Winter Trail Running: What You Need

"There is something magical about running; after a certain distance, it transcends the body. Then a bit further, it transcends the mind. A bit further yet, and what you have before you, laid bare, is the soul."

- KRISTIN ARMSTRONG 

Trail Running is the sport that keeps on giving, and each season brings something new and exciting to the trails. Summer, spring, and fall bring bright vibrant colours, and warm sunshine. Often, people discover the sport of trail running in these seasons. Then, winter brings beautiful white blankets of snow. But, what happens when the extremely cold temperatures arrive? You guessed it… we keep running! And we want you to keep running as well. Winter is a season that can easily keep you inside… but let’s help equip you to stay outdoors doing what you love on trail. With the right gear, that is possible!

Before jumping into some products that we recommend, here are a few pointers to live by when preparing for trail running in the winter season:

1. Keep all extremities covered (Fingers, ankles, ears, etc). If you are shopping for your winter trail gear, remember to buy full length tights, tall socks, gloves, a hat… you get the point. You do not want skin to be exposed if you are running through the snow, or you are in extremely cold weather.
2. Layer up! It is always better to end up being too warm, then to be too cold. Remember you can always take off a layer, or take the gloves off, if you’re feeling like your body needs a breather. You do not want to get out in the middle of a trail run and have numb hands, or wish you had a hat on. That makes for a very long run in the cold. :)
3. Bring dry clothes to change into after a run. Being wet (sweaty) and cold is not a good mix. If you are planning on sticking around to hang out with your trail friends after a run, or you aren’t sure if you’ll make it back home right away to change… make sure you have dry clothes to get into after your winter adventures. You will be chilled to the bone if you stay in your wet clothes.
4. Do not wear cotton while being out in the cold. Why? If the air is colder than your body temperature , you’ll feel cold because your cotton clothing is saturated and no longer providing any insulation. This can lead to becoming extremely chilled when sweating, or being active out in colder temperatures. Merino wool is extremely important to stay nice and warm. 

CHECKLIST:

HANDS

• Gloves

https://riverandtrail.ca/winter-accessories/

https://riverandtrail.ca/merinosprt-flc-trn-glove/

LAYERS

• Base layer

Men: https://riverandtrail.ca/baselayers/

Women: https://riverandtrail.ca/baselayers-1/

• Shell

HEAD /NECK

• Headlamps

https://riverandtrail.ca/search.php?search_query=headlamp§ion=product

• Cover the ears/head

https://riverandtrail.ca/chase-beanie/

• Buff/neck covering

https://www.buff.com/ca/neckwear/running.html

FEET

• Merino wool socks (or your preferred sock, but stay away from cotton)

https://riverandtrail.ca/search.php?search_query=running%20socks§ion=product

• Spikes/crampons

https://riverandtrail.ca/trail-crampon-ultra/

• Shoes (Check out the blog post on “picking the right trail shoes”)

https://riverandtrail.ca/river-trail-talk/how-to-choose-the-right-trail-running-shoes/

Winter trail running is a beautiful experience, when dressed correctly. There’s nothing like running through a trail with a white blanket of snow glowing around you. If you are new to trail running, don’t knock it until you try it. If you still aren’t sure what products to grab, come in and visit the shop to talk with us. We will get you all set up to stay warm on your trail adventures this winter! Buying lasting gear makes for a trusted experience while out for your winter runs. Stay active, and stay warm!