Gifts for the Friend Who Still Runs Outside When It’s Fucking Cold

Running outside is almost always superior to running on a treadmill because you get to see both nature and other people’s dogs. Maybe you have a runner friend who feels similarly, or perhaps they simply canceled their gym membership during the pandemic and no longer have access to a treadmill. But the seasons are once again turning to winter, and dressing to run in cold temperatures presents a challenge: Your body will warm up once you start running, but one wind gust and some cloud cover can have you shivering. The best strategy is to keep your hands, ears, and torso extra warm and have pockets to stash gloves and headwear for periods of overheating.

And so, here are some key items that will make winter runs bearable, from two-in-one gloves to taller socks. And while running gear can be absurdly expensive, things don’t have to cost a lot to be effective. (The vest I recommend is from Old Navy, for example.)

But first, I do want to specify what I mean by “fucking cold” for outdoor running. As a person who grew up in Pennsylvania, I will run outside when the temperature is as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If the “feels-like” temp is much below 20, I refuse. So, specifically, this is a guide to running in 20- to 45-ish-degree weather. (I don’t think many people need help dressing for 50-degree runs, arguably perfect running weather.) If your friend lives in the Upper Midwest or New England, they will probably laugh at the idea of 20 degrees as “fucking cold.” I salute them, and say that everything here still applies—they’ll just need to layer a looser pair of pants over their tights and a Fancy Running Jacket or even a ski jacket.

Those stretchy black “magic” gloves are not going to cut it. Not only do you need sweat-wicking materials, but when wind gusts try to flash-freeze you, you can pull out your mitt cover for an extra layer of warmth. Going total mitten is usually too warm and regular gloves may not be enough.

Saucony fortify convertible glove, $35

Because it is so cold, all water fountains have been turned off. This 10-ounce bottle is big enough to keep you hydrated and small enough to not be annoying. You are under no obligation to fill it to the top for shorter runs. The zippered pocket can stow your ID, credit card, cash, and keys. This bottle is also nice when it’s fucking hot out and you are thirsty every 5 minutes.

Nathan quickshot plus hydration flask, $20

These are brushed fleece on the inside, which is delightful. They also have a rear zip pocket and side mesh pockets, which are upgrades from the pair I own.

Nike pro therma-fit leggings, $60

Nike’s “element” line has fuzzy nubbies inside that keep you warm. (They call them nodes, but I will not.) This shirt covers your neck and part of your butt, and the cuffs have thumbholes for those times when you’re too hot for gloves—or dropped a glove, RIP—but need just a bit of paw coverage. If it’s not teeth-chatteringly cold, you can wear this over a T-shirt and be set. Otherwise, add a vest (see next).

Nike therma-fit element half-zip running top, $85