Dressing for Cold Weather

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Question:

Last year I bought a hat called the "Head Sock" that was made out of 100% polartec. This is a hood that has an extra long bottom to it that is folded up as a mask. But I never used it for running. Instead I used it with the snow blower! Anyway, I used it last week in some of the cold weather we had in Cleveland and it really keeps the air I breath as warm as can be. Those little polartec fibers kept the cold air warm, and I had a really comfortable run. I might be hooked on polartec from this point on. Bruce Benning

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just recently started running (12/2, to be exact) and I don’t want to let the cold weather or rain tempt me to stay inside. I’ve been going through a Road Runner Sports catalog, but I’m not sure what would _re

Response:

I gather you can get those gloves at a bike store, eh? But what about running stores? CGYH

Many years ago I bought some Gore-Tex Mittens, and I’m here to tell you that it was the best $12 dollars I invested in my winter running wardrobe. With the Gore-Tex mittens, and temperatures below 30 degrees F, my hands are the perfect temperature the entire run. I never even consider removing the gloves. They stay warm but not hot, and you don’t get the sweaty hands with the Gore-Tex gloves. I have seen these same mittens at Running Stores in the Cleveland area for about $22. (Road Runner Sports has them for $24). My two cents, Bruce Benning

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Being from Minnesota, I have much experience with the cold weather. I love the Duofold long underwear because it does a great job of keeping me warm when I go out running or skiing in the winter. I use the medium or heavy thickness Duofold. I near get cold wearing the stuff. That is why I worship Duofold. Note: email address is not correct. This is my first winter running. I find polypropelene to feel icky (scientific term), so, I’ve tried duofold brand underwear very suitable. At around 35 degrees, at a leisurly pace. I havn’t experimented in anything colder yet. The duofold top, with a 100 weight polartec vest (by timberland) and a nylon shell is all I need. I’m still using cotton sweats on the bottom (fine, so far, I’ll be getting somthing in a super-textile for my legs sometime

soon.)

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I just recently started running (12/2, to be exact) and I don’t want to let the cold weather or rain tempt me to stay inside. I’ve been going through a Road Runner Sports catalog, but I’m not sure what would _really_ be helpful. Any recommendations? I live in the Nashville, TN area so the winters aren’t as bad as they could be, but… Lorie" When I was visiting relatives in Kansas City over the holidays, I managed to get buy with a t-shirt, windbreaker, running shorts, and underwear (gotta keep the boys warm!). It was 32 F outside (and windy). I used to live in Knoxville — you could get probably get by with the same, or maybe add long-johns or a hat. You’d be surprised how much heat you body gives off when you run! -Matt

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: I swear by polypro liner gloves. They’re light and wick moisture off the : hands. I find that I usually don’t even have to remove them during an hour run : because my hands stay at a comfortable temperature–not too warm. They can : also be worn beneath mittens or heavier gloves for the really cold and windy : days. : : For the feet, a thin Coolmax liner sock beneath a heavier sock helps to keep : the feet dry and warm. Another idea, if one is running is slush, snow, and wet : conditions is to try neoprene. It’s not very breathable, but it will : definitely keep you dry. I’ve seen variations in cycling mail order catalogues : and at REI. : I’m glad you brought my attention to the kinds of glove and liner socks you mentioned. I’ve been trying to find a good pair of gloves for running–one that I don’t have to remove 15 minutes into my run. I gather you can get those gloves at a bike store, eh? But what about running stores? CGYH

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tights for the legs, t-shirt for the trunk (short sleeve or long sleeve, depending on conditions), gloves for the hands, & fleece headband for the ears. you’re ready. have fun! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just recently started running (12/2, to be exact) and I don’t want to let the cold weather or rain tempt me to stay inside. I’ve been going through a Road Runner Sports catalog, but I’m not sure what would _really_ be helpful. Any recommendations? I live in the Nashville, TN area so the winters aren’t as bad as they could be, but… Lorie" When I was visiting relatives in Kansas City over the holidays, I managed to get buy with a t-shirt, windbreaker, running shorts, and underwear (gotta keep the boys warm!). It was 32 F outside (and windy). I used to live in Knoxville — you could get probably get by with the same, or maybe add long-johns or a hat. You’d be surprised how much heat you body gives off when you run! -Matt

Response:

Even though y’all are mostly runners only, don’t be afraid to shop for winter clothing at a bike shop. Lightweight, functional performance clothing with Coolmax, polypro, lycra, polyester, and other variations will keep you dry, warm, and comfy without weighing you down. I swear by polypro liner gloves. They’re light and wick moisture off the hands. I find that I usually don’t even have to remove them during an hour run because my hands stay at a comfortable temperature–not too warm. They can also be worn beneath mittens or heavier gloves for the really cold and windy days. For the feet, a thin Coolmax liner sock beneath a heavier sock helps to keep the feet dry and warm. Another idea, if one is running is slush, snow, and wet conditions is to try neoprene. It’s not very breathable, but it will definitely keep you dry. I’ve seen variations in cycling mail order catalogues and at REI. Stay warm and as always, have fun. Dave Radomski Springfield, VA, USA

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I just ran 6 miles or so at 1F. I tried polypro long underwear under my nylon/lycra tights for the first time. They’re light enough not to bog you down, they wick away moisture, etc. An additional pair of shorts for one more layer of extremity protection, cotton long sleeve T-shirt over the long underwear top, a nylon jacket, polypro gloves under fleece mittens, and a hat/mask leaving open the eye area. For 20F and above, I’d leave the long underwear home and swap the mask for a polypro hat. These combinations have helped me through the last 5 Upstate NY winters. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – where i live its usually about 10F when I run. I wear: 1. Shorts and Nike dry-fit T 2. Polartec 200 stretch pants and long sleeve Dry-fit 3. Wind/water proof vest 4. polartec gloves 5. XC ski hat You want to be a little chilly when you start off. You’ll warm up quickly. the main thing is to stay away from cotton and other materials that absorb sweat. If this happens the sweat will freeze and you’ll get cold really fast.

Response:

where i live its usually about 10F when I run. I wear: 1. Shorts and Nike dry-fit T 2. Polartec 200 stretch pants and long sleeve Dry-fit 3. Wind/water proof vest 4. polartec gloves 5. XC ski hat You want to be a little chilly when you start off. You’ll warm up quickly. the main thing is to stay away from cotton and other materials that absorb sweat. If this happens the sweat will freeze and you’ll get cold really fast.

Response:

This is my first winter running. I find polypropelene to feel icky (scientific term), so, I’ve tried duofold brand underwear very suitable. At around 35 degrees, at a leisurly pace. I havn’t experimented in anything colder yet. The duofold top, with a 100 weight polartec vest (by timberland) and a nylon shell is all I need. I’m still using cotton sweats on the bottom (fine, so far, I’ll be getting somthing in a super-textile for my legs sometime soon.)

Another fabric you might try is silk. It’s warm, feels great, and wicks away moisture from the skin, although not as effectively as polypro. The only problem is that you have to hand wash it with special detergents like Woolite or Delicare. — JB

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I have a synthetic shirt from Performance and I wear their biking tights that are insulated on the front of the legs. Both are awsome. I’m not sure if the shirt is polypro, but it isn’t icky or even yucky.

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: Some of the other replies to your message give a good : idea of the _ideal_ outfit for running in cold weather : (polypro liner, Gore-tex outer would be nice, etc. etc.). : but if you just want to keep running and don’t want to : break the bank, just put on whatever you can find. : I made it through my first winter of running w/ : just cotton sweats, although they’re miserable in : the rain of course. If you’re not doing real long Cotton sweats are possible, especially with polyprop long underwear. Layers don’t need to break the bank though. Here’s a breakdown of what most runners I know wear. Last winter it was -38 degrees Celsius (at -40 F=C) on many of our runs. complete arsenal: polyprop face mask (balaclava), acrylic toque, cotton gloves, wool mitts, polyprop long underwear (tops & bottoms) cotton t-shirts ( one long & one short sleeve), shorts, lycra (or whatever) tights, nylon wind-pants, nylon windbreaker – lining optional. On the feet are just shoes & socks. Gore-tex is fine but not at all necessary. Oh yeah – wind-shielded underwear for the guys (yes it is made). Put these on at your own discretion when its below freezing and windy. Heres the usual layer sequence – you can work out your own temperature ratings: 1. shorts & long-sleeve T 2. tights & either a long sleeve or short sleeve T & and a windbreaker 3. tights, poly-prop top & short-sleeve – If a cold wind: shorts & wind pants instead of tights light cotton gloves whenever you want toque whenever it gets below freezing & your head gets cold wind-pants are good for cold rain & sleet too. When its really cold – like your car won’t start unless its plugged in and everyone walking has a thick sweater & down-filled parka on.: 1. poly prop top & bottom, tights, t-shirt, windbreaker 2. add wind-pants 3. Well below freezing – use light wool gloves & face mask 4. Maximum – poly prop top & bottom, tights, windpants, long sleeve shirt, short sleeve shirt over top, nylon windbreaker, light wool gloves, polyprop face-mask, toque. Very few runners wear a scarf – but I like to use one & wrap it or unwrap it as needed. Oh yeah – Nashville isn’t cold relative to where it really gets cold. Forget the polyprop bottoms, mitts, wind-proof underwear, & don’t bother with any lining in your windbreaker.

Response:

Gary gave good advice. Experiment and buy incrementally. I could tell you what gear I have acquired over 5 years, or I could regale you with stories of my manly feats of winter running in Massachusetts and Wisconsin, but in the end, it’s what is best for you. I try to tune my outfits so I start out a little chilled and then become more comfortable. My biggest enemy is the wind. My guess is yours will be rain. Unless you won’t run in the rain, then it will be wind. The first piece you buy should take on your biggest challenge. I’m not saying you need to get a Gore-Tex suit, but something that you think will keep you mostly dry. After that you’ll notice what gets cold and what gets warm. Then get new stuff to fix it. For me the things I notice the most when I forget them are: Generic nylon wind shell, Drylete ear band, and Wind Block underwear (don’t laugh), and for the really cold stuff (25F) I like Koch(?) XC pants and a Hind top. …Or you could go out and buy the be-all-end-all ultra-techie outfit. I think the biggest requirement for running in the winter is tolerance.

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Lorie, Up here in Indianapolis it is a little cooler than Nashville, but today I ran in one layer of tights, two layers of long sleeve tops and a vest. The bottom layer long sleeve top was polypropaline, the top layer was Coolmax. The vest was a Nike (ouch) breathable nylon and mesh back with a zippered front. I also wore Drylete gloves and a fleese headband. At ~30 degree I felt fine and only felt warm when I got back into the house. Most of the stuff I got from a running store or Galyan’s. The synthetic running gear are the best followed by wool. My advice is to not over dress and do not wear cotton. It makes you sweat, then you freeze. Good luck and happy running. Johnny – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just recently started running (12/2, to be exact) and I don’t want to let the cold weather or rain tempt me to stay inside. I’ve been going through a Road Runner Sports catalog, but I’m not sure what would _really_ be helpful. Any recommendations? I live in the Nashville, TN area so the winters aren’t as bad as they could be, but… Lorie — http://members.aol.com/rockysmail/rocky.htm The Horsies ~~~ Killer & the Herd http://members.aol.com/crossrail/knightes.htm

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Some of the other replies to your message give a good idea of the _ideal_ outfit for running in cold weather (polypro liner, Gore-tex outer would be nice, etc. etc.). but if you just want to keep running and don’t want to break the bank, just put on whatever you can find. I made it through my first winter of running w/ just cotton sweats, although they’re miserable in the rain of course. If you’re not doing real long distances, it’s not so important to be hermetically sealed. Every person is different, too, so you might find you don’t need as many layers as other runners. Experiment, buy incrementally as necessary, but most important, keep running! Cheers. —

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I would recommend a light base of polypropylene long underwear, an Activent jacket and running pants, pair of tights, 2 or 3 long sleeve coolmax T-shirts. A Polartec headband, a Polartec hat, pair of gloves. Just stay away from cotton anything. You could go with the tights, the jacket and the T-shirt down to about 40 degrees. Add the long underwear when it gets colder. Add the Activent pants with long underwear when colder than 30. You’ll have to play around with the combinations to suit yourself. I’ve found that the Activent jacket will work will down to about 10 degrees depending on what you have underneath. It is waterproof (but not 100% waterproof) and breathable. -Phil

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