Winter/Wet Weather Running Gear

[944fan]

I took up running a few months ago, originally in the gym and now outside. So far the weather has been fine but I got up for a run this morning to be presented with it pissing it down outside. I ran anyway and was soaked and a bit uncomfortable by the end.

What sort of kit should I get for the winter and wet weather? I sweat quite a bit when I run and the thought of running in a waterproof jacket isn't very appealing, but what should I get?

Don't want to spend a fortune but want to be able to continue running outside during the winter. I guess for the winter nights I need some sort of reflective kit as well (although I live in Milton Keynes and mostly run on the redways away from the roads).

[anonymous-user]

In summer I run in shorts and a short sleeve top. If it's really really chucking it down i'll take a running anorak.If it's light rain I don't bother.

In the coldest parts of winter I wear tights long sleeve base layer and then t shirt on top with gloves. Same Anorak if it's at all wet.

[iamrcb]

I went through a period a trying different wet weather kit. Now I have a thin base layer, cthin reflective jacket and shorts (all cheap). Once you're wet you're wet. Run quicker and you be home sooner. Legging type things if its snowing.

[944fan]

Thanks.

iamrcg - glad you say all your stuff is cheap. Started looking yesterday and base layers, leggings vary from about £6 to over a £100. Think I will start with the cheap crap. Going to buy it now before it gets wet and cold and takes me by surprise.

[g3org3y]

944fan said:

Thanks.

iamrcg - glad you say all your stuff is cheap. Started looking yesterday and base layers, leggings vary from about £6 to over a £100. Think I will start with the cheap crap. Going to buy it now before it gets wet and cold and takes me by surprise.

Plenty of cheap stuff available at Sports Direct ime.

I was using a Karrimor long sleeve t shirt with generic Umbro shorts. When really cold I'd put a short sleeve t shirt over the top. Gloves added when required.

[ewenm]

I run lots all year round. Was your discomfort from chaffing or just running in wet clothes?

If it's chaffing, Vaseline those areas before the run

In general cotton is a bad material to run in as it absorbs moisture and doesn't let it evaporate very well. The technical gear is much much better. The most I've ever run in is a pair of leggings (Nike DriFit), a long sleeved running t-shirt and a short sleeved one over the top, hat and gloves - this was in -20C at a ski resort.

I never run in waterproofs as I'd get wetter sweating than I would from the rain I sometimes warm up in waterproof gear and use a Gore BikeWear top and North Face Goretex walking trousers for that. It's all removed beofre starting a training session though. The temperature in general determines what I run in more than whether it is raining or not.

[944fan]

ewenm said:

I run lots all year round. Was your discomfort from chaffing or just running in wet clothes?

If it's chaffing, Vaseline those areas before the run

In general cotton is a bad material to run in as it absorbs moisture and doesn't let it evaporate very well. The technical gear is much much better. The most I've ever run in is a pair of leggings (Nike DriFit), a long sleeved running t-shirt and a short sleeved one over the top, hat and gloves - this was in -20C at a ski resort.

I never run in waterproofs as I'd get wetter sweating than I would from the rain I sometimes warm up in waterproof gear and use a Gore BikeWear top and North Face Goretex walking trousers for that. It's all removed beofre starting a training session though. The temperature in general determines what I run in more than whether it is raining or not.

No more chaffing than normal Just felt like a drowned rat at the end of it.

I know what you mean about running in a waterproof jacket, I sweat like a glass blowers arse when I run so will probably be wetter with a jacket.

[matts4]

I find the hardest part of running in the rain is removing my t-shirt once it's soaking wet at the end of the run!

[944fan]

matts4 said:

I find the hardest part of running in the rain is removing my t-shirt once it's soaking wet at the end of the run!

I have that just from the sweat!

[lady topaz]

For me this is a great thread. After a bit of a health scare my oh and I have been speed walking every night. Only 5 miles but that's ok.
Obviously I want to encourage him to keep it going through the winter but we are unsure what clothing is best.
We too would welcome any advice.
Currently he walks in a polo type top and shorts or joggers. His upper body recently is cold which to me is wrong.

Thanks

Di

[ewenm]

The important thing is to get the sweat away from the body, so fabrics that are good at transferring the moisture across and allowing it to evaporate are best. These are known as "wicking" fabrics and are the man-made "technical" products. Cotton is great at absorbing the moisture but rubbish at getting rid of it.

In cooler weather when running I wear a top something like this:


Sometimes if it's very cold or wet I'll put a short-sleeved version over the top too. If you're not sweating too much a breathable jacket can be useful to keep heat in/keep the wind off.

Have a browse round the clothing on RunningHome to see what the options are (other shops are available ).

[Halb]

Under armour is my favourite brand for this.
Leggings and long sleeve top.