar Vortex rolls in.

Gore Windstopper Headband

Price: $30

Gore Wear

Some days don’t really warrant a hat. But if the wind’s coming from the north, it can put a rosy glow on any exposed skin. If you know that feeling, pull this headband out of your gear drawer. It uses a windproof shell on the outside but remains cozy soft against your forehead.

Brooks LSD Thermal Mitten

Price: $40

Courtesy of Brooks

Mittens aren’t just for the little tikes. On cold days, your hands will stay warmer if your fingers can all share their heat. This cover-up is made from a ripstop nylon that fends off chill but is still touchscreen compatible so you don’t have to take them off to work your phone. If the mercury really plummets, I put them over top of a lightweight wool glove like the .

Asics Thermopolis Plus Long Sleeve Shirt

Price: $60

Asics

Stunningly soft and warm, this shirt is sturdy enough to be worn on its own on mild December days. But when January turns frigid, you’ll be glad you have it under a jacket. It has a slim fit that won’t restrict your stride, and the brushed fabric is great at trapping your body heat. It’s 88 percent polyester, so it’ll dry quickly when you unzip if you overheat.

Craft Active Extreme 2.0 Wind Stopper Boxer

Price: $40

Craft

Dudes, heed this warning: Frostbite on private parts hurts real bad. Prevent it with these boxers that have a Gore Windstopper panel down the front. The crinkly material really doesn’t inhibit your stride, neither does the super-soft ribbed material that stretches with every step.

Buff Original Reflective

Price: $25

Buff

Whether you wear it like a headband, a face mask, a neck gaiter, or nearly any other imaginable way you can wrap it around your head, a Buff is one of the most versatile pieces of gear you can own. This reflective version has 360-degree striping to keep you visible on those pre-dawn jogs. When I get hot, I wrap it around my wrist.

Kahtoola Microspikes

Price: $70

Kahtoola

These traction devices function similarly to the chains you strap around your car’s tires. The hard-wearing steel spikes cost more than other options, but they’ll keep your feet planted more firmly on the ground and will last far longer. I find they work best on snow and ice, but the ride gets a bit harsh when you hit long stretches of exposed pavement. If you only occasionally get snow or want to save some cash, drive some into the rubber of your shoes using a and your .

Nathan Sports SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask

Price: $37

Nathan Sports

Cooler temperatures may trick you into thinking you don’t need to drink fluids on your run, but don’t be fooled. If you’re logging long runs in prep for a spring marathon, you’ll especially want to stay hydrated, so reach for this insulated bottle. It’ll help keep your water from freezing midrun, plus the reflective pattern and stripes will catch the attention of car drivers.

Julbo Aero

Price: $190

Julbo

It might sound strange to wear sunglasses on gray days, but UV is still present in the winter. A more compelling reason to wear shades: to block the wind and snow. Look for a versatile pair like the Julbo Aero, which has “Zebra Light” lenses that automatically darken on bluebird days but remain nearly clear during storms or in low light.

Darn Tough Press Crew & Beast Crew Socks

Price: $20

Darn Tough

Repeat after me: I will not wear cotton in winter. Eventually your feet will get wet and cotton will not keep your feet warm. Wool will, so pick up a pair of the Press Crew socks (a women’s version is the Beast) which are a little thicker than traditional running models but not so much as to alter the fit of your shoes. The taller cut eliminates chilly gaps between your shoes and pants, while the pop of orange (purple for women) under your tights is a fun addition. Best of all, they’re guaranteed for life so you can buy one pair and wear them all winter.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Price: $70

Petzl

As the weather turns colder, you’re going to have to log miles in the dark unless you’re fortunate enough to sneak out at lunch time. So, charge up that headlamp. The Actik Core is a great option for winter runs, because it’s powered by either three AAA batteries or a rechargeable “Core” battery pack that is supplied with the lamp. Best of all, the micro USB charging port is built right in, so, in a pinch, you can leave it plugged in at home while you use the headlamp with AAA batteries.