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Running through winter - what kit do I need?

29 replies

blastfurnace · 26/11/2025 09:39

I’ve been running regularly since spring but now it getting cold my kit isn’t fit for purpose.

i’m good for long leggings but it’s upper body that is the issue - I either seem to be too cold or boiling.

I’m running in the dark a lot and worried about only having dark coloured clothing.

I’ve also been in the habit of going for a run directly after dropping DC at school which is a slow 1 mile walk - I don’t know how I can keep warm for the walk but then go running afterwards (unless I take rucksack with me for my coat)

OP posts:
mamakoukla · 26/11/2025 12:49

Until it gets below +5 C, I wear shorts. Below 5, leggings. Below -5, or with some serious wind chill, then I pop out the winter leggings.

At 10 C, I go from tshirt to long sleeved tech top. At below 5, I might go back to a racer back style tech top with a thin merino layer over it (keeps me warm but wicks well). If it’s windy, a thin windproof jacket. As it gets colder, or if it’s a relaxed recovery run, then at 5 C might have a long sleeved plus jacket (invariably end up removing the jacket and it gets tied around my waist).

Thin merino gloves until deep winter when it’s thin gloves plus mitts on top (-10 and below). I hate hats with a passion so use a headband to keep my ears warm. A buff or neck scarf (thin and light merino wool…. yup, it’s my favourite).

Socks - merino but with different weights so light in the spring to autumn, heavier as it cools down. Runners - I have a mix from the regular to one pair with goretex for rain and mud, and full on winterized shoes for the ice and snow (winter at -30 C).

I’d say slowly add on kit as you need it and think of layering or how to mix and match it. My wardrobe is - shorts, leggings, winter leggings, vest tops, tshirts, long sleeved tops, thin merino long sleeved top, windproof running jacket, running jacket (side panels to allow for breathing, vents), mix of socks, different running shoes, headband, gloves, mitts. I have built this up slowly over the last 3-4 years and love a good sale to keep it affordable. Thrifting is also a good way to do this but requires a bit of dedication.

So my wardrobe is a mix and match, adjusting to the weather.

Re evening running - reflective elements on clothing are good but lights etc are better. Think of placement and whether a light source varies eg flashing. You can buy clip on lights, headlamps (handy if route is not well lit), ones that go on ankles or upper arms, to ones which are on a harness. It’s taken me a while but I’ve settled for a light harness which I pop over my clothing. I finally came round after watching other runners. If using clips or say an arm one, think of where to place so it reflects your movement rather than being a static point. More likely to be seen.

I’d also recommend a waist belt with water bottles or similar. Hydration is important and cooler weather does not reduce the need to keep hydrated.

And yes, merino well gets wet but, as long as you are moving and generating heat, it will keep you warm. Might rethink that if it’s absolutely bucketing it down.

BringBackCatsEyes · 26/11/2025 12:54

Re evening running - reflective elements on clothing are good but lights etc are better. Think of placement and whether a light source varies eg flashing. You can buy clip on lights, headlamps (handy if route is not well lit), ones that go on ankles or upper arms, to ones which are on a harness. It’s taken me a while but I’ve settled for a light harness which I pop over my clothing. I finally came round after watching other runners. If using clips or say an arm one, think of where to place so it reflects your movement rather than being a static point. More likely to be seen.

I have a combination of both. There are no street lamps where I run and I'm on the road. I can tell cars see me from way off because I see them pull out to give me room. They see my reflective arms and legs before they see my head torch.
The head torch is for me to see, not for others to see me.
I actually find road running at night safer than in the day because I can see their headlights.

Brefugee · 26/11/2025 12:55

Headband and gloves for me.

Can you wear the type of coat, or hoodie, that you can tie round your waist for running back from school drop off?

ETA: just saw the magic gloves tip, excellent! i too am a glove-nose-wiper but i have several pairs (i put them on a present list once and got about 5 pairs) so i just stick them in the wash every time.

blastfurnace · 30/11/2025 10:03

Thanks for suggestions - I think maybe I am overthinking how much I need to wear - I’ve made an effort over the last few days to do all my stretching and sort out my running app/music etc inside the house so I can literally run from the front door and not have time to get cold.

For the runs from school drop-off I do have a bumbag which is suitable for running but it’s not big enough for my down jacket, so I maybe need to get a thinner jacket (or a bigger bumbag?). Jogging home then de-layering and carrying on would be a good idea but there’s a lovely huge park right next to the school and it’s a shame not to run around there!

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