Gear
Winter Warmth - Winter Running Gear
December 31, 2012By Gus Alexandropoulos and Mihira Lakshman
We’ve broken down some of the hottest winter running fashions, leaving you with no excuse to skip your workout. Here are the best jackets, base layers, tights and accessories of the season:
Jackets
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The North Face Apex ClimateBlock
$180
By using weather-resistant soft shell panels with highly breathable stretch-fabric sections, The North Face creates an excellent jacket for winter running. The soft shell material offers wind and water protection while still providing excellent breathability. The stretch-fabric panels prevent flapping and allow excess heat to and perspiration to escape.
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Mountain Hardwear Effusion Power Jacket
$200
The Effusion Power Jacket delivers solid wind protection, excellent breathability and a flap-free fit. Mountain Hardwear combines stretchy windproof panels with more breathable stretch-knit fabric sections, ensuring runners remain protected from the elements without overheating.
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Salomon Momentum II Softshell Vest
$125
Built with a highly wind-resistant and breathable front panel, the Momentum II Softshell Vest delivers excellent weather protection without the overheating issues runners often find with full jackets. For even greater comfort, Salomon uses a stretchy and breathable fabric on the back, ensuring that excess heat and perspiration escape.
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Asics Softshell Jacket
$170
The Softshell Jacket from Asics provides wind and moisture protection during winter runs. Asics uses a lightweight material for a softer garment and the addition of back vents ensures extra breathability during hard workouts. The addition of carefully positioned reflective trim increases visibility during evening and morning runs.
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New Balace Windblocker Jacket
$130
New Balance's Windblocker Jacket is a perfect choice for training in extremely cold Canadian conditions. This soft shell jacket provides great wind protection, breathability and thanks to the jacket's light fleece lining, even some light insulation. Zippered cuffs ensure a snug, draft-free fit while the mesh-lined pockets can be opened to allow for more ventilation.
Base Layers
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Nike Hyperwarm Dri-Fit Max Shield Mock
$70
With its stretchy fabric and contoured fit, the Hyperwarm Dri-Fit Max Shield Mock is a good choice for runners seeking a lightweight, insulating layer that can also be worn on its own in milder conditions. The lighter and more breathable fabric panels under the arms and sides provide extra venting during hard workouts.
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Nike NPC Hyperwarm Half-Zip
$75
Nike makes the NPC Hyperwarm Half-Zip with different fabric panels for increased weather protection while still retaining excellent breathability and freedom-of-movement. A half-length zip further improves ventilation while the thumbholes at the wrists cuffs help prevent unwanted drafts.
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New Balance Impact Hoodie
$70
This lightweight and form-fitting base layer provides warmth while minimizing overheating. Details like a mesh back panel and long front zipper allow for extra ventilation. Thumb holes at the wrists help minimize drafts and the addition of reflective highlights improves visibility when the Impact Hoodie is worn as an outer layer during milder weather.
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Asics Lite-Show Half-Zip
$70
This body-hugging base layer provides runners with warmth where they'll need it most. It also minimizes overheating thanks to the mesh panels under the arms and sides. In the spring, runners can continue to use the top as an outer layer thanks to the fabric's 50+ UPF sun protection.
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Salomon Midlayer Longsleeve Sweatshirt
$85
This attractive and fast-drying mid-weight top is an excellent insulating layer in colder weather. When the temperatures hover above zero, runners can use this alone as a cosy outer layer.
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Saucony Siberius Sportop
$105
The stylish top is a great alternative to heavier jacket in milder winter weather. The soft fabric delivers plenty of warmth while the mid-length zipper allows for easy venting.
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Asics Thermopolis Full-Zip
$90
The Thermopolis Full-Zip offers runners the warmth of a traditional base/mid-layer but delivers added versatility thanks to the garment's full-length front zipper.
Tights
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The North Face GTD Wind Brief
$40
If you've ever spotted a man running with just one mitten on a freezing-cold day, it's possible he wasn't wearing wind protection underneath his tights. The North Face GTD Wind Brief has a breathable, yet wind-resistant layer of shell fabric that's comfortable against the skin.
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New Balace Impact Tight
$65
The Impact Tight features mesh behind the knee for comfort and breathability. The low-profile waistband prevents chafing and reflective trim keeps you visible.
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New Balance NBX Windblocker Tight
$100
Featuring waterproof and wind-resistant front panels, the NBX Windbocker Tight is built for Canadian winters. The mid-rise, looser-fit tights are lined with fleece for a soft feel against your skin.
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2XU Thermal Tights
$90
These medium weight tights use a stretchy brushed nylon fabric for comfort, warmth and moisture wicking. They also feature 360-degree reflectivity.
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Salomon Windstopper Softshell Tights
$125
For the coldest conditions, the Windstopper Softshell Tights are an excellent choice. The breathable, stretchy tights feature extra protection in the front where you need it most.
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The North Face Winter Warm Tight
$90
Lightweight but warm enough for extreme weather, the Winter Warm Tight has a mix of nylon, polyester and stretch fabrics. The seams run along the joints to ensure freedom of movement throughout your stride.
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Adidas Sequencials Brushed Long Tight
$90
Keep your legs warm and flexible in cold conditions with the adidas Sequencials Brushed Long Tight. Soft and breathable with strategically placed stretch panels, these tights ensure you'll stay dry and comfortable in extreme weather.
Accessories
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Salomon Active Beanie
$22
The snug-fitting, stretchy hat can cover your ears and entire forehead. Ideal as a toque alternative or for wearing under a helmet.
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Mountain Hardwear Effusion Dome
$30
A stretchy soft shell hat, the Effusion Dome can be worn on its own, while also fitting under a helmet or hood. Windproof, water resistant, breathable and lightweight, it works well for running in extreme cold.
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Salomon Nordic II Insulated Glove
$60
Designed for Nordic skiing, these wind- and water-resistant gloves are great options for the coldest days. A Velcro closure helps seal in the warmth.
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Yaktrax Run
$45
Specifically designed for backcountry trails, the Yaktrax Run steel spikes and chains can withstand temperatures below -40. They provide superb traction on slippery snow and ice, fitting easily over your running shoes.
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Asics Thermopolis XP Hood
$40
Essentially a hood attached to a stretchy, moisture-wicking neck warmer, the Thermoplis XP Hood provides balaclava-like coverage on the face, head and neck.
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Saucony Touch Tek Glove
$20
Traditional knit runners gloves for wearing in dry, mild winter conditions. Special panels on the thumb and index finger allow you to operate your touch screen device.
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Mountain Hardwear Winter Momentum Running Gloves
$50
With a fleece panel for quick nose wipes and a tight fit, these gloves are light and flexible. They're not too thick, so they're probably best for mild winter or spring/fall running.
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The North Face Winter Runners' Gloves
$50
Made with a wind- and water-resistant soft shell, these gloves also include a foldaway flap that turns them into mittens for cooler conditions. Special panels on the thumb and index finger make these gloves touch-screen friendly.
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The Winter Running Headband
$25
This stretchy, polyester headband covers your forehead and ears for mild-winter conditions. Reflective details keep you visible. A small pouch at the back can hold tiny gloves if you need to take them off mid-run.
