If You Run Outdoors During The Winter, These 27 REI Products Will Come In Handy

Buzz Feed

15-02-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Because the right gear goes a long way when it comes to performing your best and having fun while doing it.
1. A pair of Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 Trail-Running Shoes whose wide toe box won't constrict your foot's natural shape, helping to prevent blisters. The cult of Altra is alive and well, especially for running on tough terrain. The waterproof outer is just an improvement for taking on the snow.
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Promising review:"Good to wear in 15° F with a pair of thick wool socks. Great grip and foot stability. I've struggled the last couple of winters to find a good shoe for being out for a light trot or just a walk. These are great winter running shoes!" — Nanette
2. Or a pair of Brooks Ghost 16 Weatherized Road-Running Shoes if you're sticking to neighborhood running and want some water-resistance on your side when it's gloomy and icy. They have reflective strips as well for max visibility.
3. And some Kahtoola NANOspikes Traction System to add to your runners when you *really* need to keep those feet rooted on the road to avoid falls. Just slip them on and let their low-profile but effective spikes do their thing.
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Promising review:"I made it a goal to get off the treadmill and get outside more often for my runs in the winter time. They fit snug enough that I don't worry about them coming off but not tight enough to bother or constrict my feet. The traction is good on icy and slick roads and sidewalks. I highly recommend them." — Jared
4. An REI Swiftland Insulated Running Jacket stuffed with synthetic insulation placed strategically in the front torso and shoulders to deliver on warmth without slowing you down with bulk. And don't worry, it's water repellent if the weather gets really nasty.
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Promising review:"Lightweight, comfy, with moderate stretch. Warmer than I had thought. Down to 5F with little wind I can wear a running T-shirt. Wind does penetrate some. A medium fits me well and I am 5'10" medium build." — TimoSwift
5. A pair of Smartwool Run Cold Weather Targeted Cushion Crew Socks because merino wool, used in the fabric blend of these performance socks, really is king when it comes to staying both warm and breathable. Naturally antimicrobial and sweat wicking, it's a foot's best friend.
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7. A Smartwool Merino 250 Reversible Headband to keep those ears nice and toasty. I always forget how incredibly painful it is when my ears get cold, especially when wind is involved, so do as I say and not as I do.
8. Or a Smartwool Active Fleece Beanie if you want a little more coverage with all that sweet, sweet, stretchy, warm wooly goodness. Confirmed: I'm a Smartwool stan, just look in my winter activewear drawer.
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Promising review:"I was looking for a lightweight beanie for cool/cold weather running, and this is perfect. I've tried other brands and materials and they often fit my somewhat large head like a swim cap, or they get super hot and sweaty after the first mile. This one fits the bill perfectly. It is super comfy and the weight is great for active use outdoors. I'd highly recommend it for runners and hikers." — ranger72
9. A pair of glove liners to provide some light warmth in their own right if you need just a boost *or* to layer under other gloves or mittens if you're taking on some serious conditions.
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Promising review:"I use these as liners for backcountry skiing or solo when I go jogging — they are incredibly comfortable and fit true to size. I have small hands, I purchased a small, and I have no complaints. Get a pair!" — Claire
10. A North Face Winter Warm Pro Insulated Jacket with body-mapped insulation that has all the bells and whistles you're looking for in a cold weather running jacket. I'm talking on-seam handwarmer pockets, a zip pocket, a mesh drop-in pocket for your phone, thumb loops, and super wind-resistant fabric. I know, it's a lot of goodness to take in.
11. Some mid-height gaiters for keeping snow, ice, rocks, and dirt from sneaking up and over the edge of your runners, irritating your feet and temporarily halting your run. And you guessed it, they're water repellent, too.
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12. A basic REI base layer to rock solo or under a vest or jacket, depending on just how brutal the weather is. But regardless, it'll help you retain some heat without feeling scratchy. Thanks, flat-seam construction.
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13. An Adidas Own The Run Excite 3S Hoodie with a built-in balaclava hood if wind on the face, especially when you first hit the road, is a no-go. An inner zip pocket stores your keys and thumb loops deliver even more coziness.
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14. A pair of hand warmers to tuck into those pockets for days when your body heat just won't cut it and you need to call in some backup.
15. A Rhone Extra Mile Lightweight Fleece Pullover because layering is the name of the game, and thin but effective garments are the star. It has four-way stretch so don't worry, your range of motion won't be constricted and you can swing your arms with abandon. Is it good form? No. But can you still do it? Absolutely.
16. Some wind and water resistant mittens you can easily flip on and off when the siren song of dexterity calls. Staying warm and dry *and* having access to your digits? Groundbreaking.
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Promising review:"I've been searching for running gloves/mittens. Anything to keep my hands warm during long winter runs. Have had these out in a few 20 degree runs of 10+ miles and they work great. Perfect running glove." — Dan
17. A Brooks Run Visible Insulated Vest 2.0 to keep heat on your middle without overheating your whole body and also allowing your arms to be free. This is great for folks who run before dawn or after sunset who need tons of visibility, especially in the dreariest months when it feels like the sun is out for .5 seconds a day.
18. Some rimless, super lightweight Tifosi sunglasses with flexible arms to prevent behind-the-ear pain while fitting all types of faces AND grippy rubber to keep them on right, even when you're sweatin' it up. Gotta keep that sunlight bouncing off the snow out of your eyes somehow.
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Promising review:"I grabbed these as a pair of basic sunglasses for hiking and they're perfect. My eyes are pretty sensitive to sunlight and these worked well during sunny and snowy conditions on the trail." — Chelsea
19. Or a smaller pair if "sleek" is your middle name... And apparently it's mine since these are actually the sunglasses I wear for all of my outdoor activities. From backpacking to white water rafting, they've gone everywhere with me for almost a year, and I can say with certainty they'd be great on a winter run.
20. A low-profile Buff DryFlx Hat that not only keeps your dome toasty warm but has 360-degree reflectors to ensure everyone knows you're out here doing your thing.
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Promising review:"I use this hat for running outside when the temperature dips. It's lightweight, warm, good in the wind, and is not bulky at all." — Jared
21. A Buff Polar Neckwarmer if you're sick and tired of the cold breeze — that sneaky devil! — rushing right past your collar and down to your core. Let's stop that once and for all.
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Heads up — reviewers say the length of this Buff is shorter than they expected based on the picture of the black gaiter — the green one (above) is more accurate!
Promising review:"Super warm without being so bulky as to limit movement. A step up from the standard gaiters of this style. I have probably five — two from Buff, one from Coal, a Carhartt, and some knockoff that's trash. I use them for 30-60 minute walks below freezing routinely. This is by far the best I've used and would absolutely be adequate for downhill skiing. Comfortable, lightweight, extremely effective." — Alex
Price: $11.73 (originally $14.99; available in two colors)
22. A Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket 2.0 that packs down mad small so you can throw it on when you need to combat wind and rain but can take it off and store it in a small hip bag if you're in too many layers. Though I doubt you'll need to. I have several Janji running items and find their fabrics to be incredibly breathable.
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Promising review:"Truly waterproof while running in the atmospheric river currently drenching the PNW. Light and well-ventilated, and the hood fits well over a ball cap without flapping or compromising visibility. It has an elastic mesh compartment inside the left pocket to keep a cellphone from bouncing around. The whole jacket can be zipped into a pouch made by inverting that pocket. You can get it in your favorite color if your favorite color is black." — Gary K
Price: $208 (available in men's sizes S–L)
23. A reflective vest because winter means late sunrise, early sunset, and you need to make sure drivers see you in the dark, full stop. This vest isn't restrictive and is very adjustable, so throwing it on under puffy or slim layers alike depending on the weather won't be a problem.
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Promising review:"I feel much safer riding after dark now that I have this. The reflective bands are really bright. It is easy to adjust its size so I can wear it over a heavy or light jacket (or no jacket at all) depending on the temperature." — George
Price: $35
24. A headlamp with an optional top head strap to ensure it doesn't slide down your forehead on your nightly jog. And yup, those straps are all adjustable so it can slip on over or under a beanie.
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Promising review:"Nice daily running light. I run at 4:30 a.m. year-round. This is bright, rechargeable, and I love having the blinking red lights on the back. I like that it's rechargeable, and it's easy to see the battery status on it before I head out. Reasonably lightweight and comfortable to run with." — Timkayaks
Price: $79.95
25. Or a UltrAspire Lumen 600 4.0 Waist Light reviewers report make it nearly look like daylight outside. Take that, short days! I'm the sun now.
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Promising review:"Ummm, wow!! Dark? What dark?! These are wild by themselves, but pair them with a head lamp and you get rid of most of the rock shadows on the trails, making it look like high noon. This waist light allows for you to open up your legs on a mountain single track in the middle of the night." — Runidaho
Price: $159.95
26. A Saucony Hurricane Insulated Vest whose main fabric, insulation, and lining are all 100% recycled. Lightweight and wind- and water-resistant, it's a supportive running partner in the form of a (cute) layer.
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Price: $104.93 for women's (originally $150; available in sizes XS–XXL and two colors) and $150 for men's (available in sizes S–XXXL and two colors)
27. And finally some salted caramel latte flavored energy gel because when it's cold out your special little snacks should come in wintery flavors. But let's treat ourselves to a real, piping hot latte when we get home, too.
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Price: $1.95
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.