Running Through the Seasons: Layering, Visibility and Wet-Weather Kit

Most running discomfort is a clothing decision made at the front door. You warm up considerably within the first mile, so dressing for how it feels standing still guarantees overheating.

The layering principle

Dress as though it were noticeably warmer than it is. You should feel slightly cool at the start. If you are comfortable before you begin, you will be too hot shortly after.

• Base layer — moves sweat away from skin. Synthetic or merino. Cotton holds water and chills you, which is why it is the wrong choice in every season.
• Mid layer — insulation, only when cold enough to need it.
• Outer layer — wind and rain protection.

Extremities lose heat fastest and warm up least. Gloves and a hat make more difference per gram than another torso layer, and are easy to remove and carry.

Waterproof, water resistant, and the honest answer

A fully waterproof jacket keeps rain out and also keeps sweat in. Running generates a lot of moisture, so in heavy rain you will end up wet either way. What matters is staying warm while wet and not being battered by wind.

• Water resistant with good breathability is usually the better running choice than fully waterproof.
• Wind protection is often the more valuable property, since wind chill on wet skin is what makes you cold.
• Taped seams and a hood that stays put matter if you do choose full waterproof.
• Vents under the arms and across the back make a real difference.

Being seen

In winter most running happens in the dark. Visibility kit is the least glamorous and most useful category.

• Reflective detail works when a light source hits it — good for cars, useless on unlit paths.
• Active lights, front and rear, work regardless. A small clip light costs very little.
• A head torch if you run anywhere unlit. Check the beam pattern and the battery life, and that it does not bounce.

Hot weather

Light colours, loose fit, and fabric that dries quickly. Sun protection on exposed skin, and a cap if it is bright. Plan the route around water if it is long, or carry it — a handheld bottle or a small vest, whichever you can tolerate, which is personal.

Chafing

The problem nobody mentions until it happens. Seams in the wrong place, wet fabric and long distances cause it. Flat seams, correct fit, and an anti-chafe balm on known spots solve almost all of it. Cotton makes it worse.

Before you order

Check the fabric composition rather than the marketing name, and avoid cotton for anything worn next to the skin. Check jacket vents and hood adjustment. Check that reflective detail is on moving parts such as legs and arms, where it is most visible. And check the return terms, since fit on running kit is difficult to judge and a jacket that rides up is unusable.