This will be a rather large departure from my usual blog posts, so if you are a regular follower, you might skip this one.
There are a lot of claims out there on the latest and greatest gear you MUST have to keep running through the winter. The point of this post is to give you an idea about what gear I find helpful, and how that gear doesn’t need to be the latest, greatest, and most expensive on the market for you to enjoy the trails through winter. With the right layers, I’m pretty comfortable down to 10 degrees. Colder than that, and I’d like to grow a beard. While I have found some high-end brands to have products I love, some of my favorite pieces are old and inexpensive. The point of this post is NOT to tell you what brand or specific piece you need, but to give you a general idea of the types of items to look for. If you are on a budget, I recommend thrift shops (online or local), TJ Maxx, or other clearance shops, and even Target & Walmart.
Eight items to build your winter running arsenal:
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baselayer
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midweight insulating layer
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thermal tights
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wind jacket/shirt
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gloves
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ear covering/hat/buff
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warm socks
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traction
Layering is the key to winter running. I check the weather, then I bring a gear bag with me to the trailhead. Sometimes the temperature is much different between locations around the area. Cold air inversions settle into lower areas during the winter months, and there can be a 10 -20 degree temperature swing between my house and the trailhead! I like to bring my extra gear bag so I am able to swap out a heavier or lighter jacket and gloves as needed. In general, I tend to start my runs cold for the first 5-10 minutes. Some people prefer to start comfortable, and then remove layers as needed. This is a personal preference, and you’ll need to sort that out for yourself. Most of the time, if you are comfortable in the parking lot, you are going to be too hot when you get moving.
Baselayer
A baselayer is just that, it is your next to skin layer. I have thin baselayers for most days and thicker baselayers that I wear when temperatures dip in the teens. I prefer wool or wool blend baselayers, but the important thing is to have material that will wick moisture away from your skin. A snug baselayer holds in more heat and fits better underneath your insulating layer. I have several different brands, some are 10+ years old. **Disclaimer, my husband works for PEARL iZUMi, a cycling apparel company, so I do use some of their gear as crossover pieces for running and cycling. It is a total tragedy they stopped making running gear, and my husband never hears the end of that rant from me.
Insulating Layer
There are so many options on the market for insulating layers. Many friends that have started winter running tend to wear very heavy insulating layers (think puffy jackets) and then get way too hot. My most used insulating layer is a maroon REI 1/4″ zip that is at least 12 years old. I have thicker pullovers for colder days, and a hood is an awesome feature that allows more temperature adjustments. Often I will start a run with my hood pulled up and within 10 minutes I’m warm and can take it down. Zippers also allow more temperature regulation and venting when you warm up. A standard sweatshirt will work, as long as you have a wicking baselayer underneath.
Thermal tights
Tights come in varying weights. Some of my tights are light for 35+ degree days, some are thermal for that 25-35 degree range, and then I have some with softshell on the front of the thighs when it is low 20s and down in the teens. You can spend anywhere from $40 to more than $150 on tights. I have some very expensive tights that wore out far sooner than I would expect at that price point. I also have some inexpensive tights…that also wore out very quickly. I do not have more than one pair of any given brand, so clearly I’m not overly in love with any of them. There was a recent thread in our Boulder Trail Sisters group about some recommended inexpensive tights that I encourage you to check out if you missed it. In general, a pair of tights with a brushed thermal interior will give you more warmth than a thinner smooth tight. For a more frugal option, layer two pairs of thin tights, or wicking long underwear with sweatpants. When I was a broke grad student, I wore two pairs of thin tights for all my winter runs, and that worked pretty well.
On super cold runs, I will give a shout out to my insulated miniskirt, or what I refer to as my “butt muff”. A lot of ladies tend to get chilled on their butts and outer thighs (i.e. the “saddlebag” area). I thought a skirt was ridiculous, but on super cold days, it is a great addition.
Wind Shirt
If I had to suggest only one piece to add to your quiver, I would say a wind jacket/shirt. A super lightweight jacket that blocks wind, and maybe is water-resistant, can increase your comfort in cold temperatures by 10 degrees at least. This style of jacket is widely available at a variety of price points. Sure the higher-end jackets tend to be lighter weight and more packable, but if you are going out for shorter runs, this really isn’t an issue. The super nice thing about this layer is that you can stash it in your pack or tie it around your waist to put on or take off as the temperature changes. I have it with me on most runs.
Gloves
Like tights, you can drop a lot of money on gloves. You can buy gloves with Windstopper, or a pullover shell that can be tucked into the cuff. Some people wear giant mittens. It all depends on how much you have to spend and how cold your hands get. My current favorite gloves were $15, more than 10 years ago. I have purchased more expensive gloves since then and have been disappointed. The most important feature is a glove that will wick away moisture and keep your hands dry. If moisture is trapped, your fingers will freeze. If you feel your hands starting to sweat, take the gloves off. It can be counterintuitive, but wearing a glove that is too warm can leave you with cold fingers because they sweat and then get chilled. On some runs, I tend to do a lot of on/off with my gloves to maintain a comfortable temperature. Some folks will purchase two gloves – a lighter liner type glove for mild days, and a mitten. You can layer them on cold days, or wear them separately. **Quick tip- I stock up on handwarmers, and keep a pair in my pack to warm up my hands if the temperature starts to dip when I’m out on a long run.
Ear Coverings/Hat/Buff
Personally, I reserve a hat for my coldest runs, preferring to run with just a buff covering my ears, otherwise, I find I get way too hot. I also prefer to run with a ball cap or visor, to shield my eyes from the sun or snow flying in my face, so that is also part of the reason. If you have an insulating layer or wind shirt with a hood, this is also a great addition to hold in some extra heat.
Socks
Like my baselayer, wool or wool blend socks are definitely my preference. That being said, runners tend to have strong opinions on the best socks. It isn’t just warmth, but blisters and comfort that have to be considered. It might be blasphemy, but my favorite winter running socks are actually cycling socks. (See above-referenced disclaimer about my husband working for a cycling apparel company). If you have ever been skiing you may be familiar with the concept that thick socks and tight boots are a recipe for cold feet. It is no different for running. If you stuff your thick socks into your running shoes and don’t have room to wiggle your toes around, they are going to get cold. **Quick tip – bring a pair of dry shoes and socks to the trailhead for after your run. If I leave wet socks on, I’m freezing by the time I get home.
Traction
This is the one area where I will call out a brand – Kahtoola Microspikes, Nanospikes, and Exospikes are invaluable to winter trail running. They are not inexpensive, and if you can’t afford them, don’t despair.
Microspikes are excellent for packed snow conditions and the springtime bulletproof ice, especially running downhill from the peaks. In mixed conditions, meaning some dry areas, the spikes are large and put pressure points on your feet that some people struggle with. You have to check the positioning of the spikes on your shoe, as the chains can kink, or be in awkward positions around the lugs on your shoe. I have some shoes that they work better with, and honestly, I really like wearing road shoes with them because then they sit flatter. Nanospikes are little carbon nubs on a rubber plate. They don’t give you much traction in deeper snow but are great in mixed conditions. I don’t have the Exospikes yet. They are new this year and I am excited to try them. They are basically the nanospikes without the rubber plate, and I have heard good things. If I had to choose only one, I’d vote for the Nano or Exospikes, as they are the most versatile for icy or mixed conditions…but totally worthless in deeper snow.
Putting screws in your shoes is easy and inexpensive. I ran in screw shoes for years, and I still will occasionally, but mostly I get annoyed with screws not staying in, and some rubber lugs hold the screws well, and some do not at all. It isn’t much help when you are halfway through a run and most of your screws are gone (and now littered somewhere on the trail), and you are now slipping everywhere. That being said, if you are only doing short runs, that are not rocky, you can save money and get away with screws. For what it is worth – YakTrax are not made for trail running. They do not work or hold up.
Maintaining Motivation
This is probably the hardest part for new winter runners. Winter is dark and cold, and bed is so comfy and warm. For me, I find the two best ways to maintain motivation are to find good company and set a goal. Maybe that goal is a spring race to train for, or maybe that goal is to run X number of days per week, or X number of miles per month, it doesn’t really matter what the goal is but make one. Plan to run with someone. That is what Trail Sisters is all about! Make a plan, and get each other out there! Don’t worry if you are new to winter running, or running in general. Make a post, introduce yourself, and ask for an accountability buddy!
Final Tips
If you are heading out for a long run, always have one extra layer in your pack. If you are wearing everything and it gets colder, you are going to be in trouble. Embrace the fact that some runs are going to be cold. There is a learning curve, and sometimes you will overdress, and sometimes you will underdress. Sometimes the snow conditions will make it feel impossible to actually run, so hike and posthole through the deep snow, or cut your run short. That is all okay! But don’t be afraid to try, because you’ll miss out on all of the beauty you can find on the winter trails.
