Best Cold Weather Running Gear 2021

Let me tell you a secret: winter running isn’t as bad as you think. You just need the right cold weather running gear.

For YEARS, I avoided winter running out of pure fear.

I’ll freeze like an icicle!

I’ll turn into a snowman!

Then, a runner friend advised me to buy good cold weather running gear. The right kind. Not just pulling on 50 layers and hoping for the best (you know who you are).

So I did.

And now I love winter running (most days anyway)!

I can truly appreciate the joy of winter running. The crisp air, the slowly-falling snowflakes, the stillness…it’s a beautiful thing.

Plus, getting the right cold weather gear means you can stay in shape over the winter and not have to start from scratch in the spring. YAY.

So, are you ready to prepare yourself with the best cold weather running gear?

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Winter Running Hat

Keeping warmth from escaping our heads is essential to staying warm when it’s cold outside.

If you’re a lady with a ponytail, I highly recommend Trailheads Ponytail Performance Beanie because it has 2 different ponytail slots at different heights (so it’s comfortable no matter where you tie your ponytail), plus has reflective properties in the front for extra safety.

It breathes amazingly well (because it’s performance material) while still holding the warmth in.

I’ve worn this hat for 3 years now and couldn’t live without it. Well worth $26, believe me.

Balaclava

So, to be honest, I had no idea what this word meant when I first started looking for cold weather running gear.

So if it’s new to you, don’t worry.

BUT, don’t ignore it’s importance – this thing literally saved me all winter because if my neck gets cold, I’m done.

A balaclava wraps around your head, ears and neck snugly. It can be used as a base layer or by itself.

You may recognize it if you’re a skier or snowboarder.

A recommendation from my own experience:

The Nike Pro balaclava is thinner (so it’s perfect for layering in super cold weather).

I got this as a gift for Christmas and loooove it. In fact, I ran a New Years Day race in 0 degree weather with this balaclava (yes, 0 degrees Fahrenheit) and it performed amazingly well to prevent frostbite and keep my neck and head warm. 

I won’t leave the house without this if the temperature is 35 or below!

Neck Warmer

Some runners prefer wearing a neck warmer instead of a balaclava.

That’s fine, these work well too. Make sure to select a windproof one that breathes.

Personally, I prefer performance wicking material, but some fleece neck warmers also have wicking properties (which is important in cold weather…you need it to pull sweat away from your skin) so make sure you pick one meant for running or exercising if you want fleece.

Turtle Fur is very popular and comes in tons of colors. It’s a double layer heavyweight material It’s not expensive and is a great alternative to the balaclava.

Plus look at the cute little turtle logo! 🙂 Adorable.

Alternately, a lighter-weight option with fun patterns is SoJourner Seamless Bandanas. Great for fun winter races!

The Layering System

Most winter sports enthusiasts use the layering system for tops (and sometimes pants too).

So what is the layering system?

Juuuust about as basic as it sounds – it’s the practice of layering clothing to suit the weather and your sport (running).

You got 3 types of layers to play with: base layers, insulating (or mid) layers, and outer layers.

1.) Base layers

A base layer is a tight-fitting layer of clothing closest to your skin (over underwear).

Base layer shirts and pants keep warmth close to your body while wicking sweat away. As long as the material is touching your skin that is.

For that reason, it’s best to get compression or tight-fitting base layers in wicking (performance) materials.

There are 3 main weights: lightweight, midweight and heavyweight.

Hot tip: Short or small man or woman? Save money by buying kids base layers! I buy large or extra large kids sizes to save a few bucks.

Lightweight running base layers are good for late fall or early winter when it’s chilly but not frigid. Some can be worn alone (but not all, depending on the style).

Midweight running base layers are useful for most of winter (in many places).  Midweight material keeps you warm when the temperature dips and pairs perfectly with insulating layers and winter jackets.

Heavyweight running base layers provide maximum cold protection for extra cold days. Wool is a popular material for heavyweight base layers but I usually look for stuff labeled “Cold Gear”. Get heavyweight if you run outside in extremely cold weather.

2.) Insulating (or Mid) Layers

“Insulating layer” is a fancy way of saying “the next layer after the base layer”…which is usually a light jacket, zip up, or fleece.

Again, go for wicking material with warmth.

Acceptable items: zipped cold gear hoodies, pullovers, light jackets and fleeces.

3.) Outer Layer (aka a Winter Jacket)

I used to think winter running jackets had to look puffy and fluffy and huge to work.

Wrong.

In fact, I once wore my regular giant (and long) parka for a winter run before I knew what I was doing. It was awful.

That’s part of the point of the layer system.

The outer layer doesn’t have to do all the insulating work, so it can be less heavy and more lightweight.

Vest

Not cold enough for an outer layer?

Swap in a vest instead.

I wear running vests in the late fall with a long sleeve base layer underneath. It’s perfect for days when a full jacket isn’t necessary.

The North Face has awesome warm running vests – try the North Face Women’s Harway Vest for women (it has pockets too!):

Or the Men’s North Face Apex Bionic vest:

Leggings/Pants

Cold gear is your best friend with cold weather running pants! Stay the heck away from cotton please, as is true for all running gear.

For women, I recommend Under Armour ColdGear Leggings because they compress and protect your legs from the cold and wind.

(I have 3 pairs…they’re that good).

Men seem to be mixed in whether they prefer tighter-fitting winter pants or looser ones.

The men’s equivalent of the pants above is the Men’s Under Armour ColdGear Reactor Leggings.

Not into tight pants? Try the INBIKE Men’s Winter Fleece Thermal Pants instead. They’re made of quick-dry moisture-wicking fleece, and is windproof. Bonus: reflective details add a safety element to them too.

And remember – if it’s really cold (for me, that means under 20 degrees F), you can add in a base layer for extra warmth.

Gloves

I’m a big fan of convertible winter running gloves.

Convertible means they are both mittens and gloves.

They keep your hands toasty warm while wicking moisture away (the way it should be). And you can easily flip the “mittens” part up or down depending on the weather.

Craft has a fabulous mitten glove:  I use these mittens when it’s extra windy, cold or snowing. They protect SO well, it’s made a massive difference to me while running in the winter.

Socks

I love running socks. It’s no secret.

And winter running socks are no exception.

Look for warmer winter materials like wool and mohair and wicking properties – the last thing you need is sweat sticking around. It makes your skin colder and causes blisters.

Injinji is my preferred brand because they make toe socks for all seasons, ranging from lightweight to heavyweight. Toe socks help prevent blisters. And yes, they may look weird, but they work like a charm (even in the winter).

Injinji Men’s Midweight Toe Socks aren’t overkill warm but provide enough warmth for chilly days.

For really cold days, try Injinji’s Outdoor Nuwwol Toe Socks for more coverage.

Not into toe socks? I understand.

Balega is another great running sock brand (I own at least 4 pairs) and these Balega Blister Resist socks are made of mohair and Drynamix materials to help prevent blisters by wicking away moisture, AND keeping your toesies warm.

Reflective Gear

Be seen in low light with reflective gear (aka: don’t get hit by a car).

Winter days are short, which means we often run in morning or evening darkness.

My favorite:

Flectson Reflective Vest for running is only $10.99 on Amazon and super lightweight, with plenty of reflective properties.

Now You Know the Best Cold Weather Running Gear, Are You Ready to Run this Fall and Winter?

Fall and winter running require the right gear if you live in a region with seasons and cold weather.

All of the cold weather running gear listed above will help keep you warm.

So make sure you prepare before heading out for a run in the cold!

Proper gear makes winter running bearable (and dare I say….fun?).

Ready to run? Have other gear suggestions? Tell us in the comments, we’d love to hear!

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