Running is a sport that most people can do without worrying about a lot of equipment. However, running under certain conditions, such as cold weather, can be difficult without proper clothing. Knowledge of what to wear for running during that condition is a must. We don’t want to get cold or sick after running when a run just because not wearing a thing. A vest might often be overlooked when you want to run, but it plays an important role. You don’t need to worry much about what vest you should pick for winter running. We will guide you to select a suitable vest for winter running. It is possible that you don’t realize that maybe you already have one vest on our list.
We’ve picked out from many vests available on the market some of the best vests for winter running. Just keep crawling and discover what suits you!
Table of contents
- TCA Men’s Excel Runner Gilet
- Little Donkey Andy Men’s Lightweight Softshell Vest
- 33,000ft Women’s Windproof Vest Outerwear
- Little Donkey Andy Women’s Lightweight Puffer Vest
- Outdoor Ventures Women’s Lightweight Softshell Vest
- Little Donkey Andy Women’s Lightweight Vest
- Columbia Women’s Heavenly Insulated Vest
- Core 10 Women’s Lightweight Insulated Run Vest
- Eddie Bauer Men’s MicroTherm 2.0 Down Vest
- 33,000ft Women’s Running Vest Fleece Lined
- Woweny Women’s Lightweight Running Vest Fleece Lined
- Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain Vest
- The North Face Women’s Aconcagua Insulated Vest
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Vest for Winter Running
- Are vests good for winter running?
- What do I wear under a running vest?
- How often should you wash a running vest?
TCA Men’s Excel Runner Gilet
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TCA Men’s Excel Runner Gilet offers a lightweight vest without losing its power to maintain body heat. Synthetic down padding gives extra warmth during cold weather running. Despite its thermal padding, this vest for winter running can stretch for easy runner movement.
Sometimes, finding a running vest that only fits men or women can be annoying. However, this gilet is available in men’s and women’s sizes. In addition to that, sizes and colors offered for both gender vary. Since this vest doesn’t come up with a chin guard, you can check some of the best neck warmers for running.
Pros
- It has two zip pockets for securing valuable items
- It has reflective printing for extra visibility
- The vest is available in seven colors
Cons
- It isn’t described if it’s water resistant
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Little Donkey Andy Men’s Lightweight Softshell Vest
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Most Color and Size Options. Looking for a weightless yet water-resistant running vest? Claimed to be super lightweight and easy to pack, Little Donkey Andy Men’s Lightweight Softshell Vest is one option. The fabric is laminated with a TPU membrane which is water-resistant during rainy weather.
The fabric of this vest for winter running is windproof, making running during windy weather not a problem. This versatile vest also won’t detain your running movement thanks to the shell that can stretch four ways. Have a look at the customer reviews from its official product page.
Pros
- It has three zip pockets
- The vest is available in 8 sizes and 16 colors option
- The fabric is quick-drying and breathable.
Cons
- The vest runs small; it’s recommended to select one size larger
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33,000ft Women’s Windproof Vest Outerwear
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If you want a simple and featherweight running vest, 33,000ft offers a Women’s Windproof Vest Outerwear series. This outerwear gives you an experience during running with no hassle on movement. The flexible fabric can allow a wide range of motion thanks to its elasticity.
Another thing is that six pockets are available in one vest. Two zip hand pockets, two internal pockets, one zip chest pocket, and one zip back pocket will secure your stuff. An extra pocket can be useful to carry more valuable items during an activity.
Pros
- The vest has reflective printing for visibility
- It’s easy to wash with a machine
- Thanks to the fabric that is windproof and water-resistant
Cons
- This isn’t recommended for windy snow weather, but you can combine it with winter running jackets.
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Little Donkey Andy Women’s Lightweight Puffer Vest
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The Little Donkey Andy Women’s Lightweight Puffer Vest is a little different from other running vests. Light to wear and four-way stretch fabric are basic features given by the brand. In addition to that, the synthetic fabric maintains warmth which similar to duck-down insulation is another distinction. This material manages heat even during wet conditions.
For people who are concerned about the environment, 100% recycled polyester pads the vest. This eco-friendly vest for winter running helps to maintain minimum impact. Healthy for runners is also healthy for the environment.
Pros
- The windproof fabric does a great job of blocking the cold wind
- The vest has a chin guard and cord adjustments
- It’s also available also for men
Cons
- Unfortunately, it isn’t water resistant
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Outdoor Ventures Women’s Lightweight Softshell Vest
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Outdoor Ventures Women’s Lightweight Softshell Vest combines three aspects in one product. It gives the wearer warmth, light, and stylish for running. The outer fabric is windproof and water-resistant while the inner fabric uses fleece. Fleece provides a soft experience and keeps the body heat stay while wearing the vest.
Simple design and available in different colors make women as stylish as they can be, even during running. Furthermore, Outdoor Ventures delivers a 3D shape cut to make it a flattering look. Finally, there are 12 jazzy color options available to choose from.
Pros
- The vest is durable, considering its price
- It’s easy to wash and maintain
- It has four spacious pockets
Cons
- Unlucky that it isn’t available for men
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Little Donkey Andy Women’s Lightweight Vest
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Another product from Little Donkey Andy is the Women’s Lightweight Vest. It provides quilted panels in the chest and the back. This quilted will retain heat in the core area. Mesh vents for improved breathability is accessible in the back area. This system will keep it from overheating.
Having quilted panels doesn’t mean that the vest will be bulky. As for running, it is still acceptable for the runner during cold weather. Moreover, Little Donkey Andy puts in reflective printing for extra visibility during runs.
Pros
- The vest is packed easily for mobility
- It includes four spacious pockets
- It’s ideal insulation in the core area
Cons
- The size may be too small for some women
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Columbia Women’s Heavenly Insulated Vest
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Are you looking for a classic and simple vest? Columbia Women’s Heavenly Insulated Vest is one of the answers. This gilet will give you Omni-heat technology which retains body heat during cold. Through breathable fabric, it depletes moisture.
It presents a classic look and different basic alternative colors that make it elegant for a run. Not only is it simple, but the outer material is also water-resistant, which keeps you dry and snug. In addition, a chin guard and an adjustable drawcord are ready to keep them warm.
Pros
- The vest, while looking classic and simple, is durable too.
- It comes with two hand pockets
- Thanks to Omni-heat technology, it’ll keep you warm.
Cons
- Sadly, its cost is a bit too much
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Core 10 Women’s Lightweight Insulated Run Vest
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Core 10 Women’s Lightweight Insulated Run Vest is a simple vest for winter running that’s available in the market. It has what other vests have, like lightweight and water-resistant outer fabric. This is suitable for a run during cold, mild weather due to the minor insulation it has.
The design is as simple as it looks, with only three color choices available. The inner comes with fleece that provides comfort while wearing it. Adding layers for extra convenience is necessary for windy weather.
Pros
- The fabric is easy to maintain
- The vest comes with two zip pockets
- It has reflective printing for extra visibility
Cons
- It’s not recommended for moderately cold weather
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Eddie Bauer Men’s MicroTherm 2.0 Down Vest
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Best Insulated Vest. The Eddie Bauer Men’s MicroTherm 2.0 Down Vest is another best vest for winter running to take. It is filled with high-loft Premium Goose Down, which can keep body heat yet still a weightless layer for a cold run.
Even though this vest is for a man, it is designed to wrap close to the body. People often think that movement will be a hassle if it’s too fit. Version 2.0 also applies softer fabric to give comfort and mobility. Combined with a base layer, running during snowy weather won’t be a problem.
Pros
- The fabric is breathable
- This vest is true to size
- The vest boasts premium insulation with goose down filling.
Cons
- Unfortunately, it’s a slightly pricey
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33,000ft Women’s Running Vest Fleece Lined
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33,000 ft offers another option for a winter running vest that comes in handy. 33,000ft Women’s Running Vest Fleece Lined brings the same technology such as water-resistant, windproof, and breathable. Yet, the inner lining now is fleece for more comfort and warmth when wearing it.
Maintaining the vest isn’t complicated as it seems because of the water-resistant material. Putting it in a washing machine, hanging it dry, or with low heat will do the job. The shape design also follows a feminine cut for a flattering look. Adding a runner headlamp for extra visibility, it’s just a great combination for a running vest in one product.
Pros
- It comes with a chin guard and drawcord collar
- The vest has four spacious pockets
- The design is simple without any unnecessary addition
Cons
- It doesn’t come with reflective printing
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Woweny Women’s Lightweight Running Vest Fleece Lined
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Best Value for Money. For people who want something economical in a running vest but still fine in quality, Woweny Women’s Lightweight Running Vest Fleece Lined is the answer. Weightless, water-resistant, windproof, and warm are things you’ll get from this item. It has not had many additional features, such as drawcords, insulation fills, and reflective printing. Essential aspects are available for winter running vests, and that’s all.
This vest for winter running comes in four basic color options, especially the rose red, a chin guard to protect the neck from being cold, and two zip hand pockets. The inner material implements fleece to give a comfortable experience during use and is still warm when it gets colder.
Pros
- The price is competitive, considering the features
- This fabric is windproof and water-resistant.
- The vest is lightweight.
Cons
- It isn’t recommended for snowy weather
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Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain Vest
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Most Versatile. Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain Vest is perfect for a runner who prefers an easygoing look. A casual and classic style from Columbia mixed with varied color options is ideal.
The vest is formed of 100% polyester MTR filament fleece 250g to ensure that warm stays close to the body. You can fuse it with your favorite base layer for your run when cold weather. The collared neck will also cover cold air entering through the neck. It is a durable vest that will be active in the coming season. Check out its detailed YouTube review on Killer Reviews.
Pros
- The vest is available in a wide range of sizes
- It’s durable for most situations
- It’s one of the most versatile running vests on the market
Cons
- The fabric isn’t water resistant
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The North Face Women’s Aconcagua Insulated Vest
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Best for Extreme Weather. The North Face Women’s Aconcagua Insulated Vest is a casual-look vest yet versatile for every situation. The outer material is windproof thanks to WindWall technology from The North Face. It’s also coated with a water-repellent finish to keep the body dry. Meanwhile, the 550 goose-down fill works perfectly for insulation to maintain warmth.
The versatility comes from the casual design with 12 color options; this vest isn’t only useful protection for winter running yet for an informal look in town. The flattering shape creates the vest as just an excellent option for you to choose from. Check out the details on the official webpage.
Pros
- The vest has a hybrid insulation
- This vest is made from lightweight material for ultimate comfort during a run
- The vest boasts a windproof and water-repellent finish
Cons
- This will cost you a little extra
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Our Verdict!
All of the products above are amazing and have similar functionality. However, some products shine a little brighter than others when it comes to the following categories:
- Best Value for Money: Woweny Women’s Lightweight Running Vest Fleece Lined
- Best for Extreme Weather: The North Face Women’s Aconcagua Insulated Vest
- Best Insulated Vest: Eddie Bauer Men’s MicroTherm 2.0 Down Vest
- Most Color and Size Options: Little Donkey Andy Men’s Lightweight Softshell Vest
- Most Versatile: Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain Vest
How To Choose The Best Vest for Winter Running
Selecting the best vest for winter running for your need isn’t complicated if you know what to consider. Here are some of the things to note when picking a running vest.
Material
First things first is the outer and inner composition of the vest. The outer fabric needs to protect the user from wind and water. Whilst, inner fabric requires to retain body heat and is also breathable. Some also consider having stretchy materials. Mixing these two components, a great vest for winter running can be easier to select from many.
Weight
Having those above-mentioned materials in a vest, the next thing to consider is the weight. As it’s meant for running, the mass of the vest is crucial. We don’t want something heavy to wear during running. It can consume more energy than it should.
Storage
A vest without a pocket isn’t wrong. However, it is better to possess a vest with pockets. These pockets will carry your valuable things on the run, such as keys, credit card, id, and phone. We won’t want to hold them in our hands while running. Zipped pockets are preferable, so they won’t fall and is safer.
Fit and Comfort
As you’re running, your body moves in a certain range of motion. The vest should you choose is necessary to fit you well and allow you to move freely. Lastly is the comfort you’ll experience while wearing it.
Are vests good for winter running?
Running vests are an important layering element because they can insulate, windproof, or both to keep you warm in your core and allow heat to escape under your arms and through zippers.
What do I wear under a running vest?
Essentially, a long sleeve base layer is the answer.
How often should you wash a running vest?
This can vary depending on how often you wear it. As it is mostly not the one touching skin after six wears won’t matter much.