When the temperatures drop, it’s time to rethink your run kit. While you’ll still see the odd hardy soul running around in shorts and a vest (brr!), for keeping your muscles warm and ensuring your winter running is more comfortable, you can’t beat a bit of investment in some thermal gear.
So what to look for? Ideally, your thermal kit will be constructed from fabrics that feel soft and comfortable against the skin (nobody wants kit that feels like cardboard) while offering excellent warmth, sweat wicking and microbial properties to avoid it holding onto sweat or ending up stinky by mid-season. Next, look for extra features but don’t pay for them if you don’t need them. Some runners like a zipped pocket for keys/card/gels etc, while reflective details or colourways that aren’t just black are always welcome for all kit, especially as many winter runs are likely to be in low light.
Layering is key to winter running, too, so on test here are thermal run tights and long-sleeved tops. Add more layers on top for extra warmth, waterproofing and windproofing. So, on to the tests…
DHB AERON MICRO GRID
The recycled Polartec Power Grid fleece material used here is soft to the touch and felt really comfortable against the skin. It also proved really breathable and lightweight in testing. Plus it’s fitted, so it wicked sweat really well, helping keep us warm but dry. There are good thumb holes and long sleeves to help keep your hands warm on the colder runs and, while the top is all black, there is some reflective detailing on the back and front. There’s also a handy security zipwhich allowed cold air to sneak in. While we tested it on its own in October, it could easily be layered for colder winter weather.
