Running in winter is different from other times of the year. You need protection from the harsh elements but you also don’t want to be weighed down with bulky gear that makes you overheat. We’ve designed lightweight, high-performance pieces that keep you warm and dry in chilly weather. Adding a few other things like the right winter hat, convertible mittens or a neck warmer can make a huge difference in the quality of your outdoor winter run. You can maintain your training routine or just enjoy being outside, no matter what the temperature is.
Introduction
If you’re training for a big spring event, don’t let the winter months sideline your routine. Or, if you want to combat seasonal blues (a huge deal in the winter for so many people), an outdoor run can greatly boost your mood.. Another benefit to running in the winter months? Fewer people on your favorite route or trail! So take advantage with a few easy changes in your gear. It will make transitioning to winter runs so easy.
Unlike running in other seasons, an outdoor run in the winter requires you to stay warm but not overheat. You need to manage sweat with performance wear that will keep you dry. Plus, you need to ensure that exposed areas like hands, ears, and face are protected from the elements, because frostbite and “frostnip” can easily occur. It sounds like a tall order, but we offer a line of lightweight winter gear designed to keep you on pace without losing a step. Our winter hats, gloves, socks, neck warmers, and more are the perfect pieces to keep you comfortable in chilly weather.
Bottom line: don’t settle for the treadmill in winter; take the trail less traveled with our high-performance winter gear, designed by runners for runners.
Importance of Proper Winter Running Gear
Running outdoors in the winter months requires a change in your gear – but it’s got to be the right kind of gear. Anything too bulky will slow you down and make you overheat; anything too light won’t keep out the chill or properly handle perspiration in those colder conditions. In winter, your extremities are exposed to cold temperatures; that can be both uncomfortable and potentially harmful, with risks of either frostbite or its lesser cousin, ”frostnip.” So it’s important to have gear that can protect those delicate bits. And it’s always important to be visible in dim winter light. The good news is that we offer so many options, from convertible mittens, winter hats with flaps, to other pieces with reflective accents. Elevate your outdoor running experience with high-performance winter running gear.
How Right Gear Can Improve Your Winter Running Experience
The winter running experience presents certain challenges: slick roads, cold winds and dampness that aren’t an issue in warm weather. It’s enough to make you opt for the indoor treadmill. But you don’t have to! The right winter running gear can get you back outside and keep you on track.
Your first instinct might be to wear a heavier jacket, thick sweatpants or leggings, or bulky gloves; that’s only going to slow you down and make you sweat more. Instead, there are lightweight, high-performance options for winter gloves, mittens, hats, jackets, tights, and more. These are specifically designed to combat colder temperatures, wind, and chilly wet weather without adding bulk. Plus, they wick away moisture, which is vital in keeping you healthier and more comfortable as you run. If you’re concerned about running on slick surfaces, consider winter traction devices to slip onto your shoes that will make you more sure-footed so you can keep up the pace.
Key Features to Look for in Winter Running Gear
Not all running gear is alike, especially when it comes to winter runs. You want it to provide warmth, yet be lightweight. It needs to repel wind and water, but not be bulky. Winter running gear also needs to effectively handle perspiration to keep you dry and comfortable. And because you’ll be running at a time of year when the mornings are dark and the sun goes down sooner, it’s a good idea to wear gear with some light-reflective accents for safety on the trail or road. TrailHeads’ winter gear is designed by runners for runners to keep you warm and comfortable as you run; here’s what to look for in your winter running gear.
Layers and Insulation
Effective layering is the key to winter running. Start with a lightweight base layer against your skin (avoid cotton or thermal shirts because they hold moisture up against your skin). Then add a light fleece as a middle layer of insulation, plus a pair of thermal tights (regular running tights lack the layer of insulation that can make the difference). Seal in the warmth with a breathable outer layer, a jacket that’s both wind and waterproof. Finally, convertible mittens, a neckwarmer, and a fleece-lined winter hat provide a great finish.
Moisture-Wicking
When you run during other seasons, your sweat naturally evaporates from your exposed skin. In winter, you’re covered and need gear that will wick perspiration away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. Cotton is a non-starter; it absorbs and holds moisture. Trapped sweat can lead to hypothermia; at the very least, wearing a drenched shirt in cold weather is really uncomfortable. Instead, choose winter running gear made of moisture-wicking wool or performance synthetics that will keep you both warm and dry.
Windproof and Waterproof
In the winter, you face wind, snow, sleet, and rain. Your running gear needs to stand up against them, keeping sweat and moisture at bay so they won’t get trapped against your body. Your outer layers need to shield you from cold winter winds, but they must also breathe. Materials like fleece and polyester or other synthetics are great options. And look for winter hats that feature flaps to fold down on frosty ears, just in case.
Reflective Details
Reflective details on your running gear are always a good safety idea, but even more so in winter. During the long winter months (and no matter where you live), you’re dealing with mornings that are darker, shorter days with less light and frequently gloomy skies. It’s easy to be missed by cars, trucks, and other traffic. Make sure you can be seen on your outdoor winter run.
5 Essential Pieces of Winter Running Gear
Outdoor running in winter can be exhilarating, fun, and a great way to beat those “winter blahs” that affect so many of us. The right kind of winter running gear will keep you warm, dry and comfortable; five key pieces are what you need to start. Begin with a top to serve as a good base layer top made from materials like merino wool or performance fabrics. Choose running tights also made from performance materials. Running mittens will keep your hands warmer than gloves, but if you need your fingers for a phone call, opt for convertible mittens that combine both. An insulated running hat or beanie keeps the chill away from your head and ears. Last but not least, a lightweight but sturdy running jacket is key in fending off the cold, wind, snow, and sleet. Like all your winter running gear, make sure it’s breathable so you don’t finish your cold-weather run drenched in sweat; that can lead to possible illness (and it’s downright uncomfortable). These five pieces of gear will elevate your winter run and make it more enjoyable.
Running Tights
Don’t choose any old pair of tights or thermal leggings for a winter run; the right kind of tights are essential. In cold temperatures, choose running tights made from performance materials that are both lightweight and comfortable, but that also provide a light layer of insulation. More importantly, choose running tights that will wick away moisture so that your muscles don’t cramp up from an unexpected chill. Extend the warmth with winter running socks that cover your ankles and pull the sweat away from your feet
Running Jackets
Running in winter means facing cold, wind, sleet, snow and rain. In fact, rain and wind are the two elements winter runners complain about the most. You’ll want a running jacket that shields you from all that, repels the elements, and keeps you warm. But at the same time, the jacket should be lightweight so as not to weigh you down. Even more importantly, your jacket should “breathe,” so your sweat doesn’t get trapped against your body. You can’t do much to change the winter weather, but you can adapt to it with the right gear.
Running Hats
Mens and women’s winter running hats keep warmth in (and hair out of your face).
Styles run the gamut, from insulated caps, to beanies and more. A running hat for winter, like our Women’s Quilted Trucker Hat which features lightweight insulation, can really make a difference in chilly temperatures. And one with flaps can protect ears from potential “frostnip.”
Plus, we offer a smartly-designed women’s ponytail beanie that keeps hair tidy without having it crushed against the back of your neck.
Running Mittens
Mittens keep hands warmer than gloves, but if you want the best of both worlds, consider convertible mittens. These mittens feature fingerless gloves encased inside a warm mitten, which can be quickly peeled back if you need to take a call or use your digits to find your keys. Then just fold the mitten part over your hand and your fingers go back to being toasty on your run. Convertible mittens are a great way to keep your hands functional as you run.
Base Layer Top
The base layer top is where your winter running gear starts. Skip cotton as a material for this important layer: wearing a cotton or thermal top absorbs perspiration and holds it against your skin, leaving you uncomfortable and open to hypothermia. A proper base layer top should be made from materials like lightweight wool or performance synthetics that will keep you warm, but also wick away sweat. Depending on how cold it is, add a mid-layer over it (choose fleece or another high-performance material). Finally, finish with the outer shell jacket, also in a breathable fabric.
Conclusion
Don’t let colder temperatures keep you indoors; the right kind of winter running gear will help you maintain and enjoy your outdoor routine. There are so many options for stylish gear that will keep you warm, comfortable, and safe during the winter months. Plus, there are amazing developments in performance materials so you’ll never feel bulked up or slowed down. Start with your base layer, add insulated running tights and socks, gloves or convertible mittens, an insulated hat or beanie, a cozy neck warmer, and a jacket that breathes. Look for pieces that will allow you to adapt as you get warmer on your run: pockets to stash gloves, sleeves that can be pushed up, that sort of thing. Also, be aware of the conditions of when and where you run: some extreme cold temperatures may put you at risk of frostbite, and parts of your route may be icy.
For satisfying winter runs, all it takes are some smart choices in what you wear to enjoy the winter trail not traveled.