Winter is coming - need advice on running pants/tights

Having run in plenty of -40 temperatures, the lower body isn’t usually a huge concern. Most winter running tights do just fine. Take care of the genitalia by wearing an extra layer.

Thanks!

The poster with the advice about the tights is right.

Do put an extra layer over the gen area. If youve ever had to unthaw that region in the shower you'll know exactly why.

Upper body: I have three UA coldgear turtlenecks. I usually put another long sleeve layer on top. If you can find a running vest to add on more layer to the torso, you'll be good -5 to 5.

Next are gloves. I have Rossignol and Head gloves. They are less than $20. I also have a thin pair of white running gloves that I wear underneath in the coldest of temps as a base layer. Be careful of the latest and greatest technologies in gloves. I have endured reactions on my finger tips due to defects. Burning sensations. Ive learned to keep it simple with gloves. You dont need the $50 gloves.

The balaclavas and "neck tubes" or gaiters are also nice to have. I find I need to go out with one on but 600m in you need to breathe so it is pulled down. But if you endure a headwind you can pull it back up. They key is having that flexibility and also having one that does the same things as a hat would. I also have a running headband in case I need my ears covered separately.

https://www.backcountry.com/outdoor-research-tundra-aerogel-balaclava

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06ZZXC4YQ/

Get underpants with an extra cover for your little willy.

It hurts like hell to thaw your little friend.

I've had success with nike and new balance tights down to a bit below 0F. Wear compression shorts or underwear underneath for the sake of your member. To me, the top is a lot harder to figure out than tights as I always seemed to be over or under dressed for the conditions when it gets that cold.

Used to wear tights, but now just wear compression shorts under normal shorts (unless really bad bitter wind), it's enough.

I’m done more subzero dark runs that I care to think about at one time. Windproof and wool briefs are clutch if there’s wind. Unless it’s an interval day, I like looser running pants - just get anything that fits, what you wear under matters more. Another good tip is those silly damn triathlete compression socks under the tights to keep Achilles and calves warm. Finally combinations of light shell mittens with wool gloves under will work for all temps between 30’s and 3’s. Wool hat and wool neck gaiter for the really bad days. I like duckworth (USA baby!!) and smart wool stuff.

‘There’s a certain satisfaction to being out there training when you know your competitors are someplace warm and comfortable.’

Here are the wind briefs:

https://www.smartwool.com/shop/mens-merino-sport-250-wind-boxer-brief-sw019030?variationId=001&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7LfW3-7T8wIVh3xvBB2IMAhwEAQYAyABEgK0_vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The best thing I've found for cold-weather training is a spin bike.

That's mostly not sarcastic. On cold days, I can put on my gear, warm up for 5 minutes on the bike, and then hit the outdoors already warmed up. That meant a few less pieces of cold-weather gear to stuff in a pocket after 1-2 miles and made running in sub-freezing temperatures a lot more practical.

On extremely cold days, I skipped the outdoors altogether and stayed on the bike.

Underpants matter wrote:

Get underpants with an extra cover for your little willy.

It hurts like hell to thaw your little friend.

Nah, the worst is when the thighs get really cold. TheniIt feels like they're stones.

I live in Minnesota, I still run outside when it's cold, I think my limit is probably -15 or -20 Fahrenheit. Layers are your friend, mainly around your man piece. You don't want to freeze that.

When I run outside in that temperature I wear my thickest hat, I cover my nose/mouth if it's below 0 or maybe even 5 degrees, don't want to freeze the lungs. I'll wear a T-shirt, long sleeve, then a half-zip and then my main running jacket. I have salomon gloves that are crazy warm, I don't know how they do it. My hands will sweat at 0 degrees with only the salomon gloves, I'll have to take them out of my gloves for a bit to cool off then put them back on. They are good well under 0 degrees. Then I have running shorts, then half tights, then full running tights, then running pants. For the feet I just wear some somewhat thick socks and the shoes.

I recommend you grow a pair.

Craft

Sub135 wrote:

Male hobby runner. Love to run in dead of winter when it is 0 degrees out.

So far, I have run with Pearl Izumi tights (legs only, not a bib). They are pretty thick. Been wearing those out quicker than I had expected and want to try something new.

What are you recommending for extreme-cold? I should note that I also will bike in this weather as well.

I get very cold very easily.

For bottoms, when it’s very cold like 10F, I wear Pearl IZUMi’s Summit pants that are Amfib insulated and meant for colder winter weather (as opposed to a similar one for fall/spring). They fit like pants, not like tights. I’ve never needed to wear anything except underwear underneath them even while cycling in the teens, so they are certainly warm enough for running too.

I find that PI’s unpadded tights alone are fine for running until the 40s and maybe 30s but not in the 20s.

So if I want something tight when it’s really cold, I wear a wool base layer (150 to 400 gsm depending on cold) and a poly jogger on top that fits snug but not tight that’s just a cheap Walmart brand (Russell I think) but works well for layering for me. A 400gsm wool tight alone is usually enough until the 30s but wool has holes making it cold if there’s wind, so layering helps.

Nothing like a pair of old school sweat pants over some tights when it gets very cold outside. Keeps the legs warm and big willy doesn't complain. If it's windy then add some nylon wind shell.

For the top I wear long sleeve shirts, sweat top and a rain/wind jacket. Gloves or mittens for the hands. Wool hat for the head that covers the ears.

Cyclists and XC skiers are out in the winter, too. They are a lot better at this than runners are.

When its really cold out, the inexpensive go to option is good 'ole Haines waffle knit long underwear. Layer over with running pants.

For winter cycling I have a pair of Assos bibs. For me, I need warmer clothes cycling than running. Most any tights will work running but I have a pair from North Face that I really like

Thanks all for the feedback.

Ran today (not too chilly, low 30s) and it was a sweatbox with just a long-sleeve t under a wind jacket. I wore the PI tights...they were overkill. I will give some thought to lighter tights with wind pants and other options. Thanks again.

This is Jim Kiler wrote:

Cyclists and XC skiers are out in the winter, too. They are a lot better at this than runners are.

i find this is true, but a big part of it is that runners are unwilling to spend money on gear.