Welcome to Another Mother Runner Gears Up: Our gear testing column! We are going to have #motherrunners put key running gear—capris, headlamps, socks, bras, etc.—to the test, and deliver the results to you so that you can grab the gear that works best for your running and body.
AMR Gear Test: Winter Clothing
Winter running can be beautifully stark and solitary. It can also be a miserable slog in bitter headwinds and inclement weather. Truly though, it comes down to being prepared and having a good attitude. A good attitude even happened to be one tester’s favorite winter “gear!” We’re also fans of the Norwegian saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” With that in mind, we convinced AMR readers from New Jersey to Canada to brave wintry weather and test the latest in cold weather running gear. Not only did they stay comfortably toasty and have a blast, they found new favorites, and we cannot wait to share them with you!
Brooks Running Notch Thermal Hoodie
Tester Rating: 5++
Review: “I love the softness of the material! I love that the sleeves were long enough for my long arms when I used the thumb holes in the cuffs. I love the half zip and high neck that keeps my neck warm. And I love that the hood stayed up and wasn’t bulky,” said one New Jersey-based tester. In case you need more to convince you, testers said it runs true to size and is stylish enough to wear with jeans when you aren’t on the run.
Price: $85
Perfect for: wearing on its own in more temperate climates and as a layering piece in truly cold weather
Grab it here: brooksrunning.com
The North Face Winter Warm Half-Zip Pullover
Tester Rating: 5
Review: This pullover was a hit, with one tester saying, “This is what running top dreams are made of.” Boom, we’ll take two! Besides the facts that this piece is wind- and water-resistant and feels soft against the skin, testers liked the longer length, that it’s good for layering, the zip pocket (always a win!), and that it didn’t ride up on the run, despite its slim fit.
Price: $110
Perfect for: wearing over a shirt on cold days, and as part of a layering system when temperatures drop
Grab it here: thenorthface.com
Tracksmith Turnover Tight
Tester Rating: 5
Review: Our tester loved that these kept her warm on the run without feeling thick or heavy. They stayed put, felt soft against her skin, and dried quickly. She tested them for running outside when temperatures were hovering around 22 degrees, and indoors at a boot camp, saying they were ideal for both. You know you’ve found a winning piece of gear when people stop you, compliment your retro style, and ask where they can get a pair for themselves!
Price: $128
Perfect for: cold weather running
Grab it here: tracksmith.com
Under Armour ColdGear Run Storm Tights
Tester Rating: 4.5
Review: Our testers were fans of the flattering, compressive fit on these tights. “I LOVE how they stay up and do not move at all—no more hiking my pants up while I wait for a light to change.” Ankle zippers make them easy to get on and off, and the pocket was big enough to hold an iPhone X. Temperatures ranged from 15 to 35 degrees when our testers were running in these, and they reported being completely comfortable. They are also slim enough to function as a base layer on really chilly days.
Price: $75
Perfect for: compression, cold runs, and layering
Grab it here: underarmour.com
Patagonia Peak Mission Jacket
Tester Rating: 4
Review: Microfleece is bonded to a breathable soft shell for a hooded and water-resistant winter running coat that provides warmth and protection. Testers said it was warm without being clammy, and had pockets to hold a phone, keys, gels, and even to warm up hands. In addition to raving about the longer length, one tester was a fan of the cozy, brushed fleece lining which was also a good place to wipe her nose (TMI, but true!).
Price: $199
Perfect for: warmth and protection on inclement days
Grab it here: patagonia.com
I LOVE my Under Armour Cold Gear tights! I live in Buffalo, NY and have worn them for years. They’ve gotten me through many nasty winters.
I have the Brooks Notch Thermal Hoodie. It is the best, I just wish it was a little longer in the body. I highly recommend it.
Does anyone have suggestions for caps? I need a new beanie, but I want one that is warm, isn’t itchy, plus isn’t too tight.
Anything for those of us who are more budget-conscious? All of these are budget-busters :(
And Under Armour has mesh behind the knees (brrr) and no pocket(s) :(
Zippers and a pocket
Hats are a must here in the northeast! Skida, choucas, or hannas! Check them out here…
Skida.com
Choucashats.com
Etsy>market>hanna’s_hats
Love them for running!
Sporthill products with 3SP for winter are my go to for winter running in rural Nebraska. Snag them on sale, they hold up for YEARS. Tough as nails. Cost per wear, anyone?