When the cold temperatures start creeping in, it's time to change your exercise routine to fit the weather. That doesn't mean you have to move indoors (although I wouldn't blame you if you did). It means that you need to have some quality clothes in your exercise wardrobe to make workouts more enjoyable. Below are some of my favorite clothes for both men and women to layer up in the winter and keep warm and dry.
1. Terramar EC2 Silk Long Underwear Bottoms
If it's very cold and/or windy, you may want to start with a light, sweat-wicking base layer to help keep you warm, even when you sweat. These Terramar silk long bottoms are a great choice because they're light, thin and breathable. They also fit well under an outer layer, like wind pants.
These can make your workouts a bit too hot, depending on the temperature. The general rule of thumb is to dress like it's about 10 degrees colder than it really is.
2. Patagonia Women's SilkWeight Pants
I bought a pair of these for backpacking, but use them more often during cold weather walks, runs or snow-shoveling adventures. These Patagonia bottoms, made of silk, make a great first layer to keep you warm, yet allow sweat to evaporate. They're a little more expensive, but they last a long time and they also fit well under loose-fitting running pants.3. Patagonia Women's Capilene Top
For your top, you'll also want to stick with something lightweight and breathable so your sweat evaporates, which will help keep you dry and warm. Patagonia's Capilene Top is the perfect base layer for outdoor exercise and light enough to fit under a long-sleeved top during cold weather. The silky fabric won't chafe and you'll find this top will last a long time. I've had mine for going on three years and it's still in excellent shape.4. Patagonia Men's Silkweight Capilene Crew
Once again, I turn to Patagonia when recommending long underwear. This silkweight shirt (owned and loved by my husband) is so light and comfortable, it's almost like being naked with one big exception -- you're warm and dry. It's light enough to wear alone on warm days, but breathable enough to wear under heavier layers when it's cold outside. It's also perfect as a base layer for skiing and snowboarding.5. Men's REI Power Stretch Half-Zip Top
Your next layer, if you're wearing a base layer, is a breathable top -- either a vest or a long-sleeve shirt, depending on your preferences and how cold it is outside. This half-zip top is a good choice for cold weather, especially if it's raining or snowing outside. You can control your body temperature by zipping it up or down and the nylon outer material sheds water and wind, so you may be able to wear this without a jacket, if it's not too cold out.6. Women's RRS Moonbeam 1/2 Zip Top
This mid-weight running top for women is perfect over either a sports bra or lightweight long underwear. It's made of 100% CoolMax material, so it's a great layering piece. You may not even need a jacket over this one if the weather's decent, and you can regulate your temperature by unzipping when you get hot or zipping back up when you get cold -- a must in changeable outdoor weather.7. The North Face Power Stretch Gloves
Finding a good pair of gloves for outdoor exercise is tough, but the North Face Power Stretch Gloves are great for keeping your hands warm and dry during cold or wet weather. They're made of fleece, which keeps you warm, and the outer material has Nylon/Lycra spandex which provides wind resistance and protection from the elements. These gloves have even kept my hands warm on bitterly cold days, so they would also work for skiing or snowboarding.8. North Face Apex Bionic Jacket for Men and Women
If you live in colder climates, this jacket is a must for any outdoor activity. My husband and I both have this jacket and we both love it for different reasons. He loves it because it offers protection from the elements without adding bulk. I love it because it blocks the wind and still fits under my heavier winter coat. It can be a little warm unless it's very cold out, but it's a good choice for long runs or walks. The internal layer is made of fleece, which keeps you warm and dry, and the outer material is strong and flexible.9. The North Face Flash Fleece Beanie
This is another North Face favorite that my husband and I both love. It's 100% fleece, so it keeps your head warm for everything from running to shoveling snow. It's not as great when it's windy out, but it's so lightweight, it's actually comfortable to wear all the time. It comes in different colors for both men and women and, best of all, it won't make your head itch.
