I have given up on persuading people to take up running outside in winter. Gyms are fine! And if pulling on multiple layers of clothing and lights to run outside in the grim, freezing dark isn’t something that calls to you, a few well-meaning words probably won’t do the trick. 

But running in these long, dreary months is a chance to give cabin fever the finger and get some much-needed fresh air and vitamin D. Do you need some tips on how to prevent hypothermia while you trot along? I pulled together some of the gear that gets me out every day, along with a few starter tips. Be sure to also check out our Best Fitness Trackers and Best Running Shoe guides—and all the gear that helped WIRED’s former editor in chief run faster marathons in his forties.

Updated February 2023: We added our favorite cold-weather running picks, like Patagonia Pack Out Tights.

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