The Best Thermal Running Gear: 2024

Expert Advice on Running Clothing,Autumn & Winter Running Advice
The Best Thermal Running Gear: 2024

As a runner, what do you do when it gets very cold? There are many factors to consider, but one thing is certain: a good thermal layer is an absolute MUST HAVE for any outdoor activity. Forget about the weather and focus on your running. 4 reasons why a thermal layer will be your best ally this season:

  1. EXCEPTIONAL INSULATION
    Constructed from warmer fabrics to keep in heat, these pieces are still very breathable and moisture-wicking. Excellent performace when layering up with plenty of options of lightness and warmth.
  2. BODY TEMPERATURE REGULATION
    Thanks to their intelligent ventilation zones and quick-drying technology, they protect you both from overheating and from cold weather. Can be used as a mid-layer or top-layer. Some tops also have mitts built in to the sleeves.
  3. HIGH QUALITY FABRICS
    Yarns such as merino wool manage moisture and keep you dry. They are designed to be form-fitting and stretchy, enabling to give you the freedom to move comfortably.
  4. GREAT DURABILITY AND USABILITY
    Good quality thermal gear should definitely long outlive your running shoes. As it wicks the moisture away quickly it also dries really fast so you can wear it, wash it and it will be dry to wear the next day.

Base Layers / Wool Base-Layers / Thermal Tops / Jackets / Leggings / Thermal Hats & Gloves

Men's Ronhill Tech Merino Half Zip Top

BASE LAYERS

Worn as the very first layer against your skin, a base layer has great moisture-wicking properties and odour control – nice! The worst thing is when it's cold and windy outside and your top is soaked in sweat… a good base layer prevents that from happening. It also regulates the temperature – keeps you warm but without overheating.

Shop Running Base Layers

Men's Odlo Blackcomb Half-Zip Baselayer
Men's Running Base Layer
£90.00

Men's Helly Hansen Lifa Active Baselayer
Men's Running Base Layer
£50.00

Women's Odlo Seamless Baselayer
Women's Running Base Layer
£45.00 £37.00

Women's Janji Repeat Merino Baselayer
Women's Running Base Layer
£75.00

WOOL BASE LAYERS

There are many base layers made with wool – very effective on colder days or nights when you're preparing for your run. Usually the top combines wool with another more technical fabric, for better moisture management. With excellent technical fabrics, you don't have to worry about sweating or overheating – a good quality wool base layer is thin, light, with quick-dry properties. Wool is a great fabric for rainy and cold days, because even if it gets wet, you can stay active with comfort and stay warm. It should also last a few seasons, so it's a good investment for the future!

Men's Helly Hansen Lifa Merino HZ Baselayer
Men's Running Base Layer
£90.00

Men's Icebreaker 175 Half Zip Merino Baselayer
Men's Thermal Running Top
£80.00 £68.00

Women's Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Baselayer
Women's Running Base Layer
£85.00

Women's Crewroom H2O Hoodie

Thermal Running Tops

Once you have a baselayer you can layer up with another top – a midlayer. How much warmth you need from a top of course depends on how much you feel the cold, but it will also be influenced by what time of day you are going for your run and where you are running. If you run in the early morning or late evening you will obviously need to wear thermals more than if you always run at midday. Likewise if you are running in the hills you will also need a warmer top. Thermal fabrics have become lighter and lighter while still retaining that all important warmth factor so it doesn't and shouldn't feel bulky.

Shop Thermal Running Tops

Men's Ronhill Core Half-Zip Top
Men's Thermal Running Top
£55.00

Women's Ronhill Core Half-Zip Top
Women's Thermal Running Top
£55.00 £44.00

Women's Crewroom The H20 Hoodie
Women's Thermal Running Top
£75.00

Extra features

One of the great things about some of the most recent thermals is the number of extra things that come on the tops. Many of the thermals now come with flat-locked seams to add extra comfort and prevent chafing. There are now a number of thermal tops with pockets. The other great thing is having a thermal top that has 'mitts' or some sort of cover for your hands. Most running jackets will have some reflective on them, but some of the thermal tops have this as well, so if you are running without your jacket you will still be seen.

Men's Janji Thermal Insulated Jacket

JACKETS & GILETS

Always remember the wind-chill factor. Even if it isn't raining, it can be important to wear a suitable jacket or a gilet, as well as a thermal top. One of the great advantages of running like this is that you just don't feel nearly so bundled up as you do in a jacket. I always remember when they first appeared on the scene, getting one and feeling it was so extravagant having it as well as a jacket. Then I wore it almost all winter and my jacket was only worn in the rain!

Of course, a jacket is also useful, so check out some of the running jackets. They are divided up into windproof and waterproof. Another great option, if it is not a dry cold day is a thermal top with some wind blocking material added in. Unless it is really cold you will probably be fine just with the one top on.

Shop All Running Jackets & Gilets

Men's Ronhill Tech Gore-Tex Mercurial Jacket
Men's Waterproof Running Jacket
£270.00

Men's On Weather Vest
Men's Running Gilet
£120.00 £85.00

Women's Odlo Zeroweight Insulator Jacket
Women's Windproof Running Jacket
£185.00 £149.00

Women's OMM Kamleika Jacket
Women's Waterproof Running Jacket
£200.00 £149.00

Women's On Weather Vest
Women's Running Gilet
£120.00 £85.00

Women's Janji Transit Tech Pants

THERMAL RUNNING TIGHTS & TROUSERS

It is of course very important to make sure your legs stay warm. I generally find I need a thermal top before I need to start wearing thermal tights, but again if you are in the hills or when it gets colder you will definitely need warm legs. Here are some of this year's newest thermal tights. They all have a pocket with a zip for keys or a gel. They also have at least some reflective on for better visibility in those dark evenings or early mornings.

Shop All Running Leggings & Tights / Shop All Running Trousers

Men's Ronhill Tech X Tights
Men's Running Leggings & Tights
£90.00 £72.00

Men's Ronhill Tech Winter Tights
Men's Running Leggings & Tights
£70.00

Men's Odlo Element Warm Tights
Men's Running Leggings & Tights
£50.00 £43.00

Women's Ronhill Tech X Tights
Women's Running Leggings & Tights
£90.00 £72.00

Women's Ronhill Tech Winter Tights
Women's Running Leggings & Tights
£70.00

Women's Janji Transit Tech Pants
Women's Running Trousers
£76.00

Ciele Beanie

THERMAL RUNNING HATS & GLOVES

Hats and gloves are of course also essential for running in the cold. Every year more and more companies use recycled material in their products. Some of the hats and gloves feature a percentage of wool. If you don't like wearing a hat, how about a merino buff to keep you warm? Or a thermal headband to keep your ears warm and toasty? Remember, there's no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!

Shop All Running Hats and Gloves

Ronhill Afterhours Gloves
Running Gloves
£27.00

Buff Merino Lightweight Beanie
Running Hats
£21.95

Odlo Revelstoke Performance Wool Headband
Running Headbands & Neckwear
£30.00

Ciele CR3 Beanie
Running Hats
£40.00

Ronhill Prism Gloves
Running Gloves
£22.00

Ronhill Bobble Hat
Running Hats
£26.00

So if you usually just go to the gym in the winter because you really feel the cold, why not get a couple of thermal pieces of clothing? Try running outside on those clear, crisp autumn and winter days – soon you'll wonder why you even bothered with your gym membership!

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