My Favorite Winter Gear

Although a few days have been still fairly warm, the freezing cold temperatures of winter are around the corner. I've been running through the last few winters, away from the treadmill, and I've accumulated my fair share of gear. I thought I would share with you some of my favorite winter essentials. Note, I don't want to focus much here on the brands that I use, just the items themselves. If you have questions about preferred brands, please leave me a comment or talk to me about it at the next group run and I will be happy to respond!

Fleece gloves with mitten feature

Seems self-explanatory, right? I think I have a mild case of Raynaud's phenomenon so it took me a bit of time to find the right pair. I had been suffering through my cheap $3 near-the-register-throw-away gloves and it just wasn't helping things. I do, however, have 2 pairs that I keep in the rotation. 1 pair that is thinner, great for fall nights or mid-day runs when the sun is out. The 2nd pair I recently purchased this past winter after the recommendation of Amanda Too Tall Fritz. They are a thicker fleece, have a mitten fold-over option (this was something I specifically looked for), a reflective strip (added bonus), and clip together (my favorite feature). I don't mind holding things in my hands when I run so if I warm up and need to take off my gloves, I can buckle them together so I either lose or keep them both (only being able to find 1 mitten is about as frustrating as only being able to find 1 sock)! Of course, it is important to find out what works best for you as discomfort leads to a long run feeling much longer than necessary.

Variety is the spice of life. I couldn't have just 1 rain jacket...

When it comes to sizing, I am usually pretty particular. I like things to fit a certain way... When it comes to jackets like this, I definitely go outside my comfort zone. Jackets are meant to be the outermost layer. If you would like to wear this jacket as protection against snow and rain, you may need to think the same way. In the winter when I'm wearing lots of layers, I feel it is necessary to go a size up. I want room for my layers underneath. As you can tell from the lovely photos above, I have a few options. Some range in price from $10-$90 (although I bought all of these either on clearance or at Marshall's). I like to have a variety of options depending on the size of the pockets (that back pocket is a bit inconvenient/cumbersome for larger items) and what time of day it is (probably not the best idea to wear the black jacket at night). If you plan on running when it is drizzling, misting, down pouring, snow storming, or flurrying, you will be thankful that you have a rain jacket to keep you (mostly) dry!


I'm a huge fan of running tights. I don't like how pants feel moving/rubbing against my legs when I run so I much prefer the ease of tights. I know some folks are not as comfortable and throw on a pair of shorts over their tights. (There are even some options where you can get a running skirt attached to your tights). Either way, I think it is important to invest in a good pair that you love and feel comfortable in. I have some cheaper pairs and some more expensive pairs. The cheaper pairs work better during the week for shorter runs, but a lot of times you really do get what you pay for. Some tight brands are different lengths so you'll have to find out what works best for you and your legs. I have longer legs so I sometimes wear higher socks to cover any unexposed areas. Running tights are not cheap so I found it best to accumulate over time to help save my bank account! :)

Homemade hat with ponytail hole (2nd from the left)

Posing my headband with Pepper

I have a few different varieties and I think it is important. Sometimes for races, I like to just cover my ears since I know I warm up more quickly than during a long run. These are especially great for fall and some of the warmer winter days. I have a hat where I cut out a hole for my ponytail, and I have a hat that I wear over my ponytail, depending on the weather and what you're comfortable with. There are also much fancier headbands and hats with the ponytail hole built-in, but I have yet to invest in one of those.


After a fairly mild winter, I invested in one of these on clearance at the end of last year. I haven't used one yet, but I have a feeling one will be necessary this upcoming winter. This is one of those "function over fashion" items as I don't think anyone can look "cool" or "not like a robber" when wearing one of these. But when it is freezing outside, you gotta do what you gotta do. If you don't feel comfortable with a mask or don't want to spend the money, an extra headband works too, just to cover your neck if anything else.


This seems like it might be more relevant in the summer, but the sun hitting the white winter snow can definitely cause a need for sunglasses. Plus, if it is windy, it can help block part of your face. Be careful when switching from car-to-outside and vice-versa as fogging may occur. (I don't normally wear glasses so I usually forget about the whole "fogging" thing until it is too late.) Plus, you look suuuper cool while running with shades. AmIRight??


Winter running is very different than summer running. Wearing many thinner layers is definitely the way to go as it is easier to peel away layers at a time (like an onion, so-to-speak) than wearing a heavy jacket and having minimal options (sweaty or freezing). I like to wear those long unflattering unisex tee-shirts as my lowest layer and tuck it into my tights/capris to help avoid other layers from riding up and from skin being exposed. Especially if I'm wearing a FuelBelt, the chances of things riding up are much larger.

Fuel Belts are all the rage in the winter months

Many of the water fountains are turned off during the winter so it is best to bring your own water. If you don't mind running with something in your hand, a handheld can be great. The warmth of your hand will also help keep the water from freezing (which can happen if you drop water at spots along the trail). The full belt is also another option, with different pockets to store things like Kleenex (which you ALWAYS need in the winter). Or you can just store Kleenex in pockets of your jacket, tights, etc.



There are definitely not as cute winter running clothes as there are summer, but when you live in Chicago, you realize this on those extra cold days. You may be teased by some non runners, but that is probably going to happen anyways, whether it is winter or not (or is this just me?). I hate being cold so I dress however I need to in order to not be cold. Lol.

Non-runner artist's rendition of a runner

What are some of your favorite winter items? Did I miss anything?
For these items and others, I highly recommend checking our your local Kohl's or Marshall's for a good deal. RunningWarehouse.com also has tons of options available with free shipping!