There\u2019s a glorious smugness that can only be experienced by exercising outdoors in winter conditions. The fresh air, the endorphins, the reduced risk of heart disease \u2013 they\u2019re all nice bonuses, but nothing beats that knowing nod from another rain-drenched runner, or the horrified faces of nearby dog walkers as you stride confidently into the sea for a winter dip. There\u2019s only one catch. In order for that intoxicating feeling to exceed the very real sting of the cold, you\u2019ll need to make sure you\u2019re suitably layered up.<\/p>\n
The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.\u00a0Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re running, hiking or outdoor swimming, there\u2019s some sage advice that applies across the board: \u201cAlways start by checking the weather forecast,\u201d advises Richard Shepherd, purchasing director at mountain sports retailer Ellis Brigham. \u201cWhat you wear should match the conditions you\u2019re likely to experience. It\u2019s the key to staying safe and comfortable outdoors.\u201d<\/p>\n We tapped up three experts, as well as yours truly on hiking, to get their top tips for keeping warm outdoors this winter.<\/p>\n The best winter running gearTwo or three thin layers are better than one or two thick ones, says Nick Harris-Fry. Photograph: Nick Harris-Fry\/The Guardian<\/p>\n Dressing for winter runs is tricky. It can feel freezing when you first step outside, but it won\u2019t be long until you\u2019re working up a sweat. Getting it right is a fine balance that comes with experience \u2013 something of which Nick Harris-Fry, co-founder of the Run Testers<\/a>, has plenty.<\/p>\n Be bold, start cold<\/p>\n \u201cRemember that you\u2019re not just dressing for the start of the run. It\u2019s easy to put too many layers on because you need the encouragement to get out the door, but it only takes a few minutes of running to warm up. Opting for two or three thin layers instead of one or two thick ones can help with this, because you can take a layer off once you\u2019ve warmed up.\u201d<\/p>\n A good base layer is key<\/p>\n \u201cA good base layer will keep you warm without overheating or getting clammy, and, unless you\u2019re braving extreme conditions, will often be the only layer you need under a jacket or top. Base layers should be soft on the skin and made from quick-drying, odour-resistant fabrics, such as merino wool.<\/p>\n \u201cTracksmith\u2019s Brighton base is comfortable and surprisingly warm given how lightweight it is. It also dries quickly and resists odours. I use it regularly through the autumn and winter months.\u201d<\/p>\n Men\u2019s Tracksmith Brighton base layer<\/p>\n \u00a3100 at Tracksmith<\/a><\/p>\n Women\u2019s Tracksmith Brighton base layer<\/p>\n \u00a3100 at Tracksmith<\/a><\/p>\n A proper waterproof jacket might be overkill<\/p>\n \u201cFor most people, a windproof, water-resistant jacket will probably be a better buy than a full waterproof. They\u2019re cheaper, more packable, more breathable, and fend off showers pretty well in my experience.<\/p>\n \u201cBut if you\u2019re heading out for longer runs on trails or in more remote areas, then a waterproof jacket is invaluable in offering extra protection from the elements. Many off-road events, especially ultramarathons, will require that you have a fully waterproof jacket in your backpack, because of the protection they offer if you get stuck or lost.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Asics Road packable jacket is windproof, water-resistant and packs away into its own pocket if conditions change or you find you\u2019re getting too warm on a run.\u201d<\/p>\n Men\u2019s Asics Road packable jacket<\/p>\n From \u00a356 at Sports Direct<\/a>\u00a389 at Asics<\/a><\/p>\n Women\u2019s Asics Road packable jacket<\/p>\n \u00a371.19 at SportsShoes<\/a>\u00a389 at Asics<\/a><\/p>\n Our pick: Decathlon Kiprun windproof running jacket<\/p>\n Men\u2019s, \u00a319.99 at Decathlon<\/a>Women\u2019s, \u00a319.99 at Decathlon<\/a><\/p>\n For more, read our guides to the best waterproof jackets for men<\/a> and for women<\/a><\/p>\n Insulated outerwear for only the coldest of runs<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a runner who\u2019d always rather be too warm than too cold, and I have enjoyed using an insulated jacket in temperatures below 2C this winter, but I wouldn\u2019t say it\u2019s essential. I don\u2019t think insulated jackets are that common for UK runners, but you see them a lot in northern Europe and parts of the US where sub-zero temperatures are common. Personally, I\u2019d be on the treadmill<\/a> in those conditions!\u201d<\/p>\n Sleeves are overrated<\/p>\n Nick Harris-Fry on the track in his running gilet. Photograph: Nick Harris-Fry\/The Guardian<\/p>\n \u201cThe piece of kit that gets the most use during my winter training is actually a running gilet rather than a jacket. It\u2019s the perfect layer for running because it keeps your core warm and blocks wind without any real risk of overheating, even on faster runs. And if it gets seriously cold, you can pop it over your jacket as an extra layer.<\/p>\n \u201cSaysky\u2019s Clean Pace Flex vest is a windproof gilet that keeps my core warm without feeling restrictive or too hot during winter workouts.\u201d<\/p>\n Saysky Clean Pace Flex vest<\/p>\n \u00a355.49 at Footshop<\/a><\/p>\n Our pick: women\u2019s Adidas adi365 running vest<\/p>\n \u00a340 at Adidas<\/a>\u00a340 at Next<\/a><\/p>\n For more running essentials, read the best running shoes for men and women<\/a><\/p>\n The best winter hiking gearPaddy Maddison and his golden retriever, Poppy, brave the elements on a wintry hike near Alwinton in Northumberland. Photograph: Paddy Maddison\/The Guardian<\/p>\n With fluctuations in elevation come changes in conditions that can happen quickly and be extreme at times. Being able to regulate your body temperature and protect yourself from rain, snow and wind can turn a horrible ordeal into a pleasant day out. As an outdoor-gear fanatic who writes on the matter regularly, I have some non-negotiable rules when it comes to dressing for winter hikes, and Ellis Brigham<\/a>\u2019s Shepherd has a few pearls of wisdom to share too.<\/p>\n Layers, layers, layers<\/p>\n When it\u2019s cold enough to make you think twice about leaving the house, throwing on the biggest coat you can find seems like the sensible thing to do. But remember, you won\u2019t be standing around \u2013 you\u2019ll be moving, most likely working up a sweat, and you need to be able to fine-tune your clothing accordingly.<\/p>\n Being able to adjust your layers \u201cwill allow you to maintain a steady temperature whether tackling a steep ascent, resting at the summit, or speed walking to make it back before sunset\u201d, says Shepherd.<\/p>\n Start with a solid foundation<\/p>\n \u201cBase layers are the first items of clothing you wear over your underwear, next to your skin,\u201d Shepherd says. \u201cThey wick sweat away from your body and help regulate your temperature. For hiking and other active outdoor sports, look for moisture-wicking materials such as polyester or merino wool. The former is lightweight, durable and easy to care for, while the latter is a natural fibre that\u2019s odour-resistant and will keep you warm even when wet.\u201d<\/p>\n Personally, a merino base layer is the first thing I reach for when dressing for winter hikes. Look for one that fits nice and snug, hugging the torso rather than draping over it. There are dedicated brands, such as Icebreaker<\/a> and Smartwool<\/a>, that specialise in this type of product and charge a premium for it. They\u2019re great, but I also have plenty of excellent merino base layers I got from bargain bins at various outdoor shops, or even from the middle aisle at Aldi. Mountain Warehouse\u2019s merino base layers in particular have proved to be phenomenal value for money. I\u2019ve been using them for many years, and they\u2019re often reduced to less than \u00a340.<\/p>\n Men\u2019s Mountain Warehouse merino base layer top<\/p>\n \u00a334.99 at Mountain Warehouse<\/a>\u00a329.50 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Women\u2019s Mountain Warehouse merino base layer top<\/p>\n \u00a334.99 at Mountain Warehouse<\/a>\u00a332 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Add insulation accordingly<\/p>\n \u201cThe primary purpose of a mid-layer is to add warmth,\u201d says Shepherd. \u201cOptions vary from simple fleeces to insulated down hoodies, and you can layer them together to trap extra heat. Down insulation offers the highest warmth-to-weight ratio, making it superb for cold, dry conditions and weight-conscious activities. Ask yourself, do you want something lightweight, or do you need maximum warmth? A full-zip for easy access, or a helmet-compatible hood? What about pockets? Narrow down what\u2019s important to you and go from there.\u201d<\/p>\n When I\u2019m heading into the hills in UK winter conditions, I usually like to have two mid-layers with me \u2013 a lightweight down jacket I can pull out when I\u2019ve stopped for a bite to eat, and something lighter and more breathable that works either on its own or layered under a shell when I\u2019m on the move. Montbell\u2019s EX light down anorak has been a favourite of mine this winter. It\u2019s extremely lightweight, and I\u2019m a big fan of the pullover design. The kangaroo pocket is great for thawing painfully cold hands too \u2013 something I appreciated immensely on a recent trip when I accidentally packed the wrong gloves.<\/p>\n As effective an insulator as down is, it is ultimately an animal product. There are plenty of synthetic alternatives, but they tend, in my personal experience, to be less durable over time and aren\u2019t particularly great for the environment. Unfortunately, this leaves you with a bit of an ethical toss-up whichever path you choose.<\/p>\n I am, however, a longtime advocate of Arc\u2019teryx\u2019s synthetically insulated Atom hoodie, which I\u2019ve been using for well over a decade now. It\u2019s warm enough to take the sting out of the cold, but breathes well when I\u2019m working hard. It has a trim fit that works nicely underneath a shell, too.<\/p>\n Montbell EX light down anorak<\/p>\n \u00a3405 at Montbell<\/a><\/p>\n Men\u2019s Arc\u2019teryx Atom hoodie<\/p>\n From \u00a3207.89 at Cotswold Outdoor<\/a>\u00a3260 at Arc\u2019teryx<\/a><\/p>\n Women\u2019s Arc\u2019teryx Atom hoodie<\/p>\n \u00a3181.89 at Cotswold Outdoor<\/a>\u00a3260 at Arc\u2019teryx<\/a><\/p>\n Block wind and rain with a shell (but make sure it fits)<\/p>\n Paddy testing waterproof jackets for the Filter on a snowy hike. Photograph: Paddy Maddison\/The Guardian<\/p>\n \u201cMost hiking waterproofs are made with room for mid-layers to be worn underneath, so you can wear your usual size,\u201d advises Shepherd. \u201cHowever, function will play a part too. A shell designed to be ultralight and low bulk will usually have a slimmer fit, and you\u2019ll need to adjust mid-layers accordingly. Likewise, winter hiking jackets or mountaineering shells often have a more generous cut to fit insulated pieces underneath.\u201d<\/p>\n I\u2019ve tested and written about waterproofs for the Filter for two years running now, and I\u2019ve been consistently impressed by Montane\u2019s jackets. The British brand\u2019s Torren shell has been my go-to waterproof since it launched more than a year ago. It\u2019s not cheap, but waterproof jackets that will actually deliver on their promise to keep you dry rarely are.<\/p>\n Men\u2019s Montane Torren waterproof jacket<\/p>\n \u00a3255.95 at Outdoor Action<\/a>\u00a3300 at Montane<\/a><\/p>\n Women\u2019s Montane Phase waterproof jacket<\/p>\n \u00a3244.89 at Cotswold Outdoor<\/a>\u00a3350 at Montane<\/a><\/p>\n Read our guides to the best waterproof jackets for women<\/a> and the best waterproof jackets for men<\/a><\/p>\n Don\u2019t neglect your lower half<\/p>\n It\u2019s common for people to focus on their top half and forget about their legs, but your lower half needs insulation too when it\u2019s cold out. A pair of merino leggings serves the same function as a base layer, trapping heat and keeping the body at a stable temperature. I have a few pairs from Craghoppers, which were relatively inexpensive and have had my back for everything from dog walks to ski trips.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll want some thick socks too,\u201d adds Shepherd. \u201cHeavyweight merino-wool hiking socks are ideal. If you want extra warmth, choose a longer length sock that can cover your calves. I\u2019ve been using Smartwool\u2019s Hike full-cushion merino socks almost exclusively for several years now (the very first pair I bought are still going strong). They have padding in all the right places without adding too much bulk around the ankle. Nice and warm in the winter, but the natural temperature-regulating properties of the fabric mean I can use them in summer too.<\/p>\n \u201cOver the top, opt for soft-shell trousers. They\u2019re typically made from stretchy, windproof fabrics that let you hike comfortably while helping block wind chill.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth carrying a pair of waterproof trousers in your pack just in case it gets wet and windy. I like Berghaus\u2019 Deluge 2.0 trousers. They\u2019re not the most breathable on the market, but they\u2019re affordable, comfortable and perfect for throwing on in emergencies.<\/p>\n Smartwool Hike full cushion crew socks<\/p>\n \u00a318.89 at SportsShoes<\/a>\u00a316.96 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Men\u2019s Craghoppers merino base layer leggings<\/p>\n \u00a335 at Craghoppers<\/a>\u00a339.95 at LiGo<\/a><\/p>\n Women\u2019s Craghoppers merino base layer leggings<\/p>\n \u00a330 at Craghoppers<\/a>\u00a330 at Decathlon<\/a><\/p>\n Men\u2019s Berghaus Deluge 2.0 waterproof trousers<\/p>\n \u00a380 at Berghaus<\/a>\u00a356.21 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Women\u2019s Berghaus Deluge 2.0 waterproof trousers<\/p>\n \u00a359.99 at Nevisport<\/a>\u00a375 at Decathlon<\/a><\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss the hiking essentials<\/a> that walkers never leave at home<\/p>\n The best cold-water swimming kitNeoprene gloves and socks are a winter-swim essential for Ella Foote. Photograph: Ella Foote\/The Guardian<\/p>\n Getting into the sea or a lake will always be cold. That\u2019s simply the nature of the beast. But according to outdoor swimming expert (and editor of Outdoor Swimmer<\/a> magazine) Ella Foote, there are plenty of things you can do to take the edge off. And, contrary to what you might think, it\u2019s not all about what you wear during the activity.<\/p>\n Look after fingers and toes<\/p>\n \u201cNeoprene gloves and socks can make a cool dip or swim much more enjoyable,\u201d says Foote. \u201cI don\u2019t swim without them in winter. Our fingers and toes are pretty much just bones and ligaments with very little fat, so they can feel painfully cold in winter. When you wear neoprene gloves and socks, you can lengthen your time in the water.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t realise how good these ones were until I felt how cold my swimming pal\u2019s hands were when wearing a different brand. Look for a snug fit \u2013 too loose, and they will fill with water, which will affect your swimming and cancel any thermal benefits. Measure yourself and use the online size guides.\u201d<\/p>\n Fourth Element neoprene gloves<\/p>\n \u00a360 at Fourth Element<\/a>\u00a358 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThese neoprene socks are thick enough to protect feet from shingle and rough terrain while also keeping your feet warm.\u201d<\/p>\n Two Bare Feet 5mm neoprene socks<\/p>\n \u00a315.99 at Two Bare Feet<\/a>\u00a317.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Get your core temperature up<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure you\u2019re warm before you get in. If your core body temperature is toasty, the overall experience will be better. I would recommend investing in a decent thermal top and leggings made from merino wool or something similar. Smartwool\u2019s thermal base layers offer comfort, warmth and natural fibres, which still work when wet.\u201d<\/p>\n Women\u2019s Smartwool women\u2019s merino base layer<\/p>\n \u00a339.97 (including membership) at Go Outdoors<\/a>\u00a373.47 at Blacks<\/a><\/p>\n Men\u2019s Smartwool women\u2019s merino base layer<\/p>\n \u00a380 at Blacks<\/a>From \u00a356.05 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Layer up afterwards<\/p>\n \u201cHave your clothes ready in the order you\u2019ll put them on when you get out. Your body temperature will continue to drop even when out of the water. We call this the honeymoon period. Despite feeling great and high on life, you need to dry and dress quickly, not chat and take photos. Have your coat or robe right at the bottom, and pants and thermal layers on top. You don\u2019t want to be fumbling around when you can\u2019t feel your fingers.\u201d<\/p>\n A wetsuit might not be necessary<\/p>\n \u201cWetsuits provide extra buoyancy and will soften the overall chill, but they won\u2019t make that much difference when it is 5C or under. You can also get cold trying to get them on and off. Swim your swim and learn how your body responds to cold and conditions. There are some great hybrid suits that cover the back of the neck and arms, which can reduce wind chill, but a swimsuit is often enough for short swims.<\/p>\n \u201cYulex is a sustainable, plant-based alternative to traditional neoprene that offers the same thermal benefits. This suit keeps off the chill, but the panelling enables great use of movement for proper swimming.\u201d<\/p>\n Zone3 Yulex long-sleeve swimsuit<\/p>\n \u00a387.50 at Decathlon<\/a><\/p>\n Cover your head<\/p>\n \u2018Have a hat for swimming and one for after.\u2019 Photograph: Ella Foote\/The Guardian<\/p>\n \u201cA neoprene hat or bonnet is brilliant if you\u2019re doing proper head-down swimming and will ease brain-freeze. Again, our heads are big bulbs of bone, so when submerged in cold water, you\u2019ll feel it. If you\u2019re doing a short dip, most swimmers choose to keep their heads up out of the water, so a decent bobble hat \u2013 some offered now are waterproof \u2013 can keep the chill away. Choose natural fibres such as wool, and it will still keep warm if a bit wet. Or have one for swimming and one for after \u2013 I recommended the beanie below from British brand Finisterre, in my guide to swim essentials<\/a> for the Filter.<\/p>\n \u201cThis waterproof hat from Sealskinz has aTeflon coating that makes water bead up and roll off the surface, so if you get slapped by a wave, it will still keep you warm.\u201d<\/p>\n Finisterre beanie hat<\/p>\n \u00a335 at Finisterre<\/a><\/p>\n Sealskinz waterproof cold-weather beanie<\/p>\n \u00a324 at Sealskinz<\/a>\u00a332.95 at Outdoor Action<\/a><\/p>\n Invest in a good change robe<\/p>\n \u201cChange robes are designed to keep the weather off your body while you change underneath. They\u2019re roomy enough for you to build up layers. A good robe should have a weatherproof outer and be insulated on the inside. Longer length is ideal, so covering your lower back, bum and tops of legs. We want our core to warm so our body can warm the rest.<\/p>\n \u201cThis robe offers all my favourite elements as well as a lumbar warmth panel. Other elements are a zipped inner pocket and a proper weatherproof outer.\u201d<\/p>\n Outdoor changing robe<\/p>\n \u00a390 at Voited<\/a><\/p>\n For more, read the Filter\u2019s rundown of the best thermal swimsuits<\/a> and wild swimming essentials<\/a><\/p>\n Paddy Maddison is a consumer journalist, outerwear enthusiast and exercise addict. If he\u2019s not hiking in the hills, he\u2019s grinding up them on his bike, hurtling down them on his snowboard, or lacing up his running shoes and hitting the pavements. As a result, he gets plenty of time to put all the latest and greatest gear through the wringer for the Filter<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"There\u2019s a glorious smugness that can only be experienced by exercising outdoors in winter conditions. The fresh air,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":447313,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[64,63,538,137],"class_list":{"0":"post-447312","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-fitness","8":"tag-au","9":"tag-australia","10":"tag-fitness","11":"tag-health"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/447312","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=447312"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/447312\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/447313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=447312"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=447312"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=447312"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}