Oh, the weather outside is weaaatherr! The cold is here and so are we—with a little handy-dandy guide to layering to make your winter runs significantly less miserable. Nail the fundamentals, get the right pieces, and never look back. Here we go...
1. Understanding Layering Basics
Layering is about managing moisture, insulating the body, and protecting against elements. The three-layer system is a classic approach:
Base Layer: This is your moisture-management layer. A good base layer wicks sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and warm. Synthetic materials or merino wool are excellent choices as they retain insulation properties even when wet.
Mid Layer: The mid layer's role is insulation. It traps body heat to provide warmth. Fleece or wool pullovers serve well, offering a balance of warmth and breathability.
Outer Layer: The final layer is for protection against wind, rain, and snow. A good outer layer shields you from the elements without causing overheating. A great layer can act as a jacket, a vest, or a cropped jacket. Meet The Duetto, our detachable 3-in-1 winter jacket:
2. Tailoring to Temperature
How you should layer depends mostly on the temperature, but also on the distance and effort you're running.
Above 40°F (4°C): A base layer and a light mid layer should suffice. For many, a long-sleeve technical shirt and a vest will be adequate. Check out our variety of longsleeves from Micromesh™ to Softspeed™: Womens, Mens.
30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 4°C): This range calls for a warmer mid-layer, like a fleece pullover. A light outer shell can be added if it's windy or wet.
Below 30°F (-1°C): In these temperatures, an insulated mid-layer and a protective outer layer become essential. So Base Layer, Pullover, Duetto. If you're running hard, you may want to just go with the Duetto vest instead of the full jacket.
3. Protect the Extremities at all Costs
Head, hands, and feet warmth are mission critical:
Beanies, Balaclavas, Headbands: First things first, cover the ears and head. You retain a lot of your heat via the dome and having the proper coverage will make or break your workout. Checkout our winter headwear here.
Gloves and Socks: Merino wool socks are what you should have on your feet during the winter, full stop. It's extra important to wick moisture in cold temps to keep you insulated and dry... and not freezing. We also have new Bandit gloves being replenished in January. Join the waitlist here.
Footwear: Winter running shoes with a good grip and water-resistant properties are a must. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest from the trail running scene.
4. Quick Tips
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Avoid Cotton: It absorbs moisture, making you cold and uncomfortable.
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Fit Matters: Layers should work together to be snug but not tight. We tailored every one of our items to work together.
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Ventilation is Key: Use the quarter zippers on our mid-layers to let in some air and facilitate flow.
Layering like a pro is the cornerstone of winter running. It's all about balancing warmth, moisture management, and protection. Shop our full winter collection and enjoy those cold miles.
