Running in the cold can be thrilling. The winter air keeps your body from overheating, and may make you faster. And a little outdoors time during a long winter can lift your spirits while giving you an additional boost of endorphins. The right kit is essential, though. Without insulated, moisture-wicking apparel, for example, your lingering sweat could lead to hypothermia. High quality cold-weather running gear will keep you exploring your favorite running routes all year long.
Here is a checklist to help you assemble the perfect cold-weather running kit, including recommendations for our favorite base layers (with options for natural fabrics), a traction device to keep you from slipping, and more.
Editor's note: If you have any chronic respiratory issues, you may want to avoid exercising outdoors in extremely cold weather, particularly sub-zero temperatures. This article is intended to be merely informative and should not be a substitute for actual medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any changes to your routine or starting a new physical activity.
Cold-Weather Running Gear
For quick recommendations, click below, or keep scrolling for more information.
- Waterproof running shoes
- Thick running socks
- Traction device/spikes
- Long-sleeve running shirt
- Running tights or joggers
- Running jacket or half zip top
- Beanie, balaclava or headband
- Insulated gloves, mittens or liners
- Hydration vest or belt
- Headlamp and reflective vest
Bonus: Even though it's cold out, you'll still need a good pair of sunglasses and some sunscreen.
Footwear
1. Waterproof running shoes
When it's cold, it's often wet. For that, we recommend waterproofing. What's your favorite pair of running shoes? It's possible they come in a "GTX" version, meaning the shoes are lined with GORE-TEX waterproof technology. This lining will not only keep your feet dry when stepping in puddles and snow, but also keep frigid air out. And even if you spend more time on the roads, a max-cushion trail-running shoe will give you extra traction in inclement weather: The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is our current top pick for best trail-running shoes, and you can buy their GTX version in women's and men's. If you're looking for a road-specific pair, try the Brooks Ghost 17 GORE-TEX in women's and men's, and check out our tested review of the standard version, here.
Prefer to skip the GORE-TEX? Sometimes runners prefer shoes without waterproofing technology, and prioritize breathability instead. Try the Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 (men's and women's) for a moderate cushion trail-running shoe with excellent traction on technical trails and winter days.
For more information on how to find the perfect pair, read our Running Shoes and Trail-Running Shoes buying guides.
Shop expert-recommended running-shoes: Best Road-Running Shoes of 2025: Tested | Best Trail-Running Shoes of 2025: Tested.
2. Thick running socks
Socks are pretty much non-negotiable in the winter (and always, we'd argue). Merino wool is great at wicking sweat while keeping your toes toasty. Synthetics will do the job, too, just make sure to choose a crew length or longer, to keep those ankles warm. Avoid cotton, since it will soak up sweat and potentially make your feet feel colder on long runs.
3. Spikes (traction device)
In icy conditions, you'll need extra help to stay upright. Spikes are a winter traction device that you place over the soles of your running shoes (typically trail-running or hiking footwear), and which allow you to find stability even on the slickest of surfaces.
Kahtoola EXOspikes Traction System
Material(s) Elastomer (harness); thermoplastic polyurethane/aluminum/tungsten carbide (traction)
Dimensions 5.75 x 3 x 2 inches
Weight 6.6 ounces (XS); 6.9 ounces (S); 7.3 ounces (M); 7.8 ounces (L); 8.1 ounces (XL)
Traction devices can help to avert slips or falls on icy days or slick trails. The light-but-durable Kahtoola EXOspikes feature 12 cleat-like nubs that claw into ice and snow to help you stay upright. A stretchy harness slips over your shoes and the open-web design helps prevent snow from balling up underneath. Buy here.
Clothes
4. Long-sleeve running shirt
A good long-sleeve running shirt will keep you warm and dry without overheating you. Like with socks, merino wool and synthetic fabrics are the go-to choices, here. Fleece-lined base layers like the REI Co-op Swiftland Thermal Running Crew Pullover (women's and men's) add insulation for a nice middle ground between shirt and sweater.
Oiselle Flyout Long-Sleeve Top - Women's
Fabric 49% polyester/49% lyocell/2% spandex
Best for Running, fitness
By women, for women running brand Oiselle believes its customers should run in what they love. For former Olympian and pro runner Kara Goucher, that’s the Flyout Long-Sleeve Top, which uses a uniquely knit HoverFit® technology that actually floats above the skin. The result, the Oiselle athlete advisor confirms, is a lightweight layer that “offers just the right amount of warmth for chilly mornings and evenings.” The shirt also includes thoughtful touches like a high-low hem for coverage where you want it, and a “Watch Window” where your fitness tracker can peek through—goodbye to fiddling with your sleeves to check your pace. Buy here.
5. Running tights or pants
Running tights and pants are the smartest options for cold-weather running bottoms, whether they're made of a cozy fabric or insulated with a fleece lining. But the most important part of selecting a pair? Find a good fit to avoid uncomfortable chafing. Soft, quick-drying fabrics are another must-have (so you can avoid the hypothermia-causing combo of wet and cold). Look for ones with pockets that hold your essentials snugly, so they don’t bounce throughout your run.
REI Co-op Swiftland Hybrid Running Pants
Fabric 90% polyester/10% spandex (bluesign approved) in the front and back; 71% nylon/29% spandex (bluesign approved) in the waistband, sides, inner thighs and ankles
Moisture wicking Yes
Inseam (in.) 27.5 inches (women's regular), 29.32 inches (men's regular)
Best for Trail running, fitness
Sometimes tights are just too tight. A great pair of running pants keeps your legs covered and warm while giving them room to breathe. With the Swiftland Hybrid Running Pants from REI Co-op, wind- and water-resistant, 4-way stretch fabric makes for a comfy yet high-performing pair of trail-ready joggers. And there's plenty of space to stash snacks, keys and other essentials, with two drop-in hand pockets, two zippered side pockets, and an internal sleeve pocket. REI customers praised the Hybrid Running Pants for their versatility, sporting them for everything from cold-weather runs to mountain biking sessions to grocery store stops. Buy women's version. Buy men's version.
Shop our pick: REI Expert Advice editor Cassie da Costa swears by the Arc'teryx Norvan Insulated Bottoms for winter runs in New York. "I was for some reason inspired to head out for the first time in months, on a 30 degree day in December. The Norvan Insulated Bottoms kept my legs perfectly warm throughout my 30-minute easy run, and the comfort I felt has encouraged me to keep up with my routine through the chilliest time of year in the city." A hidden inner back pocket will hold a card and keys, and is even stretchy enough to fit a phone. Buy the women's version.
6. Running jacket
For most cold-weather runs, especially in particularly frigid climates, a running jacket is essential. Running jackets should be thin and breathable to prevent overheating, packable for easy stowage and wind-resistant with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating to keep you cozy and dry in light rain. Avoid completely waterproof jackets for all but the most intense conditions—these fabrics trap sweat, leaving you just as soggy inside the jacket as out. Read How to Choose Rainwear for more tips.
The North Face Ridgelite FUTUREFLEECE Wind Jacket
Fabric 15-denier 32 g/m² WindWall™—100% recycled nylon with non-PFC DWR finish (body); 30-denier 65 g/m² FUTUREFLEECE—100% recycled polyester (lining)
Fleece weight Light
Weight 7.2 ounces
Best for Multisport, running, hiking
Boasting a superior warmth-to-weight ratio, the Ridgelite FUTUREFLEECE Wind Jacket from The North Face is a versatile pick for many of your cold-weather outdoor adventures. For runners, specifically, this jacket will block heavy winds on the trail without getting in your way—the brand's sturdy WindWall™ fabric protects while its light FUTUREFLEECE™ lining insulates, yet the Ridgelite weighs in at a mere 7.2 ounces. A non-PFC durable water repellent (DWR) finish keeps water out, while underarm gussets allow for mobility and breathability as you rack up miles. And this jacket packs down into its own hood, so that you can easily strip of layers as you work up a sweat. Buy the women's version. Buy the men's version.
Shop more running jackets: For an extra-cold-weather running jacket option, check out the Atom Insulated Hoody (women's and men's) from Arc'teryx. Da Costa has braved frigid New York temps to avoid the treadmill in the winter, and calls the hoodie "a cozy, perfect and adjustable fit" that keeps her warm for miles. Buy the women's version. Buy the men's version.
Running Accessories
7. Beanie, balaclava or headband
It's a myth that most of your body heat is lost through your head, but your head is more sensitive to temperature changes than most other parts of your body. So, a beanie, balaclava or headband is worth investing in for your winter runs. Just make sure you look for sweat-wicking and odor resistant fabrics like merino wool or a synthetic, and skip the cotton.
Smartwool Merino 250 Balaclava
Fabric Merino wool
Moisture wicking Yes
Quick drying Yes
A common choice for days on the slopes, a balaclava is also a handy piece of gear for the winter runner. Made of 100% merino wool, the Smartwool Merino 250 balaclava provides soft and warm insulation for your head, face, and neck. It's also breathable, since wool works double duty as a heating and cooling fabric that also resists odors from your sweat. Buy here.
8. Insulated gloves, mittens or liners
Little is worse on a cold-weather run than freezing fingers. Depending on the temperature, insulated gloves, mittens or simple liner gloves will keep you comfortable. Most runners will find liner gloves sufficient, unless you're braving sub-zero temperatures.
REI Co-op Flash Power Stretch Gloves
Fabric Polartec Power Stretch Pro fleece (53% polyester/38% nylon/9% spandex; bluesign® approved)
Touch-screen compatible Yes
Best for Running, cycling, cross-country skiing
These fleece gloves from REI Co-op are built for performance with 4-way stretch, abrasion resistance and a rubberized palm. Plus, fully conductive palm material means you can use your touch screen devices without needing to de-glove. And a pair clip attaches the gloves together so you're less likely to lose one in storage. Buy here.
Prefer natural fibers? The Merino Wool Liner Gloves 2.0 from REI Co-op should do the trick. Buy here.
9. Hydration vest or belt
Just because it's cold, doesn't mean hydration is optional. Hydration vests and hydration belts are great options for carrying water, fuel and other gear on your longer winter runs. A hydration vest can also add a bit of warmth by further insulating your chest.
REI Co-op Swiftland 5 Hydration Vest
Score 86
Gear capacity (L) 5 liters
Liquid capacity (L) 1.5 liters
Reservoir Included; accepts up to 1.5-liter size
Bottle(s) included None
Weight (size M/L) 9 ounces (women); 9.5 ounces (men)
Best for Runners on a budget, hydration reservoirs
Hydration vests aren’t cheap. This handy piece of gear is designed to do several things well: Hold and dispense liquid, pack gear, accompany you for miles of high-impact exercise on a variety of terrain, and fit your body in such a way that you don’t feel the burden of all that you carry. The Swiftland 5 from REI Co-op accomplishes all that just for under $100.
This vest has been put through many rounds of testing, since REI Co-op product designers sent the Swiftland 5 out for trail testing during their development process. Our own Expert Advice testers, who tested the vest after it was released on the market, enjoyed the Swiftland 5 for its ease of use. A compression fit system includes sternum and torso straps that allow for small adjustments. There's plenty of storage: two front pockets that will fit your smartphone or satellite phone as well as bottles (not included) and snacks plus rear zipped and stuffed pockets for extra layers and, yes, more snacks. The vest comes with a 1.5-liter hydration reservoir, which REI product copy editor and tester Yitka Winn (who models the vest in the photo below) found perfectly integrated. “Extra kudos for the very helpful ‘Stop the Slosh’ graphic tutorial printed on the inside of this pack,” says Winn. “Brilliant!”
The fabric on the Swiftland 5 won’t feel as luxurious as some of the pricier packs in this guide, but our Maine-based tester Kalim A. found it comfortable, and had no problems with chafing or snagging. Our California-based tester Dari S. agrees, calling it a solid “no frills” pack with amble gear storage capacity for long runs, though she did find it harder than our other testers to find a snug, anti-chafe fit. As such, the Swiftland 5 may be ideal for those who fall squarely within the sizing specifications for the vests—if you’re between sizes, consider sizing down or upgrading to one of our other picks. Buy here.
Bottom Line: The REI Co-op Swiftland 5 is an affordable, durable and easy-to-use option for the practical runner looking for a hydration vest they can rely on.
Testing Stats:
- Total distance: 79 miles
- Testing states: California, Maine and Washington
- Best testing story: Kalim A. put the Swiftland 5 through its paces on a challenging vertical climb during a run in the California mountains. “I did fall into a river mid run and had to wait for my shoes to dry before continuing. Was very appreciative to have the hydration and extra gels that the Swiftland 5 can hold.”
Shop more of our member-tested running hydration vest picks: The Best Running Hydration Vests: Tested
10. Headlamp and reflective vest
Shorter winter days may mean running in the dark. A running headlamp will come in handy, as will a reflective running vest. For your headlamp, look for a model that won't jostle as you run, feels comfortable on your head, and is bright enough to guide you through trails and unlit streets. Your reflective vest should also be bright enough to notify any oncoming vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians of your presence. If you're on the roads, make sure to run against traffic.
Black Diamond Distance 1500 Headlamp
Best Use Running, Backpacking
Bulb Type LED
Light Output High with boost
Rechargeability Rechargeable
With a stunningly bright max output of 1500 lumens, the Black Diamond Distance 1500 can light up the night. It uses a rechargeable, swappable battery that lasts up to 8 hours at 300 lumens and includes an integrated rear red flashing light to make you more visible on the roads. Plus, its lens is designed to disperse light in a way that helps preserve nighttime depth perception. Best of all, the cushioned Comfort Cradle™ head strap sits low on your head to minimize bounce, and you can add an over-the-head strap for extra security. Buy here.
Read more: Author Jessica Bernhard writes about her Amphipod Xinglet reflective running vest. Read the story. Buy the Xinglet.
Our Process
To compile this list of cold-weather running essentials, the author interviewed runners, including REI Co-op Members and employees, consulted REI Expert Advice articles, and drew on her own experience as a runner navigating New York City winters. Product recommendations are based on reviews from REI customers and represent some of the latest and most popular running gear offered by REI Co-op.
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