I skim through most gear reviews. I’m skeptical of reviewers’ honesty about the products, particularly when the links go to Amazon accounts. I also don’t relate to many reviewers’ chosen activities, because what one wears for cold winter weather as a hiker is often drastically different than what one might wear as a runner, simply because of the body heat generated through running.
If you’re looking askance at this post, go ahead. But also consider that I’m not a gear nerd and I value when fellow runners share their most used products—whether that comes from sponsored brands or not.
While Arizona is warmer year-round than most other places in Canada and the US, late-fall, winter, and early-spring can be cold. Mornings are often in the low-30s with extremely cold wind. However, having gear that can adapt to temperatures that can be 20 to 30 degrees higher by late morning is critical.
Here are my cold weather favorites:
Janji Repeat Merino Tech Long Sleeve
$88
For days that are cold and for days that have the possibility to warm-up while the run progresses, I reach for this top. The fabric feels light, doesn’t itch, and can be worn a few runs in a row (if you want) since merino wool is naturally odor-resistant. Those who are vegan may choose not to wear wool, but I feel good about this product as Janji adheres to a Responsible Wool Standard (which you can read more about here.) I also prefer natural fabric to synthetics and while the shirt does contain nylon, I appreciate that Janji has reduced the plastic and petroleum in this shirt by relying more on wool. The thumbholes are an added bonus for cold hands.
Arc’teryx Norvan SL Hoody
$325
The priciest running jacket I’ve ever purchased, but also the longest-lasting and most used single piece of gear I’ve owned. This jacket is thin, light, and stows easily in all of my race vests. While the jacket is made of GORE-TEX, it’s surprisingly breathable and can be used in conditions over 50°F without me overheating. I’ve thrown mine in the wash and then hung it to dry too many times to count and it’s still in perfect condition.
Janji Thermal Zephyr Running Jacket
$188
Need a lightweight layer you can start your run wearing and later adjust or stuff in your pack? This Janji jacket is it. In most of my running photos I’m wearing red, and that’s because I wear this red jacket that often. The semi-elastic cuffs allow you to customize the way in which the jacket hugs the hips for added protection and I appreciate that the jacket can be stowed in itself for easy packing. While I feel that every jacket could use pockets for keys and other odds and ends, the inside pocket does offer a pouch large enough to fit my phone. Since Janji sells limited gear with every release, you may not be able to find this jacket in the same cardinal color. However, the company recently came out with the Rainrunner Pack Jacket which I’m eager to try.
Topo Mtn Racer 2
$145
I wore Altras exclusively from 2015 to mid-2022. On a whim, I purchased a pair of Mtn Racer 2s at a fishing store (of all places) before Nick ran Kodiak 100. I loved them. I had been disillusioned by the quality of Altras for a while and found that sizing was not consistent across the shoes and differed with each update to the model. Since switching to Topos, my feet have felt better, I’ve experienced no blisters, and I find them to be all-around a delight to run in. As a disclaimer, I have been wearing zero-drop shoes for many years and all of my shoes are now barefoot/wide toe box and mostly zero-drop, so my body is used to the extra strain. The Mtn Racer 2s have a 5mm heel-to-toe drop that, while not massive, may take getting used to for some runners. While not a heavily cushioned shoe, I find them extremely comfortable while maintaining excellent durability and grip for trail running. I’ve since worn them for a 4-mile uphill race, a rolling 17-mile FKT, and a tough 50K and they’ve performed well each time. I find these shoes to be true to size.
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini Crew
$16
Ninety-nine percent of the time, I wear no-show socks. But during the few very cold days, I reach for the Injinji Midweight Mini Crews. The length just barely overlaps my running tights and the socks are warm without being too bulky in my shoes. I’ve only ever run in Injinji toe socks, and am now sponsored by the brand, but truly do believe they’re the best socks for your foot health and comfort. The brand regularly updates with new colors and prints, too.
WhitePaws RunMitts
Do I feel like a fuzzy blue bear while wearing these? Yes. Do they keep my hands warm to the point that they still have full function after a very cold and windy run? Yes again. These mittens are advertised as thumbless and convertible, allowing you to have function of your fingers or close the upper part to have your hands fully encased. Part of what keeps my hands warm (and what prevents me from wearing gloves) is keeping my fingers together. These mitten do just that. Plus, if you get too warm during the run, simply push the mittens down to your wrists until you cool off. I also appreciate that these mittens are designed by a female runner and made in the US.
That one piece of gear from 13 years ago
Priceless
Maybe it’s a favorite long sleeve shirt or maybe it’s a cozy headband you won at a Turkey Trot that, surprisingly, still does the trick. For me, it’s a pair of tights I purchased on the sale rack at Fairhaven Runners when I was 17. They’re light, they’re comfortable, the waistband never digs in, there’s a pocket in the back, and I can’t find another pair like them. All I know is that they’re Asics and that Asics stopped making them years ago.