Top 10 Best Winter Running Essentials for Cold Weather
RunningI love running in the cold, but having the right gear is essential for making running in the cold a pleasant experience Here are my top winter running essentials that I use on repeat.
NoxGear Tracer2 Running Light Vest
With shorter days in the winter, chances are that you are running in the dark. The noxgear Tracer2 LED Light Vest is a must have for running in the dark. The 360 LED lights and reflective belts makes sure you will be seen while on the move.
Darn Tough Wool Socks
Wool socks are a game changer for keeping feet warm in cold weather. In the winter months I skip the ankle socks during the winter, and wear crew socks to keep my ankles covered. That small gap makes a big difference in keeping my legs warm. I love the length of Darn Tough Micro Crew. It is a slightly shorter than a traditional crew, which I personally think is more flattering on the leg. My favorite are wool crew socks are from Darn Tough. They are soft, and not itchy at all.
Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks: Shop Women’s Shop Men’s
Buff Neck Gaiter
Buff makes some of the best neck warmers. I have a couple of the Buff original multifunctional neckwear, which I wear all the time. They truly are multifunctional. They can be worn just around the neck, as a neck warmer, or lifted over mouth and nose, and even over the ears.
I previously owned a merino wool version. Although it felt soft to the touch, it found it itchy when wearing on my neck. It was nice and warm, so you may like it if you are not as sensitive to wool.
Running Liner Gloves
My hands get cold pretty easily, so a good pair of gloves are essential. I have an old pair of Under Armour gloves. I love them! They are the second pair I have owned, as I lost one glove to the first pair. They have a new version, UA Storm Liner Gloves, that look similar. I like how they are fitted, almost like a second skin.
Of course there are some days where these are not warm enough, and my hands get are cold. Most of the time even when my hands are initially cold, after some time my hands warm up. I have taken mittens with me as a just in case, but usually do not need them. You do not want anything too warm, as once you start heating up you will be sweating.
Shop Running Gloves:
Ear warmers
This Lululemon Ear Warmer fits my head perfectly. It is not too tight, or too loose. Finding ear warmers that fit well is the most important thing when choosing what ear warmers to buy. I like this one because its warm but not too thick. When I start to sweat, I can push it back on my head without it falling off, or put it in my pocket since it does not take up too much space.
Long Sleeve 1/2 Zip Running Shirt
The Nike Element 1/2 Zip Running Top is a must have. I have a bunch of these, and they can be worn all year long. One of the greatest features of this shirt is the watch window. This allows you to see your watch, and use the armholes when it’s cold outside. This shirt is the greatest on its own, and for layering. It is not too fitted that you can fit a base layer underneath, but fitted enough to be flattering.
Shop Nike 1/2 Zip Running Top:
- Women’s Nike Element 1/2 Zip Running Top
- Men’s Nike Element 1/2 Zip Running Top
- Another Running Shirt with Watch Window: Oiselle Flyout Long Sleeve Shirt
Down Vest
You will want a vest that keeps your core warm, on those days that are not cold enough for a full jacket. They recently opened up a Patagonia store near me, and it is also an outlet store, so I was a great deal on the discontinued version of the Down Sweater Vest. It is lightweight, packable, and does a great job at keeping my core warm. The vest has a flattering feminine fit with a tapered waist and nice hemline. The Patagonia NanoPuff vest is a nice alternative.
Shop Down Vests
