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To run in winter conditions, you need warmth and protection from the elements, but you also need to maintain some element of the style that you run with in the spring, summer, and fall. Getting the right gear means wearing the right jacket, tights, hats, and gloves (or mittens) for the conditions and the kind of running you’re doing. (You also need to make sure you’re getting enough traction from your shoes, too!) The gear team at Outside, led by contributing editor Lisa Jhung, wear-tested dozens of women’s jackets, hats, running pants, tights, gloves, and mittens to come up with a collection of the best women’s winter running apparel for 2024-2025. (Click here for a roundup of the best men’s winter running apparel for this season.)
Winter Running Jackets
At a Glance
- The Best Women’s Winter Running Jackets (full review)
- Best All-Around: Rab Kinetic Ultra Waterproof Jacket ($210)
- Best Value: Saucony Hurricane Insulated Jacket ($200)
- Best for Mild Climates: Nathan Sports HyperNight Stealth Jacket ($120)
- Best for Snow and Cold: Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket ($135)
- Best for Trails and Travel: ON Running Ultra Jacket ($270)
- Other Products We Tested
Best All-Around Jacket
Rab Kinetic Ultra Waterproof Jacket
$210 at Amazon $210 at Campsaver
Materials: 3-layer proprietary ProFlex recycled polyester with polyurethane coating
Sizing: XS-XL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Both waterproof and breathable in the ideal ratio for runners
⊕ Adjustable hood
⊗ No insulation (but rarely needed when running)
Winter Running Pants and Tights
At a Glance
- The Best Winter Running Tights and Pants (full review)
- Best All-Around: Nike Universa Leggings ($110)
- Best for Winter Trail Running: Salomon Sense Aero Stow Tights ($110)
- Best Value: CEP Cold Weather Pants ($100)
- Best for Beginners: Smartwool Active Fleece Joggers ($170)
- Most Versatile: Oiselle Lux Life Full Tights ($108)
- Other Products We Tested
Best All-Around Running Tights
Nike Universa Medium-Support High-Waisted Full-Length Leggings
$110 at Nike $110 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Material: 76% nylon, 24% spandex; Gusset lining: 84% nylon, 16% spandex
Fit: High-rise waist; tight fit
Pros and Cons
⊕ Comfortable, compressive fit
⊕ Deep side pockets comfortably hold phone and other items
⊗ The name. C’mon, Nike! Simplify!
RELATED: 3 Smart Options to Enhance Your Traction for Winter Running
Winter Running Hats, Gloves and Mittens
At a Glance
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- The Best Winter Running Hats, Gloves, and Mittens (full review)
- Best All-Around Hat: Skida Running Hat ($36)
- Best All-Around Mittens: Tracksmith Fens Mittens ($40)
- Best for Cold Ears: Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Headband ($20)
- Most Versatile: Ibex Glove Liners ($50)
- Best Mittens for Cold Wind: Rab Xenon Mittens ($50)
- Best Hat for Snow and Cold: Ciele Athletics HOTHCap ($90)
- Best Hat for High Output Running: Rab Filament Beanie ($30)
Best All-Around Hat
Skida Running Hat
$36 at Backcountry $36 at Skida
Materials: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
Sizing: S/M and M/L
Pros and Cons
⊕ Packs down small enough to fit in a pocket
⊕ Keeps ears warm while venting excess heat
⊗ Not thick and warm enough for frigid temps
Best All-Around Mittens
Tracksmith Fens Mittens
Materials: 100% Polyester Kore-Techno Fleece
Sizing: S-L
Pros and Cons
⊕ Both warm and breathable
⊕ Can double as casual-wear mittens
⊗ Not water-resistant or waterproof