Cool and Cold Weather Running Gear
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For most of us the weather has started to turn towards those colder temps, and just because the condition outside is veering away from pleasant, it shouldn’t stop you from getting outdoors and enjoying a run in the increasingly frigid climate. As the old saying goes, “There is no bad weather, only bad gear”. With a little help from the right gear you can be prepared for those colder temps. This collection of cool/cold weather running gear will empower you to battle those less than favorable conditions.
Balega UltraGlide No Show Socks
The UltraGlide No Show Socks from Balega are perfect for the runner who wants a minimalist sock with excellent blister preventing capabilities. The Drynamix moisture management fabric helps to eliminate moisture build-up, keeping feet comfortable and dry which in turn prevents those dreaded blisters. Additional cushioning across the metatarsal area provides comfort for long days, while the UltraGlide incorporates PFTE (a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene) into the fabric to act as a lubricant, which reduces friction and wear. MSRP $16 amazon.com/balega
Brooks Greenlight Glove
The Brooks Greenlight Glove gives that special touch of bright visibility and weather protection when your fingers are at the point of frozen while running in crisp temperatures. The fabric tames chilly breezes, wicks moisture, and dries quickly providing the ideal mid-weight digit protection, and they also pack down small in running vests or pockets for compact storage. Brooks added a key pocket in the palm and tech-compatible pads at the index finger and thumb for those post-run social posts. MSRP $34 rei.com
Proviz Reflect360 Beanie
Perfect for hitting the road in the chilly predawn darkness, the Proviz Reflect360 Beanie’s luxuriously soft micro-fleece interior wraps your head in lightweight comfort. The micro-fleece traps warm air in while simultaneously moving sweat away, so your head stays comfortable when you’re working up a sweat in the cold. This snug, low profile beanie fits nicely and stays put, while the reflective logos at the front and back, along with side-facing chevrons give 360 degree visibility to help you be seen. MSRP $18 provizsports.com
Black Diamond Spot 325 Headlamp
The Black Diamond Spot 325 Headlamp is the compact, efficient lighting solution for going on those early morning or evening runs. This headlamp features up to 325 lumens to help you see what’s ahead of you, and PowerTap technology that allows instant transitioning between full and dimmed power modes, so you can use it in nearly any situation. An articulating bezel lets you adjust the angle of the beam, and the strap features easy to adjust clips so you can quickly change sizes if you need to take off that beanie. MSRP $39.95 blackdiamondequipment.com
Petzl Swift RL
The Petzl Swift RL Headlamp packs a whopping 900 lumens of vivid illumination into a lightweight design that is made for running. Being that it only weighs 100 grams, you’ll barely even notice it’s on your head. And thanks to the reactive lighting technology not only does it use the battery efficiently, you should never have to adjust the light, as it automatically adjusts the headlamp’s brightness based off the distance between you and whatever you’re looking at. The headlamp will dim if you look down at your watch to check your pace, and as soon as you look away, the headlamp will turn on its high beams. Flood and mixed beams provide versatility for a trails, illuminating distances up to 150 meters away in the darkness. Whether you’re on a remote trail or under city lights the Petzl Swift RL provides powerful and reliable lighting in a comfortably optimized design. MSRP $119.95 rei.com
Brooks Nightlife 5″ Short
When the temps are above the freezing mark and the runs are in the dark, the Brooks Nightlife 5″ Short brings the visibility and comfort that is befitting. The 360 degree retroreflectivity aids visibility while the lightweight durable DriLayer fabric delivers strong yet comfortable coverage. Two drop-in hip pockets, internal brief key pocket, and a center back zip pocket secure essentials, while the sweat-wicking mesh brief liner aids in support. MSRP $62 brooksrunning.com
Salomon Agile 7″ Shorts
When those slightly warmer temperatures are still hanging on, the Salomon Agile Short is the pick for lightweight coverage. Designed with a lightweight polyester and AdvancedSkin ActiveDry technology the Agile shorts offer excellent moisture management. A mesh inner brief staves off chafing and keeps the shorts in place. A zippered pocket in back provides easy access to small essentials and keeps them secure, while the reflective logos and stripes in front and back will keep you visible during those low light runs. MSRP $50 salomon.com
UD Hyrdo Shorts
Ditch the bulky vest or toss away that handheld with the Ultimate Direction Hydro Shorts. These shorts offer an innovative, built in storage system that holds two 300 ml bottles conveniently on the back. They are held securely in place with the belt style waistband in this 2-in-1 short delivering a bounce free fit. The mesh, velcro secured rear pocket provides room for a larger smart phone and other small items like keys, cash and gels. The UD Hydro Shorts are a surprisingly effective alternative to those bulkier hydration packs, hip packs, and even handhelds. MSRP $99.95 ultimatedirection.com
Salomon Agile SS Tee
The Salomon Agile SS Tee is a top choice to wear under shells when you know the running is going to heat up and you will eventually peel of that top layer. The tee is lightweight and built with AdvancedSkin technical fabrics that improve body comfort by keeping you dry, warm and protected. With the 360° reflective detailing, you’ll be seen in the low light conditions of the early morning and evening runs. MSRP $40 salomon.com
Adidas Outdoor Xperior Long Sleeve
Grab the Adidas Outdoor Xperior Long Sleeve and you will be ready for those cold weather runs. It’s got the warmth you need to keep you comfortable when you’re hitting the road on a frigid morning. The soft polyester and elastic materials keep you warm in cold temperatures, but breathes well so you don’t feel stuffy or overheated. And if you need added ventilation for those times when you’re really cranking, the front zip effectively invites cold air in to cool you down. This shirt is made with stretchy fabric for unrestricted movement and pairs well with light running gloves. The Xperior also makes for a great layering piece when you decide to rock it under shells for those frozen outings. MSRP $65 amazon.com
Patagonia Capilene MW Zip Neck
If you do lots of running in chilly temperatures a midweight baselayer is a must have and the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Zip-Neck Top is a go to that will keep you warm and cozy. The smooth Polartec Power Grid fabric wicks sweat and dries quickly, ensuring there is no chance of chills due to mounting moisture. The fabric’s grid backing traps heat to maximize warmth without adding bulk, and stays breathable to keep you from overheating on high exertion days. The 1/4 length zipper lets you expel excess heat when you’re pushing the pace, while the Polygiene treatment keeps odors at bay, so you can run those errands on the way home. MSRP $69 patagonia.com
Proviz PixElite Running Vest
Keeping you warm to the core, the Proviz PixElite Running Vest blocks the wind and delivers core warmth when you are out on your run. A lightweight and highly breathable shell forms a barrier between you and any run ruining gusts. The vest incorporates a high performing PixElite material that delivers outstanding reflectivity in low light so you will be seen when you are out on the roads, while two zippered side pockets keep small essentials safe and secure. MSRP $95 provizsports.com
Brooks Nightlife Jacket
Getting out before the sun comes up means that you will need to be seen, so make sure you’re covered with the jacket that’s visible, the Brooks Nightlife. You’ll stay protected from wind and snow in this windproof, water-repellent jacket, while getting plenty of mobility and ventilation from the stretch fabric. You’ll be easily noticed when you’re striding before the sunrise with the retroreflective, and stashing your essentials is a breeze thanks to its two side zip pockets. The Nightlife jacket from Brooks offers a color scheme and reflectivity that’s hard to miss in low light, and its runner friendly design will keep you happily flowing mile after mile. MSRP $165 rei.com
Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell
As the weather moves toward Winter, the one factor that can move the comfort gauge to miserable is wind and when it comes to protection the Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell is the key. It’s an ultralight, ultra-packable jacket made with light weight rip stop woven nylon that blocks the wind on backcountry trails and exposed city streets, this jacket weighs less than 100 grams and packs down in an instant. The entire jacket stuffs into its own carabiner-loop chest pocket, letting you clip it onto a hydration vest or stuff it in a waist belt when the wind dies down. The Distance Wind Shell features GTT Breathable Water Protection Technology, that helps shed lighter rain when the ever changing late season weather throws you a curve ball, and the hood tacks on added protection from the elements. The fabric features better breathability than most fabrics in it’s class. Unlike standard shells, this fabric starts to breathe the minute you put the jacket on. MSRP $129 blackdiamondequipment.com
Salomon Bonatti WP Jacket
If you know that you will be heading out into precipitation, be sure to put on the Salomon Bonatti WP Jacket. With this jacket you’ll be able to have lightweight protection from rain and snow when you’re out trail. The AdvancedSkin Dry 2.5L fabric shuts out moisture to keep you dry in wet weather, while subtly integrated back vents, a breathable build, and the front zipper helps shed excess heat. With Salomon’s MotionFit design technology you’ll be able to move freely as you run up technical trails, while the snug fitting hood stays in place for comfortable protection in rainy weather. When the sun peaks out and the rain stops, shed the jacket, stuff it into its chest pocket and store it in your running pack. MSRP $170 salomon.com
Arc’Teryx Norvan SL Insulated Hoody
If your running climate is peppered with snow and cold, then the Arc’Teryx Norvan SL Insulated Hoody is the outer shell that you want in your running gear arsenal. It is an insulated waterproof jacket constructed with Gore-Tex ShakeDry Product Technology that will keep you warm and dry when you’re running in frigid and wet conditions. ShakeDry technology eliminates the need for a face fabric and a DWR treatment making the jacket incredibly lightweight, breathable, and packable. ShakeDry causes water and snow to bead and roll off, keeping you dry through any type of shower on the run. Arc’teryx outfitted the Norvan SL with a highly breathable Coreloft Compact 40 insulation for toasty warmth on those cold runs. This insulation is body mapped with little to no insulation at the inside elbow, armpit, and lower back for that optimal thermal to weight ratio. With the breathable insulation and the ShakeDry technology, you can run strenuous miles in dry comfort all without overheating. In addition, low bulk elasticized cuffs and hem seals out drafts on those extra frigid days. Lastly, Arc’teryx designed the Norvan SL with an adjustable hood that rolls away and stows when it’s not needed. With the Norvan SL Insulated Hoody from Arc’Teryx, you can go out and enjoy running no matter how miserable the weather is. MSRP $399 arcteryx.com
Patagonia Trail Pacer Joggers
For those of you that don’t like the constricting fit of a running tight, the Patagonia Trail Pacer Joggers are here to save the day. Throw these on before heading out the door and experience lightweight, quick-drying, nimble comfort mile after mile. Crafted from a soft, wicking, and stretch knit fabric blend these bottoms keep the legs warm and dry without sacrificing range of motion. The fabric even has a special miDori bioSoft treatment to enhance both its wicking qualities and softness, keeping them comfortable and high-performing for longer. The low-profile waistband with elastic draw cord keeps everything snug as you’re running, while zippered pockets ensure secure storage for keys, cash and gels. When it’s not quite warm enough for shorts and tights are out of the question, the Trail Pacer Joggers are the answer. MSRP $99 patagonia.com
Brooks Nightlife Tight
The Brooks Nightlife Tights are made for low and no light running in cold temperatures. Despite the colder weather, this tight still wicks moisture when your working up a sweat, and the fabric’s four-way stretch works with the flat lock seam design delivering pure freedom of movement. Brooks designed the tight with 360* retroreflectivity for exceptional visibility, and there’s a right hip zip pocket that secures a phone or other running essentials. When you are heading out into the cold after dark or before the sun rises, there is no better tight to keep you warm and detectable than the Nightlife Tight. MSRP $96 brooksrunning.com
Adidas Outdoor Xperior Tight
Gear up for cold weather runs with the Adidas Outdoor Xperior Tight. They’ve got an insulated, free moving design that ensures you won’t have to choose between running well and being warm when the weather’s on the chilly side. The fabric is light, stretchy, and moisture wicking to keep you comfortable and free from distractions, while a handy zippered pocket on the back right hip keeps small essentials comfortable secure when you are there pounding the pavement. MSRP $65 amazon.com
PixElite Performance Running Leggings
Head out in the PixElite Performance Running Leggings when you want to stay protected from cold weather and motorists. The supportive, highly breathable fabric is lightweight and resists weather, while the stretch knit construction allows for a greater range of motion for full strides. A soft inner lining wicks moisture and adds warmth, to keep you comfortable all run long. The lower leg zips and adjustable elasticated waist make these running leggings easy to put on and take off, even after a draining run. The highly reflective paneling on the side of each leg is made from ProViz’s unique PixElite material that will keep you extremely visible to motorists in low light conditions for added safety. MSRP $80 provizsports.com
Nathan VaporAir 2 – 7L Hydration Pack
Nathan designed the VaporAir 2 – 7L Hydration Pack for runners that are looking for that bounce free customized fit. The adjustment system on the VaporAir 2 creates a fit and feel that seems almost tailor-made. It has two adjustment points that allow you to alter the waist and chest fit separately to create a body mapped individualized fit. Once adjusted, the vest stays perfectly in place during runs, while the breathable, chafe free construction ensures comfort mile after mile. The VaporAir 2 features multiple pockets to organize your gels, snacks, layers, soft flasks / bottles, and other essential gear. Nathan includes a 2-liter bladder with a quick release valve for easy drinking and bungee draw cord loops on the back to accommodate trekking poles when they are not in use. Lastly, with reflective hits all around the vest, you’ll be able to run confidently in low light conditions, for those days that start well before the Sun gets up. MSRP $149.99 nathansports.com
UltaSpire Alpha 4.0 Race Vest
Carrying hydration and run essentials can be undesirable. But with the UltaSpire Alpha 4.0 Race Vest it was designed to make things a little easier, not to mention, a lot more comfortable. To achieve such a feat, the Alpha 4.0 Race Vest features UltaSpire’s ErgoFit design, which provides a contour that’s ideal for fast paced activities. This pack’s ErgoFit design was created to feel more like a piece of apparel than a pack, moving with you naturally for greater comfort and better overall performance. The vest puts comfort at the forefront of its design, starting with its breathable, soft, and stretchy fabric construction. The use of this fabric in turn promotes full mobility and a barely there fit and feel, while the fabric itself is quick drying and moisture wicking. The UltaSpire Alpha 4.0 Race Vest has two large front pockets which feature a drawstring closure and are great for holding many types of bottles. The Alpha 4.0 can also hold a 2L reservoir in its bladder compartment, which features an insulated layer piece that can help keep your gear dry while it’s in the pack, keep your fluids cool or warm, or you can remove the insulated layer all together. A plethora of smaller pockets keep energy gels, smart phones, and other important items close by, while the rear trekking pole carry system keeps you prepared for steep terrain pushes and crazy downhills. Low on bulk and big on naturally fitting comfort, this is a vest that you’ll forget you are wearing. MSRP $119.95 amazon.com
Black Diamond Distance 8 Backpack
When your runs take you up mountains and across ridges, you’ll need the Black Diamond Distance 8 Backpack to keep you going. With chest pockets for two water bottles, snacks, and plenty of mountain running essentials, the Distance 8 carries everything you need without adding needless weight or bulk to your kit. The pack portion of this Distance includes a quick Blitz-style main opening with a stash pocket to tuck away essentials, while a mesh divider wall can store cordelette or a water bladder that can integrate with the pack’s hose routing. On the pack’s exterior, the Distance 8 includes dual piolet/ice axe holsters, and dual Z-Pole quiver sleeves to stash your trekking poles when the terrain changes. A secure fit is everything when you’re pushing long distances and scaling up steep terrain, so Black Diamond built the vest with a unique harness framework, constructed with an adjustable, elastic-cording side compression system, which gives you a more secure ride while running, scrambling, and climbing and it also allows the fit to be quickly tailored to match your torso with a quick pull of the elastic-cord. Built for the fast and light mountain adventurer, the Distance pack transcends barriers with its hybrid design that includes vest-inspired suspension for running, and a unique feature set that allows you to carry the appropriate gear while navigating intricate mountain terrain. MSRP $139.95 blackdiamondequipment.com
UD Scram Pack
When you need a hydration pack that works great across a multitude of activities, look no further than the UD Scram Pack. The Scram was designed for the adventurer who runs, skis, climbs, fast packs, hikes and just gets outside. Offering a solid amount of storage for such a compact pack, the Scram pack is made with lightweight, nylon ACE RIP with STS coating and durable water resistant 4 way stretch woven mesh to help keep your gear protected and you comfortable as you run. The main easy cinch lid closure compartment lets you stash added layers, gear, and food, while two large chest pockets provide storage for water, phone, maps, glasses, or food all within easy reach. Bring along the Scram and you will have all the snacks, water, and layers you need to handle whatever the outdoors throws at you. MSRP $134.95 ultimatedirection.com
Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles
You don’t always need poles, but they’re pretty handy to have if you can stow them away when you’re done with the vertical climbs. With the three section design and the reliable FlickLock extension system of the Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles, it means you can pack them down and tuck them away when you hit the flat section to pick up the pace. The molded rubber grips have a soft EVA foam extension for easy handling and provide comfortable grips so your hands don’t get fatigued as you power up those steep sections. MSRP $139.95 blackdiamondequipment.com
Hoka ORA Recovery Shoe / Slide 2
If you want to pamper your feet after a long run grab a pair of the Hoka ORA Recovery Shoes or Slide 2’s. Featuring HOKA’s signature pillowy cushioning and meta-rocker geometry, the ORA recovery shoes and sandals are the perfect post run treat for your feet. These ease, revitalize, and provide lavish comfort to weary feet. If your runs result in sore and beat up feet, relieve them with the Hoka ORA Recovery Shoe or Slide 2 – you won’t want to take them off. MSRP $50 – $80 hoka.com
OSMO Nutrition
Running requires hydration, energy, and recovery, and if you have interest in improving those sectors, give Osmo Nutrition a try. Osmo provides the hydration runners need to fight fatigue and cramping, along with nutrition that repairs sore muscles and speeds recovery. They use a science-driven approach to improve athletic performance through better hydration and recovery.
The idea of Osmo Active Hydration is to optimize fluid exchange for more effective hydration. Osmo products contain lower osmolality than that of the blood, enabling more efficient fluid uptake. For other drinks with higher osmolality, your body use extra water to to dilute the solution, so it can then be re-absorbed. This is a slower process, which can result in a “bloated” feeling and reduces the overall amount of fluid that can be absorbed. Osmo Active Hydration is flavored with real fruit, and was developed to be the fastest way for runners to re-hydrate during exercise.The Active Hydration formula contains an optimized ratio of natural and functional ingredients including sucrose, glucose, and electrolytes to maximize and sustain power.
When it comes to recovery, protein intake is key, but Osmo didn’t stop there. The Osmo Acute Recovery is engineered with a 2:1 protein to carb ratio and 30mg of caffeine. The protein shuts down the breakdown from running and enables muscle repair, while carbs provide glycogen to increase performance and energy after a workout so you can stay energized for the rest of the day. MSRP $20 – $35 osmonutrition.com
JBL Reflect Flow
What is a run without some music or podcasts to make the miles go by faster? And what better way to listen than the JBL Reflect Flow headphones. They are truly wireless, have to the ability to change tracks, manage calls hands-free and access your voice assistant, the Reflect Flow headphones are IPX7 water and sweat proof to keep up with you through speedy and long runs and they provide 10 hours of continuous playtime with 20 additional hours in the charging case, in case you are heading out for an ultra. You’ll also have access to the Ambient Aware feature that enables you to hear what’s happening around you while still enjoying your music. Additionally, the TalkThru feature allows you to have a conversation with your running partner without taking off the headphones. A flexible customizable ear-tip design keeps the fit secure and locked in during movement, while Freebit enhancers boost comfort and sound quality at the same time. When you are heading out for a run, the JBL Reflect Flow are there with powerful high quality JBL Signature audio and a comfortable and secure design. MSRP $149.99 jbl.com
