The Best Running Gear for Rain

The Best Running Gear for Rain

Pridatko Oleksandr/Wikimedia Commons

Weather is the single most important component to consider when choosing your running gear for any one particular day. Even as terrain, the projected length of the run, and of course personal preferences all play their roles, the best running gear for rain is carefully selected simply to keep the runner safe and protected from overheating during the exercise. If you find it odd that some of the best running gear for rain exercise leaves your arms and legs exposed, get warmed up on a treadmill and then venture outdoors to start right in on your run.

Headgear

Select a cap with a visor and also some goggles. If you run in the city, you have to face the fact that diminished visibility puts you at heightened risk from motorists who simply may not see you coming. The visor keeps the rain out of your eyes, and if you wear goggles, even sudden gales of wind or gusts of rain will not leave you momentarily blinded. Opt for a light-colored cap that makes you more visible to drivers.

Shirt

Dress in layers beginning with a t-shirt made with Cool Max materials. You will be tempted to dress warmly because of the rain, but if you remember that the run itself will not only warm you but even cause you to sweat, it stands to reason that a shirt made of breathable fabric also wicks moisture away from your skin is the best choice. Stay away from cotton that keeps the moisture close to your skin and causes chafing.

A great example of a good t-shirt is the North Face men's short sleeve Vortex Tee that contains Cool Max fibers and retails for about $42.

Vest

Wear a jacket if temperatures drop below 55 degrees F. If temperatures stay above this temperature, consider wearing a vest instead. Although your arms get wet, the vest protects your body's core from cold and wetness, but does not bundle you up to the point of overheating. If you are a seasoned long distance runner, this is a must. Conversely, if you are still new to the sport of running or perhaps only run very short distances, a water-resistant jacket is a good choice.

If you opt for a jacket, consider the waterproof Go Lite men's gamut jacket from Trails that retails for $94.

Shorts and Footwear

Choose regular runner shorts for your rainy day run. As long as the temperatures are not bad, these shorts prevent overheating that makes it so frustrating to keep running. Pick out a good pair of running socks that protect your feet from impact and follow them up with your normal running shoes.

Article Written By Sylvia Cochran

Based in the Los Angeles area, Sylvia Cochran is a seasoned freelance writer focusing on home and garden, travel and parenting articles. Her work has appeared in "Families Online Magazine" and assorted print and Internet publications.

Write for Trails.com
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