A guide to women’s running clothes for a real Canadian winter
We’ve all seen the cold weather running guides that tell you how to dress for “bad weather” around the freezing point. But if, like me, you are a newer runner trying navigate the challenge of running in Ottawa, or worse, in Edmonton this winter, this is the guide for you.
All Temperatures:
For winter running (no matter the temperature) I tend to run with my Nathan hydration vest so that I can carry an extra windbreaker or down jacket. If by some misfortune I injure myself and need to walk home, at least I have an extra layer (and a place to stash my phone).
Merino hiking socks - usually Darn Tough or Smart Wool. Winter socks must be tall enough to avoid bare ankle skin.
Trail Shoes: I wear the waterproof version of my standard Altra Lone Peaks in the winter.
Traction: The Kahtoola Exo Spikes for slippery conditions, and the Hill Sound Trail Crampon Ultra for “day after an ice storm” conditions.
0C to -10C
Above -10C I usually opt for the fleecy-fuzzy version of standard running tights. I found some nice ones by Spyder at Costco that even have pockets.
I find that a heavy weight Merino top maybe with a windbreaker vest is chilly starting out but the right warmth when you get moving. I love Icebreaker 260 base layers. I add a windbreaker or rain jacket over top if windchill is a concern or its actively snowing.
At these temperatures I don’t worry too much about which sports bra and underwear I grab out of the drawer, though merino is nice for longer runs.
Light gloves - I have a thin pair from Arc’teryx that are great.
A merino Buff as a neck warmer
Another merino Buff as a headband
-10C to -20C
Heavy weight merino base layers top and bottom (I just love the Icebreaker 260 matching sets)
Light windproof pants like the cross country skiers wear. Some of these have a layer of grid fleece which is nice on high wind-chill days.
Windproof top or jacket: Craft makes a great running sweater for the warmer end of this spectrum that is windproof on the front and well ventilated on the back. Closer to -20 I switch to the Lululemon Down for It All Running jacket.
Almost always merino underwear and bra in this temperature range
Medium weight cross country ski gloves
A merino Buff as a neck warmer
A tight fitting running hat (with a ponytail hole!) with the merino Buff headband layered on for extra ear protection.
-20C to -25C
My thighs are always the first thing to get cold at this temperature, but thankfully down pants exist. Below -20C I layer the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Pants over my merino base layer.
Heavy weight Merino shirt with Lululemon jacket or my Eddie Bauer 800 fill puffy jacket.
A merino Buff as a neck warmer but pulled up over my mouth and ears for extra protection, and either a polar fleece neck warmer as a second layer, or a second Buff stashed in my vest for when the first one freezes.
A proper hat over top of the buff - ideally one that is lined with polar fleece.
Warm gloves or mitts.
Below -25C
Below -25C I switch to treadmill running - its just more fun to switch to Peloton runs at that point. However, tomorrow’s forecasted high is -29C in Edmonton, so if you are wondering how I plan to exist in the world (to walk the dog for example) the answer is:
Mountain Hardwear Down Pants over merino baselayers
Fjallraven Expedition Jacket
Classic Bog Boots - not pretty, but rated down to -50C
All the layered hats and neck warmers.
Muttlucks dog boots for the furry friend.
And, short excursions only.
