The Best Winter Running Gear for 2016

Hi there – welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

Now that the days are dull and getting darker, it’s harder than ever to take on the weather and go out for that all important run. However, with the right gear, you’re more likely to head out into the cold and take on the elements. In this post I’ve put together some of my top running gear picks for winter 2016.

  1. 2XU Hyoptik compression tights

 These compression tights are sure to get you noticed – which is only a good thing when training in the low light conditions of winter. The HYOPTIK reflective logos stand out for greater safety, whilst the fashionable design will make you feel confident when out running. The graduated compression gives extra support to leg muscles and aims to aid post-run recovery. These tights are available for men and women, and come in at £75.

mohsin salya The Best Winter Running Gear

  1. Saucony Ultimate Touch-Tech gloves

Something every runner needs is a good pair of warm gloves. When they’re practical as well, that’s a bonus. These gloves keep your thumbs smartphone ready, so that you can change the track you’re listening to or reply to a text with minimal fuss. The extended cuff adds extra warmth, whilst the fleece offers something to wipe your face on if it happens to be raining. Priced at £20 from Saucony, these are really reasonably priced too.

  1. Runderwear merino underwear

Underneath all the fancy, high-tech running gear, you need a solid foundation. If you haven’t heard of running underwear before, winter is definitely the time to invest in some. These underpants have been designed to give you optimum comfort and performance, as the intelligent fabric combines high grade merino wool with thermocool technology. This is clever because it keeps you cool when you’re too warm, and warm when you’re cold. Priced at £25, these are available for both men and women.

  1. Flipbelt reflective

Do you have a fair few items to carry when you’re out running and no pockets? This clever little thing can store your phone, house keys and credit cards in its super convenient design. The Flipbelt is also super high-vis – you can never have enough reflectivity on a winter run. Available in yellow or black, the Flipbelt is priced at £32, and is definitely a great investment buy.

mohsin salya The Best Winter Running Gear 2

  1. On Running Cloudventure Waterproof

If you’re looking for the ultimate winter running shoe – look no further. The Cloudventure trail shoe is said to be 100% waterproof and windproof, whilst still being breathable. On Running’s innovative sole pods add to the great engineering of the shoe, which even have protective toe caps. Perfect for winter off-road jaunts, these come in at £140 and are available for men and women.

Until next time,

Mohsin Salya

The Best Jackets for Running

Hi and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

Now that the temperatures are constantly dropping and the days are getting shorter, there are lots of reasons to want to skip a run. But you don’t need to let the elements determine your training schedule. Whether it’s a steady downpour or an unrelenting breeze, one of these jackets is sure to protect you on your autumn run.

One Gore-Tex Active Run Jacket

This jacket has its own Gore-Tex outer surface, making it possible to shake off the rain from a water-repellent surface. At £229.99 it isn’t cheap, but the revolutionary jacket features the lightest and most breathable Gore-Tex innovation. The last thing you want when you’re running is something weighing you down. This jacket enables you to remain fast, comfortable and dry in all weathers.

Sonic Reflex Jacket

 As well as offering another layer to keep you warmer, this jacket also provides 360º of high reflectivity when the lights are shining on you. Perfect for the darker evenings, this jacket is also DWR-coated for wind and water resistance in case you get caught in a shower. At the back the jacket is longer and offers more coverage to keep you warm and dry. Priced at £95, this is a middle of the range jacket which offers essential visibility.

Adidas Supernova Storm Half-Zip

This half-zip offering from Adidas is the ultimate climate control layer. The thin, stretchy back panel dumps heat whilst the wind blocking polyester sleeves and soft-shell nylon front panel defend you from icy gusts of wind. An added bonus feature of the jacket is that when it’s hit with headlights, the static-like graphic on the sleeves and shoulders come to life. It’s also really affordable too at £52, and perfect for those who don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy layer.

Ashmei Nightrunner

A fashionable yet still extremely practical layer, this jacket has been hailed as the best winter jacket on the market. It has a tailored fit and an ergonomic design, complete with asymmetric zip. The temperature regulating technologies in this jacket are a result of using Merino wool. This clever material warms you when it’s cold and cools you down when it’s hot, wicks moisture away and dries fast. Priced at £200, this is definitely a smart investment.

Nike Impossibly Light Crackled

This jacket is the most lightweight on the list, and yet it still offers all-over reflectivity. It can easily be packed away into its own hood, so it’s perfect for grabbing on the go when you’re not sure which direction the weather is heading in and the grey clouds look like they may start something. This jacket isn’t just waterproof, it’s water-repellent, meaning the rain drops roll straight off it. At £100, this is a practical option for those indecisive autumn days.

Until next time,

Mohsin Salya