What do you wear when you run in the winter? Should I wear a mask? And other questions regarding winter outdoor running apparel.

Its cold. It’s dark . . . and it’s not even 5 pm. Running outdoors in the winter is an especially tricky challenge. Over the years I’ve learned to adapt my gear to make my outdoor run more pleasant and safer. The intention behind this blog post is to provide you with some recommendations to make your winter run fun. Plus it can serve as a guide if you are hesitant to get out that door and onto that pavement because you fear being cold or unprepared.

UNDERWEAR

Starting with the most important bits. Consider the type of underwear you are wearing before doing any form of cardio or other activity where you will sweat a lot. Cotton and other absorbent fabrics do just that, they absorb and retain moisture. This can turn those Hanes comfortable cotton briefs into a heavy, wet towel. Guácala!
Consider wearing synthetic moisture wicking fabrics that still breath. This moisture-wicking-synthetic-fiber principal can actually be applied to all of your workout clothing. This is especially important when it comes to running outdoors in the winter. Damp clothing will make you colder which can get pretty dicey if you are out on a long run and have to stop and walk for an extended period of time.

BOTTOMS

The general rule of thumb that I follow is if it is above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, I wear shorts. After buying so many pairs of shorts, I typically go back to the same 2-3 pairs that I’ve had for years. Over time, I’ve learned what functionally works well and what does not. You will find your favorites in no time!
I highly recommend shorts intended for running with a liner. I especially like shorts with a compression boxer brief underneath for winter (Summer is a different story). I recently purchased shorts from the clothing brand Vuori and they work perfectly! Highly recommend. They even, somehow, did not stink as bad after my long run!

If it is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, I wear running tights. There are different levels of running tights/pants. The manufacturer will denote how adequate a particular pair of running pants protects against the cold so make sure you look into that before buying. I’ve used thinner Target running tights for below 32 degree weather but when it feels dangerously cold outside, I upgrade to a cold weather running tight that is meant to be worn at those temperatures. You could also throw on the thinner running tight or compression style long underwear as a base layer and a wind-breaker type thin pant over the tights. I hate wearing many layers and it adds so much laundry so a single pair of running tights that are adequate in very cold weather is worth the investment.

TOPS

I feel like this is the most subjective part. Wear what’s most comfortable for you. However, there are a few things to consider when running outside when it gets to below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that your core is warm and dry. Tighter clothes trap heat better and looser clothes are more airy. For this reason, I make sure that I am at least wearing a moisture-wicking, compression-like tee shirt or long sleeve as a baselayer. The second and potentially third top layer really depends on how cold and windy it is. I have a North Face half-zip that is intended to be worn in very cold weather. I consider this North Face my running “coat” to be worn in the dead of winter. If it’s supper windy, a running windbreaker works very well. A running waterproof windbreaker in general is a good investment too. You can also choose to buy a thinner windbreaker and use it as a shell to put over any other top.

RUNNING GLOVES

I only wear running gloves when its very cold out, like exposed skin is in jeopardy type of cold. I’ve found that if my baselayer is sufficiently warm throughout my entire run, my hands stay warm enough and I end up taking off my gloves. However, they do make the initial start to your run feel very cozy and the transition into the cold less jarring.

HEADLAMP/HATS

GET A HEADLAMP! Its winter. If you’re running outside, it’s probably dark out. Uneven pavement, holes in the streets, dark puddles are but a few of the dangerous obstacles one faces when running in Chicago. A headlamp can help you avoid these perils plus it will make you more visible to cars. You may feel silly at first but trust me, when you come along a dark section of a path or street, you’ll be glad you have it.

Also, we lose a lot of heat from the tops of our heads so a moisture-wicking cap is always a good idea. If it get’s dangerously cold consider wearing a beanie that covers your ears as well.

FANNY PACK

Many tops, and bottoms will not have adequate storage for your phone, keys, or other necessities. A fanny pack can really help out. Having a fanny pack also enables you to wear bottoms that don’t have pockets. Plus, I personally hate all phone arm bands. They get loose, they get gross, and they expose your phone to sweat and environmental moisture. Having a fanny pack on hand is a good idea.

MASK

Before the pandemic, I owned a few gaiter type masks. These are masks that you wear around your neck and can be stretched and pulled up to cover your nose and mouth. I would wear these when the outdoor air felt very, very dry and cold. Plus it keeps you a bit warmer.

Since there are still mask mandates in many areas, it is simply a good idea to wear one out in case you find yourself in a situation where you’ll need to wear a mask. For example, after a long run I stopped into a convenience store and bought a water. You may also need a mask if you got injured and needed to take public transportation.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I appreciate functional apparel and I am on the hunt to find clothing that works well! This is has become a more difficult task than I anticipated because of the Athleisure trend we are living in. Athleisure is clothing that looks like workout clothing but the main intention is style not necessarily function. I am trying different brands and combinations that I will be posting over time. As someone who looks forward to Runner’s World Magazine’s apparel recommendations, I felt like this could provide some helpful recommendations from someone who is actually trying the clothing.

I heard about the clothing brand Vuori from a friend so I ordered a few pieces and so far I’m really loving their shorts. Also, I appreciate that they are following decent business practices (from what I can tell). This blog post is very subjective and it is based on what I’ve personally tried but I believe it can provide you with a point of reference if you’re just starting to venture out during the winter months.

Leave a comment if you have any functional apparel recommendations. I would love to hear them!