Cold weather gear

[katyintx]

I feel like I could easily search an identical thread from years past, but in case new technology or products have hit the market since then, I hope y’all don’t mind that I’m starting a new thread instead... 

With this upcoming move to Minnesota, and the fact that Houston doesn’t get too cold, I’m going to need a wardrobe boost. If you’re a cold weather athlete, what’s some tried and true gear that you use to run/workout outside? I have good gloves and a headband, but I’ll take any and all suggestions!  

[Wines Not Whines]

My hands are the first things that get cold, so the biggest game-changers for me are mittens. When it’s below 30 degrees, I often wear mittens instead of gloves. They keep my hands much warmer than gloves.

If you don’t already have warm (brushed fleece) tights and a running jacket, I’d get them. And a hat. I almost always wear ear warmers instead of a hat, but sometimes I’ll wear a hat when it’s below 20.

[jene]

Remind me when you’re moving up again?

I like Sugoi sub zero tights (wore them for 10 miles today)
Windproof mittens
Some good base layers
Gaiter
Windproof insulated jacket

[wawa]

A buff or gaiter is a must have. I have a thin wool buff that works for me down to single digits, something thicker for MN or if you run cold would be good.

Running buddy on Wednesday was wearing wool socks as mittens which she said was highly effective.

If you like having fingers, my gloves are weird and I love them zpacks.com/products/possumdown-gloves

Vests are good for an extra core layer without feeling like a sausage.

I have a UA coldgear base layer that's actually too warm for me to run in unless it's literally zero degrees...but I run hot. Their cold weather gear does not mess around.

[katyintx]

Jan 12, 2020 18:12:30 GMT -5 jene said:

Remind me when you’re moving up again?

I like Sugoi sub zero tights (wore them for 10 miles today)
Windproof mittens
Some good base layers
Gaiter
Windproof insulated jacket

Early February. 😬 

[jene]

Jan 12, 2020 20:58:26 GMT -5 katyintx said:

Jan 12, 2020 18:12:30 GMT -5 jene said:

Remind me when you’re moving up again?

I like Sugoi sub zero tights (wore them for 10 miles today)
Windproof mittens
Some good base layers
Gaiter
Windproof insulated jacket

Early February. 😬 

Ok, yeah, you’re in for the heart of it 😂
I wear a lot of Oiselle stuff, their insulated jacket does not mess around. I also have an old brooks one that I pull out occasionally. Depending on how you run temp wise, I like the option of a vest with a warmer layer underneath.
When it’s below 20, I like the thick taller smart wool socks. I also have some of the knee high ones that I like to wear under my tights.
I have a pair of Oiselle super puff mittens and then Costco gloves that both work great.
Get any gaiter, I’ve not found any benefit in material differences, mine all end up cold/frozen from my breath anyway.
I just bought a wrap to wear over my tights, my butt and upper hamstrings are usually my limiting factor.

[jene]

Also, buy alll the lotion and moisturizer, it’s dry AF here right now

[sadlebred]

This is the only thing I'd buy.

www.canadagoose.com/at/en/mystique-parka-fusion-fit-3035LA.html?cgid=shop-womens-parkas#start=1&cgid=shop-womens-parkas

-Signed, A southern gal who things 30F/0C is freezing

[emilyj]

I run cold normally, so my cold weather stuff reflects that.

I love my UA cold gear tights. It has been rare that I have felt a need to layer anything on top of them. They have the brushed fleece inside, and stay in place well.

Tops - if it’s above 35°, I usually do a vest and a long sleeve tech tee. Below, I have a windblocking UA jacket that my husband calls my baked potato jacket, because it’s got those silver heat lines in them? The windblocking is key - when the wind starts cutting through me, I’m done.

I went to REI and got wool running socks, and I usually double glove - a thin pair, and then windblocking ones over those.

I rarely run in a hat. Headbands all the way.

[mrshandy]

If it's below 15-20 especially if it's windy, then I'll wear a balaclava.

I like long thick socks. I'll double up tights. I'm big on layers rather than investing in super cold weather gear.

Yak traks help if there is a layer of ice or snow on the street, but they kind of suck to run in.

[wawa]

Jan 13, 2020 8:25:48 GMT -5 mrshandy said:

If it's below 15-20 especially if it's windy, then I'll wear a balaclava.

I like long thick socks. I'll double up tights. I'm big on layers rather than investing in super cold weather gear.

Yak traks help if there is a layer of ice or snow on the street, but they kind of suck to run in.

Same on the layers but holy hell I make a lot of laundry with winter running. Depending on the circumstances I'll reweae outer layers without washing but jeeeeez.

[moreace01]

Keeping my hands warm is always the hardest part for me. I've got some biking gloves that kind of work. I just got a pair of Trailheads mittens that are super warm. Almost too warm - but I haven't worn them below 20 degrees yet so we'll see if I change my mind at that point.

I've never been a vest person but tried that out earlier this year over a long sleeve and liked that.

For pants I have UA coldgear with the fleece inside, and Mizuno breathe. Not sure either are warm enough for when it gets really cold. Might consider layering this year.

I did get a gaiter. It hasn't really been cold enough (yet) to need it. I'm not sure if I wear it over the lower half of my face if it will just keep me really cold cause my breathe will make it wet. We shall see...

Only other thing I would say is socks that are long enough to go over your ankles. At least. I always forget that and my ankles always freeze.

I have wondered about getting trail shoes for winter running - I hear they are a little more weather resistant than regular running shoes. Plus better traction for ice and snow. I don't know enough about this to pull the trigger on them though.

[breezy8407]

The good news is that it will only get better from February! If you ever need any other MN advice, I am also happy to help.

I have a pair of fleece leggings from Athleta that do well down to about 10 degrees. For tops, I have a few Nike long sleeves that I've had for years that I layer with a jacket from Costco. Gloves and hat if needed. I have yak traks, but don't really like running in them. They kind of hurt - maybe its my gait.

I admittedly don't run outside if its below 20 anymore. I am not training for any races, so I do indoor cycle classes more in the winter for my cardio.

[hurricanedrunk]

Lots of good recs here. Layers are your friend. I swear by a turtle neck base layer (love the ones from Athleta) and like a windbreaker on top. I always tuck in my base layer to my tights. Yak tracks or screws in an old pair of shoes help with traction if conditions are bad. I'm personally not a huge fan of yak tracks because they suck to run in. I have a few knee high snowboarder socks are great for super cold.

I have a friend who journals the temp & weather conditions along with what she wore and notes afterwords. This might be helpful for you going into your first winter season.

[stephm0188]

I splurged on this vest and it's toasty. I love it.
www.newbalance.com/pd/nb-radiant-heat-vest/WV93248.html?dwvar_WV93248_style=WV93248IVI#style=WV93248IVI


I have some 32degrees base layer shirts and leggings that I like.

[katyintx]

Jan 12, 2020 21:09:40 GMT -5 jene said:

Also, buy alll the lotion and moisturizer, it’s dry AF here right now

I’m probably going to cry when I get the first skin cracks around my nails from dry skin. And I’m legit nervous for the first month or so when my face adjusts from humid Houston to dry, cold winter. 

[katyintx]

Thanks for all the tips! Off to go spend a lot of money...

[foundmylazybum]

Oiselle has these two items

www.oiselle.com/shop/outerwear/times-up-flyout-jacket

www.oiselle.com/shop/running-tops/long-sleeve/flyout-insulated-baselayer

Both work very well.

When running in cold weather, your core and extremities get cold fast and can ruin the run, so put focus on making those comfortable and protected