Winter Trail Running Gear

Our favorite winter trail running gear can come in handy when the cold weather sets in but you still want to get out there on the trail!

If you're the committed outdoorsy type, I'm guessing that, like me, the last thing you want is for cold temperatures to slow you down.

Or maybe you haven't done much adventuring in the winter but are ready to try it out for the physical (and mental!) health benefits.

If being out on the trail sounds appealing, here is some of my favorite winter trail running gear to help you tackle the day in comfort.

Planning an overnight stay outdoors? Here are some suggestions for how to dress for winter camping.

Clothing for Winter Trail Running

If you're already used to hiking in cold weather, start by shopping in your own closet! You may have hiking clothes that are already perfect for the cold, but here are some things to watch for.

What to Know About Fabrics

Stick with fibers that dry quickly and/or keep the moisture away from your body. That can include fibers such as synthetic quick-dry fabrics, merino wool or alpaca (which has turned into my favorite type of wool).

Avoid cotton, which will hold onto sweat or moisture from the air and make you colder.

If you tend to sweat heavily or if it’s rainy or snowing, down jackets might not be the best option, as down loses its insulating power (warmth) as it gets wet. Synthetic down might be a good option if you want an extra warm jacket option.

Be careful not to over-dress, because getting too hot and sweating heavily can make you wetter and more susceptible to cold!

Favorite Brands

My favorite hiking clothes for winter trail running include:

• Kuhl Klash hiking pants (if the trail might be overgrown)
• Baleaf fleece-lined leggings (for really cold days) paired with an insulated skirt (when it’s extra cold)
• Quick-dry athletic wear tops. My favorite long sleeve is this Baleaf top with an opening for my watch.
• For extremely cold days, I’ll swap the athletic shirt for a thicker merino wool one, like this Smartwool top.

Outerwear Layering Options

• Vests to keep the core warm (like this Smartwool vest or my personal favorite, this Oiselle vest)
• Warm but breathable jackets like this Smartwool merino wool one
• For snowy or rainy days, a lightweight rain jacket, preferably with pit zips to help release heat. I like this Patagonia rain jacket and this Montbell jacket.
• Depending on how cold it is, I like to wear a wool headband or a full wool hat
• When the air is bitterly cold, pulling a neck gaiter up over your nose can help make breathing easier

Footwear for Winter Trail Running

While you could wear regular sneakers or running shoes, trail runners are nice because they provide extra traction. I’ve been using these Topo Terraventure shoes, and my husband loves his Altra Lone Peaks. We compare them in this post, and also offer more thoughts on the latest version of the Lone Peaks.

Socks can make or break your run, especially in the cold. I like a merino sock like these Icebreaker socks, but for extremely cold or wet days, these Hollow alpaca socks are absolutely amazing.

When there’s a chance that the route will be icy (or if it’s actively snowing), these Kahtoola exospikes are amazing traction devices that aren’t too clunky to prevent you from running. (I find them better on snow than ice, but remember, they’re not for deep snow.)

Safety Gear for Winter Trail Running

I’m not sure if trekking poles count as a safety device, but I think they can. I like to bring these when hiking, and when trail running they’re also valuable to help with balance.

You may want a running vest or pouch with water, snacks, and first aid gear. I use this vest with a hydration bladder and my husband uses this vest. We also like these soft water bottles as an alternate to the water bladder (or in addition to it for long runs).

Consider bringing an emergency locator beacon if you'll be going very far. We use the Garmin inReach mini.

Self-Care Before and After a Winter Trail Run

Obviously everyone's needs are different, but here are some things that helped me.

Cold winter air is really hard on your skin, especially if you tend to have dry skin. I like to put a really heavy lotion or balm over any exposed face skin before a really cold run. My favorite is this Dr Bronner's organic magic balm.

Before a cold run, in addition to a warm-up walk or stretches, I've found it helpful to stretch my feet out with this RAD neuro ball.

After a run, I've found it helpful to use a massager on any sore muscles.

I hope these ideas give you a good start! Let us know in the comments what else you've found helpful.