Best Hot Weather Running Gear of 2021

Summer brings sunshine and happiness. But it also brings heat (and often humidity)…and runners need to wear the right hot weather running gear in order to stay safe and comfortable.

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Why Do You Need Hot Weather Running Gear?

Great question.

Adapting to weather conditions is critical for runners, especially long distance runners.

Training for a 10K, half marathon or marathon over the summer? Then you definitely need the right hot weather running gear.

It really comes down to keeping you safe and comfortable.

 

First: A Few Hot Weather Running Gear Tips

Before recommending gear for hot weather, let’s first discuss basics.

What You Want:

• Light colors are preferred. Otherwise the material absorbs more sunlight and heat.
• Performance material (also called Wicking material, or Technical or Tech material)
• Ventilation

What You Don’t Want:

• Dark colors
• Cotton material or anything that absorbs sweat
• Heavy or metal items
• Anything that will chafe you or annoy you

 

So without further ado, here are the most important pieces of hot weather running gear, and How to Run Guide’s recommendations!

 

Running Hat

Not just any hat will do for running.

Runners need a hat of lightweight material with ventilation so it doesn’t soak up all the sweat and keep it matted to your dome all run. Plus, it has to fit snugly (but not too tightly) and stay put step after step.

WOMEN-Our Recommendation: Under Armour Fly By ArmourVent Cap for women is under $25 and gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

Why we love this hat: From the ventilating mesh sides to the built-in HeatGear sweatband, this hat is great for women who run. The low-profile (“unstructured” fit) and easily-adjustable strap makes it fit amazingly well compared to structured hats. Bonus: Design fits smaller heads too, which is hard to find.

Downside: Color selection is weak.

MEN- Our Recommendation: LETHMIK Quick Dry Sports Cap

Why we love this hat: UPF 30+ sun protection and breathable mesh side vents work well for sunny, hot days.

Downside: Some purchasers report issues with sweat collecting and dripping but this appears to have been solved in the newest models.

 

 

Running Sunglasses

UV (or ultra violet light) from the sun can damage your eyes. Even on cloudy days!

So while running, protect your eyes with 100% UV blocking or UV 400 protection sunglasses.

Our Recommendation: Goodr sunglasses offer UV 400 protection, don’t slip or bounce (we tested it) and are super inexpensive at only $25 each. Plus they come in a variety of badass colors to match any running outfit.

Runner Up: J & S Active PLUS Outdoor Athlete’s Sunglasses ranges from $14.99-$18.99 and offers an alternative fit than the Goodr sunglasses. Scratch-resistant and 100% UV rated protection. Excellent hot weather running gear and it won’t break the bank like some sunglasses.

 

 

Performance Socks

Heat = sweat.

Hot weather running gear for your feet is important to protect against blisters. Ever get blisters from running?

They’re awful. Trust us, you want good performance socks when running in the heat! Learn additional ways to prevent blisters from running here.

Our Recommendation: Balega moisture-wicking socks solved my blister problems. They wick moisture away from your feet and keep your feet drier and cooler than regular socks. They’re about $12 a pair but welllllll worth it to prevent blisters (plus they last a while).

Second Recommendation: Toe socks! I know, I know…weird, right? But they work SO WELL.

Injinji Toe Socks (Men) and Injinji Toe Socks (Women) are worth every single cent. Just $12 a pair. Your feet will sing the song of happy non-blistered toes all run long.

 

 

Hydration Belt

“Hydration belt” is just a fancy way of saying a belt with a water bottle attached to it.

Why would runners want a hydration belt? To stay hydrated throughout your run on hot days (which is crucial to running in the heat)

What makes a hydration belt good? Lightweight, secure fit, holds enough water for your run, and bonus if it also has a pocket for mid-run fuel/your phone/keys/etc.

Our Recommendation: URPOWER Running Belt is a (very inexpensive) $15 hydration belt that provides two 6oz water bottles and a large front pocket with zipper that’s big enough to fit many smart phones.

 

Or Water Bottle with a Handle

Some runners don’t love the idea of a hydration belt. That’s ok, if you don’ mind carrying a water bottle instead.

When it’s hot out, runners lose a lot of water through sweating. It’s important to re-hydrate periodically throughout your run, especially if the run is longer than 30 minutes.

What to look for in a running water bottle: lightweight, durable, won’t leak, easy to drink from without unscrewing caps or fiddling with it mid-run, fits comfortably in your hand, bonus if it has a pocket to carry things too.

Our Recommendation: Nathan QuickShot Plus Flask holds 10oz of water, has a comfortable handle that wraps around your hand securely, and also offers a zippered pouch.

Need more water? Try his bigger brother, the 18oz Nathan SpeedDraw Plus instead.

 

Or a Hydration Backpack (CamelBak)

CamelBak offers an impressive array of hydration pack sizes to fit any runner’s needs.

The CamelBak Kids Mini M.U.L.E. is the best hydration backpack around for short people, or people who don’t want a bigger pack while running. And it’s under $50.

This little buddy has a 1.5L capacity and plenty of pockets (really handy for GU packets or other mid-run fuel).

 

Wicking Shirt

Never, ever wear cotton when running on a hot day!

Why? Cotton holds moisture in (which is bad).

Instead, you need a material that wicks sweat away from your body. This helps regulate body temperature better and reduces the risk of chafing or blisters.

“Wicking”, or performance material, first came along in the early 1990’s (and has improved significantly since) to help keep runners (and all athletes) drier when sweating while running.

Our Recommendation: All major athletic brands carry performance shirts, so this is really a preference thing. We love Under Armour for it’s lightweight running shirts that come in 3 different fits: Compression, Fitted or Loose (depending on your preference). This is the best running shirt for hot weather!

Try the Under Armour HeatGear shirt for Men:

Or the Under Armour HeatGear Racer Tank (Women):

 

 

Technical Shorts (or Capri’s)

Again, material that is against the body while running must be performance (aka technical, aka wicking) material.

Most men wear shorts. Length depends on preference – some runners prefer shorter running shorts so the material doesn’t interfere with speed.

Women seem divided – some prefer shorts, while others prefer capri’s. Capri’s reduce friction caused by thighs rubbing together while running.

Our Recommendation: Again, all major brands offer technical shorts and capri’s. Our current favorites are:

For Women: Under Armour Fly By Shorts with pocket. Lightweight and breathable.

 

For Men: 2 options (one short, one longer). Both have built-in mesh briefs (to, er, hold everything in):

and

 

Sunscreen

Protect your skin the same way you protect your eyes – with sports sunscreen.

What is a sports sunscreen? One that absorbs quickly and is sweat-resistant. The last thing you want is sunscreen dripping in your eyes mid-run.

Also, choose sunscreen that protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, which is also be called broad-spectrum sunscreen.

In addition to sunscreen…don’t forget lip balm with an SPF to protect your lips in the sun too!

Our Recommendation: Coppertone Sports Sunscreen (continuous spray, but they also offer cream too). Consider using SPF 30 or more.

 

 

Fuel Belt

If you’re using a hydration belt or carrying a water bottle with a pocket, you may not need a fuel belt.

But if you need a place to put your fuel (or keys, or ID, or phone) while running in hot weather, make sure the fuel belt fits snugly and has a reliable zipper.

Our Recommendation:  Level Terrain Flip Belt because it stays securely in place, holds a lot, has sizes XS-XL, and comes in an assortment of awesome colors.

 

 

That wraps it up.

What is your favorite hot weather running gear? Do you prefer one brand over another?

Any gear we forgot? Let us know!

 

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10 Warm Weather Running Tips (how to run in the heat safely)