What should I wear on my legs while running in the winter rain?
January 23, 2018 5:56 AM Subscribe
I live in The North of the UK where it's cold and rainy in the winter. And the spring and the fall. Specialist running clothes seem expensive and off-putting. I'm ok for the top layers, but it's the running tights that I find problematic. Just thinking about wearing them makes me feel uncomfortable and over-exposed, and they are typically rather expensive. I've also been told they don't actually protect from rain. My Holy Grail is something that is weather-proof-ish, not humiliating, and affordable, but I can't find anything that ticks all the boxes.
The Running Pants on this page seem like the kind of thing I want, but I would prefer to pay a lot less than £135. I would consider it, however, if they're guaranteed to revolutionise my life.
I should add that I'm a relatively new runner, and can only manage about 10km a week at the moment. BUT I have settled into a regular schedule that I really want to maintain. I'm more than happy to run in the rain, and I typically don't don't feel the cold. It's great at the time but it hurts later. My last run left me with chapped skin on my legs despite wearing two layers (bamboo leggings under joggers).
I'm willing to suck it up, bite the bullet, get over myself, etc, if traditional running tights are the actual answer. If so, why and is it worth spending real money on them?
(And in that case, would it be worth the price jump to the fancy pants in the link above?)
The Running Pants on this page seem like the kind of thing I want, but I would prefer to pay a lot less than £135. I would consider it, however, if they're guaranteed to revolutionise my life.
I should add that I'm a relatively new runner, and can only manage about 10km a week at the moment. BUT I have settled into a regular schedule that I really want to maintain. I'm more than happy to run in the rain, and I typically don't don't feel the cold. It's great at the time but it hurts later. My last run left me with chapped skin on my legs despite wearing two layers (bamboo leggings under joggers).
I'm willing to suck it up, bite the bullet, get over myself, etc, if traditional running tights are the actual answer. If so, why and is it worth spending real money on them?
(And in that case, would it be worth the price jump to the fancy pants in the link above?)
Tights plus shorts?
posted by rossination at 6:14 AM on January 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by rossination at 6:14 AM on January 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
I have a couple of pairs of long underwear bottoms, one's maybe silk and the other is some kinda high tech. When it's cold I wear a pair of fleece sweatpants over them.
Rain pants on top of some combination like mine might work really well.
posted by mareli at 6:33 AM on January 23, 2018
Rain pants on top of some combination like mine might work really well.
posted by mareli at 6:33 AM on January 23, 2018
You should be able to find suitable running pants for way less than 135 quid. I’m not as familiar with what’s available in the UK, but all of the major running gear companies offer running pants in the $50ish to $80ish range. Think Nike, Adidas, Brooks, Asics, New Balance, etc. You could also look at outdoor clothing by the likes of Patagonia, North Face, &c.
posted by chrchr at 6:40 AM on January 23, 2018
posted by chrchr at 6:40 AM on January 23, 2018
Best answer: I run in Scotland (and teach others to run!) so this is practically my specialist subject. Various thoughts:
* Chapped skin from wearing two layers - could the two layers be the issue? Do you get this if you only wear one layer? Could it be the bamboo (which I imagine is more frictiony than synthetic fabrics)? Chafing is an official Runners' Problem, though we all get it in different places, and the top solution is usually something like Body Glide or Vaseline (my preferred option and much cheaper) applied liberally to the skin before going out. It sounds like if you can solve the chafing you'd be happy to just get wet? That would be the easiest solution to this, especially as you're only out for shorts spells of time (it's different if you're running over hilltops in the wind for hours, when it can be nice to be dry).
* Buying running tights shouldn't be expensive. I pay about £15 a pair - TKMaxx or Decathlon are the places to go if you have them near you. Or you might get lucky in JB Sports with a brand like Karrimor or RonHill, or even some Nike. Have a good feel inside the tights - you can get winter ones (which have a fleecy lining) and lighter ones for warmer weather (smooth inside). The fleecy ones might be a bit more inclined to chafe I guess, but they do keep you warmer at this time of year. Generally speaking, I'm happy to shell out on spendy running kit if there's a good reason (see below!). But I've never found the need to spend a lot on tights.
* Most running tights aren't waterproof - you just wear them and get wet. But they are going to be much less chafing than jogging bottoms, because they stay still on your skin rather than swinging around and rubbing. As mentioned, I work for an organisation that encourages people to take up jogging for the first time, and going from "No waaaay am I wearing running tights" to "Oh, I've just been round Sainsbury's in them and it didn't even occur to me it was weird" is practically a rite of passage for new runners. Maybe you've reached that point? (Go, you!). If you don't already, going to parkrun, or a jogging group, or anywhere else that other runners congregate, can make you much less self-conscious about the whole thing.
* Waterproof running trousers - I've not yet invested in these (though have been on a fair few of the aforementioned running over the hilltops in wind and rain for hours outings - just wore tights, got wet, changed into dry clothes when I finished) If/when I do, it'll probably be OMM running trousers (which sadly appear to be out of stock at the moment but I've not shopped around, that's just the OMM site). I have an OMM Kamileika jacket and if I could marry it, I would. Through some kind of witchcraft, it's waterproof, AND stretchy, AND quiet, AND looks great, AND has lasted and lasted. I ran a 35-mile ultra in 30-mph winds and rain last summer, and someone I ended up running with was wearing these trousers, and she said they were great. I spent a long time reluctant to buy the jacket because it was about £120, but it was worth every penny.
So - I'd suggest your first steps before you go all-out on £135 waterproof running trousers, would be to buy a pair of £15 tights and a tub of Vaseline, take a deep breath, and give them a go. If that works, you're all set.
posted by penguin pie at 6:47 AM on January 23, 2018 [12 favorites]
* Chapped skin from wearing two layers - could the two layers be the issue? Do you get this if you only wear one layer? Could it be the bamboo (which I imagine is more frictiony than synthetic fabrics)? Chafing is an official Runners' Problem, though we all get it in different places, and the top solution is usually something like Body Glide or Vaseline (my preferred option and much cheaper) applied liberally to the skin before going out. It sounds like if you can solve the chafing you'd be happy to just get wet? That would be the easiest solution to this, especially as you're only out for shorts spells of time (it's different if you're running over hilltops in the wind for hours, when it can be nice to be dry).
* Buying running tights shouldn't be expensive. I pay about £15 a pair - TKMaxx or Decathlon are the places to go if you have them near you. Or you might get lucky in JB Sports with a brand like Karrimor or RonHill, or even some Nike. Have a good feel inside the tights - you can get winter ones (which have a fleecy lining) and lighter ones for warmer weather (smooth inside). The fleecy ones might be a bit more inclined to chafe I guess, but they do keep you warmer at this time of year. Generally speaking, I'm happy to shell out on spendy running kit if there's a good reason (see below!). But I've never found the need to spend a lot on tights.
* Most running tights aren't waterproof - you just wear them and get wet. But they are going to be much less chafing than jogging bottoms, because they stay still on your skin rather than swinging around and rubbing. As mentioned, I work for an organisation that encourages people to take up jogging for the first time, and going from "No waaaay am I wearing running tights" to "Oh, I've just been round Sainsbury's in them and it didn't even occur to me it was weird" is practically a rite of passage for new runners. Maybe you've reached that point? (Go, you!). If you don't already, going to parkrun, or a jogging group, or anywhere else that other runners congregate, can make you much less self-conscious about the whole thing.
* Waterproof running trousers - I've not yet invested in these (though have been on a fair few of the aforementioned running over the hilltops in wind and rain for hours outings - just wore tights, got wet, changed into dry clothes when I finished) If/when I do, it'll probably be OMM running trousers (which sadly appear to be out of stock at the moment but I've not shopped around, that's just the OMM site). I have an OMM Kamileika jacket and if I could marry it, I would. Through some kind of witchcraft, it's waterproof, AND stretchy, AND quiet, AND looks great, AND has lasted and lasted. I ran a 35-mile ultra in 30-mph winds and rain last summer, and someone I ended up running with was wearing these trousers, and she said they were great. I spent a long time reluctant to buy the jacket because it was about £120, but it was worth every penny.
So - I'd suggest your first steps before you go all-out on £135 waterproof running trousers, would be to buy a pair of £15 tights and a tub of Vaseline, take a deep breath, and give them a go. If that works, you're all set.
posted by penguin pie at 6:47 AM on January 23, 2018 [12 favorites]
Also happy to be MeMailed!
posted by penguin pie at 6:48 AM on January 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by penguin pie at 6:48 AM on January 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
I run in over-the-calf soccer (football?) socks, but I have a very mild winter.
Remember than being warm is more important that being dry. If you're generating enough heat from running, and you're not wearing cotton, then your body will heat up any wet clothing and you'll be fine.
Generally waterproof clothing is not designed for athletic activity (even well-advertised waterproof/breathable items) and if it's good enough to keep rain out, it will be drenched inside with sweat.
posted by meowzilla at 10:30 AM on January 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
Remember than being warm is more important that being dry. If you're generating enough heat from running, and you're not wearing cotton, then your body will heat up any wet clothing and you'll be fine.
Generally waterproof clothing is not designed for athletic activity (even well-advertised waterproof/breathable items) and if it's good enough to keep rain out, it will be drenched inside with sweat.
posted by meowzilla at 10:30 AM on January 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
I wear almost exclusively Karrimor running gear, which is sold in basically every Sports Direct. They do decent wicking tops, short and long-sleeved, for £15-40ish, plus light jackets, running trousers etc for £30-40. It's very often on sale cheaper than that. You can get fully outfitted for sub £100 easily.
If you're not running marathons yet, basic-but-functional gear is all you need, really. Decathlon also do really affordable stuff.
The only thing I would not cheap out on is decent running shoes. I wear Brooks ones which are amazing. You're looking at £70+ for a good pair. But again, Karrimor do okay-ish starter shoes for £25+.
posted by Happy Dave at 11:57 AM on January 23, 2018
If you're not running marathons yet, basic-but-functional gear is all you need, really. Decathlon also do really affordable stuff.
The only thing I would not cheap out on is decent running shoes. I wear Brooks ones which are amazing. You're looking at £70+ for a good pair. But again, Karrimor do okay-ish starter shoes for £25+.
posted by Happy Dave at 11:57 AM on January 23, 2018
If you're not into the full-on waterproof trouser thing, Ms Mumkin is big fan of Rainlegs. She got them for cycling but they work quite well for more pedestrian activities, as it's the fronts of one's thighs that are most prone to soaking. Wear them as a belt until the rains come and then deploy at will.
posted by mumkin at 12:16 PM on January 23, 2018
posted by mumkin at 12:16 PM on January 23, 2018
I love my water repellent Under Armour Storm pants. Mine are a bit too thick/warm to run in, but I see they have lots of models now. I don't need them for days with mild rain, but when I'm on a long workout and the weather is terrible it makes such a difference. I also have waterproof socks. I rarely wear them, they're only worth it when the weather is awful, but when it is, they are amazing.
posted by blub at 12:17 PM on January 23, 2018
posted by blub at 12:17 PM on January 23, 2018
2XU compression leggings are very good. Pricey but not toooo pricey.
posted by catspajammies at 12:59 PM on January 23, 2018
posted by catspajammies at 12:59 PM on January 23, 2018
I do a lot of crosscountry, and after a couple of three-hour runs in the sleet, wind and rain that ended up pretty miserable, I use one or other of these:
Warm or
Windproof
The nuclear option would be thin waterproof trousers over normal running tights - you’d probably get a bit hot, I wear these over the fleece lined tights I linked to above for cycling (ie lots of windchill) and I’m toasty even cycling back from work after dark in icy rain. I’d be far too hot running in them.
It’s only really the front of your legs that need protection from the elements, and decently thick/windproof leggings are usually fine. A windproof jacket (and some thin gloves) actually goes much further towards keeping you warm. If your core is warm, you are warm.
posted by tinkletown at 1:01 PM on January 23, 2018
Warm or
Windproof
The nuclear option would be thin waterproof trousers over normal running tights - you’d probably get a bit hot, I wear these over the fleece lined tights I linked to above for cycling (ie lots of windchill) and I’m toasty even cycling back from work after dark in icy rain. I’d be far too hot running in them.
It’s only really the front of your legs that need protection from the elements, and decently thick/windproof leggings are usually fine. A windproof jacket (and some thin gloves) actually goes much further towards keeping you warm. If your core is warm, you are warm.
posted by tinkletown at 1:01 PM on January 23, 2018
When I was running in Hull or Shetland, I just went in shorts in all weather (snow etc). It would only feel cold for a short while at the beginning, but once I was warmed up it was much more comfortable, and actually refreshing in the rain. As a really 'keep it simple' option, I'd just go with shorts alone and see if you can get used to it. I always found it a mistake to dress up nice and cosy for the start of the run, because I'd be boiling by the end.
posted by askmeaboutboardgames at 5:22 AM on January 24, 2018
posted by askmeaboutboardgames at 5:22 AM on January 24, 2018
This thread is closed to new comments.
I've been running almost 4 years, but I'm relatively cheap. I tried buying a pair of running tights (costco), but didn't like them. If I'm not out in shorts, than it's either warm up pants; athletic pants, or both for -10C + higher winds. Since my first winter I haven't had to buy any more lower body winter wear.
One of the things that might make winter running difficult for a lower volume runner is I'll be most comfortable overall if my layers are such that I'm cold for ~5 minutes, cool for the next 10-15 and then pretty much perfect for the final 30+ . If you're only going 15-30 minutes, then you might have to accept being too warm near the end of your run for your best comfort.
posted by nobeagle at 6:13 AM on January 23, 2018