Question:
1.What kind of clothing would you recommend for cold weather running? I won't
be running more then three miles (25-30 mins time) and the temperature
usually hovers around 15-25 degrees Fahrenheit. (this will also be in the
morning)
2. would like to hear opinions on running jackets for winter
running. Quality,warmth,windproof,waterproof,breathable,etc.
I'm hooked on HIND but am having trouble finding them here,anything
else close to theses?
Answer:1.synthetic pants or tights, long-sleeve synthetic top and maybe a
windshell, probably light mittens, might need a hat or earband until you
warm up, then peel it off, although 30 min is pretty short. If it's
before sunup, it may feel cooler than if you've got sun beating down on
you. If you tend to feel cold, then a short-sleeve t or a vest might be
helpful at cooler end of those temps. Synthetic or wool socks. Big thing
is to avoid cotton, esp. for base layers.
2.I have a ASICS gore tex jacket that is very wind and water proof.
However, unless it is down to around 10 degree, it is just too heavy.
I have a NIKE micro fiber jacket that does really good in 10-30 degree
windy and moderate percipitation conditions. A nice compromise seems
to be a NIKE clima-fit jacket I have, seems to breath better than the
gore tex and just as water repellant. The key to any cold weather gear
is proper clothing underneath.
2.I've had good success with the Mountain Equipment Coop's cycling jacket. It has
good ventilation thru pit zips, and does not hold in (much) moisture. It is not
waterproof, despite some vague claim of being water resistant or something. I
still wear it in the rain, because I'd get soaked without it, or soak myself
with GoreTex. The Running Room has a similar jacket.
I also have a Sugoi jacket which I bought entirely because I liked the look. It
is a similar fabric, with venting through the back. The two things extra good
about it are a generous pattern of reflective material, and a two way zipper.
The zipper allows you to unzip from the top as you heat up, and also from the
bottom to get a lot of ventilation. Venting from the top only eventually ends
up ballooning out, and falling off the shoulders.
Any of the big brands seem to make quite good jackets - many friends are in Nike
and NB jackets. Despite their huge marketing budget and hype, they make some
excellent technical clothing.
