Thank you for being budget conscious. I hate watching videos where I love the gear but then get sticker shock. For example, I watched a video review of a simple running jacket that ended up costing over $300.
I was watching a video on men's fashion made by a guy whom I sorta kinda related to when it came to style. The topic was on "affordable" men's watches (scare quotes my own insertion). One watch was $350. At the time that price range wasn't an option for me. The content creator became less relatable.
Running with mittens (at times layered with hand warmers and gloves) has been game changing for me. I thought I was the only runner with cold hands! Thanks for the recommendations.
For another budget option for mittens I can recommend the decathlon forclaz overmitt (20€ ). It is a waterproof mitten designed to wear over gloves. So if you have thin gloves for fall/spring you can pair these for the truly cold days. They block wind and water completely and let you regulate warmth for your hands as well. I am the kind of person who will start a run with gloves but take them off after 20mins or so when the blood is flowing nice and warm. so being able to adjust on the run is fantastic to me.
First time watching one of your videos and definitely subscribing. Thank you for recommending just using things that we already have. Helps when so much of the RU-vid sphere revolves around “needing more”. Such an honest video and really appreciate the perspective!
I strongly recommend the brand 32Degrees for great budget layering, particularly base layers. I’d personally save money on stuff like that so that I could spend more on items that are hard to find a cheap alternative for or will last a while, for instance a performance Gore Tex jacket. But if you already have one, then I think slowly replacing some of your budget stuff with merino and merino blend apparel will pay dividends as it’ll keep you warm even when wet, and the odor resistance means you can wear it a few times before washing which would also allow you to not have to buy multiples of items to get through a laundry cycle. My personal fav item for cold is the Nike Snood. Basically a buff but more contoured for the face and head, and has reflective bits for safety.
Wool socks, a light buff, slip on spikes and sunglasses for snow glare. Any top you mentioned can be covered with a light jacket once it goes below 20. I like cheap gloves covered by wool mittens so that if hands start to sweat I can take off one layer and still have protection. I've run in Maine down to -11 and felt fine.
Great video, Michael! I also like winter tights that have the wind-break material in the front. I know Craft, Smartwool, and Saucony all make this style. I got a Saucony pair, they were the least expensive and on sale. Otherwise the wind break tights can be pretty pricey $$$. But definitely worth grabbing a pair if you can find them discounted.
hey! nice new logo! I debated whether to discuss wind breaker tights. I love them and wear them frequently, but like you said, they tend to be more costly. and I'm not sure it would be the first thing I would get if I had to buy a bunch of stuff all over again all at once.
@@kofuzi thanks for the logo shout-out! And yes, I totally agree. They wouldn’t be the first thing I’d buy either. But man do they make a difference on those windy winter days. I’d say they’re good for your second pair of winter tights.
Appreciate the video as someone whose last marathon was in 2018! Would love to see more refreshes on some of your older vids like this! i.e. summer running, warm-up/cooldown, nutrition, etc!
In these tough times when every penny counts only one place to go for your winter running gear … Decathlon. Fantastic running gear at affordable prices and it will last you years. Ian 🇬🇧
About gloves: Kofuzi mentioned it a little, but wind blockage is a very big part of below freezing gloves. Merino wool and everything sounds great, but if you're running in a windy area then you're better off with some thinner but windproof gloves.
Canada here... it's currently a blizzard snow storm right now and I went for my run. One thing ild highly recommend is a Ski Mask!.. it came in super handy today. A lady I follow on Instagram recommended it and i am so so glad I found her!.. say goodbye to frozen lashes.. and cold/teary eye balls 🥶
As a Montréal winter runner, I NEVER leave the house to run in cold weather (ex: -5C/20-25F (even below freezing as a default temperature )) without my fleece neck warmer. A neck warmer will even compensate for underdressing either lower or upper body. Trust me on this. I run at 5am throughout the winter in a cold place. Great work on everything you do Kofuzi. I've watched you for years while preparing dinner etc. Your sincerity is genuine. Bravo.
@@santirulez i use a thin merino buff for this purpose to 0F or so. Below 0F days are rare even in Buffalo,NY for me. And below 0F is another game for me.
Bought a couple of those TCA pants at your recommendation a few years ago and love them! They get me through the whole winter with those two pairs (Florida winter that is).
Long time winter runner. I still like shorts until it gets to 30 degrees. Any recommendations around face/skin balms? I have fair skin and it gets destroyed every winter! Coconut oil before going out is ok but i think there has to be something better.
@kofuzi It looks like the Craft jacket offers insulation in the sleeves. My concern is that I don't want to get to hot and if the small would be the best fit (I am a 36" chest & 31" waist). Also the Baleaf running jacket is not available in my size. Though they do have similar jacket (pocket for phone is in the inside of the jacket :O/) that comes with a detachable insulated hood,. Which could be a nice option to have when it snows. Which do you like better between the Baleaf and Craft jacket?
you get what you pay for. especially when you may be running in hazardously cold conditions, some things certainly do cost a lot. but I don't think the things I've recommended here for beginners are frivolous.
Kofuzi hats off to you for recommending affordable brands instead of hyped premium European brands such as Soar and Saysky! Living near Montreal and running in very cold conditions for many years, I would add a few suggestions: 1) Black Diamond makes great quality mitts. I have enjoyed their « Wind hood softshell gloves ». They are very warm below freezing temperature, and as your hands start to get warm, you can remove and roll-in a thin nylon outer-sleeve which will then increase venting. 2) Having a jacket with a tight hood is a great way to create additional warmth as you start your run… then you can remove the hood to increase venting later. 3) Try to get a jacket with side pockets that are close to your body and zippered. You can use them to put your water bottle(s) away from the cold without them bouncing around too much. 4) A light fleece vest can also be a very versatile piece of clothing. In the Fall it acts as my outerlayer on top of a thin long-sleeve… and in the winter it acts as a second layer to keep my thorso warm, especially if my jacket has limited insulation. 5) In terms of socks, I swear by Smartwool merino socks. Super comfortable, warm and durable. Happy winter running everyone!
I’m in Montreal too and scared for this winter - it will be the first one I really want to run through. Have you tried heated gloves? Costco has some and I’m curious. For reference, I can’t feel my hands right now and it’s barely -5 to 0 these days in the AM.
@@patricia__alves_i'm from Montreal aswell going onto my 3rd year of winter running no matter the weather conditions. My recommendations would be to start off with whatever you have and layer up as needed....youll quickly learn what you should look into upgrading the more you run. I would recommend at a minimum something good to cover your face from the cold(they sell vented masks that wont cut your air out) and a good pair of gloves...the rest you can figure out as you go!
@@patricia__alves_ I have not tried them. As you run your hands will get warmer… much warmer than when just walking outside. Sometimes it can be -10 Celsius and at the end of a 50-minutes run I will remove my mitts because my hands are too warm. You want to go for mitts, not gloves. I don’t think you need wired mitts unless you do downhill skiing in super cold weather.
How about shoes? I notice you're running in a little snow and I would run in similar conditions. Are waterproof shoes overkill? And trail running or road? Thanks!
As a Swede 50% of my year is proper winter running so I feel quite some experience here, especially since Craft is a Swedish brand I have been using for decades 😊 Regarding Storm jacket, please notice this jacket is purpose built for cross country skiing. They have a running version of it (that fits better for running) that is called Craft M ADV CHARGE WARM JKT. It’s my favorite jacket for running during winter. I would also highlight that craft do great running hats that is way better than those traditional beanies since they consists of only functional materials, so they will keep you warm but still transport away the sweat and not collect it like a traditional hat/beanie.
If you're a beginner, pace your runs so you can go back home without making long pauses. You are going to be sweaty if you're not fit and you will need to make pauses, but in winter you cool down really, really fast 🙂
Craft makes some of the best stuff out there... a bit more expensive, but worth the spend. Also a big fan of columbia with omni heat, they make some really good base layers that help you stay warm and are not bulky.
I have just one word... SIERRA! I don't like spending a lot of $ on clothes that get grungy. I got lucky and recently purchased a Spyder packable running jacket for $29.00. If you're not too picky about colors, they have some great deals. It's the end of the winter season, so warm hats and gloves are cheap there.
My big problem has been not using mittens and sweating too much. I've been sweating way too much. I'm still playing with layers to see what works for me. Your advice about being a little cold in the beginning is something I'll try. I think I'm finally going to get some mittens since the last two days running an hour out in 10F has given me some painful fingers. I'll be out in 20F'ish for about 1.5-2hrs for this weeks long run so it's time to order those mittens now.
1.5-3 hour zone 2 sessions at 10 F are difficult. Quality of life improvements: 1. Polyester fishnet or mesh baselayers (wiggy or Brynje)... Light, minimal direct skin contact (if it gets soaked, it won't cause a lot of unwanted cooling), and breathable. This just gives my layering system much more stable and reliable performance than Merinho wool. 2. Extra pair of mittens stashed somewhere. Mittens are good unless they get wet. New dry mittens are good.
@@hypothalapotamus5293Thanks. I finally did get some mittens and they are much better. I also got my layers down to not sweat so much. Looking forward to winter being over though :)
I decided to take a chance on Baleaf tights and I must say, for $35 tights, they are comparable if not better than some of the other big brand tights that I own (Salomon, Under Armour, New Balance). If you're not looking to spend too much on tights, I highly recommend their tights.
I am essentially starting over… after having COVID for 3 weeks. I used to be able to run 13 miles easy but recently only did a half of a mile. I feel like Sonic after he loses his rings. Your energy is the last thing to come back.
Post covid is tough, I went from setting a half marathon PR a week prior to covid to not being able to run more than 4 miles at a slow pace for a couple months following. Took a solid 3 months before I started feeling better for running. Hope you’re back on your feet asap!
@@bwsinfonia13 DUDE! Get a massage gun ASAP. I’ve had the same thing happen. A chiropractor used one on me and I came home and went right to Amazon. Around $100 later I have one and been using it all weekend. My weird hip pain turned out to be a knot the size of Texas. Now its about the size of a dime.
Thanks. Very interesting. If price is no object, checkout SOAR running. It's out of the UK and their stuff is the best I have ever used. All milled in Italy. It's expensive though.
Base on your previous videos, I went an got the craft adv subz sweater (more like a jacket) and their glide pants during their xmas sale. Ran with those in 20+ F weather with no problems. Just put on some base layers from 32 degrees, very cheap base layers, but works like a charm 👍🏽
I think this series is great. I remember when I started running a couple of years ago, I spent so much money on gear that I thought I needed, but wore only once or twice. I was also faced with the challenge of where I should prioritize my spend. (i.e. Do I really need a pair of $20 socks?) I think this series will help a lot of new and seasoned runners.
Craft base layers are amazing, I have some that are over 10 years old from my bike racing days and they’re still like new and as warm and soft as ever.
Thanks for the advice as always! Personally I am a really big fan of the Uniqlo Heat Tech tights for winter running. I just put them on under my regular warmer weather running shorts and they have a few different thicknesses for different temps. I'll use the lightest one for a little below freezing and they make an Ultra Warm version that I will use for ~0F runs, although things can get a little swampy with those tights on longer runs. Granted there is no wind blocking on these, but I find they work pretty well for me even for windy Chicago running.
Hello, thanks for this video, i always enjoy your way to express your opinion in a clear and simple way. I'm from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and believe or not, this year, my first full marathon will be the Chicago Marathon. I understand the use of these clothes for training on a freezing winter, but can you make a video saying how to dress to run a marathon, especially the Chicago one? Thanks in advance 😁
Come out and run the Breakneck Point Trail Marathon this May. The event takes place in Fishkill NY and has around 9k feet of elevation gain and it's extremely technical.
Concerning winter sportswear: Know your materials! A "winter hat" can refer to different things. A beany made of wool will do you more favors than one made of cotton. Wearing cotton in the cold is a grave beginner's mistake!
Love Craft base layer shirts in the winter. Also started wearing Smartwool a lot lately too. I use just a Smartwool shirt under my Boston jacket down to -5°F. I also have a variety of dual layer mittens that I mix and match for different temps and conditions and a pack of Hot Hands in my pocket just in case. Reynaud's is the worst part of winter running.
I love this. I have a solid winter running apparel bc of your previous, older videos. Craft pants, the TCA pants, craft vest, smartwool hoodie and gloves that transform to mittens. I love Ciele but I think my head is big and lots of hair bc they dont fit and reach my ears lol. I live on the western side of the rockies in CO and it gets cold but not as much as one would think. Very icy though.
No mention of merino wool? It's expensive, yes, but it's moisture wicking, keeps you warm even if it is wet, natural, not itchy like traditional wool, and resists orders far greater than synthetics.
In my experience puremerino is only good for light activity... soaking it in sweat makes it uncomfortable where as properly moisture wicking polyester will stay warmer if the next layer can breathe enough. Any wool is good for this if it's not overly windy...
@@larijoona Interesting, I've had the opposite experience. I pick merino when I need to do "heavy" activity (high intensity or sever weather). For example, ran in a winter rain storm last week. Socks and tights were merino wool because I knew every place that wasn't under my rain shell would be soaked. Within minutes my lower half was soaking wet but warm in near zero (32F) temps. I have not heard of, or experienced, polyester, or any other synthetic material, being warmer than merino wool, especially when damp or outright soaked. Unless, like you mention, warmth is being measured based off wind resistance alone.
I have some merino wool base layer pieces and some merino wool socks and neck gaiters. I guess I have merino wool everything. I think they would be great add-on pieces for someone who already has some basics in their running wardrobe. but if I had to start over and had to buy a bunch of things all at once, I'm not sure I'd splurge for the merino. maybe in winter running season 2
@@mrpoutine6588 I would likely pick merino for running in the rain too. It's likely always the better choice if one must wear goretex or a jacket that doesn't have breathable back.
@@kofuzi That's fair. Although, if I were to do it over again, I would skip the synthetic socks and go straight to merino wool socks. The sock change was the most noticeable upgrade for me.
Ko, you’re the GOAT for this! I’ve been watching your old winter essentials videos over and over trying to decide what to pick up, and now I get to try even harder to decide what to pick up for this winter! 😂
For those in Europe, just go to Decathlon and for 150 euros you can probably get all the winter stuff you need from their Kalenji and Kiprun brands. It seems to be the most cost effective stuff you can get.
I intended to include Decathlon stuff that I've enjoyed, but one set of gloves changed from being Triban to being Van Rysel, and the prices changed, and there's no inventory remaining on the website. keeping it in would have meant a reshoot for me to correct the change in name and the change in prices between the time I originally filmed the video and by the time I finished editing it this morning. and I generally try to avoid recommending things that are unpurchasable, so I ended up cutting all the Decathlon items I had originally wanted to include.
What are some of your favourite solutions to not slip in winter? I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well my LP7 behave in snow, slush and mixed snow+ice, but they’re useless on pure clear ice. Is Vibram significantly better or do you like spike slip-ons, etc.?
Thanks for the budget brand recommendations. I'm checking out Baleaf 👍 Very surprised you didn't mention Merino though - especially for base layers but also mitten liners, socks and neck warmers. It's not cheap to buy but is fantastic value for money based on performance and durability
The balance I’m trying to strike here is simplicity vs complexity, price vs approachability. I’m trying to convey what will be just sufficient for new runners, and I’m not intending or implying that this is an exhaustive list
12:45 - Man you guys get it cold in parts of the US. Here in the UK we're a rainy little set of islands, but it's nowhere near as extreme; all we need is a decent cagoule!
yeah, that last clip was from a subzero F day. that's a very different set of gear than what I've discussed for this video, but I thought it would be fun to add it in for the end card
I love that thing. it's intended for snowboarders and so it gets a bit bulky in areas that aren't so great for runners. but it blocks the wind like nothing else I've ever experienced. it's expensive and the use case is narrow - I only want it for easy runs when the temp is less then 10F. So I don't really recommend it for a lot of people.
A great video as always. Thank you. As someone who runs quite a bit in the early morning darkness during the winter another thing I would recommend is good reflective gear and a good headlamp and bodylamp, preferable rechargeable LED light versions. Energizer makes a great rechargeable led headlamp that I found both at Home Depot and online on Amazon, and I also have a good rechargeable bodylamp that has an adjustable LED Light in the front and a red flashing light in the back. It's important to be able to see where you are going, but also to be seen by cars, etc. Stay safe out there everyone.
Running in coastal Norway, I swear by the short or long sleeved wool shirt as baselayer, depending on whether its above or below 5°C (41°F). Also, thin wool socks are a must. Thin jacket gets added at about -5°C (23°F), if no wind. If moderate wind (up to about 10m/s), I use a light windproof vest if above 0°C, and light jacket if below. The wool baselayer keeps you warm whether you're sweating or out in the rain. I'll never understand running in hoodies.
You are a persnon i always look up to and your opinion matters a lot for me. I run just for fun and to keep myself in shape sort of. As I´m 46 my metabolism is not like it was and can´t sit on my ass all the time any more. I run with every weather and we have fours seasons here in Estonia. Winters can be pretty cold - 30 C. Before I buy shoes i always check if you have reviewed them and everything you have recommended or has suited you has been good on my feet. I´m still mourning Nike Pegasus Turbo though (my all time favorite running shoes). Nike should bring them back. Let´s not even talk about Pegasus Turbo Shield as it just makes me cry. Luckily is bought Pegasus Turbo several pairs and I still have two pairs in rotation but i only bought one pair of Shield version. How silly of me. Higher woolish socks are a must have for winter running and Craft really makes great running clothes. Yes, layering is a key during winter.
For cold weather you have blue ASICS jacket which is just great (WINTER ACCELERATE JACKET). I used to run in the one like yours in very cold temperatures (minus 30C).
Hey Cousin Ko, have fun in Houston this weekend. Hope you get to see my bro Wilfredo down there. To my question, I’m still adapting to winter running and I’ve struggled to find 3/4 length tights but vendors are limited. I did just pick up a pair of winter tights from asics that was just a tad too long but doable (thermopolis) didn’t know if you had other recommendations for some of us vertically challenged people.
Dressing so I don't get too cold but also not too sweaty is tricky and definitely takes trail and error to figure out what to wear at what temperature. I find the most important is always a non cotton upper base layer. I use Saxx Aerator and Saxx Viewfinder long sleeve and can double up on a base layer if needed, they're occasionally on sale at sporting goods stores. I find even my very thin cotton hat is too warm when its above 0C (32F), it ends up being all wet at the end of my run so I started using my skull cycling cap. I use Saucony Solstice 2.0 tights, they feel very nice on the skin compared to all others I've tried and warm enough for anything -10C(14F) or above. They also don't run too long for my height unlike all others I've tried. Fox cushioned mountain biking socks work great. Lately I've just been using a hoody on top of my non cotton base layer and it's been fine for my easy less than 60minute runs in temperatures above -5C(23F). And a buff of course so I don't have to breath in the cold air.
For me running, I found some Spyder brand tights that have some nice fleece type liner but are breathable and have pockets on the hips. I've worn them in temps with a wind chill of -15F and I've been comfortable in them. Also, the Hot Chocolate swag is the best for winter running gear. get out, do a 5/10/15k and get that good stuff to keep running!
I used to run more last winter than this one, so far (air pollution is horrible in my town) and I'm not really a runner, but I like to be as much in shape as possible. for running I bought only two things: gore-tex trail shoes to keep my feet as dry as possible in the wet or when roads are not properly cleared after the snow and running tights on discount (to wear them solo, or with shorts over it). I stayed with my old running shorts from 10 years ago till it was too cold for shorts. for rest, I just reused stuff I already have. I like to hike and ride mountain bike so I have base layers and tech shirts, used to play basketball so got to reuse some stuff from there. when it was really cold or windy, for example, I used to run in my waterproof mtb jacked with armpits opening to regulate my temperature, I used to run in my windbreaker I had for 20 years.... it's cooler to use proper stuff for certain sports, to running gear for running, but no reason to spend $$$ when I have stuff I can use. imho, most important thing is not to use cotton, at least directly on the skin. otherwise, just use what you have and add pieces you really need.
I used to the expensive stuff but these days get almost all my winter gear from Goodwill or other used clothes places..a tank top under a long-sleeved tech shirt and start out with a fleece jacket..then when I get warmed and feel too hot I twist the fleece into a rope and tie it around my waist..since I always wear a fanny pack the jacket/rope sits there as long as I run..if the wind becomes an issue I can put the fleece back on..many schools track teams have warm up suits and as they switch them out or kids don't use them anymore I use them on those really, windy ,cold days or replace the fleece jacket with those..
Windproof short underpants for your private parts! Also you need two long underpants (thin tecnical and thick woolly) when its real cold like under -15 celsius.
what tip would you give for washing the hats after the races. Used it once washed? Or do you have any tricks to reuse again? Same for jackets and tightz?
I wear Lululemon gloves and running beanie. On cold days I add a balaclava to cut the wind and wool mittens over my gloves. We are at the north end of the Great Lakes 🇨🇦 so a little colder and more snow than your area in general. Layers are king!
Without even getting past the intro, I can say that one piece I still have after 30+ years, and it's still in use mind you, is a vintage Hind cycling jacket. Wish I'd bought five of them in the day, as it's about perfect for running.
What are your thoughts on normal gloves that have a mitten built in you can put on or off? I have been looking at these lately. Thanks for this video. As usual great content! Cheers!
I clicked immediately and watched with enthusiasm - from my location in the southern hemisphere, where at the moment we're trying to figure out how to run without getting heatstroke 😅😅
Great video. New runners should stick around for the end when he talks about why you shouldn't over dress. I use good quality bass layers and not too much on the outside.
I have the craft jacket he mentioned. it's def not for below 32F alone, but works great if you have a long sleeve base layer. I prefer to use a base layer with a windproof jacket on top between 32-45. aesthetics-wise, Craft is hard to beat.
Great observations on winter gear, the layers & specially the sweat factor, because as you well pointed out while running with lots of layers, you'd feel at first hot and comfy, but once you stop or go through chilled wind, that humidity within the layers getting cold can harm you. apart from your advise, it's always good to look up for a top layer that is breathable, so the sweat can evaporate while working out. Cheers.
All I do is try to stay dry (not over heating from to much layering), protect my skin and hands when it gets below freezing...buff if needed to warm the artery in the neck if needed and a hat of some sort.
@@kofuzi you did a great job in this video! Funny thing that all these years of running and I never wore a buff until COVID…and now I wear them because they are so useful in super cold weather or the neck, face or head 😂
