High Tones | Winter Running Highlights

The cold and snow are finally here for many parts of the running world. Winter running provides a whole new element to the kit, with many different options to keep yourself warm. We’ll highlight some of our favorites from each category of your warm running fits.

Socks:

Smartwool Cold Weather Crew – One of the OG Merino brands. You absolutely can’t go wrong with these. Every runner should have at least one pair in their arsenal.

Headwear:

Arc’Teryx Rho Toque – A subtle, warm, and easy-to-rock piece to keep your head warm. No beanie roll means easy compatibility with your headlamp.

On Winter Run Balaclava – A full head-to-neck merino cover. For the extra, extra cold mornings.

Gloves:

Montbell Dry Tec Rain Gloves – A weatherproof option for the cold and wet days when you want to keep your hands dry.

Portal Drift Merino Glove – A nice wool pair that can be your only layer or used as a liner in a warmer glove. Clean with Portal’s signature logo.

Mountain Hardwear Kor Stasis Glove – For the dry, extra cold days. These are an insulated glove that extends slightly up the wrist to tuck into or over a layer. No heat escaping.

Bottoms:

Hoka Novafly Tight – Not a super heavy-duty tight, but adds some warm for the low 40-degree range, with accessible pockets and storage.

Soar Wooltech Tight – Wool-lined and warm, these tights will add extra insulation and protection from the elements. Equipped with a rear pocket and ankle zips for ease of wear.

Klattermusen Bysen Pant – Ultralight, wind-resistant and packable. A nice baggier cut here to allow for ease of movement. I also find baggier fits to be a bit warmer as it decreases moisture build-up on the pant.

Baselayers:

Patagonia Capilene Thermal – Really reliable and warm. Pairs well with many layers. Tried and tested.

Tiempos Merino Wool Spotted LS – Could also be a midlayer or layer on it’s own, technically, but love the color on this and the wool will keep you wicked and warm.

Fleece/Midlayers:

Gnuhr Shag Sweater – If you’re not familiar with Gnuhr yet, you should be. Their Shag range is impressive, versatile, and looks really good. Pair this with a warmer baselayer for a breathable but insulating system.

Pa’lante Grid Fleece Hoody – I love this layer from Pa’lante. Slightly cropped, super warm, and very versatile. Provides a ton of warmth but breathes better than most. ¼ zip to vent when it gets too hot.

Jackets:

Portal Code Wind Jacket – A super clean and lightweight wind layer from a favorite, Portal. Pair this with a nice baselayer and it will retain a lot of heat. Also provides some very light rain/water protection.

Soar Lined Bomber – Yes, it’s expensive. But boy does it look good. Fleece lined, dual zip, and front pockets. This is a super warm layer that can layer well with anything. The cropped fit is especially helpful when paired with a belt.

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket – This is a great layer for the cold and wet days. Waterproof with a minimal liner, stretches as you move, and packs down surprisingly small for a layer with this much protection.

Post-run:

Hoka Ora Primo EXT – Very cozy. Very warm. Grippy outsole so you won’t slip. This is an easy option for anyone who wants the real deal post run.

 

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Written by

Sam Lohse runs and writes about all things at the intersection of fashion, premium performance, and running for High Tones.