Best Winter Workout Gear: Must-Have Jackets, Leggings, Sunglasses and More

The Swiftwick Pursuit Four socks are designed to keep you cool in the summer and warm in winter. The socks are made of merino wool, which helps regulate body temperature and keeps your feet dry. The best part is these socks can be worn comfortably whether you’re going on a hike, run, bike ride or trail run. One reviewer raved that the socks handled Portland’s rainy and cold climate well during his runs. Another mentioned that they wear these socks year-round and it’s the only brand they wear.

Keeping your head and especially your ears covered is important when you’re active in the cold outdoors. Smartwool’s Merino 250 Reversible Headband offers proper coverage of the ears and head and is designed for all genders. It is made up of double-layered merino wool, making it ideal for being active during low temperatures. Some reviewers say they use this headband during 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 winters of Chicago.

These wraparound sunglasses are ideal for any of your favorite winter activities. Although the lenses are big, the glasses are lightweight and have a nose pad, so they sit comfortably on your nose. These glasses look best on oval, heart-shaped and round faces. Reviewers share that these stay put while cycling, hiking and doing other winter sports. A few people mentioned that the sunglasses are also versatile enough to use in the summer and can be used while playing sports such as volleyball and baseball.

The right leggings can make your winter activities more enjoyable and remove 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 can buy the tights in a solid or striated color. Women who reviewed these tights across the board agree they keep them warm and dry during the coldest and wettest weather.

If you’re looking for a puffer vest that isn’t bulky yet is still functional, Lululemon’s Another Mile vest fits the bill. The stretchy vest is intended to be worn during winter activities and is designed to move with you. The water-repellent material also keeps you dry no matter the elements outside. Reviewers share that the vest is the perfect layer to keep them warm even when wearing a sweatshirt. 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, therefore it’s best to size up. 

When you’re planning on going winter camping or hiking and need a reliable base layer, the IcebreakerBodyFit 200 Oasis leggings are a great choice. They are made up 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 it easy to layer. Reviews across the board say that these thermals are the best all-around for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing and running, and even those frigid days when you just need an extra layer. 

The Saucony Fortify Convertible Gloves are a good choice if you’re looking for unisex gloves. They’re convertible, which means you can wear them as five-fingered gloves or mittens. The wind mitt is tucked into the backhand pocket and can be worn as an option for especially cold weather. These gloves are midweight, plus wind- and water-resistant. Reviewers say using a smartphone is easy even with the mitten on. Other reviewers say that if your hands tend to run hot, these gloves are a good option for winter activities because they’re not overly warming. One buyer pointed out that these gloves may not be the best option for days colder than 30 degrees, however.

If you’re looking for classic sunglasses that will stay on during your run, Goodr’s OG Unicorn’s Calamity sunglasses will fit your needs. The nonreflective glasses won’t slip or bounce during your most rigorous activities. The lenses offer 100% UV400 protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Reviews show that the majority of buyers are satisfied with this classic set of sunglasses, which are ideal for all forms of outdoor activities, especially running. Some reviewers say they loved their first pair enough to buy more Goodr styles.

Under Armour is known for winter gear that keeps you warm during even the harshest of wintry elements. Its ColdGear Reactor Performance Hybrid will keep you insulated and prepared for those early morning runs, hikes, cycling 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 liked 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.

This jacket is getting a little hard to find in stock, but we found a few different colors on Amazon. The remaining sizes and prices depend on the color.

The Thermajohn Long Johns Thermal Underwear are form-fitting with a fleece-lined base layer for heat retention, and they’re also soft and comfortable. They’re also made with a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that won’t let you overheat. And since these also have four-way stretch, you can freely move around in them without worrying about chafing or bunching. They’re also a good option for those who need to layer up. Reviewers are quite happy with the fit and comfort of these leggings, with a 4.6 star rating from almost 55,000 reviews.

If you don’t let winter elements, including snow, stop you from being active, then you need the right footwear. The Brooks Cascadia 17 GTX are a good choice for men and women who want shoes with the right amount of stability and grip for exploring the most uneven terrains. They also have Gore-tex waterproof protection, so you don’t need to worry about it getting wet either.