Winter trail running is majestic, yet incredibly nuanced. You’ll need a plethora of gear that checks many boxes: everything must be sweat-wicking, warm and snug, so there’s no chafing. To put our gear to the test, we took to the woods in Breckenridge, Colorado where we found pine trees galore right just a track-length away from the ski mountain. From our stay at Great Western Lodging on the main street, we could walk or quickly jog over to Carter Park, a popular recreation center with a sled run, dog park and plenty of hilly trails. The white slopes were dotted with pine trees, meaning we had to prepare for quick turns and pivots — spikes were a necessity. The lightly packed snow gave way in some spots, but gaiters and sweat-wicking socks helped to keep our feet dry.
With winter showing no sign of slowing down anytime soon, now’s the time to bulk up on layers and start getting outdoors. Smart layering is key as you’ll likely find your gear feeling damp from both your sweat and the snow. While the days are still pretty short, fresh snow reflects light, so that you can stay outside for longer. And when you find yourself counting the days until the spring equinox (March 20) know that these kits will get you through the muddy season, too — minus a layer or two.
Here are the two best winter trail running kits to keep you logging miles until your first spring race.
