--- title: "The Best Winter Running Gear: Trail, Pavement, and Gravel Tested" description: "Three runners hit the trail, pavement, and gravel in freezing conditions to test the best winter running gear." date: "2024-12-17" modified: "2024-12-17" authors: - name: "Christine Peterson" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/christine-peterson/" url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-winter-running-gear/" categories: - "Adventure" - "Gear" - "Trail Running" tags: - "Evergreen" - "Gear Reviews" - "MPR" --- # The Best Winter Running Gear: Trail, Pavement, and Gravel Tested ![We tested the best winter running gear in the snow.]() *Pat Rogers* Most runners feel some sense of mourning when winter fully sets in, and long days and easy temperatures are gone. Early evenings, snowy days, and frigid winds are generally no great recipe for an enjoyable run. But that doesn’t always have to be the case. Even winter in iceboxes like Wyoming offer plenty of decent days to log miles. But the difference between a nice run that leaves you rejuvenated and a sufferfest that will most certainly prevent you from getting out the next time is often made in gear. Fortunately, winter running gear, like most gear, has improved significantly in the last few decades. We tried dozens of pieces to find the best choices to outfit you from top to bottom so cold temperatures will no longer be a barrier to your winter fitness and mental health goals. - **Best Hat:** [Smartwool Active Beanie]() - **Best Base Layer Shirt:** [Arc’teryx Norvan Crew Shirt]() - **Best Vest:** [Norvan Insulated Vest]() - **Best Running Jacket:** [Craft ADV Subz Running Jacket 3]() - **Best Windbreaker:** [Mammut Aenergy WB Hooded Jacket]() - **Best Gloves:** [Craft Hybrid Weather Glove]() - **Best Warm Tights:** [Craft ADV Subz Running Wind Tights 2]() - **Best Lightweight Tights:** [Patagonia Peak Mission Tights]() - **Best Socks:** [Darn ToughElement Micro Crew Lightweight Running Sock]() - **Best Shoes:** [Brooks Cascadia 18 GTX]() ## How We Tested the Best Winter Running Gear Winter in the high plains of southeast Wyoming often rolls through somewhere in the middle of October and offers only brief reprieves from its icy grasp until May. So for more than two months, two gear testers and I logged hundreds of miles on pavement, trails, and gravel roads in everything from full-on blizzards to brisk, single-digit mornings, to windy, 30-degree days. The three of us typically run 12 months of the year, covering thousands of miles. We evaluated gear for durability, moisture wicking, ability to layer, and adaptability to various conditions. What you’re looking for will obviously depend on temperature and conditions, as well as how warm you like to stay. As a result, we offer a few options in several categories to help you decide what will be the best fit from top to bottom. ## Best Winter Running Gear: Reviews & Recommendations ### Best Hat: [Smartwool Active Beanie]() Don this Smartwool hat on any cold morning or midday run where either the temperature or breeze will nip your ears. Merino wool and Tencel are surprisingly soft, breathable, and durable. The double-layer band kept my ears warm, but the thin layer on the rest of the hat provided some warmth without feeling like it was smothering me. After many hours running and sweating, it also has remained relatively odor-free. When temperatures warmed and I no longer needed it, the hat balled up small enough to shove into a pocket into my running tights or coat. If you need extra ear protection, or you’re running on particularly frigid days, try the [Craft Microfleece Hat](), which boasts many of the Smartwool characteristics for a soft hat, but is thicker. ### Best Base Layer Shirt: [Arc’teryx Norvan Crew Shirt]() This shirt felt like butter against bare skin, and proved to be the perfect base layer for all of my cold weather runs. It was not warm enough on its own in very cold weather, but on a couple of midday runs was sufficient paired with a light vest. ![Author sports Norvan crew.]() *The thumbholes keep this performance crew in place. Pat Rogers* The thumbholes keep the shirt in place, and the laminated neckline and smooth seams prevent chaffing. It fits more loosely than many other base layer options, but because it is so lightweight it didn’t bunch. We also tested the [Pearl Izumi Transfer Wool Long Sleeve Baselayer](), which felt similarly soft, lightweight and warm, but fit much more tightly than the Arc’teryx base layer. The how-to-wash instruction tags are also sewn on the outside, preventing them from chafing your skin but also making it look like your shirt is on inside out. Anyone looking for a midweight base layer top could check out the [Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew](). Its 100 percent polyester is warm and soft, but despite the company’s claims of odor control, another tester and I both noticed odor after one run, which results in more laundry than I prefer to do with my athletic clothes. ### Best Vest: [Norvan Insulated Vest]() Most runners either love or hate vests. For those who love them, this is a great pick. It’s feather-light but surprisingly warm, providing insulation and wind resistance particularly on the front and lower sides. It’s a great choice for really cold days paired under a jacket or for warmer days over a light or midweight base layer. If you want a warmer, more insulated vest, try the [Pearl Izumi Expedition Pro Alpha](). This vest offers two spacious, zipped pockets on the front and a smaller zipped pocket on the back. ### Best Running Jacket: [Craft ADV Subz Running Jacket 3]() This jacket saw a lot of miles between myself and another tester, and both of us noted its surprising warmth and flexibility. The thumbholes keep it put no matter what terrain you’re careening up or down and also keep your wrists covered on very cold days. The quilted front provides an added layer of warmth, which is particularly handy for those who prefer not to wear vests. ![Author wears the Craft ADV Subz.]() *Pat Rogers* ![The Craft ADV Subz running jacket has thumbholes.]() *Pat Rogers* The soft feel provides comfort and reflective strips on the arms give an added layer of protection for anyone running on busy streets in low or no light. Its stretchy polyester and elastane sleeves also molded to my waist and tied easily when I heated up and no longer needed the jacket, which is not always the case with running jackets. ![We tested the Patagonia R2 Crosstrata jacket.]() *The R2 CrossStrata is a thick and breathable outer layer. Pat Rogers* For a thicker, looser-fitting jacket, try the [Patagonia R2 CrossStrata Jacket](). One tester noted the possibility that the zipper could chafe at her chin. Otherwise, it was warm and more breathable than expected for a layer that thick. ### Best Windbreaker: [Mammut Aenergy WB Hooded Jacket]() ![Tester wears the Mammut running jacket.]() *Mammut's windproof Aenergy is surprisingly lightweight. Pat Rogers* Our tester fell in love with this lightweight windbreaker, noting its roomie torso, pockets, and surprising breathability for a shell. The Mammut Aenergy WB hooded jacket is made from recycled polyamide and weighs just 123 grams, making it incredibly light. One tester wore it over and over in wind and snow and stayed warm and dry. ![Tester wears hood on the Mammut Aenergy.]() *The hood is large and can cover a cap. Pat Rogers* She noted how sturdy the fabric and construction felt despite its lightweight design. It’s also baggie enough to fit on top of warm layers but fitted enough it doesn’t get in the way of running. The large hood can drape over a hat brim to help protect your face from snow and wind, but it also can adjust back. ### Best Gloves: [Craft Hybrid Weather Glove]() I’ve worn these gloves in snow, wind, and dark, early morning single digits and they have risen to the occasion. The mitten covers keep wind and moisture off your fingers and seal in body heat. But when my hands begin to warm up, or the sun finally comes out, the mitten covers tuck back into a hidden pocket on the top of the hands, a vast improvement on the normal convertible gloves where the mitten cover snaps back but still flaps around. ![Author wears running gloves.]() *The hybrid mitten portion of the glove stows securely into a pocket. Pat Rogers* If mittens aren’t your thing, Patagonia makes the [Ri Daily Glove](). It’s a warm but lightweight five-finger glove with a touchscreen compatible finger, grip on the hands, and a handy loop on the cuff for pulling on. ### Best Warm Tights: [Craft ADV Subz Running Wind Tights 2]() These were, hands down, the best tights for winter running in a variety of conditions. My tester and I both ran in a variety of conditions from mild, sunny days in the mid-20s to mornings in the single digits with wind. The windproof front keeps your quads warm and protected, while the brushed jersey back keeps the back of your legs warm yet allows them to breathe. They’re “considerably more waterproof than your average pair of tights,” noted one tester, and held up on one of her many snowy runs. They also fit well and stay put. ![The Craft tights are warm and fit well.]() *Pat Rogers* ![The Craft ADV tights have a windproof front.]() *Pat Rogers* The tights don’t, however, have a pocket on the hip for a cell phone, dog e-controller, or handful of tissues, which may be a downside for anyone used to those pockets on most running tights. The [Smartwool Intraknit Active Base Layer Bottom]() is also a good option for a warm tight without a water or wind proof outer. The wool and Tencel fabric feels soft and warm on chilly days. Pair them with a thin shell on really cold runs or in strong winds or heavy snow. ### Best Lightweight Tights: [Patagonia Peak Mission Tights]() These tights fit snuggly and have a wide waistband for added comfort. They are warmer than they appear to be, and both the other tester and I appreciated their gusseted fit. I felt they slipped some while running, though another tester said they stayed put for all her runs. ### Best Socks: [Darn Tough Element Micro Crew Lightweight Running Sock]() Realistically, most well-made wool socks will be a good fit for winter running. Cotton socks are a bad idea because they aren’t as warm and can be dangerous in the cold if they become wet from sweat or snow. But after testing many socks, these Darn Tough socks came out on top because they’re thin, have good flexibility, and stretch well. They are also warm but won’t cause your feet to overheat while running. ### Best Shoes: [Brooks Cascadia 18 GTX]() ![We tested the Brooks Cascadia running in the snow.]() *Pat Rogers* For cold, snowy runs, this is the best shoe. The Gore-Tex keeps feet dry but also allows them to breathe. One tester noted his feet stayed dry running through 3 inches of snow, and his feet didn’t sweat while wearing thin synthetic and wool socks. He particularly noted their grip on icy conditions and while running downhill. While they aren’t the top shoe for rugged downhill running, they worked well across varied terrain. They also seemed durable, holding up to sharp, crusty snow that often chews up the outside of most running shoes. ## How to Choose the Best Winter Running Clothes ![Two women run in the snow.]() *Here's how to choose the best winter running gear for you. Pat Rogers* ### Your Internal Temperature Figuring out the best clothes for winter running requires first thinking about how hot your body becomes while exercising. Are you someone who starts cold and immediately heats up? If so, you may want to either run in layers or start with lighter clothes and know you’re choosing a chillier run at the beginning to not overheat by the end. Conversely, if you know you’ll stay cold, choose warmer items and layer up. ### Traction Control If you’re running on ice or snow, you may want to consider a pair of running [traction control]() like [Yaktrax]() or the [Black Diamond Distance Spike](). But be aware that while they may help you stay up on ice and snow, they don’t do well on mixed surfaces if you’re running on ice and also concrete or asphalt. ### Run Length Thin, lighter layers might work for a fast, shorter run. But for longer runs, consider warmer layers that you can shed or keep on depending on how the weather changes. You don’t want to get caught miles from home in an unexpected blizzard in clothes meant for full sun in temperatures in the 30s. ## FAQs **Read Next:** [Best Running Headlamps]() ## Final Thoughts Running in the winter is worth it, even on the days when you would really rather not. But cold-weather running can be miserable without the right clothes and gear. Check conditions before you hit the trails, and plan to wear or bring along gloves and a hat. Layering is a great idea for variable conditions, especially on long runs. And mostly have fun out there, running shouldn’t just be for warm summer days. - **Best Hat:** [Smartwool Active Beanie]() - **Best Base Layer Shirt:** [Arc’teryx Norvan Crew Shirt]() - **Best Vest:** [Norvan Insulated Vest]() - **Best Running Jacket:** [Craft ADV Subz Running Jacket 3]() - **Best Windbreaker:** [Mammut Aenergy WB Hooded Jacket]() - **Best Gloves:** [Craft Hybrid Weather Glove]() - **Best Warm Tights:** [Craft ADV Subz Running Wind Tights 2]() - **Best Lightweight Tights:** [Patagonia Peak Mission Tights]() - **Best Socks:** [Darn ToughElement Micro Crew Lightweight Running Sock]() - **Best Shoes:** [Brooks Cascadia 18 GTX]() ## Author Christine Peterson is a freelance writer based in southeast Wyoming covering hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, wildlife and the environment for *Outdoor Life*, *High Country News, National Geographic* and others. When she’s not chasing mountain lions, handling grizzly bears or riding horseback into the wilderness for stories, she’s fishing, camping, backpacking or hunting with her husband, greying yellow Labrador, and endlessly curious 5-year-old. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]() [Twitter]() [Instagram]()