As I surfed Twitter this morning, most comments were about all the snow in North Texas. While this is the first blast of cold weather in our area, I was already prepared due to some subfreezing runs in Germany last month. With winter staring most of us in the face, I thought I would review a couple of my favorite cold-weather running gear items that I have used this year.
- Jacket – Salomon Fast II Jacket
When looking for a jacket for my cold weather runs, I wanted to make sure that it was windproof, water repellent, breathable, and lightweight. Usually these requirements call for you to lay down some serious cash, but I found the perfect jacket for under $100…the Salomon Fast II Jacket. This jacket has everything you need for your winter runs for around $70. Not only was it the lightest jacket I found, but it also has a great slim, athletic fit that moves with you and doesn’t get in the way. The jacket has plenty of reflective details, thumb loops, moisture-wicking collar, zippered front chest pocket, and adjustable waistcord to sweeten the deal.
- Tights - ASICS Thermopolis® LT Run Pant
I used to think that tights were for girls (no offense), but after I bought my first pair I knew there was no turning back. My favorite pair this year are the ASICS Thermopolis LT Run Pant for around $70. These semi-fitted pants are the softest tights I have ever owned, with brushed cold-weather fabric on the inside and out, and keep you warm on your long runs. They have convenient ankle zippers with reflective trim and zippered hand pockets to stash your stuff. Another good option: CW-X Insulator Stabilyx Tights.
For my base layer, I am always a fan of Nike Dri-FIT. This moisture-wicking top is great due to the slimmer fit and thumb holes that prevent your sleeves from riding up. The Nike Pacer Shirt also has the reflective loop at the back of the collar to maintain your media-player cords, which is a feature I always take advantage of. The challenge red color is also a nice touch…
- Gloves – Manzella Hatchback Convertible Glove
Gloves are always tricky for me. I don’t want to run with ice-cube fingers, but I don’t want anything too bulky or too warm. My solution: the Manzella Hatchback Convertible Glove. These gloves have a “handy” windproof hood that can either be put over the fingers for added protection or stashed away in the convenient pocket on the back of the glove. If you need a little extra warmth, there is an internal pocket for heat packets. Special coatings on the palm and fingers provide added grip during dry or wet conditions.
- Hat – SUGOi MidZero Tuke
For those of you like me, follicularly-challenged, a warm hat is a must for cold-weather running. It is said that you can lose up to 40% of your body heat through your head. I am reducing that with the help of the SUGOi MidZero Tuke. The one thing I absolutely love about this hat…it completely covers your ears! Most “beanies” leave some part of your ear exposed to the elements, but not this one. It is made from SUGOi’s MidZero fabric that stretches and wicks away moisture while keeping you warm. The fleeced inside ensures comfort during those long runs. I never leave home without it!
Hope this helps you as you start your search for your own cold weather gear. My favorite cold weather running tip: you’re going to warm up once you get moving, so you should feel a little bit chilly when you start your run. A good rule of thumb: Dress as if it’s 20 degrees warmer outside than it really is. Remember that heat escapes the body where ever it is exposed to the outside air and don’t forget your shades…the sun can still get you in the winter months.
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