The best gear for cold weather running

November 5, 11:55 AMMinneapolis Outdoor Recreation ExaminerMarie Malinowski

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Sierra Designs Microlight Accelerator jacket

Colder temps and dwindling daylight leave most of us with two options: 1) Workout in a gym on machines laden with the H1N1 virus, or 2) Workout outside, in the fresh air, in gear that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.Need some ideas to get you started?

Apparel

Sierra Designs Microlight Accelerator jacket: Stay dry, warm and comfortable this winter with the Microlight Accelerator jacket from Sierra Designs. Blending a water-resistant, 100% nylon shell with a fast-wicking, brushed polyester "Accelerator" lining, this jacket quickly sheds light rain and melting snow while drawing internal moisture away from your skin. More than just a shell, the Microlight's brushed Accelerator lining offers just a touch of insulation to keep you warm on cool mornings or during high exertion winter activities. ($69.00, www.SierraDesigns.com)

Woolrich Weatherchaser vest

Woolrich Weatherchaser Vest : Built to keep your core warm on cold days, the Weatherchaser's 100% polyester quick-dry microfiber shell is quilted to an internal liner for excellent weather protection and warmth. Lightweight and treated with Teflon® Fabric Protection, the Weatherchaser is stain and water resistant while staying highly breathable. It also delivers an impressive UPF 50+ sun protection and blocks 99% of the wind. The Dri-Release® piqué lining wicks away body vapor when you're active. ($70.00, www.Woolrich.com)

Woolrich Women's Fleece Vest: Constructed with Trailhead™ microfiber fleece, the women's Fleece Vest delivers exceptional three-season comfort for almost any activity. It breathes easily when you're active, delivers warmth when damp, and does a superior job of wicking away moisture. Wear over a long sleeve short for warm, sunny winter days or layer under a lightweight shell for superior comfort in the cold. ($29.00, www.Woolrich.com)

GoMotion Light vest

Lights

GoMotion Light Vest: As a runner, you've got two options for winter training ... one involves spending a few dozen hours a week on a contraption designed to exercise gerbils, and the other involves the GoMotion Light Vest. Designed literally to "extend the day," the GoMotion Light Vest is a low-profile, super-lightweight, mesh pack with a sternum-mounted LED spotlight that can light up any road, path or trail. A high-performance safety light, the GoMotion LightVest has three different light settings and an adjustable focus that can widen or narrow the cone of light. ($99.95, www.gomotioninc.com).to retain this template's appearance.

Primus PrimeLite Race headlamp

 Primus PrimeLite Race headlamp: With a range of 125 meters, the PrimeLite Race is the brightest flashlight in the Primus lineup... a good thing when running outdoors after dark. An aluminum case dissipates heat for a stronger beam while a separate battery case can be stowed in a pocket for less weight on your head and better cold weather performance. Three light settings provide the perfect amount of light while maximizing burn time. Runs on 4 AA batteries. (www.primuscamping.com, $85.00) 

Ahnu FireTrail Winter running shoe

Shoes

Ahnu FireTrail Winter running shoe (Men's): The name says it all! Mixing performance and comfort into a design that braves harsh elements for outdoor winter training. A rugged Vibram sole prevents slipping on any surface dry, wet or snowy. Hydrophobic mesh repels water away so it can't seep in. Moisture wicking mesh lining moves moisture away from your feet from the inside. The combination of the two allows feet to breathe and stay dry, creating the optimal foot climate. Also features NPS (neutral positioning system) technology a biomechanical design optimizing the foots performance from a natural balances position. ($119.95, www.ahnufootwear.com)  

Ahnu Rockridge running shoe

Ahnu Rockridge running shoe (Women's): The Rockridge does it all in the worst conditions, designed as a cold weather trail runner with equally awesome performance on any terrain or as a fast hiker. Featuring Ahnu's NPS (neutral positioning system) technology, a biomechanical design to optimize the foots performance from a healthy neutral position providing balance and stability on varied terrain. Hydrophobic mesh repels water and snow away from the shoe to prevent seepage. Moisture wicking mesh removes moisture from the foot cavity. Together these create a dry, comfortable environment that allows the foot to breath. ($99.95, www.ahnufootwear.com) 

Origo Paso Pedometer watch

Accessories

Origo Paso Pedometer watch: Accurate to within two feet per mile, the new Origo Paso Pedometer Watch is a full-function watch with digitally integrated, smart detection pedometer technology that automatically switches between walk to run modes without reprogramming. Unlike standard pedometers, the Paso is worn on the wrist, providing instant access to distance traveled, calories burned, target step count, step timer, alarm and chronological functions on the fly. A broad LCD display provides superior readability. (www.origowatch.com, $40.00)

Special props and thanks goes to Scott Kaier of Pale Morning Media for providing the pics and product information.