The best winter workout gear: Must-have jackets, leggings, sunglasses and more


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Head of Giselle Castro-Slboda
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Isabel Castro-Sloboda

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Head of Giselle Castro-Slboda

Isabel Castro-Sloboda Fitness and nutrition writer

I'm a fitness and nutrition writer for CNET who enjoys reviewing the latest fitness gadgets, testing activewear and sneakers, and debunking wellness myths. In my free time I enjoy cooking new recipes, going for a scenic run, hitting the weight room, or watching a lot of TV shows at once. I am a former personal trainer and still enjoy learning and brushing up on my training knowledge from time to time. I have published my wellness and lifestyle content in various online publications such as: Women's Health, Fitness, Health, Popsugar and more.

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Working outdoors is a unique experience that simply cannot be replicated indoors. When the temperatures drop, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to bring all the moves inside; You need proper insulation. We've found the best picks for winter workout wear like insulated vests, fleece leggings and more to keep that chill off your back.

Workout clothes made from Breathable fabrics will help you work up a sweat while keeping you warm enough to withstand the dropping temperatures. And, whether you're running, walking or cycling, keeping warm is vital. That means wearing the right layers for those 20°F days and the right clothes that stay on during any activity. You'll also want footwear that can handle all of Mother Nature's elements. But with all the options out there, knowing which gear is worth buying can be overwhelming.

After researching the most highly recommended winter clothing, I narrowed down my favorite pieces based on brand reliability and customer reviews.

If you're looking for unisex bracelets, the hot sauce convertible bracelets are a good choice. These are convertible, meaning you can wear them as a five-fingered glove or a mitt. The Wind Mitt is tucked into the backhand pocket and can be worn as an option for particularly cold weather. These bracelets are medium weight plus wind and water resistant. Reviewers say the smartphone is easy to use even with the clutter in place. Other reviewers say that if your hands tend to get warm, these gloves are a good option for winter activities because they're not too warm. One customer suggested that these bracelets may not be the best option on days that are colder than 30 degrees.

Winter gear is for all layers; They are key to keeping you warm on frigid days. The Ibex Woolies Long Sleeve Crew and Base Layer Base Layer Bottom are intended to be a mid-weight base layer for all your winter activities. The thermals are made up of merino wool and a nylon 'core' elastane jersey, allowing you to move freely. Merino wool is moisture-wicking, keeping you dry and odor-free during your most extreme outdoor activities. Reviewers say these thermals keep them warm during bike rides and runs, and they're anything but bulky, making them ideal for layering. Some loved these layers so much that they bought extra pairs year after year.

The Swiftwick Quest Four Socks are designed to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The socks are made of merino wool, which helps regulate body temperature and keeps feet dry. The best part is that these socks can be worn comfortably whether you're hiking, running, biking, or trail riding. One reviewer raved that the socks even handled Portland's rainy and cold climate during his runs. Another person mentioned that they wear these socks year round and it's the only brand they carry.

Keeping your ears and heads covered is important when you are active in the cold outdoors. SmartWool's Merino 250 Reversible Headband offers adequate ear and head coverage and is designed for all genders. It is made of merino wool and is double-layered, making it ideal for being active during cold temperatures. Some reviewers say they use this headband while skiing and snowboarding, while others have worn it while hiking and running. One person said they turned to outdoor running during the pandemic and this headband withstood the cold Chicago winters.

These wrap-around sunglasses are ideal for any of your favorite winter activities. Although the lenses are large, the glasses are lightweight and have a nose pad so they sit comfortably on the nose. These glasses look best on oval, heart and round faces. Reviewers share that these stay while biking, hiking and other winter sports. Several people have mentioned that the sunglasses are also versatile enough for summer use and can be used while playing sports like volleyball and baseball.

If you're looking for classic sunglasses that will last throughout your getaway, Goodyear's OG Sun Shades will suit your needs. Non-reflective glasses won't slide or bounce during your most rigorous activities. The lenses offer 100% UV400 protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Reviews show that the majority of buyers are satisfied with this classic set of sunglasses that are ideal for all forms of outdoor activities, especially running. Some reviewers say they loved their first pair enough to buy more Goodre styles.

The right leggings can make your winter activities more enjoyable and eliminate the worry of freezing while spending hours outdoors. Title Nine's Crash 2.0 Polartec Tight is made with Polartec Fleece designed to keep you warm and chafe-free. You have the choice of getting the tights in a solid color or a slim fit. Women who have reviewed these tights across the board agree that these tights keep them warm and dry during the coldest and wettest weather.

If you're looking for a puffy vest that's not bulky yet functional, Lulumon's other mile fit the bill. The stretch vest is meant to be worn during winter activities and is designed to move with you. The water repellent material also keeps you dry regardless of the elements outside. Reviewers share that the vest is the perfect layer to keep them warm even when wearing a sweater. One reviewer said it kept her warm when she wore it while playing tennis and cycling. One thing to keep in mind is that it runs small, so it's best to scale up.

When you plan to go winter camping or hiking and need a reliable base layer, the 200 Oasis Ice Leggings are a great choice. They are made of merino wool to keep you dry during your long winter excursions. It's soft, comfortable and was designed to move with you and the slim fit makes layering easy. Reviews across the board say these thermals are best for activities like hiking, mountain biking, skiing and running, and even those frigid days when you just need an extra layer.

Beneath the armor is known to have winter gear to keep you warm during the harshest winter elements. Its Coldgear Reactor Performance Hybrid will keep you insulated and ready for those early morning runs, hikes, bike sessions and more. The jacket is breathable and lightweight, so it doesn't feel bulky. One reviewer recommended wearing thermals under this layer on days that are below 30 degrees, and another said they like that this item is a hybrid between a hoodie and a jacket. Other satisfied reviewers said the jacket kept them warm during their winter runs and golf games.

The Asics Lite-Show Winter Tight is a good choice if you want to stay warm and well supported on those cold winter days. The tights are form fitting, yet include a drawstring waist tie to allow you to adjust for the best fit. Reviewers who swear by these tights say they've used it as a base layer for work, while others say it's kept them warm on the coldest winter days for the duration of their long runs. These tights also include Firefly technology that helps you stay visible even at night.

If you're not going to let the elements of winter, including snow, stop you from being active, then you need the right footwear. The Brooks Cascadia 15 GTX is a good choice for men and women who want a shoe with just the right amount of stability and grip to explore the roughest terrain. Reviewers call it the perfect trail running or walking shoe because it's waterproof, well made, has a sturdy sole and supports even tall feet.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.





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