With the right gear, like layers and lights, chilly runs can go from dreadful to delightful. Plus, crisp air and the crunch of fallen leaves or fresh snow under your sneaks can be a great antidote to the emotional darkness that can result from less daylight and more time spent inside.
Here is our cold-weather running kit, including our favorite base layers, a bright vest to keep you visible and more.
REI Co-op Swiftland Thermal Running Half-Zip Pullover (Women’s & Men’s)
At first glance, the REI Co-op Swiftland Thermal Running Half-Zip Pullover looks like a standard midlayer. It’s much more than that. This under-the-radar, run-ready layer offers warmth thanks to grid-back fleece and fold-over cuff mitts, water repellency with its nonfluorinated DWR coating on the overlay, and breathability in heat-dumping features like a partially recycled polyester back panel and half-zip design. Underarm gussets facilitate ease of movement. The pullover’s standout superpower, however, is the yarn itself, which is made using a carbon-capture technology that effectively turns waste materials into your favorite running wearable. $89.95
Oiselle Flyout Long-Sleeve Top – Women’s
By women, for women running brand Oiselle believes its customers should run in what they love. For former Olympian and pro runner Kara Goucher, that’s the Flyout Long-Sleeve Top from Oiselle, which uses a uniquely knit HoverFit® technology that actually floats above the skin. The result, the Oiselle athlete advisor confirms, is a lightweight layer that “offers just the right amount of warmth for chilly mornings and evenings.” The shirt also includes thoughtful touches like a high-low hem for coverage where you want it, and a “Watch Window” where your fitness tracker can peek through—goodbye to fiddling with your sleeves to check your pace. Goucher adds that it’s also breathable and moves with your body, features that make it, in short, a “perfect piece!” $82
Arc’teryx Cormac Logo Long-Sleeve Shirt – Men’s
Maybe you’re in the market for a top-of-the-line, any-weather layer. Or maybe you really dig dinos and never get to broadcast that to people while jogging. In either case, the Cormac Logo Long-Sleeve Shirt from Arc’teryx is the perfect pick. Made with a fully recycled and PFAS-compliant Phasic™ LT fabric, this breathable, moisture-wicking long-sleeve won’t restrict movement (thank you, articulated patterning) and deters irritation (shout out to the low-profile stitching in high-friction zones). The Fair Trade-certified shirt also boasts anti-stink properties. Of course, none of that matters for your favorite dinophile. They’ll only have eyes for the archaeopteryx across the chest. $80
REI Co-op Swiftland Insulated Running Jacket (Women’s & Men’s)
For frigid days, on the other hand, reach for the REI Co-op Swiftland Insulated Running Jacket, which is toasty where you need it and breathable where you don’t. The nylon ripstop exterior has a durable water repellent finish in the chest and shoulders to block light precip, while strategically placed fleece-backed stretch knit through the body provides critical warmth and mobility. Three zippered pockets allow plenty of room for essentials. $99.95
REI Co-op Swiftland Thermal Running Tights – Women’s
Featuring a brushed interior for a dose of cozy, these durable, bluesign®-approved nylon/spandex bottoms stretch, wick moisture and dry fast. A trio of drop-in, compression pockets on each outer thigh and on the back of the waistband are phone-ready, while a pair of smaller drop-in pockets on the waistband are the perfect place to keep keys or a gel. We think it’s a pretty smart way to round out your gift of the REI Co-op Swiftland Thermal Running Half-Zip Pullover. $84.95.
Looking for a men’s version? Check out the Swiftland Thermal Running Pants for $94.95.
Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Gloves
Wave bye-bye to chilly fingers when you don the Active Fleece Wind Gloves from Smartwool. Inside you’ll find brushed merino wool for next-to-skin softness that also naturally wicks moisture. Meanwhile, windproof overlays on the back of each glove boost protection against gusty conditions. Silicone grippers add a touch of dexterity, so it’s easy to pull out your phone and use the touch-screen compatible thumbs and index fingers to text those waiting at home that you’ll be late–you’re warm enough to go an extra mile. $50
Darn Tough Stride Micro Crew Ultralightweight Socks (Women’s & Men’s)
We like thin wool socks year-round, for almost any activity, and when it comes to cold-weather running, we particularly appreciate the Darn Tough Stride Micro Crew. The not-quite-crew-length height covers chilly ankles without bunching, and the quick-drying fabric—a blend of merino wool, nylon and Lycra spandex—means they competently handle a bit of sweat and snow. $20
HOKA Clifton 9 Road-Running Shoes (Women’s & Men’s)
Give “cold comfort” the opposite meaning with the HOKA Clifton 9. This 2023 REI Co-op Editors’ Choice Award winner boasts a plush CMEVA midsole and reliable traction on slick surfaces. A lightweight design helps you tick off those winter miles without the drudgery while a variety of fun color ways, from Amber Haze to Ice Water (pictured above), makes you stand out amongst the typical muted apparel of the season. $145
HOKA Speedgoat 6 GTX Trail-Running Shoes (Women’s & Men’s)
Hitting the trails all winter long is a matter of having a great shoe for lousy conditions, and the waterproof trail runner from HOKA is ready for snow, sleet and anything else the colder months serve up in your region. It’s made with the same foot-cradling Active Foot Frame™ and MetaRocker™ technology for which HOKA is known but is now even more responsive (thank you updated, ultralight midsole foam). A new Vibram MegaGrip with Traction Lug outsole provides extra confidence on slippery surfaces, and moisture-banning GORE-TEX Invisible Fit waterproof membrane round out this ready-for-anything trail shoe. $170
Kahtoola EXOspikes Traction System
Traction devices can help to avert slips or falls on icy days or slick trails. The light-but-durable Kahtoola EXOspikes feature 12 cleat-like nubs that claw into ice and snow to help you stay upright. A stretchy harness slips over your shoes and the open-web design helps prevent snow from balling up underneath. $62.95
The Nathan Pinnacle 12L Hydration Running Vest (Women’s & Unisex)
It can be deceivingly difficult to drink enough water in colder temperatures because your body isn’t crying out for fluid the way it does during summer. But proper hydration is still important. The REI Co-op Editors’ Choice Award-winning Pinnacle 12L from Nathan comes with an insulated bladder and a close-to-the-body fit. Those features help keep your water from freezing on long, chilly runs. $200
Amphipod Xinglet
Short days could mean you’re running in the pre-work dark or evening gloom. Help other runners and vehicles see you on dark and dusky outings with the light, minimalist Amphipod Xinglet. Its 360 degrees of super-bright reflectors help increase your visibility, and it adjusts easily to accommodate layers. Nice touch: It’s free of batteries or bells and whistles, so it won’t easily fail on you. $35
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
Up your illumination factor even more with the 2.8-ounce Petzl Actik Core headlamp, an Editors’ Choice Award winner. This night-light is so lightweight it’s almost imperceptible on your head, but its 450 lumens (on the high setting) make all the difference on the ground. The headband is washable—a perk for sweaty runners—and the lamp comes with a Core USB-rechargeable battery; it also accepts three AAA batteries if you’re traveling or otherwise in a pinch. $69.95
Arc’teryx Bird Head Toque Beanie
Once your head gets cold, all bets are off. Stay toasty the the Arc’teryx Bird Head Toque Beanie. It’s a stylish, lightweight choice for your cold-weather runs, and its superfine merino and acrylic blend won’t only be insulating but comfy against your skin. $45
Interested in more staff picks and kits? Find more collections here.