Early holiday shopping for runners

The Smartwool Smartloft Hybrid Jacket may be the ideal cold-weather running jacket. Smartwool starts by employing a wind-resistant yet highly breathable front panel that’s insulated with 50 per cent recycled wool. This construction delivers plenty of core warmth when running in cold weather. To prevent overheating, the back panel and sleeves are built with a polyester/merino/Elastane fabric blend that is warm, highly breathable and has enough stretch to allow for easy movement. This hybrid construction ensures runners remain warm, dry and comfortable in challenging weather. Other details worth noting include three pockets for storing small essentials and thumbhole wrist cuffs for additional hand warmth and to block out drafts. This is a very intelligently designed winter running jacket.

Featuring Smartwool’s most sophisticated construction, these socks provide a superior fit, as well as the additional warmth and comfort required during cold winter runs. Smartwool uses its Indestructawool technology for enhanced durability, while the crew height offers extra warmth around the ankle and lower leg. Targeted cushioning at the forefoot and heel improves during longer runs, while the strategically located mesh zones reduce overheating if temperatures rise.

Constructed with Salomon’s unique performance-oriented fabric, which provides excellent wicking and breathability, the Shakeout Core T-Shirt is ideal for running workouts in a variety of conditions. In milder winter weather, consider wearing it alone beneath a windshell. If the temperature starts to drop, use it as part of a multi-layer clothing system, where it acts more like a light midlayer. In either case, the Shakeout Core is a versatile addition to your winter running wardrobe.

Built with a soft stretch-woven fabric, the Sense Aero Stow Tights will keep you warm and comfortable when running in colder temperatures. The sophisticated fabric allows for easy movement and delivers excellent wicking, ensuring you remain dry and comfortable. Salomon has spec’ed a bounce-resistant back pocket that can accommodate a 250-ml flask, while a carefully positioned thigh pocket is perfectly sized for a phone. Salomon has also added two elastic loops on the back that can be used to store an extra layer, eliminating the need to tie a jacket around your waist.

Built with a blend of merino wool and Tencel Lyocell, the Active Beanie is perfect for cool-weather running. The beanie’s sophisticated fabric delivers exceptional moisture management, resists odours and offers a broad temperature comfort range. Thanks to its lightweight fabric, you can put the beanie on at the start of your run, and if it gets milder, you can easily tuck it into a pocket.

It’s now widely acknowledged that merino wool is an excellent material for technical outdoor clothing. Not only does it not retain odours (unlike many synthetics), it also tends to have a wider temperature comfort range, as well as excellent moisture management properties. With the Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer top, Smartwool supercharges the material’s performance by blending it with 44 per cent polyester and three per cent Elastane. The result is improved durability, fit and overall performance that runners will appreciate. Smartwool also adds strategic, seamlessly knit mesh ventilation panels, allowing excess heat and perspiration to escape. This versatile body-conforming top can be used alone in milder conditions or as part of a layering system when temperatures drop.

Built with a windproof and insulated front panel, the Active Fleece Wind Insulated Vest is perfect for running in colder temperatures. The back of the vest features wind-resistant and highly breathable panels that prevent overheating while still providing adequate protection from the elements. Smartwool has also employed four-way stretch panels at key locations that ensure easy movement, even during hard workouts. The vest can be worn over a long-sleeve top during less extreme weather or layered beneath a full jacket in colder conditions. This is an incredibly versatile cold-weather layer that should be part of every runner’s clothing kit.

At first glance, the Smartwool Active Fleece Gloves look like many other lightweight running gloves. However, these gloves actually have a number of unique and sophisticated features, making them a top choice for winter running. The most compelling detail has to be the fabric that Smartwool has spec’d–a soft merino wool on the inside with a durable and weather-resistant recycled polyester on the outside. The combination plays to each textile’s strength, creating a glove that exceeds the performance of either individual fabric. Other notable details include silicone grippers on the palm and fingers, touchscreen-compatible thumb and fingertips and reflective highlights for additional visibility when running in low-light conditions.

The Run Ankle Socks hit the sweet spot for most winter runners; they provide additional ankle coverage and warmth than lower-cut socks, without the bulk associated with crew-height offerings. As with almost all Smartwool socks, these feature Indestructawool construction technology for exceptional durability, as well as Smartwool’s 4 Degree elite fit system for a foot-hugging fit. The addition of targeted cushioning zones and mesh panels ensures additional comfort and breathability during long runs.

With their four-way stretch fabric and ergonomic patterning, the Shakout Core Tights won’t hold you back during challenging winter training. The fabric provides the right level of protection for moderately cold conditions and offers exceptional wicking qualities, ensuring you remain sweat-free and warm. A simple drawcord waist closure allows for easy and secure fit adjustments, while the three carefully positioned pockets provide plenty of storage for small essentials. These are great, no-nonsense tights with enough features to satisfy almost any runner.

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