Gear Picks
The Best Men’s Layers for Exercising in the Cold
Dress well and you can run or ski tour through even the worst weather
Featured
$32.00
This winter-specific Buff has Polartec fleece on the lower half for extra warmth and Buff’s standard polyester-elastane material on the upper half, so you can dial in the exact coverage you need for the conditions. The four-way stretch piece can be used as a bandana or scarf and has UPF 50 protection against the sun.
$80.00
from REI
The Merino 150 is Smartwool’s lightest base layer. Wear it as a solo piece during warmer months or the first layer for winter pursuits. It’s mostly merino wool with some nylon mixed in for durability, but you get merino’s signature softness and antistink properties. The wicking and quick-dry capabilities of the layer are legendary, which is key when you’re running during cold temperatures.
$85.00
from REI
The Winter Warm tights are stretchy and snug without being too tight, so many runners find them far more comfortable than standard tights. They’re made from the company’s FlashDry fabric (a mix of poly, nylon, and elastane) for a moisture-wicking, quick-drying first layer. There’s a pocket across the back hip for a phone or pair of gloves. They can also be a base layer for skiers.
$142.00
from Moosejaw
There’s a lot going on in this midlayer. The Tech Trainer uses merino wool, mixed with 3 percent Lycra for a crazy amount of stretch. You also get 100 percent nylon panels over the chest and shoulders to give you extra warmth where you need it most. Built to move fast in the cold, it has smart details like a high-zip collar and drop-tail hem to keep the frigid air at bay.
$299.00
from REI
These pants were built for ski touring with OR’s lightest, most breathable ski-specific fabric to date. The AscentShell build is waterproof but air permeable, so you can work up a sweat without worrying about becoming a sopping mess. The fabric is surprisingly soft, especially for a hard-shell construction, and built to stretch and move with you during high-endurance pursuits.
$349.00
from REI
Arc’teryx relies on Gore-Tex to provide a breathable barrier in this rainjacket built for trail running in cold weather. It has features like a fitted hood with an elastic brim that you can cinch down, pit zips, elastic cuffs and hem, and an internal chest pocket with a media port. We really dig Gore-Tex’s C-Knit fabric, which gives the layer a softness you don’t expect from a hard shell.
$60.00
$55.00
from Amazon
8% off
CEP is known for its compression layers, and this sock has graduated compression features that help enhance circulation through the calf and foot. But you’ll really appreciate the blend of silk, merino wool, and synthetic fibers that maximize the warmth and comfort of these socks. The seamless toe closure doesn’t hurt either, whether you’re running or ski touring.
All Gear
$299
$254
from Backcountry
15% off
“At ten inches long, this model packs a mighty massage into a compact design,” wrote tester Christine Yu of the Hypervolt. “It delivers good percussion at three speeds and is no louder than a set of hair clippers.” It was also one of our favorite recovery tools of 2019.
$22
$13
from Icebreaker
41% off
“Years ago, I threw out all of my cotton socks and replaced them with three pairs of these lightweight merino items,” wrote columnist Wes Siler. “Aside from skiing (when I wear something taller), and very cold weather activities (where more insulation is needed), that remains my setup today.”
$20
$14
from Huckberry
30% off
These Swiftwick socks held up during columnist Joe Jackson’s most recent 50-mile race. “I’ve tested over 100 pairs of athletic socks during my time working as Outside’s Gear Guy,” he wrote. “The best socks for blister prevention over long distances are Swiftwicks.”
$350
$270
from Garmin
23% off
We included the Venu in our 2020 Winter Buyer’s Guide roundup of the best smartwatches. It has over 20 preloaded sport modes, a built in GPS, and can store music. It also has an incident detection feature which will direct a paired phone to dial an emergency contact in the event of a crash.
Sponsor Content
Gnarly Nutrition Fuel₂O
$28.95
from Gnarly Nutrition
Getting the proper nutrition for tough workouts at the gym and long days on the trail has never been easier. Fuel₂O is an all-in-one solution, formulated for optimal fueling, replenishment, and recovery. Plus, it’s easy to make—just mix your favorite flavor (limeade, tropical, or cherry cola) with water.
$23
$18
from Zappos
22% off
“This sock did everything extremely well, but mostly it was just damn comfy,” wrote our Gear Guy. The Hiker provides a nice cushion for the heel and forefoot without being too bulky, and the fit is super snug. The merino-nylon-spandex blend is odor-resistant and never itchy.
$19
$15
from REI
21% off
The Phd Run Light Elite sock won our test of the best running socks. “It wicked better and dried faster than most of the 58 other socks we tested, seemingly regardless of weather or trail conditions,” wrote tester Cory Smith.
$16
$13
from REI
19% off
Need a new pair of workout socks? Look no further than the Elite Max. “These socks are some of the most comfortable we’ve tested,” wrote Buyer’s Guide tester Jenny Earnest. “Thick recycled-polyester fabric cushions your feet, and a secure heel tab keeps them from slipping down.”
$850
$750
12% off
The Fenix 6 is the ideal companion for folks that are serious about training. That’s why we think it makes a great tech gift. It “has the same bells and whistles as its predecessors, but features a larger display, a pacing mode that’s great for runners, and over 2,000 ski maps,” our tester wrote.
$109
$87
from Evo
20% off
What made our Buyer’s Guide testers fall in love with the Alice? Comfort. “With a wide yoga-style waistband, a buttery Italian chamois, and smart silicone placement to keep the legs from creeping up, the Alice is a good choice for long days in the saddle, with or without shorts on top,” one tester wrote.
$79
$32
from Backcountry
59% off
We featured the Sol Defender in our 2021 Summer Buyer’s Guide roundup of the best climbing gear. “The Sol Defender looks like a normal hoodie, but it’s packed with technical qualities, like its UPF 30+ rating, durable polyester blend, and wicking grid interior,” we wrote.
Gear Picks is a curated selection of products we’ve tested and heartily recommend. We stand by this gear—and the brands that sell it—and many of our editors and writers use this stuff weekly. Whenever possible, we provide a link to a past review so you can make sure it’s something that suits your lifestyle—ideally at a steeply discounted price. Happy shopping—and gear-picking.