Vest for Winter Running

[surgtech1956]

I plan to run during the winter months as weather permits. I have a Brooks Nightlife Run Esstenial Jacket, some mid-heavier 1/2 shirts(New Balance NBx Windblock), plus alot of cycling clothes. Like for cycling I generally prefer a vest. You seasoned runners, do you think a vest would work during the colder temps, say down to 30 degrees(F) - I'm in Michigan? Any other tips for winter running? Thank you

[Tri Girl]

I have a fleece vest (similar to this one) that I run in during the winter. Winters are cold here, and I usually run even down into the 20's. I wear a wool l/s base layer (a short sleeve wool layer under that if it's really cold), a wool beanie, cheap little knit gloves, warm tights and wool socks during my winter runs.
I'm sure there are nicer vests out there, but a fleece one works just fine for me. As long as my core is warm, the rest of me stays fine. If it's really windy and cold, I usually will wear my wool Buff up around my face to keep it from freezing.
Winter running is my favorite!! I was laid out all last winter with a stress fracture, so I'm REALLY looking forward to running this winter!

[indysteel]

I have a Nike vest that I wear for running when it's really cold. It's similar to their current "shield" vest. I overheat pretty easily, so I reserve it for below freezing runs and, even then, it might be too much if the sun is out or the wind is down.

It takes a bit of experimenting to figure out how to dress when it's cold. You might start writing down the temps and conditions, what you wore and how appropriate it was. I end up having to relearn it every winter it seems.

[jessmarimba]

I think at 30 I'm still in just long sleeves and gloves I'd overheat in a vest. I have the same Brooks vest you do for cooler temps (teens) and a mountain hardwear ghost vest (maybe?) for wind. I'm a big wool fan, personally. Coldest run I did last year was in my ibex dress and thermal tights!

A trick for bottoms, though -I'll often later a summer running skort over running tights if it's really cold because the extra layers keep the skin on your butt from getting too cold.

(just saw your brooks is the jacket. I have some sort of brooks vest that I think is similar. When I find it I'll figure out what it is)

[lph]

(ooh, I get a kick out of answering as "a seasoned runner" )

I'm not that experienced a runner but the running I've been doing has often been in winter around those temperatures. And my experience is that I overheat very easily, and need to take care of hands and head and face long before I need an extra layer on my torso. I'll often wear a biking vest or thin wind jacket on my way there (I take the metro, then run the last part of my route to work, about 45 mins) and may start running with it on but have to peel it off very fast. I run with a hipbelt, and stuff it in there.

[OakLeaf]

+1 on writing down what you wear in different conditions (not only temperature, but humidity, wind and sun, all of which will affect how cold or hot you feel). It definitely took a while for me to figure out.

The biggest difference between dressing for running vs. cycling is that you don't have much wind chill at the lower speeds. It depends on your cold tolerance too. When I'm going for a short run in cold weather, I'd much rather overdress so that I'm reasonably comfortable when I start out, even if it means I'll be way overheated before I come back.

Layering is key. Have a way to stash a hat so that you can take it off when it starts getting too hot. You can wear arm warmers and just push them down to your wrists for temperature control. Neck and pit zippers help, too.

You can definitely run in chamois-less cycling tights. Wool is ideal for a base layer or even two layers on top.

[surgtech1956]

Thanks for all the information. I never thought about wearing cycling tights with chamois. I have running capris and loose tights. The tights are pretty heavy, I will probably be in need to some thinner ones. I have quite a few technical tees, both long and short sleeve for layering. I found a Saucony Vizipro Orange Vest online(clearance) that I might order. Probably most of my running will be after work around 6pm and a busy road(45mph) with a bike lane, so the more visible the better.

[indysteel]

I would only wear unpadded tights for running.

If you're going to be running at night, you might invest in some reflective gear that you can wear no matter how you are otherwise dressed. I use an Amphipod Xinglet. It's basically a harness that has reflective material on all sides. That, combined with a Black Diamond Sprinter headlamp helps me see and be seen.

[Tri Girl]

A trick for bottoms, though -I'll often later a summer running skort over running tights if it's really cold because the extra layers keep the skin on your butt from getting too cold.

Never thought about that. Why have I never thought about that? Duh! Great idea! My butt cheeks always get soooo cold, so I usually wear underwear under my running tights, but that leaves VPL and sometimes chaffes. Brilliant!! I've been doing this far too long to have not thought about that before! Thanks!

[OakLeaf]

Heh. I don't care about VPL when I'm running, and I like to wear underwear under winter tights so that I can wear the tights more than once between washings. I only have one pair of each weight! I love the Ibex briefs under running tights or yoga pants - honestly they're pretty unflattering, but they don't ride up no matter what and they're full of wooly wonderfulness - warmer butt, no chafing and no wet clamminess.

[Tri Girl]

Heh. I don't care about VPL when I'm running, and I like to wear underwear under winter tights so that I can wear the tights more than once between washings. I only have one pair of each weight! I love the Ibex briefs under running tights or yoga pants - honestly they're pretty unflattering, but they don't ride up no matter what and they're full of wooly wonderfulness - warmer butt, no chafing and no wet clamminess.

wool britches- another DUH! I might have to try those... AND the skirt. I'm telling you, my butt cheeks (which take up ample surface area, BTW) get so dang cold in the winter. My cheeks thank you in advance!