Gear Up for the Weather

Dressing and gearing up for the weather—both current conditions and the forecast—is a vital part of staying safe and reasonably comfortable while running outdoors. Read our guidelines and plan accordingly—day and night, in all temps and conditions, year-round.

Hot (above 60 degrees)

• Daytime/light: Wear breathable, light-colored clothing such as shorts and tank top.
• Nighttime/dark: Wear breathable, bright-colored clothing such as shorts and tank top. Also consider a light-up vest, headlamp, or flashlight.
• Raining: Wear breathable, light-colored clothing such as shorts and tank top and a tech-fabric running hat or visor.
• Nighttime/dark and raining: Wear breathable, bright-colored clothing such as shorts and tank top, and a tech-fabric running hat or visor. Also consider a light-up vest, headlamp, or flashlight.

Warm (45-60 degrees)

• Daytime/light: Wear clothing that covers or semi-covers the arms or legs, such as a short-sleeve tech shirt and tights or long-sleeve tech shirt and shorts. 
• Nighttime/dark: Wear clothing that covers or semi-covers the arms or legs, such as a short-sleeve tech shirt and pants or long-sleeve and shorts. Also consider a light-up vest, headlamp, or flashlight.
• Raining: Wear clothing that covers or semi-covers the arms or legs, such as a short-sleeve tech shirt and pants or long-sleeve tech shirt and shorts, and a tech-fabric running hat or visor. A light rain jacket is optional.
• Nighttime/dark and raining: Wear clothing that covers or semi-covers the arms or legs, such as a short-sleeve tech shirt and pants or long-sleeve tech shirt and shorts. A light rain jacket is optional. Also consider a light-up vest, headlamp, or flashlight.

Cold (32-45 degrees)

• Daytime/light: Wear a layer of clothing that fully covers the arms and legs, such as a long-sleeve tech shirt and tights. Wear an under-layer on the upper body to keep the core warm, such as a short-sleeve tech shirt. Gloves and hat are optional.
• Nighttime/dark: Wear a bright-colored layer of clothing that fully covers the arms and legs, such as a long-sleeve tech shirt and tights. Wear an under-layer on the upper body to keep the core warm, such as a short-sleeve tech shirt. Gloves and hat are optional. Consider a light-up vest, headlamp, or flashlight.
• Raining: Wear a layer of clothing that fully covers the arms and legs, such as a rain jacket and tights or rain pants. Wear an under-layer on the upper body to keep the core warm, such as a tech shirt, and a tech-fabric running hat or visor. Gloves and hat are optional.
• Nighttime/dark and raining: Wear a bright-colored layer of clothing that fully covers the arms and legs, such as a rain jacket and tights or rain pants. Wear an under-layer to keep the core warm, such as a tech shirt, and a tech-fabric running hat or visor. Gloves and hat are optional. Consider a light-up vest, headlamp or flashlight.

Freezing (below 32 degrees)

• Daytime/light: Wear at least three layers on the core, such as a short-sleeve tech shirt, long-sleeve tech shirt, and running jacket. Cover extremities with gloves/mittens, hat/ear warmers, and warm socks. Clothing should fit snugly to reduce heat loss. In extreme cold cover face with scarf, mask, or buff.
• Nighttime/dark: Wear at least three layers on the core, such as a short-sleeve tech shirt, long sleeve tech shirt, and bright-colored running jacket. Cover extremities with gloves/mittens, hat/ear warmers, and warm socks. Clothing should fit snugly to reduce heat loss. In extreme cold cover face with scarf, mask, or buff. Consider a light-up vest, headlamp, or flashlight.
• Snowing: Wear at least three layers on the core, such as a short-sleeve tech shirt, long-sleeve tech shirt, and running jacket. Cover extremities with gloves/mittens, hat/ear warmers, and warm socks. Clothing should fit snugly to reduce heat loss. In extreme cold and/or heavy snow cover face with scarf, mask, or buff.
• Nighttime/dark and snowing: Wear at least three layers on the core, such as a short-sleeve tech shirt, long-sleeve tech shirt, and bright-colored running jacket. Cover extremities with gloves/mittens, hat/ear warmers, and warm socks. Clothing should fit snugly to reduce heat loss. Consider a light-up vest, headlamp, or flashlight.

Keep in Mind…

• Windchill: You may want to add a layer on windy days, especially if you’re running into a headwind.
• Duration: Weather can change quickly, so check the forecast for the duration of your run, not just the start, and dress accordingly.
• Common sense: Some weather conditions are not conducive to running outdoors, period. Skip your run or head to the treadmill during electrical storms and hailstorms and in severe heat/humidity or cold/wind.