Winter Running Gear

Discovering Winter Running

When you're balancing a young family and a busy work life, time for hobbies can be squeezed out. Despite a very understanding wife, sometimes an hour or two is all I have spare in a day. This makes longer days out climbing or walking tricky, which is why I have started winter running – I can cover the distance quicker!

Thanks to all this, I have found myself becoming increasingly addicted. After an hour or so out winter running on the fells I feel like I’ve done something productive, seen some nice views and released the endorphins. As the shorter, colder days are now here I have collected a few essential items that allow me to carry on with my new-found hobby on these cooler winter days.

Ultimate Direction Groove Mono Waistpack

This is my most used item for short to medium runs. Thinking back, I don’t know how I used to manage with a traditional bum bag because this is so much better! Sometimes all I need is my key and phone, but when necessary the Groove Mono can be stretched to carry a windproof, 500ml soft water bottle, an energy bar, gloves and Buff. There is no bounce and with its two Velcro adjusting straps you can make it fit nice and snug without being restrictive. Give it a go, you will be surprised how much you can fit in it…

OMM Sonic Jacket

At this time of year, it is almost a certainty that an extra layer is needed when running over the tops. They don’t come much lighter than the OMM Sonic Jacket at 60g. Although not officially waterproof, it is water resistant enough for most conditions, including the odd shower. Designed with running in mind it has no hood, which I find advantageous as there is no bouncing around or flapping in the wind!

From a size perspective, the Sonic Jacket packs up into a neat stash pocket in the back of the neck about the size of an egg. Similarly, it is also handy for out on the bike as a spare layer because it is so compact. It comes in a full zip jacket or pull over smock (weighing an unbelievable 52g!).

OMM Flash Tights

Shorts are my preference, but now it's dark and cold the winter running leggings are out of the wardrobe. I have had my Flash Tights for a few years and they are still going strong, despite being dragged through heather and bracken. The grip strip at the bottom of the legs stops them riding up and there is a handy little pocket for a key if needed. It’s hard to get too excited about a pair of leggings, but these have stood the test of time and they are durable and comfortable, there’s not much more you could ask for.

For any roadie's out there, these also go well with padded summer cycling shorts to keep the worst of the winter weather out.

Outdoor Research Surge Sensor Gloves

Be seen! Outdoor Research Surge Sensor Gloves

Light, bright gloves! Conveniently made with fabric for touch screen phones to take those all-important Strava photos. Due to being light, very quick drying, and pretty water resistant makes this a glove that is essential for this time of year.

Inov-8 Mudclaw 300 Fell Running Shoes

Living very close to Win Hill is a big bonus, making most of my runs a slog up its very muddy sides. For this type of terrain my go-to shoes are the Inov8 Mudclaw 300 due to their exceptional grip in soft terrain. I also like the rubber compound they use (Dual-C Sticky) which copes well with the occasional slippery paved path. The Dual-C Sticky is soft enough that it feels quite grippy even on Kinder slabs, giving you the best chance of staying upright in wet conditions. Although these shoes are not ideal for harder terrain, such as dry hard packed trails, for off-path routes where the ground is soft or muddy they are perfect.

Additionally I've used the Mudclaws for bigger days in the in the Scottish mountains; let’s call it going fast & light rather than full on running. The low profile means I don’t feel like I will go over on my ankle and they are warm enough with waterproof socks on. It is worth bearing in mind that they are not a substitute for a full-on boot when carrying a load or moving at a slower pace. However when going with a fast & light/running mentality they are perfect, and a lot lighter than any walking boot.

Sealskinz Waterproof Socks

Sealskinz Waterproof Ankle Walking Socks

Winter running can be cold and miserable. In an attempt to make it less so I use Sealskinz waterproof socks in my running shoes!  For a long time I was skeptical, but have now been converted. These feel like you are wearing normal socks whilst also keeping your feet warm and dry, without being too sweaty. Furthermore, they stop your feet from becoming ingrained with the black peat which gets under your toenails and in-between your toes – a phenomenon fell runners will know well!

As with most of the items on this list they can be used across multiple disciplines, working well in cycling shoes, preventing annoying puddle splashes soaking and chilling your feet.  If you run every day it's worth having a couple of pairs as they can take a bit longer to dry than normal socks, and lets face it, no one wants to put on soggy socks!

Petzl eLite Headtorch

Petzl eLite Headtorch

The eLite is more of a safety piece than anything else. Weighing in at 26g I recommend everyone stashes one away, even if you are only planning to be out in daylight hours since it weighs less than spare batteries for a standard, light weight, head torch. No one wants to rely on a mobile phone as a torch when they get caught short at dusk. I wouldn’t suggest using it as a main or only head torch, but as a backup it will certainly get you out of trouble, plus its strobe setting can be used as a safety beacon. Extra features include a red light function so as not to affect your night vision and high water resistance, therefore you'll have no issues if your bag gets soaked.

Petzl Nao+ Headtorch

For winter running in the dark, head torches don’t come much better than the Nao+. Light, bright, highly water resistant and comfortable with no bounce (185g & 750 lumens), the Nao+ is rechargeable via USB, so no need to keep buying replacement batteries. It has a reactive light setting which automatically adjusts the brightness of the torch depending on ambient light, as a result it is very battery efficient. Additionally, if needed, you can quickly override this to give a constant output at different brightness levels.

To make it even easier there is an downloadable app called MyPetzlLight which allows you to manage the setting of the torch via Bluetooth. If that sounds like too much tech don’t let it daunt you, there is always the switch on the side of the torch to get the pre-set and most used settings, so you can forget about the app altogether! Extra features include a red light on the back of the torch to signal your location, which is useful if running in a group for visibility, but again this can be switched off. Also you can buy the Accu Nao+ which is a spare rechargeable battery, it is worth having two if you are out for long events or running regularly.

Round Up

So there you go, with the right kit, winter running can be just as fun as in the summer. Often more so, as you're less likely to overheat. If you're in the Peak District, the Outside staff are regularly out running en masse. Join our Facebook group for details when and where, you're welcome to come join us!