Steph's Winter Gear Guide

The Winter Apparel Guide

I love working at InRunCo because the holidays at the store are unlike any other season. December is gift-giving time! So the parents, boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses, children, and friends of runners descend upon the store and want to know: What is a good Christmas gift for a runner? Which pieces of apparel are best for running in cold weather? 

Answer: how much time do you have? Grab a seat.  :)

[ps - if you really don't want to chance it on clothing, get your runner The Stick. You can't have too many!]

Good running "stuff" is not cheap. Well, you can buy cheap stuff – but then, you get cheap stuff. Just like I wrote about what to wear for a triathlon, making efficient apparel-purchasing decisions with the money you have could save you from spending a ton more than you need to (although if you really want to spend a ton of money at our store, I won't stop you). As a former spend-a-holic, choosing Winter running apparel is like curating a fine art collection (or maybe a good Pinterest board?): select pieces that are high-quality, last a long time, and is something you will use/wear.

That’s what the rest of this gear guide covers: keeping your pants pillows, your life's work, your sit biscuit...your BUTT (and other fine parts)! ...nice and toasty in the cold without spending a small fortune. 

These are the methods of a crazy person (me). I have my own methods for apparel madness, and putting together a matching outfit is not one of my strong points. Staying warm? Definitely.

Cold weather apparel rules

Rule #1 -- Layer. On any given day, I might be wearing three shirts: a short sleeve, long sleeve, and a jacket. Dress in layers, because you can always take them off. As a rule of thumb, wear one less layer than you’re comfortable in just standing outside. It might be chilly at first, but within a few minutes, you’ll be glad you did it.

Rule #2 -- Synthetic/technical fabrics are your friend. Cotton absorbs sweat/moisture better than synthetic materials -- not good, because what happens when moisture and cold mix? It stays wet, and then you get really cold. Your body expends more energy to stay warm, and in super extreme cases, you get hypothermia. So if I haven’t lost you yet, technical fabric (synthetic) shirts are muy importante! Technical fabrics wick away moisture and allow it to pass through other layers so it can evaporate, keeping you dry and giving you a better chance at staying warm. This way, you can enjoy a nice Bakehouse coffee or Village Deli breakfast with friends after your run, rather than rushing home because you're cold, wet, and freezing your jumbotron off in that old 1980's sweatshirt.

Rule #3 – You get what you pay for. As someone who used to buy my running clothes at TJMaxx (don’t get me wrong, I lurve that store for my home décor!), I used to go there for my technical apparel! Those pieces were synthetic indeed, but their wicking capability disappeared after one wash cycle (likely a sprayed-on treatment common to cheaper pieces). You shouldn't be purchasing the same piece year after year because it wears out. Or even every two years! Running apparel is an investment, so choose quality pieces from a running store and they’ll last for many, many wears.

Rule #4 --  Be visible. It’s dark in the Winter! Get layers that are “high viz” or high-visibility, like the obnoxiously awesome bright green or yellow Brooks Nightlife Podium Half Zip (shown below, left. $55). Or, invest in a headlamp. Or, try jacket with tons of reflectivity. Or, get a clip-on light! Many of Saucony’s gloves and jackets come with USB-rechargeable LED lights ($10 separately) to help you be seen and be safe.

Brooks Nightlife Apparel

Rule #5 -- Consider technology.  Apparel companies have developed different types of technologies in their fabrics over the past few years. If you walk into our store, for example, you can demo Mizuno's "Breath Thermo" material or try on pieces made with New Balance’s MegaHeat, clothing which actually heats up a little bit when it is exposed to some moisture.

Oh technology…! I’ve had good luck with Mizuno Breath Thermo apparel, which comes in all sorts of pieces (tights, tanks, headbands, gloves, etc.), but have yet to try NB’s. While putting on a piece of this new techy-clothing won’t make you feel like you’re in Arizona if you’re actually running around Northern Michigan, but it may just give you the mental boost you need to get out the door in the first place. These technologies come at a price, so decide for yourself what you think is effective and what you’re willing to pay for.

THE LIST
(Apparel gift ideas for runners!)

Tops

1. Short sleeved tech shirts. ($20-$30) Very important! Bonus: short-sleeved tech shirts work double-duty for summer months! If you're only buying a few pieces for winter, invest in technical apparel for your lower/lowest layers. Sweat and moisture will evaporate outward as far as it can without getting trapped (or absorbed by cotton), so if you must wear any cotton, let those be on your outermost layers if possible.
   
   I have: the Nike Legend T-Shirt ($22)

Try also: the Adidas Supernova Short Sleeve ($35)

2. Long-sleeved tech shirts. ($30-$55) Similar to the short-sleeved shirt, but perfect over top of one.
   
   I have the: New Balance WRT 9119 ($30) – Ok, I actually have four of them... Do what works, right?
   
   
   Try also: the Zoot Performance Long Sleeve ($45), the Mizuno Breath Thermo Turtleneck ($65), or the New Balance MegaHeat Competitor LS ($55)
   
      
   
   
3. Half zip top. ($35-$90) The half zip top comes in a ton of varieties and thicknesses, so costs can vary quite a bit. It’s at this point that you might see more of those stay-warm technologies get introduced into apparel. Also, this type of piece can be made of a number of fabrics that are thin (breathable but warm) or woven very tightly (more windproof). The best thing about the half-zip? You can zip down for ventilation once you get warm, without the flapping of a full-zip top.
   
   I like to have at least two of these: one lighter-weight half-zip and a heavier fleecy half-zip. I can wear the heavier one with a t-shirt and a jacket, or the heavier one as my jacket. The heavier one can do double-duty as well. Check out the photo of me and Ben at the top of our blog: yep, a New Balance half zip! I wore it as a light jacket on our Colorado trip, at to the top of Greys & Torreys Peaks, our first Fourteeners. I love half zips for running while traveling too – they pack really well. Bonus points: get a reflective/high-viz half zip top. It’s a a great top layer and helps you be safe!
   
   I have: the Mizuno (Heavyweight Fleece-Lined) Renegade ½ L/S ($46) and Brooks Nightlife Podium ½ Zip ($55)
   
     
4. Try also: the Saucony (Lightweight) Optimal Sportop ($65)
   
   
    

4. Windproof jacket. ($75-$200) My weakness- jackets! These come in a handful of different weights and materials. Some are intended to block the wind completely and add warmth, while others provide a breathable, lightweight wind-blocking layer. It’s the wind that makes it seem so cold! You may be able to get by with a tightly-woven half zip, but when temperatures start dropping below 20 degrees, a wind-proof or wind-resistant jacket will save your bumcakes out there.
   
   Just like the half zip, consider getting a wake-you-up bright high-visibility color so drivers can see you in the dark. Check out the bells and whistles of each one, like MP3 player pockets, zip-off sleeves or vents, and cold-stopping wrist cuffs.
   
   I have: the Brooks Essential Run Jacket (Nightlife – Green, $70). Basic unlined jacket for ~30-degree days.
   
   
   
   When I win the lottery: the Sugoi Firewall 220 Zip ($180). Sugoi makes high end, really great quality apparel. Touch it and you’ll know what I mean!
   
   
   Try: the Saucony Ethereal Jacket ($90)
   
   

   

Bottoms

1. Bun toasters ($30-$50). Have you ever gone running in the cold, only to realize that your other “cheeks” get cold? Bun toasters do exactly as promised; they are an extra layer of tights/underwear that you put on beneath your shorts/tights/pants to keep your giant fluffy bears warm. Oh, and there’s a dude version too – it comes reinforced for frontal wind protection. J I highly recommend these! I was a doubter too, until I got and tried a pair. If you’re running in temps below 25 degrees, you will need these.

I have: the Sugoi Midzero Bun Toaster, $40

2. Full length tights, heavy ($50-$85). Tights come in different weights, just like half-zip tops. If you like to run on the warm side, make sure you have a heavy pair of tights. Some of them are fleecy inside to help keep your legs warm, others incorporate their heat-producing technology. If you want to be even more fancy, a few brands make their tights and pants in lengths – just like jeans. So, you may have a choice between Petite, Regular, and Tall lengths in pants and tights.
   I have: the Mizuno Wildwood Running Tight ($55). Regular length, but for my shorty-short legs, they don’t look/feel too long.
   Try also: the Mizuno Blaze Warmer Tight ($58) or the Sugoi Subzero Tight ($90)
   
   
      
3. Full length tights, compression or light ($50-$125). It might sound redundant, but if you’re running outside consistently in the Winter, then you’ll notice a difference between heavy tights and lighter/compression tights. For you halfers, marathoners, and those running longer distances, the compression tights may be your best bet. They’re on the pricey side, but trust me – they’re worth that amount in GOLD! The gentle compression helps promote circulation in your legs, helping you to recover faster. For best results, put on right after finishing a marathon, or wear while running a hard workout. It’s like a power-booster for recovery!
   
   I have: the (Compression) CW-X Pro tight ($97)
   
   
   Try also: the (Light tights) the New Balance NBx Welded Tight ($80)
   
   
   
   
4. 3/4 length tights ($45-$65). A necessity (even if you’re a guy)! The ¾ length tights are a good compromise between airy shorts and long tights when the weather’s not quite comfortable, but not quite cold. Perfect for 40-degree days.
   I have: the Saucony Ignite Tight Capri ($50)
   
    
   Try also: the Nike Low-Rise Printed ($55) or the CW-X Stabilyx ¾ Compression Tight ($86).
   
     
   
   
5. Loose-fit running pants ($60-$90). There are a few variations of pants. Try a zippered pant that you can slip on over running shorts as a warmup. Then, they can serve dual purposes during Winter running if you want to layer a pant over a tight or shorts. Just like with tights, some brands make Tall, Regular, and Short lengths so they fit just right.
   Men typically like another variation, one I call the pant-tight, which is not quite a loose pant, but not quite a tight tight. It tapers at the ankle and is roomier than a tight in all other areas, since most guys will tell you that some things are better left a secret. ;)
   I have: the Brooks Spartan Pant, Petite ($65).
   
   
   Try also: the Saucony ChaCha Pant – in lengths ($55)
   
   
   
   
   For Men, try: the Saucony Boston Pant ($60)
   
   
   
   

Accessorize!

• Headband/Hat. Your body loses heat the quickest through your head, so keep your head – and ears – warm. Try: the Saucony DryLete Headband ($15) in black, also available in high-viz colors.
  
  

• Gloves. As a person who used to go through a few pairs of cheap $3 gloves from Target each season, biting the bullet and investing in some runner gloves was the best thing I ever did! Why? Because my new fancy-pants gloves have a LED light, a finger hole (so I can control my iPod and smartphone), a snot wipe (!), and even better: a windproof layer. On the coldest and windiest of days, the wind-mitt keeps my hands nice and warm. Mizuno’s version is tightly woven with Breath Thermo, which heats up slightly as you wear them.
  I have: the Saucony UltiMitt ($45) or the Saucony Protection Glove ($50)
  
    
  
  Try also: the Mizuno Breath Thermo Fleece Glove ($28)
  
  
  If you want to be REALLY cool: the Saucony Lobsta Mitt ($40)
  
  

• Headlamp. Nothing ruins a good run better than taking a fall on your bum puppets. Get a better view by investing in a headlamp- but note! Mine is a cheap $10 one I got that clips to the brim of a ballcap/running hat. Not all headlamps area created equal, according to Rachel, who reports that hers might be too dim for our really dark night runs. On the other hand, Cliff’s halogen headlamp is so bright, we’ve mistaken him for an oncoming car on a few occasions. REI created a great headlamp guide to help explain what to look for.  Headlamps are also great for: camping, flipping the breaker switch, and reading under the covers.
  
  Try: the Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp ($65)

• Vitaband. Have you ever gone out running, only to realize 2 miles in that you were REALLY thirsty? Fear no more! Program the Vitaband wristband online to hold a prepaid dollar amount and also your emergency contact information. Just wave your wristband over the point of sale at any number of vendors that use the “PayWave” technology, including McDonald’s and convenience stores. Buy a bottle of water or snacks on your run without having to pay with a sweaty, soggy five-spot! I haven’t tried this thing out yet, but I’m excited to get one… what a great idea!
  
  Try: The Nathan Vitaband ($20).
  
  
  
  
• Arm warmers. My friend Thom used to be referred to as the “sock guy” before anyone learned his name, because he would wear tube socks on his hands and arms to keep warm. We gave him a pair of arm warmers, and for a guy as fast as he is, he gets a little more respect when we’re out racing. ;) Start with a short-sleeve t-shirt and arm warmers. Once you get moving, you can take off the arm warmers and tuck them in your shorts/tights to avoid fighting with a long-sleeve tee around your waist during your run. Best for “warmer” Winter temps.
  
  Try: the Saucony DryLete Arm Warmers ($30)
  
  
• Ice cleats. Some people swear by these. Ice cleats are like giant rubberbands with wires wrapped around them, and you stretch them across your shoe. These contraptions help you to get more grip on the ground in snow and ice, giving you a little more confidence to run faster and plant your foot firmer on otherwise iffy running surfaces. Several brands exist, but Yaktrax is best known.
  
   Try: the Yaktrax Pro ($25)
  
  
• Balaclava. Nope, not a delicious dessert. Pronounced Bal-uh-klah-vuh, balaclavas provide full head, neck, and face cover. In super-cold temps, this might be a blessing. Also great for: robbing banks.
  Try: the Saucony Balaclava, $25
  
  
• Gaiter. Running gaiters are a light version of the balaclava, providing covering for your neck (in case you’re not wearing a collared half-zip like I suggested earlier).  Great for extremely cold weather and those sensitive to the cold.
  
  Try: the InRunCo gaiter, $20
  
  

A Basic Winter Running Wardrobe Includes...

If money is no object when it comes to running apparel, consider yourself lucky and stop reading here!

For us mere mortals, here are the items I recommend. It's not a huge list, but then again, we're trying to balance budget with staying warm here, people! :) This list should get you ready for those cold days.

Quick note: I'm basing this list on the assumption that you're running three days per week. Any more than that, consider increasing the quantities of some of the simple base layer items like short- and long-sleeved tech shirts as well as regular-thickness tights. Start with these and build off of them if you can buy more.

Tops	Bottoms	Accessories
Short sleeved tech shirts (3) Long-sleeved tech shirts (2-5) (Half) zip top (1) Windproof jacket (1)	Bun warmers (1) Full length tights, heavy (1) Full length tights, compression or light (1) 3/4 length tights  (1)	Headband or Hat (1) Gloves (1 pair, wind-blocking) Reflective item (apparel, headlamp, etc) (1)

What to Layer

Temperature (Feels like)	I run cool (I don’t get that cold.)	I run warm (I hate cold—Layer me up!)
50º	Shorts/Run Skirt/Short Tights T-shirt	¾ Tights T-shirt Long Sleeve Shirt or Lightweight Half-Zip Top or Arm Warmers
40º	¾ Tights T-shirt Arm Warmers	¾ Tights T-shirt Heavyweight Half-Zip Top Light gloves
30º	¾ Tights T-shirt Arm warmers Gloves Hat/Headband	Full length lightweight/compression tights or ¾ tights + pants T-shirt Long Sleeve Shirt Jacket (lightweight) or Lightweight Half-Zip Top Gloves Hat/Headband
20º	Full length lightweight/compression  tights T-shirt Arm Warmers + Vest OR Long Sleeve Shirt Gloves Hat/Headband	Bun warmers + Full length heavy tights OR ¾ tights + pants T-shirt Heavyweight Half-Zip Top (or 2 long sleeve shirts) Jacket (wind-blocking) Gloves (wind-blocking) Hat/Headband
10º	Full length heavy tights T-shirt Heavyweight Half-Zip Gloves Hat/Headband	Bun warmers Full length heavy tights T-shirt Long Sleeve Shirt Heavyweight Half-Zip Top Heavy Jacket (Wind-blocking) Gloves (wind-blocking) Hat/Headband Socks, 2 pairs or thick socks
0º	Full length heavy tights T-shirt Heavyweight Half-Zip Vest Gloves Hat/Headband	Bun warmers Full length heavy tights T-shirt Long Sleeve Shirt (turtleneck style) Heavyweight Half-Zip Top Heavy Jacket (Wind-blocking) Gloves (wind-blocking) Hat/Headband Socks, 2 pairs or thick socks
<0º	Full length heavy  tights T-shirt Heavyweight Half-Zip Jacket (Wind-blocking) Gloves Hat/Headband or balaclava/gaiter	Bun warmers Full length heavy tights T-shirt Long Sleeve Shirt (turtleneck style) Heavyweight Half-Zip Top Heavy Jacket (Wind-blocking) Gloves (wind-blocking) Hat/Headband or balaclava/gaiter Socks, 2 pairs or thick socks
Be very cautious at extremely cold temperatures, and especially in the wind. Cover up! Exposed skin can become frostbitten in just minutes.