I workout, stretch and run outdoors three to four times a week, it’s a routine I like.
It’s November already and it’s getting cold. I have a 100% merino wool mid layer long sleeved shirt I spent 130$ on I wear to the office but I don’t want to ruin it working out, stretching and running because it was expensive.
This piece of clothing is quite thick, like 2 layers put together. I don’t want to buy anything thinner for sport because I’ve read thinner undershirts/base layers break due to friction.
This is what I fear is going to happen with my merino mid/base layer if I workout with it, even if it’s on the thicker end of layers.
Another option would be to buy a regular polyester base layer to use with a synthetic mid layer or combine a synthetic base layer and a cotton mid layer. Would these be stupid ideas?
What should I use as an outer layer?
Overall, what brands would you recommend? I’m a skinny 5’6’’ woman.
I can’t speak for base/mid layers, but I wear merino wool socks at work (danish endurance, not 100% but a blend), in steel toe boots, and they last quite a while. Haven’t had any holes or even wearing thin, and I’m notoriously hard on socks and footwear.
You can get a thin smartwool or polypro base layer from a ski shop for like $50, even cheaper on sale but it’s the wrong time of year for that. That’s probably all you would need unless you’re planning on running in a blizzard.
When I was in the military a bazillion years ago, our winter running uniform was a beanie to add to our t-shirt and shorts. That was it. If it was SUPER cold (like, below freezing) we’d get to wear sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Then we’d go run 4 miles in the dark. If you got too cold you just had to run faster. :)
Was an arborist for years in a region that would get to -20F and lower every year. We wouldn’t work past -10, as diesel would gel up past that.
Couldn’t afford nicer things. So, layers were key. If you start to sweat, take em off until you slowed down. Staying dry is key.
But for the jogging part, anything breathable with a shell layer will get it done. I never liked the super light and stretchy stuff because they’d rub my nips harshly.
Just get some stuff off amazon until you find what you like, then return it all and buy the stuff you liked from a store you respect?
What type of weather are you running in? In my area it gets just below freezing in the winter, and I run with a full length compression shirt, then a technical running tee, then a fleece jacket. Works in wind, rain and snow between around 12c and -4c. Leggings and head/face covering are also often needed.
Biggest thing for me is really socks and runners; socks are wicking insulated running socks with an ankle, shoes have GoreTex uppers to keep my feet warm and dry.
Something to also take into consideration is how hard you’re pushing/sweating.
Merino wool will definitely work as a mid layer, but you’ll likely overheat pretty quickly, and it’s hard to get the sweat out.
If you want a “cheaper” option to try I’d give Minus 33 a chance. If it works for you great! If not it’s not as expensive as it could have been.
I do share other commenter’s concerns about overheating. The line I’ve heard is “be bold start cold”
As someone else mentioned I would recommend a compression type base layer. You can get slightly different thickness ones that will help in different temperatures.
I had a Nike DRI Fit one that lasted for 10 years, and would have lasted me longer if I hadn’t left it on the roof of my car at one point and lost it. You can get far cheaper ones as well though, my current one cost me around £15 and has lasted me 5 years so far and hasn’t stretched out of shape or have any holes in so far and I use it pretty much everyday during the winter ones.
They keep air flowing and move sweet away from your skin to keep you dry as wetness will make you colder.
In my opinion morino wool is one of the worst things I have tried. They make you sweat a lot more, dont move the wetness away from your skin exacerbating the problem and making you feel very uncomfortable and fall apart in no time when compared to compression garments.
I’d say save your expensive wool for some when else.
For other layers I tend to use a cotton t shirt over top the compression layer, maybe two t shirts if it is very cold and then add in things like gloves, something to cover your neck and face and then a wool hat of somekind.
It is always best to be able to remove these layers where possible whilst you are running. In time you’ll find what works with you. I’d often start out with a few more layers for that initial start then once you get going progressively remove stuff until comfortable. I’d always rather be very slightly cold then too warm when running.
Thanks! Could you add a link or a picture to what you call a compression layer?
Sorry, should have done so, something like this Nike one.
I believe I currently use a Sondico one which was much cheaper but equally as good as Nike is fairly over priced IMO and you are paying for the logo more than anything.
