Running is a dynamic sport in which correctly selected clothing is the key to comfort and performance. Due to intense movement, the runner quickly heats and sweats, so the clothes must be breathable enough, able to drain moisture, while protecting against the cold and wind. The important are layers that allow you to adapt to the current conditions on the track. Let's look at the different categories of clothing and choose what is best.
1. Functional underwear (basic layer)
Functional underwear is the first layer that clings to the body, and its main task is to remove the sweat and moisture away from the skin.
Material: Synthetic (e.g. polyester) or merino wool
Pluses:
Polyester: It dries quickly and excellently drains moisture. It is light and suitable for intense sports performance.
Merino wool: Natural fiber that excels moisture, regulates temperature and has antibacterial properties, so it does not smell after longer performance.
Minuses:
Polyester: It can start to smell after longer wear and sometimes it is not so pleasant on the skin.
Merino wool: It dries more slowly and is more expensive than synthetic fibres.
Recommendations: For short, intense training is more suitable polyester. If you plan longer trips or prefer natural material, try merino.
2. Jacket (top layer)
The jacket for skiing should be light, breathable, but also resistant to wind and possibly water.
Material: Softshell, membrane materials or lighter windstoppers
Pluses:
Softshell: Good resists the wind, is breathable and often elastic, so it provides comfort and freedom of movement. Suitable for dry, cold days.
Membrane jackets: Great protection from rain or snow, but less breathable than softshell.
Minuses:
Softshell: Not as resistant to rain as membrane jackets.
Membrane jackets: Less breathable so you can sweat more in them.
Recommendations: The easy softshell jacket with wind resistant zones is ideal for skiing. If it is rainy or densely snowing, use a membrane jacket to protect you from moisture.
3. Pants
Pants for runners must provide freedom of movement, thermal comfort and protection against wind and cold, especially in exposed places.
Material: Softshell or elastic polyester
Pluses:
Softshell: Wind-proof material that protects against cold but breathable enough. Suitable for day-to-day skiing.
Elastic polyester: Light and breathable, ideal for sports and fast driving.
Minuses:
Softshell: In the rain or in the wet snow it can soak and is heavier than polyester variants.
Elastic polyester: It does not offer such protection against wind and cold, so it is more suitable for shorter and intense performance.
Recommendations: Softshell pants are a great choice for longer trips and recreational skiing, while lighter elastic pants are appreciated by racers and sports skiers.
4. Caps
The cap is essential for maintaining heat because much of the heat is leaking through the head. It should be breathable enough to drain sweat and moisture during intense activity.
Material: Polyester, elastan or merino wool
Pluses:
Polyester and elastane: Fast drying and flexible, ideal for intensive skiing, because they well remove sweat.
Merino wool: The heat is even wet, naturally it relieves moisture and is pleasant on the skin.
Minuses:
Polyester and elastane: It is not as warm as merino, so it may not warm up enough in extreme cold.
Merino wool: It can be more expensive and sometimes less clingy.
Recommendations: Choose lighter polyester caps for sports skiing. For longer trips or in freezing weather, a merino hat is suitable.
5. Gloves
Gloves for runners should be light, breathable, yet sufficiently warm. Here it is important to consider also compatibility of gloves with shank belt systems From brands such as Lepi a Swix.
Material: Synthetic (e.g. softshell, polyester) or combination with leather elements
Pluses:
Softshell: It takes away moisture, provides adequate wind protection and is suitable for active movement.
Leather elements: Improve the resistance and grip, which you will appreciate when working with sticks.
Minuses:
Softshell: It may not be warm enough in extreme cold.
Skin: Need regular maintenance, may be less breathable.
Recommendations: Select thinner softshell gloves and leather elements for better grip and resistance. For compatibility with the tether systems (Leki Trigger Shark or Swix TCS), select gloves designed for the system to ensure a firm and comfortable grip.
Summary
Choose the fabric coating that is breathable, degrades moisture and also provides thermal comfort. Functional linens made of polyester or merino wool will keep you dry, softshell jacket will protect you from the wind while lighter pants ensure free movement. Select a hat that will warm your head but will not overheat you, and gloves that are compatible with your pilgrimage system if you use special sticks.
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