Running gear for winter months or adverse weather...what to buy or not to buy?

This will be my first winter running, and I want to myself prepare and hopefully buy bargains in the process!!! At the moment I have long leggings, short sleeves running t-shirts, a running jumper, and a very light running raincoat. No idea yet what is best as I started running in May and that was around 15 degrees centigrades so I was ok with that. Running shoes are not waterproof though? Any advice?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Shoes will dry. and for winter...lots of layers...I have some winter weight leggings for really cold weather... and a slightly heavier weight running jacket...my must haves. though, are my thermal bob hat and my warm gloves..

You will get warm when running, even in winter

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much oldfloss. Is that thermal wear or just slightly thicker than usual? Ok gloves what types do you recommend? And hats? Do I need a scarf? Thank you!!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Will put a list together xx

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

I would be grateful thank you so much!!!

[Tartancat Graduate]

I agree with OldFloss- layers that you can take off and tie round your waist as you warm up, gloves, a hat or headband to keep the rain out of your eyes, and a buff to keep your neck warm.

They say you should dress as if it's 10 degrees warmer than it actually is, as you'll soon warm up. Last winter I wore long leggings, vest, long sleeved top, gloves and maybe a thin rainproof running jacket - the jacket usually came off after 5 minutes even if it rained, but the gloves rarely did!

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Tartancat]

Tartancat, me too, I came on to say gloves and a buff! I really suffered with frozen fingers until I got gloves, I even wore my fingerless ones today.

And a long sleeved running top, pinkie, or a zipped jacket, you can unzip partway to cool yourself down as you run. My shoes aren't waterproof, I just keep an old pair in the car so I don't have to drive home in soggy ones.

[Tartancat Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Good idea about the spare shoes - I don't mind running with wet feet, but driving home with water sloshing about in your shoes - urgh!

[Hidden in reply to Tartancat]

I was surprised to see that there aren't many waterproof running trainers... Thank you!!!

[Tartancat Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I know - I haven't been able to find any. I guess there must be a reason ....

But hey, once your feet are wet, they're wet. You get used to it - it's almost refreshing!

[Hidden in reply to Tartancat]

Maybe I will because the other day my fabulous trainers went into a big puddle and I got that all soaked, and I didn't like the feeling and that is summer,... However I was surprised that walking home they were almost dry!!!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to Tartancat]

Waterproof socks are the best! 👍🏻😉 I use dexshell ultrathin.

[Hidden in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Ooooh I didn't know those things!!! Ok another one thing to buy!!! Thanks!!!

[Tartancat Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Wow, I didn't even know there was such a thing! I'll have to check them out 😊🌨

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I think it depends on the person. I didn't use much more clothes running in the winter time just a hoodie as I get warm and still sweat even in the winter 😊

[Hidden in reply to Buddy34]

Really? I wasn't sure I would be sweating buckets, but I wanted to prepare just in case, I don't want to have a pneumonia!!! 🤣

[Centurions Graduate]

Thanks so much for asking about this! I’ve been thinking exactly the same. Fabulous new running shoes in the bag today with 40% off but I hate the cold and need to know what to wear when it’s really chilly out there. I’m looking forward to hearing what more experienced runners recommend! Like you I’m still in fairly lightweight gear.

[Tartancat Graduate in reply to Centurions]

I hate being cold too, but it's amazing how quickly you warm up when running. Do extra long warm ups before you leave the house in cold weather - not only is it better for your muscles, but it stops you feeling cold for the first few minutes as well!

[Hidden in reply to Tartancat]

Oh awesome advice!!! Just before you go out on the street? Thanks!!!

[Jell6 Graduate]

Long leggings, long sleeved top, lightweight long sleeved jacket, ponytail beanie, sometimes gloves, head torch, hi vis braces, flashing armbands......

It takes longer to get ready 😬😂😂

[Tartancat Graduate in reply to Jell6]

I find it's the deciding what exactly to wear that takes the time. At least in the heat you know just to wear as little as possible!

[Hidden in reply to Jell6]

I bet lol, does all the stuff restrict some movement when you run?

[Jell6 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

No, not at all, lightweight layers are the answer. I am looking forward to dark, cold crispy runs ❄❄😊

You soon warm up, but don't get hot, perfect 🤩🤩

[Hidden in reply to Jell6]

Thanks. This is probably my first time looking foward to winter... I LOVE SUMMER not for running as I have found out recently...

[Tartancat Graduate in reply to Hidden]

No. My running jacket is really thin, just one layer. It keeps most of the wind and rain out (rain resistant rather than rain proof). I don't notice it when it's on, and don't notice it when it's tied round my waist

[Hidden in reply to Tartancat]

Thank you so much you all!!!

[DiverIzzie Graduate]

As per others, gloves, earmuffs or beanie hat - I’ve also been recommended to get arm sleeves - these pull on (a bit like opera gloves) and as you warm up you can roll down as an alternative to long sleeves - autumn/spring

[Hidden in reply to DiverIzzie]

I didn't realise there are so many options!!! Looking those sleeves too! Thank you!

[Benttoe Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I have made arm sleeves with charity shop cashmere jumpers, deliberately felted in washing machine. I felt whole jumper, then chop sleeves off. I am yet to run in winter, but they are fab when cycling, if , like me, you get a hot torso and cold limbs!

[Hidden in reply to Benttoe]

Thank you!!! So far the lowest temperature was around 11 degrees, that was when I started C25K in May. I was wearing long leggings, short sleeved t-shirt and just a normal raincoat. The raincoat was soon off and it was rather bulky so I left that on a bench while doing laps at my local park. Since I have bought a very light one. But now I run longer and all of that not sure if still need that or not... Thank you though

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Right... I have some Rab leggings for really, really cold days.... my gloves are Trail Heads.. and no scarf...but, a Buff...which is brilliant all year round.. but in winter stops rain drips and snow and also keeps your nose warm...my bob hat is just a classic thermal beanie Thinsulate or whatever... and Lidl and Aldi do a great selection of winter gear when the time is right

Also have a couple of lightweight waterproof breathable Ron Hill running jackets...all bought at sale prices during the summer

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

That's a great list!!! Thank you so much oldfloss!!! ❤️

[RunningChocoholic Graduate]

Hi, I guess it depends where you live. I’m in Sussex and when it’s cold (for me 5 degrees or less) then I wear a long sleeve running top, Sports Direct have decent ones with a key pocket, long leggings, a hi-vis vest, and headband to keep my ears warm. Apart from that I wear my summer gear which is a vest and leggings because within 10 minutes I’m like this 🥵🥵🥵 in any weather! I absolutely love autumn / winter running, I really struggle to enjoy the run when it’s hot and humid. Good luck! X

[Hidden in reply to RunningChocoholic]

I live in Devon, which it tends to be warmer in the UK. Thank you so much.

[Granspeed Graduate]

This is a really interesting thread. I started last December so had the full winter experience. 😄 I got a high quality long sleeved running top from Oxfam online - it was my mainstay! And slim-ish tracksuit bottoms, which I will replace this year with proper leggings. All my other top layers have to have full length zips for adjusting to changing temperatures as I run. Most useful were a sleeveless thin hiking gilet and my high viz waterproof cycling jacket which has zip vents under the arms. I am a chilly mortal all the rest of the time but get hot when I run! You’ll soon figure out what’s right for you. 👍😄

[Hidden in reply to Granspeed]

Thank you so much. I will check out all your options.

[Fatgirlslim19 Graduate]

I'm a bit like Granspeed - started in January so had lots of winter although I didn't run in the ice... I had running tights, a merrino base layer and a cycling jacket that had zip off sleeves, and a buff. Pretty soon I realised that I get very warm even when it's cold, so the sleeves came off the jacket, then the buff came off and sat on my head instead. When I get too warm with that I can pop it into my running belt! Try a few things out and see how you get on x

[Hidden in reply to Fatgirlslim19]

That's a great idea about the sleeves coming off the jacket. I don't plan to run into ice or snow lol. To be honest I don't know what is the lowest temperature you can run...

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I love running in the snow, only ever done it a couple of times! Especially early morning when no one's touched it. Bliss.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I think I cannot run in the snow.... I am very clumsy lol... It is great you to hear you enjoy running in the snow!

[theoldfellow]

Head and Hands are the big issue in the cold. My cold weather gear is just two wicking running tees and the bottom one has long sleeves. I wear Contra tights in the cold too. But the two things to get right are hat and gloves. And the hat comes off after a Km or so, so it needs to be light enough to stuff somewhere. The gloves need to be waterproof ideally.

You loose a lot of heat through your head, but once you are generating that, it's okay to loose it. But your hands do almost nothing, and are out front in the cold wind and icy rain...

[Hidden in reply to theoldfellow]

Thank you. I need to buy gloves anyway because I am the type I get very cold hands. So it seems that I need a small backpack for running as well?

[theoldfellow in reply to Hidden]

I use two different hats, a baseball style with a peak for cold bright days when the sun can be a real issue in the eyes early in the day, and a beanie. Both are small and light enough to stuff in the elastic waist of my tights. But a bum bag works I guess. I know others who have a hydration-pack with a couple of pockets - only really good if you plan on running long distance eventually.

[Hidden in reply to theoldfellow]

At the moment I am consolidating my runs(30mins) ever since graduating from c25k. I plan to do the 10k training later... See how it goes really. It is more about finding my feet since losing my coach lol

[Tasha99 Graduate]

It gets too hot still in winter. I sometimes wear a base layer if it gets below about 4 degrees but otherwise I still wear a tshirt and long leggings. I have an OMM waterproof jacket but I’d only wear that if it was really cold too as I’d rather get wet than get too hot 👌🏽

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

When you say base layer is a long sleeve t-shirt? Thank you!!!

[Irish-John Graduate]

It gets so very damn cold here in Winter

As suggested, layers.

But also what I found to be a lifesaver - an old pair of leather driving gloves.

"Regular gloves" get too warm for me after a while, but had to wear something because the ends of my fingers have little to no circulation and the pain in cold weather is bad.

So, the gloves cover my fingers, but the minimal size and perforations mean I'm never uncomfortable