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For cold weather running gear, wear three layers: a moisture-wicking base against your skin, a warm middle layer, and a wind-blocking outer layer. Add a hat and gloves, skip cotton, and dress so you can take layers off as you warm up.
What should you wear for a winter run?
Think in layers you can remove. Active.com's winter exercise guide says to dress so you start warm and can remove clothing as needed. It also says a moisture-wicking base layer helps sweat evaporate, while cotton absorbs sweat, and that working out in sweat-drenched clothing leaves you more vulnerable to the cold.
Here's the simple setup:
- Base layer: a close-fitting top and leggings in a wicking fabric.
- Middle layer: something that holds body heat, like a heat-trapping jacket or pants.
- Outer layer: a light shell that blocks wind and rain, only when the weather calls for it.
Where do heat-trapping pieces fit?
They work as a warm middle layer. Heat-trapping gear holds the warmth your body makes, which is useful at 30°F and less useful at 60°F.
The Women's Heat Trapping Sauna Leggings have light compression and moisture-wicking fabric, sizes S to 4XL. The Men's Heat Trapping Sauna Athletic Pants are lightweight with ankle zippers and a hip pocket, sizes S to 3XL, for easy on and off.
On top, the Men's Pro Sauna Jacket comes in full-zip or half-zip, S to 3XL. The Women's Pro Sauna Jacket runs S to 4XL. Take a layer off the moment you start sweating, because wet layers cool you down fast once you slow or stop.
How do you protect your hands, ears and face?
Fingers, toes, nose and ears are the parts the NHS says are most often affected by frostbite, which can happen at 32°F (0°C) or below. Cover them before you leave.
Active.com says it's still essential to wear a hat, suggests moisture-wicking gloves, and says to consider a facemask or a scarf over your mouth in very cold weather. It also notes that reflective gloves add safety for evening workouts. Daylight is short in winter, so wear something reflective on every dusk walk.
What's your pre-run checklist?
- Check the temperature and the wind before you dress.
- Put on a wicking base layer, then your warm middle layer.
- Add a hat, gloves and a scarf or face cover.
- Add a reflective vest, band or gloves if it's near dusk.
- Start with 10 easy minutes of walking or slow jogging, then unzip or remove a layer if you're sweating.
- Plan a loop that passes your door, so you can stop when you get cold.
- Change out of damp clothes as soon as you finish.
When should you stop and go indoors?
Stop if you start shivering hard, your skin turns numb or hard, or you feel confused. The NHS lists shivering, slurred speech, slow breathing, tiredness and confusion as signs of hypothermia, which needs emergency help. Talk to your doctor before winter workouts if you have heart or breathing conditions.
FAQ
What should I wear for a winter run?
Wear a wicking base layer, a warm middle layer and a wind-blocking shell, plus a hat and gloves. Dress so you can remove layers as you warm up.
How many layers do I need to run in the cold?
Most people do well with two or three thin layers they can remove. Add the outer shell only if it's windy or wet.
Is cotton okay for winter workouts?
Active.com says cotton absorbs sweat, and sweat-drenched clothing makes you more vulnerable to the cold. Choose synthetic wicking fabrics instead.
Should I wear sauna wear in cold weather?
A heat-trapping jacket or leggings can serve as a warm middle layer on cold days. Open the zipper or remove it once you're sweating, and skip it in mild weather.
Pick one piece to start: the Women's Heat Trapping Sauna Leggings or the Men's Heat Trapping Sauna Athletic Pants.
