Winter running gear just keeps getting better! These essential items feature lightweight, high-performance materials that keep you on pace in snow, sleet, rain, and wind. From running hats and gloves to insulated jackets or a neck warmer, here are the essential pieces of winter gear you need to keep up your training in the cold weather running season.
Why Do We Need the Right Winter Running Gear?
Wearing the right winter running gear on cold-weather runs will make a huge difference in your safety, performance, and enjoyment. Being able to better ward off the elements and stay warm and comfortable turns running in colder months into a fun, exhilarating experience. The right winter running gear should be lightweight and breathable, wicking sweat away from your skin yet keeping your core warm. Winter running gloves help maintain body heat and reflective accents keep you more visible on the road, or trail, when days are shorter and darker.
In colder months, rain and wind can be a bigger challenge. But you can handle it with a water-and-windproof jacket worn over breathable layers. Winter headbands will keep your hair off the face and your ears toasty. Or choose a running hat or beanie to keep your head warm and protect you from the elements. Finish off your gear by including moisture-wicking socks, waterproof shoes, and a pair of toasty running gloves.
Taking some time to outfit yourself with these smart pieces of winter running gear turns the trail less traveled into an incredible adventure!
How to Pick the Best Running Gear for You
Some winter running gear will depend on local weather conditions. Do you get more rain than snow? What are the average temperatures? Are you exposed to a lot of wind? Things like these will determine some of your gear. Keep in mind that winter running anywhere requires some essentials. A lightweight, breathable jacket over top of a moisture-wicking shirt and running pants gets you started.
Winter running gloves are a given, helping to retain body heat. Outside of that, women’s winter beanies and men’s winter beanies will keep body heat from escaping the head. Moisture-wicking socks keep feet toasty.
If temperatures really drop near you, you may want to add fleece-lined leggings or tights and insulated headbands that cover the ears. A neck warmer is another barrier against the chill.
Must Have Running Gear for Cold Weather
When you’re wearing the proper gear, your time outdoors in winter becomes a lot more fun! The words to remember are “lightweight” and “breathable.” You want whatever you wear to wick sweat away from your skin so that you stay dry and warm on the trail. This applies to everything from socks to running jackets, tights, and even gloves. Let each piece of gear work together to regulate your body temperature.
Wearing layers in moisture-wicking fabrics is the best strategy for creating extra warmth in winter. Start with running tights or pants. In really cold conditions, light insulation from something like fleece can help. Next, add a lightweight base layer like a moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirt that sits close to your skin.
Then add a mid-layer over that base layer to help maintain your core body temperature. If you start to get too hot, you can dump heat by removing that mid-layer during your run.
Socks made from natural Merino wool repel moisture and keep feet healthy. Winter running gloves and hats help retain body heat; you can also opt for beanies or insulated winter headbands. Depending on weather conditions, a neck warmer adds another cozy layer.
Winter running shoes must be water-repellent and provide sturdier traction on slick surfaces. Some people opt for trail running shoes because of the better grip they provide on uneven terrain.
Running Jackets
A warm jacket is that extra layer that holds in body warmth, but it should be breathable enough to allow sweat to evaporate and not go “cold” against your skin. To help with temperature regulation, your running jacket should have a durable water-repellent finish but also protect against wind chill.
Reflective accents will make you more visible in winter on early morning runs and when days are shorter and light is low.
Running Tights
Keep your leg muscles warm and loose on the trail by wearing breathable running tights or thermal tights with a light fleece lining inside. Like all of your winter running gear, your running tights or pants should be water-resistant.
Running Gloves
You don’t lose heat only from your head; wearing winter running gloves keeps your hands warm, but they also keep your body warmer overall. Some running gloves come with conductive fabric on the fingers that allow you to easily access a keypad or your phone. Convertible mittens are another option for cold weather conditions; on winter runs, they combine the warmth of a mitten with fingerless gloves that let you easily use your phone, and get to your keys and other items.
Neck Warmers
One overlooked area that can be exposed to cold temperatures on winter runs is the neck region. A lightweight neck warmer adds another layer to block the cold and wind during a chilly run. You can also pull them up over your nose and chin, and still easily breathe through it. TrailHeads offers neck warmers in breathable, super-soft microfleece.
Running Shoes
Running in winter requires a good pair of running shoes that are water-resistant and will provide better traction on slick or slippery surfaces. You’ll also want your winter running shoes to be lightweight, but able to accommodate a pair of warmer, moisture-wicking socks.
Trail running shoes are something to consider for a winter run since they grip the terrain more surely. Some trail runners add a gaiter at the top of their running shoes as a little extra protection against snow, mud, or unexpected puddles.
Running Socks
Wet feet are no fun, especially on cold days. Keeping your feet warm and dry is even more important in winter months for both comfort and your health. The best running socks for colder temperatures are made from lightweight, breathable Merino wool. Socks made from these fibers naturally wick moisture away as your feet sweat and keep your feet dry. TrailHeads offers performance running socks made from a material that does all of the above but are constructed from recycled plastic bottles!
Running Hats
Besides keeping your head warm, running hats serve a few purposes as part of your winter running gear. They keep body heat in as the temperatures drop. The brim will help shield you from the elements, including your eyes from bright winter sunlight, snow, or freezing rain. A running hat in a bright color or with some reflective accents also makes you more visible on the road, which is helpful when running early in the morning or at dusk when the light is low.
Running Beanies
For winter, running beanies are an alternative to a running hat. Your choice boils down to personal style, but there are some advantages. TrailHeads’ men’s winter beanies are contoured to provide maximum ear protection. Women’s winter beanies do the same, but depending on their design, they can also comfortably accommodate a ponytail during a run. TrailHeads has created a women’s winter beanie specifically constructed for wearing a ponytail without scrunching hair against your neck. Running beanies also frequently come with reflective accents for visibility.
Headbands
Winter headbands are a great way to keep hair out of the face and ears warm during a run. They also work like a sweatband, wicking sweat away from the forehead. When you’re running into a cold wind, that’s a big help! Winter headbands are something you’ll want to include in your list of winter running gear.
Sunglasses
Bright sunlight bouncing off snowbanks or pouring down through leafless trees isn’t only distracting, it can negatively affect your vision over time. This is why sunglasses are a must during winter runs. Sunglasses for runners are built to fit more snugly, with lenses that block out glare, and “vents” to prevent them from fogging up on the path.
Conclusion
Cold-weather running brings its own kind of beauty as well as fun challenges. The weather is brisk and clean, the trails and paths aren’t as crowded, and nature puts on its own special show. The right gear makes all the difference, letting you take full advantage of these colder days and keep up with your goals.
Outfit yourself with the right gear, including a base layer in a quick-drying fabric to regulate your core temperature. Add lightweight outer layers, waterproof shoes, running gloves, and an insulated jacket. You might include a running vest or other reflective clothing for greater visibility. And don’t forget running hats, gloves, and neck warmers are a must for staying cozy on the trail!
It’s exciting to see the developments in materials and technology for winter running gear. You can stay warm and dry without feeling weighed down. Elements like rain and snow just roll right off. Best of all, the gear looks and feels great! So even when the weather outside is “frightful,” don’t let it stop you. Get out there and enjoy it with performance winter running gear from TrailHeads!