The Trail-Seeker’s Guide to Winter Running Gear & Layering

There’s a specific kind of magic that happens only when the temp drops. The trails go quiet, the air turns crisp, and even your local park feels like a fresh route. But stepping out of a warm house into a 0°C morning can be tough for the mind to take (especially pre-morning coffee), regardless of whether you’ve got the right kit.

The secret to actually enjoying those frosty miles isn't about wearing your thickest jacket, it’s about winter running gear layering. We build gear for the off-grid moments, and it turns out the same recycled sherpa fleeces and moisture-wicking base layers you use for hiking are the MVPs of a cold-weather run.

A note on winter running - even the best gear isn’t going to keep you warm and dry in a sub-zero snowstorm whilst you’re trying to dodge black ice, so maybe swap the run for a lie in with coffee and a book on those gnarlier deep winter days…

The biggest mistake most runners make is dressing for how they feel at the front door. If you’re warm the second you step outside, you’re going to be boiling by mile two.

• The ascent: You’re pushing hard, heart rate is up, and you’re generating serious steam.

• The ridge or the red light: You stop or hit a headwind, and that sweat suddenly turns ice cold against your skin.

A solid winter running gear layering system allows you to dump heat when you’re working and trap it when the wind bites.

You only need three key pieces to handle (almost) anything a winter run can throw at you (see point above about snowstorms…) 

This is the most important piece and your sweat-wicking must-have. Avoid cotton as it acts like a sponge - it gets wet, stays wet, and saps your body heat. Instead, go for merino wool or recycled synthetics. Merino is a neat fabric, it stays warm even when damp and doesn't get stinky after one run.

• Escapism Hack: Look for thumb loops. They keep your wrists warm (where blood vessels are close to the skin) and bridge the gap between your sleeves and gloves.

This is your insulation. You want something that traps air but lets moisture pass through, like a grid fleece or a lightweight recycled sherpa fleece. The grid pattern in technical fleeces creates little pockets of warm air without the bulk of a heavy hoodie.

• Escapism Hack: If the sun comes out, a half-zip mid-layer is a game-changer. Zip down for instant AC without having to stop and de-layer.

Explore our fleece collection for women and men

This layer protects you from the elements - wind, rain and snow. Unless it’s a total downpour, a windproof shell is often better than a heavy waterproof. It’s more breathable, meaning you won’t get that 'boil-in-the-bag' feeling. For the best of both, look out for lightweight waterproof jackets like our Trailscape Light, which do the job on waterproof protection without weighing you down. 

• Escapism Hack: If you're heading into the hills or coastal paths, bring a packable shell that stuffs into a pocket or its own bag.

Dry & Freezing

Heavy Merino Base + Fleece Mid + Windproof Shell

Escapism Hack: Smear a little Vaseline or anti-chafe balm on your cheeks to prevent windburn.

Damp & Muddy

Light Synthetic Base + Waterproof Shell

Escapism Hack: Wear taller socks to keep mud and splashes off your ankles.

The "I'm Freezing" Start

All 3 layers + Beanie + Gloves

Escapism Hack: Do two mins of jumping on the spot inside before you leave. You’ll hit the pavement already warm.

Your core might be toasty, but your extremities will tell you when they're unhappy.

• Snood: A versatile bit of kit, wear it as a neck warmer, a headband, or pull it over your mouth to warm up the air before it hits your lungs on sub-zero days.

• Socks: If you’re running through slush, wool-blend socks are non-negotiable. They keep your toes warm even when your shoes are soaked.

• Gloves: If your hands run cold, wear a thin pair of liner gloves under mittens. Mittens are warmer because your fingers share body heat.

• Overdressing: Aim to feel slightly uncomfortably cold for the first 5 minutes. By 10 minutes, you’ll be perfect.

• Forgetting Visibility: Winter days are short. Even if you start in daylight, reflective hits on your winter running gear or a clip-on light are a must.

• Ignoring the Wind Chill: Always check the ‘feels like’ temperature on your weather app, not just the actual temp. Wind on a damp base layer is a recipe for the shivers.

• Not Having Fun: It's why we do it, after all... Forget pace targets, the ice and sideways rain make them pretty impossible anyway. And plan a post-run coffee and pastry stop, you'll soon feel motivation on the rise.

Explore our accessories collections for women and men

The best strategy involves using a combination of moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers and weather-resistant outer layers. Adjust your layers based on the specific weather conditions, your route and how warm you tend to feel when running. 

Typically three layers are sufficient: a base layer, mid-layer and outer layer. However, this may vary depending on temperature, wind, how hard you plan to run and your personal comfort level. 

Absolutely. Many of our recycled base layers and lightweight fleeces perform well during high-output movement like winter running. Just avoid heavy hoodies and thick cotton, keep it technical and breathable.

Skip the fabric softener. It clogs the 'pores' of technical fabrics and ruins the moisture-wicking magic. A cool wash and a hang-dry will keep your gear performing for years. For anything waterproof or water-resistant, don’t forget to use Nikwax for washing and reproofing to keep it in its best condition.

Legs generally stay warmer than your core because they’re doing the work. A good pair of adventure leggings or thermal tights is usually enough. If it's truly baltic, try a pair of wind shorts over your tights to protect your quads.