Gear: Winter Running Essentials

Published February 18, 2013 08:00PM

Not sure what to wear when the weather turns wild? Never fear, snow angel! We’ve got you covered from head to toe. The trick to running comfortably in sub-par conditions is to dress the part. That means the right winter gear is much different for a runner in tepid Texas than in freezing Minnesota. We’ve taken the typical January forecast for five areas of the country and matched each one with a running outfit sure to keep you warm and dry.

37 Degrees & Snow Flurries

Ink n Burn Sakura Long-Sleeved Pullover
Wick away shiver-inducing sweat in a snow flower print. $85, inknburn.com

Skirt Sports Ice Queen Ultra Skirt
Wind- and water-resistant tights pair with a skirt to show your sass. $135, skirtsports.com

Lucy Fast As Lightning Jacket*
A soft collar and wrist cuffs keep your skin flake-free even if the flurries start to thicken. $138, lucy.com

Nike LunarGlide+ 4 Shield Shoes
Constructed with a weatherproof upper and cinched-down fit, these shoes stop icy puddles from ruining your run. $120, nike.com

Goodhew Sedona Quarter Sock*
Lambswool makes for happy feet. $15, goodhew.com

Athleta Reflective Run Headband*
A no-slip fit and ponytail port ensure that you’ll never have to fuss with this ear warmer mid-run. $19, athleta.com

Moving Comfort NoChill Glove*
The terry thumb is great for wiping a runny nose. A palm pocket keeps house keys handy. $28, movingcomfort.com

55 Degress & Sunny

Run Pretty Far Winter Performance Long Sleeve
Bold graphics blend with a feminine cut to keep you covered and classy. $42, runprettyfar.com

Saucony Run LX Capris
The mid-calf length is perfect for cool temperatures. $50, saucony.com

Athleta Prevail Vest*
Wind-resistant front panels fend off the chill. $79, athleta.com

Avia CC Tech Shoes
Avia’s compression cushioning midsole technology delivers a comfortable yet stable ride. $65, avia.com

Point 6 Running Ultra Light Micro
Lightweight wool with mesh detailing keeps feet dry and smelling pretty. $14, point6.com

BSkinz Headband*
With weather that doesn’t quite warrant a hat, a sweat-wicking headband is just the thing. $6, bskinz.com

11 Degrees & Icy

Sugoi MidZero Zip
Contoured sleeves and stretchy fabric create a heavy-duty jacket that won’t slow you down. $85, sugoi.com

Icebreaker Quantum Vest
Regulate your core temperature with an extra layer of insulation around your torso. $130, icebreaker.com

Helly Hansen Active Pant
These winter weather pants have wind-protective fabric in the front (where you need it most) and breathable polyester in the back. $90, hellyhansen.com

Brooks Utopia Soft Shell Jacket*
A highly snow-proof, breathable cover up is your secret weapon for heading out into the storm. $135, brooksrunning.com

Adidas Clima Tempest Shoes
These shoes are specifically structured to keep out the cold. Multi-directional lugs foster secure footing in variable conditions. $90, adidas.com

Smartwool PHD Outdoor Medium Crew
The tall height won’t allow cold air to irritate your ankles. $21, smartwool.com

Manzella Windstopper Hatchback Gloves*
A water-resistant mitten over a cozy fleece fingers, provides maximum warmth and flexibility. $45, manzella.com

Headsweats Snowflake Performance Beanie*
In temps this chilly, a hat’s an absolute must. This topper wicks sweat while keeping you warm. $22, headsweats.com

45 Degrees & Raining

Oiselle Rundelicious Top
Super soft against the skin, super warm against the elements and super wicking for a great run in any conditions. $64, oiselle.com

Gore Running Wear Mythos Gore-Tex Active Lady Jacket
Batten down the hatches with a collar, cuffs and techie fabric that lets sweat escape while keeping rain out. $260, goreapparel.com

Pearl Izumi 3/4 Ultra Tight
With a fun pattern to outshine the dreariest of days, these tights hug skin to ward off chaffing and avoid waterlogged legs. $64, pearlizumi.com

Under Armour Spine RPM Storm Shoes
These lightweight trainers have a winter coat to prevent soggy shoes. $100, underarmour.com

Dahlgren Running Ankle Sock
Alpaca and merino wool are combined for strong, lightweight warmth and just the right amount of cushion. $16, dahlgrenfootwear.com

Outdoor Research Revel Convertible Cap*
A breathable cap that turns into a rain hat makes running in a sudden downpour much more fun. $36, outdoorresearch.com

26 Degrees & Snowing

The North Face Aries Long Sleeve Shirt
Freezing temps require a fast-drying base layer like this wicking shirt with thumb loops. $99, thenorthface.com

Moving Comfort No Chill Pant
A wide, drawstring waistband lends a flattering fit while the jean styling adds a bit of air. Available in short, regular and long inseams. $80, movingcomfort.com

Ibex Breakaway II Jacket*
Lightweight wool makes for the ideal winter companion whether you’re running on the snow or playing in it. $275, ibex.com

Salomon SnowCross Shoes
Deep multi-directional lugs grip the ground in icy conditions. A zip-gaiter overlay keeps out wet weather. $200, salomon.com

Swiftwick Pursuit 4 Sock*
Merino compression and mid-calf height keep feet ready to go the distance. $20, swiftwick.com

Ambler Beanie*
Made in colors to brighten the dreariest of days, an inner fleece headband keeps ears snug. $32, amblermw.com

Mountain Hardwear Stimulus Stretch Gloves*
A snug-fitting glove keeps hands warm, lets them breathe and has a rubberized coating to work with most touch screen devices. $45, mountainhardwear.com

Oakley Radarlock Edge Glasses
Made specifically for women, light-lens glasses protect your peepers from offending flakes. $200, oakley.com