8 Really Useful Things I Bought That Make Winter Running EASIER!

With darker days and colder temperatures setting in, it can be really tough to keep getting those runs done. Here are some things that I've bought over the years that help keep me warm, dry and safe and ultimately, getting me out the door and out for a run!
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Links from the video:
Petzl Swift RL www.centurionultrarunningstor...
Petzl Bindi www.centurionultrarunningstor...
Safety Skin www.safetyskinproducts.com/
parkrun www.parkrun.org.uk/
GoodGym www.goodgym.org/
Ronhill Gloves www.ronhill.com/products/clas...
Montane Gloves www.centurionultrarunningstor...
Montane Jacket montane.com/products/montane-...
Ben Parkes wraps benparkes.com/collections/wrap
Ben Parkes beanie benparkes.com/collections/hat...
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Soar leggings www.soarrunning.com/collectio...
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:33 Shoes
2:20 Lights
3:40 Motivation
5:03 Gloves
6:10 Jackets
7:30 Hats & wraps
8:43 Dressing for different temperatures

[@BenParkes]

Do you love winter running? Or prefer summer runs like me?!!

[@Unseen-Custom-Keebs]

Winter 100%. Feel like colder temperatures are a performance enhancing drug for me🤣

[@nevertoolate8589]

Literally go from 4 runs a week in summer to 1-2 in winter. Can’t stand the cold, wind, rain. I get very warm and cannot warm up no matter how many layers.

[@jasondahl3552]

I prefer sweating it out in the summer, but there is something special about winter running as well.

[@ixuvia]

Summer's too hot, winter's (mostly) too cold for me. I'm very happy right now!

[@davidpage8147]

I prefer winter running, summer is only good for reminding me to avoid getting any more skin cancer

[@rych7852]

With Motivation. As someone that runs in the evening after work. I find it best to come in, go to the loo, then start getting changed to go out. If you sit down for any reason, you'll start to make excuses. As you said in the vid getting out the door is the hard bit, once your out, barring mishaps you're more likely to finish your planned run.

[@nathg899]

From Montréal: I run until -30 C without any problem. Backlava mask from -15 c and below, wind proof pants over leggings, etc. You warm up in the first km, so there’s not so much difference at that point between -18 C or - 30 C. Trail shoes are great in snow/slouchy conditions… Multilayering is the key + running face wind at the start and tail wind for the finish! 😂

[@drkenz0tenma]

Thanks man 🎉

[@kofuzi]

Our winters may get colder but we typically don’t get as wet, which I think is far more difficult to manage. This video does a great job of helping runners stay dry in the cold. But for us, a main thing is keeping as much of our skin covered as possible, including the face. Also, I double glove and use hand warmers.

[@miketomkins5171]

I think I would prefer your temperatures to the seemingly never ending rain in the UK

[@macau.friend]

I learned how to layer up from snowboarding long before I got into running, and it’s been quite helpful. Base layer is for moist wicking, while outer layer is for protection against wind and rain. And if it gets really cold, then I would add a middle layer. Some expert also said to dress like it’s 10 degrees Celsius warmer than the actual temperature.

[@AndrewPawley11]

All good stuff. May I add two thoughts? Firstly, buying your gear in bright, lurid colours really helps. Blues, greens and blacks certainly look cooler but yellows and oranges are more easily seen on dark nights. Secondly, tripping and slipping is always a possibility on dark, wet runs. This risk can be reduced by running on a lit track when its wet underfoot. Also, if it starts hammering down during the run, you can shelter during the worst of it and hope it passes.

[@briansleepylee]

For colder climates (I'm from Canada) I like to look at XC ski gear to run in. Companies like Craft make fantastic technical gear for cold snowy conditions. Base layers are key to draw moisture away. Stopping with wet skin is deadly when it is well below zero.

[@WyattGalinski]

I live in Minnesota which is one of the coldest states in America. The “dress like its 10 degrees warmer” rule has always served me well, even in our extreme cold months of january and february. Once we reach below freezing windchills I like to use wool blend clothing from head to toe and usually a windbreaker. I try to use running shoes with full tread outsole coverage- it’s just like the safety of having winter road tires on your vehicle.

[@pokemama9317]

Love that “dress like its 10 degrees warmer rule”! Works wonder for me in “cold in the winter” Ottawa.

[@vincewarne228]

I’ve got Raynards too and constantly on the look out for better gloves…everything else is fine. Shorts, T-Shirt and MASSIVE GLOVES!!!

[@adcashmo]

Great tips Ben. I'm in continental Europe and been running in down to -10°C. My best tip for the hands is mits instead of gloves. In my experience you can't beat them as long as you don't care about taking them off very occasionally to do something which requires dexterity.

[@alexanders4911]

What is continental Europe? Sweden?

[@martinbeno7]

Great video man, exactly what I was looking for in youtube for a few weeks now, and this is first high quality video with gread tips. Thanks a ton! 😉💪🏽

[@dsyicixneckred]

Great video.I was on the cusp of asking you to share your winter attire recommendations, this is perfect, cheers

[@MyfanwyCollins]

I live in New England (north of Boston on the coast) and I learned this tip that has saved me many times: socks on hands. I bring extras socks in my jacket pockets anyway in case my feet get wet but if my hands get too cold with gloves I can use the socks. Gloves really aren't ideal if there's a cold wind. I also have converted some shoes to screw shoes for ice and snow. Mostly it's all about layering properly and protecting head, hands, and feet. Now that I'm writing this I'm realizing how fucking miserable it is. 😂

[@Ammerstol]

Greetings from Northern Finland. These kind of temperatures are early autumn temperatures here :D I myself swear by Craft running wear. Winter tights are essentials for me. When it gets below -15 I'd probably put on a base layer first to protect the legs and the "you know what".

[@rubarb1275]

Lots of great advice and a few interesting options I hadn't considered before. 👍🏼

[@garyloosemore2690]

Merino wool is a wonderful! Running vest (gilet for you English) is a great option down to 0 or for when it's a light rain. Gore-Tex shoes only good for cold snowy days as it helps keep the feet warmer otherwise feet sweat and then they're cold.

[@ericseamount6913]

I'm from the mountains in Colorado USA. I find that most of my winter running gear is from my cross-country skiing gear. It is the perfect amount of warmth without me over heating

[@seb_617]

On Gore-Tex shoes. I got a pair and they’re my least-used shoes. I probably won’t be getting another one. They do keep your feet dry for a little bit longer. But. Once water gets in (which it eventually will), it’s not getting out and they can get slushy. And they take *forever* to dry.

[@KieranGatestormer]

Just got my first proper running show for winter with the Clifton 9 Gore-Tex. Along with some new winter clothes (including one of your longsleeves!) I'm hoping I'm ready to go 😎

[@Kelly_Ben]

I love those little red lights, I do mostly trails but I'll grab some! And though I live in the northeast US where we have months below your 0°, I tend to hit the treadmill below freezing. Asthma and icy air don't make for good runs.

[@missbutts85]

I signed up for the Chesapeake bay bridge run on November 12th. On your beginner marathon plan and that’s my week 3 10k long run but I’ve never ran outside, let alone over a bridge. This is really helpful for me to look at cold running gear. The weather here is unusually warm right now but I imagine it will be chilly again by then

[@katherinehetrick2840]

It will be really windy!

[@TheManCadian]

Winter running, Quebec style, definitely requires a lot of thinking. Sometimes so cold your eyelashes freeze, I have run in ski goggles. Now I limit myself to -15c and warmer, just no way to cope. Also running on ice and snow requires changing the way you run too, runs tend to be slower and more careful, just cannot let loose the way you can on dry surfaces.

[@JenniferGa431]

I live in Canada and it often gets below -30 C in the winter. Merino base layer and a windproof jacket are my life saver for those days. Other than that, I guess I'm used to the cold because I'm still wearing Tshirt and shorts and it's currently 0 C 😅

[@michealjaymurphy]

unless your way up north or its night time its not regulary getting to -30

[@lauren7923]

Winter in Midwest US…Run multiple short loops or out and backs to have quick access to a warm place if I get injured or just plain tired. Always wear a blaze orange vest in areas open to hunting, buff for neck, fleece head band for ears, light mittens and wool arm sleeves. My chest gets hot so I like a 3/4 zip to open as needed, long sleeve moisture wick shirt. Wind jacket only if a freezing wind chill. Moisture wicking leggings, sometimes leg warmers. Smartwool socks. Nano spiked shoes for icy days. Gaiters and gortex shoes for wet snowy days. Merino wool layers if below freezing. But I actually prefer winter running the colder the better!

[@imacfubu]

I live in Perth now where it doesn’t really get below 10 degrees and one of the things I miss the most about the UK is running in the dark, cold and wet evenings

[@Kaisersozze]

I live in Alberta Canada and winter here sucks and it's way too long, we already had our first snowfall and it's only October. So it's cold but also slippery as we have icy sidewalks often in my city. It's also difficult to dress right and you have to figure out the correct layers depending on the exact temperature otherwise you're too cold or too warm. Not to mention that even if you're dressed correctly but want to change your pace you can have the same problem again, either too warm or too cold. Summer is so much easier and actually enjoyable, granted when it's 30+ C it can start getting a bit challenging as well but at least it's still much easier in terms of what clothing to wear and no risk of getting a cold! It's taken me more the one winter season to figure out how to dress and I still don't always get it right. Just recently I got a Smartwool 150 Merino beanie that I really like. I found in the winter with my bald head I would sweat through all the other beanies I have unless it was below -10C or so. During extreme cold snaps (-20C and below) which happen several times during winter and typically last 1-3weeks at a time I either don't run at all or do one or two shorts treadmill sessions per week at the gym.

[@mrpoutine6588]

Winter running in Canada is probably my favourite time to run. A bluebird day with some fresh snow - can't be beat. Like you said, it's all about proper gear. I find that knowing what temp it is outside and what run I'll be doing (easy, intervals, LSD, etc.) makes the layering/outfit choice easier for me. Can't go wrong with merino wool, I find Smartwool socks to work really well for winter running. I've gotten my feet soaked in slushy frozen water and Smartwool's merino wool socks kept my feet warm for the remainder of my run.

[@alexanders4911]

Cross Country skiing? Treadmill running?

[@user-xn3cp7lj7y]

I live pretty close to Chicago and have run in temps as low as 5F/-15C. I wear jogging pants over long underwear, a Nike heat gear base layer up top covered by a fleece and close-fitting shell jacket. For my neck and head I use a neck gaiter and fleece beanie, and for my hands a pair of thick winter gloves over running gloves. I've found through trial and error that the trick is to dress so that it feels a little too cold when you first step outside, otherwise you sweat too much during the run which becomes EXTREMELY uncomfortable after you stop!

[@MihaliWheeler]

Love the long sleeve, proper wacky, in a good way 😮

[@darrenwilliams9500]

Treadmill is the obvious choice when the weather is inclement. But on a really cold night, sometimes I get all the gear on, jump on the treadmill in the garage for 10 mins to warm up, then straight out the door. Just skips that horrible first chilly mile.

[@user-xr6md8vu5x]

Ben for the ultimate cold weather base layer you really need to look at Brynje super thermo kit. Favourite of spine races. Polar travellers and one sir Edmond Hillary C1952. Looks a little bit err niche but the performance is unreal

[@ian_runs]

Raynuads is a bugger, mine get quite painful in winter.i need to wear gloves when it gets below 15 degs for any run over 30 minand for every run below 12 degs. Top vid as always

[@jamiefarmer85]

Great video, thanks. I suffer with Raynauds as well and it’s a killer! What are the Ronhill gloves you use?

[@emanuelsantos5585]

Hope to see you in Sevilla 😊

[@Guest-iv4qo]

No more Asics for me, got GT-2000 last year after 2 months outsole was like in GT-2000 from 2019 after 6 months. After 14 months last year model went to trash, 2019 was with me for 3 years same annual mileage!!! Not sure if they changed production or what, i've read that people aren't happy with salomon anymore after they moved production to India, maybe same thing going on here. Good luck with your shoes.

[@BraxFilm]

Wool is your friend when running in colder temps!

[@unaitxo]

I find the weather in the south of the UK too hot to wear jackets, hats or even long sleeves. The safety skin reflective stuff looks great, definitely giving that a go.

[@stephaniewaskoenig1387]

I grew up across from Chicago on the other side of Lake Michigan. In the really cold windy weather I will wear 2 pairs of leggings, or 1 pair of leggings and a pair of waterproof pants as well. The combo works well. I also heat water to put in my pack to warm my back and chest for the start of a long run.

[@hermeticallysealed]

my very first race ever was a 5k last year in pittsburgh and it was 8f (-13c). in addition to the leggings and the neck wrap and the beanie, i had a lightly insulated vest. pretty much every race since then it's been pouring rain (including a 10k tomorrow), so, it could be worse

[@finding_health]

Fleece-lined leggings are a MUST and keep me nice and toasty even down to -10 degrees C.

[@the.stylish.runner]

When people talk about running in the cold weather, for me, the colder the better. I've been living in Dublin, Ireland, since December 2017. However, as strange as it might seem, maybe because I am from Brazil, I never change my clothes because my body heats up quickly. I always wear shorts and t-shirts, even in the most extreme cold weather. However, I do a good warm-up and some drills. My photos don't let me lie. When the temperature is below 2ºC, as an exception, I put on gloves because my hands burn and it's really painful. I love running in the cold weather and, no doubt, my performance is much better.

[@mrm9561]

Perfect video to watch, payday tomorrow, I'm broke already. Cant afford my mortgage, cheers ben haha. Raynauds sucks, I found out I had it last year running in winter, promptly bought some gloves!

[@alexdominguez3333]

I’m from Miami and will be in Chicago for a couple of weeks in December. Definitely intimidated by the idea of running in much colder temps than 80 degrees 🥶 This video helps! Any suggestions for a winter running newbie?

[@colinmclellan4683]

Head: MerinoBalaclava/Neckwamer/beanie liner, Generic Toque Base: 150 or 200gsm merino long sleeve (nothing wrong with synthetic apart from laundry) Mid: Active fleece (polar grid, powerair etc) Outer: This is where I diversify based on temp, have a running jacket, XC ski jacket, shell. Double up below -25 Pants: Brushed tights, wind proof pants (sometimes both) Socks: Merino Liner (sometimes) and Cold weather running (works better than a heavy sock) Shoes: Regular trainers unless its below -10 or wet then goretex runner Traction: Nanospikes Thanks for coming to my TedTalk on running in temperatures that your car doesn't like to start in. Surprisingly low maintenance setup!

[@Guest-iv4qo]

Below -25? Where do you run?

[@colinmclellan4683]

Timmins, ON, Canada, cold but beautiful!@@Guest-iv4qo

[@davidg61]

Nice vid. Also your hair looks great.

[@Unseen-Custom-Keebs]

Much needed🤣🥶

[@runspiro]

Merino gloves for me. They keep you really warm when it's cold, not too hot as weather warms up and they stay warm even if they get wet unlike technical materials.

[@douglascarrphotography]

Im normally a Altra runner but they don't have a road GTX shoe but I got the Saucony Ride 15 GTX and are so happy with them I might even drop Altra altogether especially since there new Paradigm 7 is so hard compared to the P6. ps I'm in Norway and its -10 deg C today and in some places its -28deg C So its Gore Tex or no running

[@DegenGaming]

I run in well below zero deg F temps. If you have good gear there's rarely a real reason you can't go for a run. I only stay inside if there's a lot of lightning or it's well below zero F along with high winds.... or there's a LOT of snow/ice. Otherwise it's go time!

[@fecardona]

Good to see Ben wearing hats with the visor upfront

[@fianoglach12]

The best gloves you can get are the Showa Temres 282. Best winter gloves I have ever had!!! They are Water-resistant and breathable and have thermal insulation. Used by Ice Climbers 💪💪

[@kizzmiazzz]

they are for sure NOT breathable and wayyyy overpowered for running. the only thing u need is something that keeps the cold wind off your skin. you get warm from inside anyway.

[@Serkong]

Best winter shoes vid

[@Ouga_Official]

The outfit details by temperature is very helpful. People say dress for 10 degrees hotter, but I still don't know what to do...

[@terranceandcopper]

i do the same thing with audio books I only listen during runs, or perhaps a walk on a recovery day.

[@Morfeusm]

I much more rather run in cold than the wind. Cold is okay, lower than minus 10 is just about staying warm (warm liquid, warm up, layers and minimum time outside after the run). Wind is really unpleasant which is unfortunate because I do a lot of my winter runs in windy conditions lol

[@slavasss2189]

Love running in winter with snow much more than in summer

[@Runningformylife1983]

Im in the uk and iv had to pull the leggings on and beanie and gloves...summer wasnt long as usual and this winter is brutal roll on 7am tommorow for my morning 5k run

[@robertcurran4030]

Raynaud's bros 🙌 Love to run around in a t shirt, shorts, and gloves at 50 (fahrenheit if that wasn't obvious).

[@kylekermgard]

I feel like winter running in England isn't too cold but maybe wet. Winter running here is mostly below freezing and dry

[@nilramos8196]

I live and run in Malta where it never gets really cold so, erm, yeah, don't know why I watched this video 😆

[@Krikals15]

Maybe someone has any recommendations for affordable transition or clear glasses for dark, windy days?

[@Thecrow8Fastrun2]

Hey there …been using Jeff Galloway’s as my guide for decades…see below What to wear as it gets colder (in Fahrenheit) 60° +: tank top, singlet or T-shirt and shorts 50-59°: T-shirt and shorts 40-49°: long sleeved T, shorts or tights or wind pants, sock or mittens and gloves 30-39° : long sleeved T and T-shirt, tights and shorts, socks or mittens or gloves, and hat over ears 20-29°: Polypro top or thick long sleeved T, another T-shirt layer, tights and shorts, mittens or gloves, and hat over ears. 10-19 °: Polypro top and thick long long sleeved T, tights and shorts, wind suit (top and pants), thick mitten, thick hat over ears. 0-9°: Two polypro tops, thick tights and shorts (and thick underwear or supporter for men), Gore-Tex or similar thickness warm-up, gloves and thick mittens, ski mask and hat over ears, and Vaseline covering any exposed skin. minus 15 to minus 1: Two thick Polypro tops, tights and thick polypro tights and thick underwear (and supporter for men), thick warm-up, gloves, thick (arctic) ski mask and thick hat over ears, Vaseline covering any exposed skin, thicker socks on feet and other measures for feet, as needed. minus 20 and below: Add layers as needed. Stay in touch with the outdoor and ski shops for the warmest clothing which is thin. Watch your feet. There are some socks which heat up…and other innovations. Note: There are only recommendations; use the combination of layers which works best for you. www.jeffgalloway.com/learn/clothing/

[@Patsharpx]

The cold is not really any issue for me as I'm aa skier as well so I have wool baselayers for the really cold days and maybe a thicker fleece buff. Ice is more of an issue, so I have studs that I put on my trailshoes, but they are not perfect when it is really icy, it can still be slippery. And it's not that comfortable when its no ice or snow.

[@joelcollings5620]

The true runners stay for winter :P

[@user-fe6wt8yb6d]

X cross skiing gear for winter running. Anything by Craft, Decathlon stocks quite a bit too, usually…

[@annamariabo8963]

My biggest problem with Goretex is the water still comes in down the legs and socks, and then it doesn't get out again. Not worth it in my opinion. I use Runlites on my hands rather than a headlight, I like the option of having two lights and not that close to my eyes.

[@MrJdub905]

I use tube socks as my winter running gloves, it looks super goofy but my hands stay nice and warm.

[@chloebenn5708]

For me, a fleace headband over my ears is best, keeps the wind chill off but lets the heat out the top of your head.

[@StephanieLuff]

Anyone have recommendations for keeping my nasal passages from cracking in the cold?

[@mtimbroims]

That’s not winter running if you’re from Canada. That’s early autumn 🍂😉.

[@alexanders4911]

How cold does it usually get in uk where u live Ben? I live in Sweden n i reckon its (much) colder here than there... in his book, Julian Goater recommends to always wrap those legs up...to err on the warm side....its tricky to dress for autumn/winter running cos u dont want to feel cold n if u overdress (thats me!) u are soaking in sweat at the end of the run.

[@lewisbulled6764]

It rarely drops below 0 Celsius in general

[@avnermeyrav]

Could your February race be Tel Aviv...?

[@zuttreatilhenorakuzraplutt2308]

♠️ Seasonal Activewear 2023: ♦️My common-sense’s gone out the window.🤭 Thank you Mr Parkes for clearing up all the confusion. “You are the very best and an extraordinary athlete and entrepreneur”.💎👍

[@heathenstrengthtraining3059]

I suffer from arthritis, which means winter running is awfully painful at times. I also struggle a lot in the rain too. I tend to make great progress during the summer, and then lose it all in the winter. I'm also immuno-supressed too, so through winter i catch bug after bug after bug 🤣

[@kizzmiazzz]

in deep dark and ice cold freezing winter, the only gear you need is a treadmill inside where its nice and warm (:

[@nicolettagazzola7972]

anybody using merino long sleeves tshirts? ( different thickness depending on temperatures): it helps to maintain body warm..

[@drumrunner72]

Anything in double figures 10 degrees + is a vest for me 🥵

[@slavasss2189]

What about glasses? Its very important in cold windy conditions , imo

[@gchappell4450]

waterproof running socks…wondering if they’re any good?

[@DanGTT]

I just find out about Raynaud's disease - thanks for sharing

[@Don-da-ke]

Base layers are a must!

[@Ginguredrunner]

Come for a run in Canada lol 🥶

[@alexanders4911]

0-5 degrees Celsius is common here this time of the year...

[@alexanders4911]

What is Reynalds?

[@Andy.mikhail137]

Any glove recommendations for Canadian winter ?! -20 -30c

[@mrpoutine6588]

I find the standard convertible gloves with the stowaway mitt wind cover (something like Nofel's Classic Converter Glove) to work well while running at those temps, for me. On long runs at that temp I normally put an old pair of ski mitts in my vest or something like Nofel's Cold Weather Mitten to put on as a backup. You obviously don't want to be too cold in you gloves, but you equally don't want to be too warm in your gloves. Sweating in your gloves means wet gloves and wet can quickly turn into cold which is dangerous. Also at those temps while running I normally have an emergency foil blanket and extra layer in my running vest.

[@raphaellandry8411]

I have a kind of winter glove that also has a wingshield cover that goes over it so it can handle those temperatures, but it takes at least 5-10 min before your hands are warm

[@dhdavidholloway]

If you use hand warmers , to a certain extent it doesn't matter to much what gloves you wear. They last for many hours and do in fact get extremely warm. i only use them when it gets to the temperatures you mention or if there is a severe wind chill.

[@Feanaro5503]

The cold isn't so bad, but when it's also windy it makes my nose run and I end up spending most of my winter runs using one hanky every mile or two.

[@nevertoolate8589]

What were those winter socks?

[@daleskoulding1000]

From Stance I think he said.

[@nevertoolate8589]

@@daleskoulding1000 i’ll check. Thanks, i couldn’t quite catch that.

[@alexanders4911]

You have beautiful hair Ben. You should exploit it more instead of hiding it with baseball caps... Or is Sarah the only one who gets to enjoy your hair 😉

[@jimbeam4736]

I prefer running in winter over summer. In the summer we have to deal with nasty insects, allergies, insane sweating and constant electrolyte intake etc. Nothing better than the clean cold winter landscape.

[@andyhickmann2173]

Came here for the gloves

[@alexanders4911]

Who is mike in Chicago? Michael Jordan??

[@geofflodge3312]

Ben is probably referring to the You Tuber, Kofuzi (Mike). PS: Raynauds syndrome affects blood circulation, particularly in the hands. 🖐👍

[@chong3201]

No offence but you don’t have a winter