Snowboarding is supposed to be fun. When you鈥檙e on the wrong snowboard鈥攐ne that doesn鈥檛 jive with your size, skill level, riding style, or the conditions or terrain at hand鈥攆un can devolve into frustration. Luckily for you, our selfless test crew of 13 women sifted through 47 women鈥檚 and unisex snowboards at the freeride hub of and beyond this past spring to bring you the best snowboards for women of 2026.

Even when testers were analyzing snowboards that didn鈥檛 wow them or risking high-speed crashes for the sake of data collection, good times were had. As a group, these were the best snowboards we鈥檝e ever had at our annual test, and more often than not, testers loved the boards under their boots. Below, you鈥檒l find the cream of that impressive crop, from versatile all-mountain decks and intermediate-friendly cruisers to buttery jib boards and freeride machines.

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Midlayers are required to fit an outrageously demanding job description. Unlike the super-puffy parkas and belay jackets that we wear to stay warm while hunkering down, midlayers provide insulation for activity鈥揳 role that calls for a true multi-tasker. Its duties include keeping us warm鈥揵ut not so warm that we overheat during exertion鈥搘hile also whisking away sweat and shielding us from the elements (should we decide to wear our midlayer as an outer layer, which these toppers must be versatile enough to handle when weather permits). It鈥檚 a tall order.

Yet our testing team found six of the best insulated midlayer jackets that check all the boxes. These breathable insulators successfully regulated testers鈥� temperatures while they skied, hiked, biked, and ran in winter weather conditions. Testers typically sandwiched these jackets over a base layer and beneath a waterproof shell. On climbs or in dry weather when they ditched the shell, testers evaluated these toppers for their ability to shed precipitation and buffer gusts. After testing close to 50 women鈥檚 insulated midlayers, we recommend these six standouts.

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After four-plus decades since it was invented, fleece is still the undisputed king of breathable midlayers, from fall and winter hiking and mountain biking to skiing and snowshoeing. The fluffy, airy synthetic structure delivers both warmth and ventilation, moving perspiration and excess heat away from your body. But not all fleeces are your dad鈥檚 burnhole-riddled Patagonia Synchilla: With more materials and construction styles than ever before, finding the right layer takes some work. We put more than 25 to the test last winter to narrow it down to these six best women鈥檚 fleece jackets.

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Jessica 鈥淪titches鈥� Guo began her 30th birthday alone, in the woods, walking north towards the Canadian border.

It was the same way she had spent the last few months of her 20s, during which she hiked from the Mexican border through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana along the (CDT). This day, however, was different.

At 1:51 P.M. on August 12, Guo reached a clearing in the trees, where stone monuments marked the U.S.-Canada border and the northern terminus of the CDT. She collapsed into tears alongside some concerned tourists. When they learned what she had just done, they applauded and helped her record a video, which would be viewed by more than half a million people on and .

For a few minutes, Guo sat, welcoming her 30s with birthday-cake Oreos and taking it all in. Then, she stood and continued into Canada. Her journey was not over. In many ways, she felt as if it were just beginning.

鈥淯p until that point, I was like, 鈥楾here鈥檚 a chance that I might not do this.鈥� I might get there and be too late, or I might be too tired, or I might be too bored,鈥� Guo says. 鈥淪o for me to get there and still be feeling great, I was like, 鈥楢ll right, yeah, we can actually start the real hike now.鈥欌��

After over 2,800 miles of hiking on the CDT, Guo was now beginning her thru-hike of the 750-mile , the second phase of a linkup that only two hikers had ever completed. The somewhat obscure linkup became common knowledge to the thru-hiking internet via Guo鈥檚 daily chronicles of her journey.

 

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Each day, Guo spoke into her phone camera: 鈥淭oday is day X hiking the Continental Divide Trail and Great Divide Trail combined.鈥� A map would pop up with a blinking pin indicating her location. Over the next minute or so, Guo shared footage of her day of hiking, accompanied by reflections on what hiking meant to her, her family, and the decisions that brought her to where she was.

鈥淚 had never really made videos before this,鈥� Guo says. 鈥淢y as I started to really have a lot of reflective time on trail. And so then it became harder and harder to try to pack it all in.鈥�

What began as an effort to document her hike for family and friends became a powerful source of inspiration for tens of thousands of new followers. Over 153 days, Guo created a video every day documenting her progress, assisted by her brother, who posted them to social media. Guo wrote her scripts and sifted through clips each night when she set up camp. During road walks and easy sections of trail, she edited on the move, cutting a video while cars, trucks, and other hikers rushed past.

鈥淓verybody else who was walking past me was probably like, 鈥楾his girl is missing the whole point. She鈥檚 on her phone the whole time,鈥欌�� Guo says. 鈥淚 was like, 鈥業鈥檓 working!鈥欌��

During her five-month journey, Guo still had plenty of time alone to soak up the Rocky Mountain scenery. In contrast with her first thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2023, where she hiked with people for all but the first 10 days, this trip was strikingly solitary.

鈥淭here was pretty much nobody,鈥� Guo says. 鈥淭here were 28 days that I saw nobody, 40 days that I saw nobody on the trail, but I saw people in town or at the road or something, and I think there were 22 days where I saw one person.鈥�

Guo set off from the Mexican border on April 21, blitzing through the heat of New Mexico to arrive at the high-elevation San Juans of southwest Colorado in mid-May, when they were still covered in snow. With a pair of newly-acquired snowshoes, Guo joined forces with Philip 鈥淪lide鈥� Witmer, a fellow 2023 PCT hiker who is attempting a border-to-border calendar year .

鈥淚t was so fun to be able to hike with somebody who also had to keep up a similar pace,鈥� Guo says. 鈥淚t was so great to just have somebody else to talk to who was also on this trail and could relate to things that I was saying. He gave me so much beta.鈥�

After scrambling ridgelines, climbing cornices with their ice axes, and navigating exposed traverses, the two made it through the San Juans relatively intact, but separated as Witmer pushed big miles and Guo recovered from anterior tibialis tendinitis, a result of dragging heavy snowshoes for hours every day. Still, Guo made it to Wyoming ahead of schedule, where she decided to take the high route across the Wind River Range.

In addition to the massive energy expenditure of this high route (鈥渢here was one day that I burned 4,000 calories in four miles鈥�), Guo faced swarms of mosquitoes and flies at lower elevations that slowed her progress.

鈥淚 had a lot of mosquito bites around my face and eyes, and it just swelled up a lot,鈥� Guo says. 鈥淚 ended up going to a gas station trying to get allergy medication, but all they had was Benadryl. So, I took that, but then I was so sleepy it knocked me out.鈥�

In Montana, Guo got 鈥渃ar washed鈥� by overgrown foliage drenched in consistent rain, and crossed into Canada to find slow going, as she bushwhacked through dense forest and loose mountainsides.

鈥淎 lot of places on the GDT are not really a trail. It鈥檚 just a route,鈥� Guo says. 鈥淚t might just be like, clearly here鈥檚 the dirt that鈥檚 been disturbed on this steep slope.鈥�

After skirting the border of Alberta and British Columbia for another month, through muddy bogs and rocky ridgelines, under Aurora-tinted night skies, Guo reached some of her lowest mental lows as she neared her finish line.

鈥淭he last week of a thru-hike is mentally the toughest week because I鈥檓 so close and I鈥檓 still not there and I want to be done,鈥� Guo says. 鈥淚 did a high route during that time as well. So I was like, my God, why did I put myself in this position where now I鈥檓 doing such slow miles? The trail is going to end in 100 miles, but I鈥檓 doing less than a mile an hour.鈥�

But in her final days, small interactions with strangers lifted her. Two moose hunters stopped to chat with her. Two hikers gave her extra food. A pack of caribou passed through a meadow in front of her.

鈥淓very single one of those last couple of days, I always had something that was like, ‘That was actually really great,鈥欌�� Guo says. 鈥淚 was like, 鈥極kay, no, you know what? I am meant to be out here and finishing this hike in the way that I am.鈥欌��

Guo took one final high route alternate over Surprise Pass, a testament to how she had embraced challenges on her already monumental linkup. In a video chronicling her final day on the trail, Guo references a quote from one of her pre-trail blog posts: 鈥淚鈥檓 hiking the combined CDT and GDT because I鈥檓 truly not sure I鈥檒l be able to, and I want to push the boundary of what I think I鈥檓 capable of. I鈥檓 hiking it because it intimidates me.鈥�

At 10:40 A.M. on September 19, after 152 days, 3,550 miles, and 588,000 feet of elevation, Guo became the first woman on record to hike the combined CDT and GDT. The next day, her parents greeted her at the trailhead with smiles, tears, and hugs, as well as a trimmer her dad brought to clear some overgrowth on the road. It had taken some convincing to get their support for her adventures.

鈥淚 said I would be the first woman, and they were like, 鈥榃hy do you have to be the first? Clearly there鈥檚 a reason that nobody else is doing this,鈥欌�� Guo says. 鈥淏ut by the time I got to Wyoming, they were like, 鈥榊eah, you鈥檙e really doing this thing.鈥� They were so proud and happy to see me, which really meant a lot to me, for them to come out and support me in person and see that I could do it on my own.鈥�

Guo crossed back into the U.S., celebrating with her family in Washington. In the weeks since finishing, she has spent days sifting through emails, trying to decide how to best use the new opportunities associated with her platform. She hopes to give back to a hiking community that has given her so much and open the door for more hikers like her to find their purpose. Because for Guo, the trail has meant the world.

鈥淭hrough the fact that I鈥檝e been able to spend so much time on trail, I have been able to live a really rich life,鈥� Guo says. 鈥淎nd I really felt that when I was thinking about my 20s as I was approaching the end of the CDT. I was like, 鈥榊ou know what? I think I鈥檝e lived it the right way.鈥欌��

The post She Became the First Woman to Complete This 3,600-Mile Thru-Hike鈥攁nd Brought Thousands Along for the Journey appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The best sports bras are the ones you forget about while you鈥檙e riding, running, skiing, or doing yoga. They support you without suffocating, provide coverage without constriction, and allow you to focus on the activity at hand without being irritated by seams, scratchy material, or a poor fit.

And fit is tricky, because every woman is built differently and has her own preferences about how a good sports bra should feel. For that reason, we had a team of 11 testers of various sizes, who live in diverse climates and participate in a range of activities, test over 50 of the season鈥檚 best sports bras to find the models that rose to the top.

Updated September 2025: We added a 鈥淏est for Winter Activities鈥� category and named six 鈥淩unners Up鈥� in existing categories.

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Running shorts for women range from skin-hugging styles to baggies, multi-pocketed distance partners to simple splitties. Inferior pairs will chafe, cling, bounce, sag, ride up, and generally make your run miserable. But the best women’s running shorts disappear on the run, noticed only when you need a gel or your phone and realize, 鈥淗ey, I鈥檝e got that in this nifty shorts pocket!鈥� We searched for, tested, and found the top-rated options that can handle the challenges of warm weather while making you look good, feel cool, and run free.

While you鈥檙e at it, be sure to check out our picks for the best running shirts for women and the best running shoes.

Updated September 2025: We selected new category winners for 鈥淏est 2-in-1鈥� and 鈥淏est for Hot Temps,鈥澨� and we added two runners-up to existing categories.

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The start of fall delivers a mixed bag of conditions. It can mean ideal running weather, but, just as often, one day might feel like summer and the next like early winter. The best running shirts can keep you comfortable in any weather, all year long, either on its own or under layers as temperatures cool. And a good running tank takes you from the warm days of fall to indoor to warm-weather running vacations.

Our team of testers put the season鈥檚 new styles of running tees and tanks up against each other and the top-rated running tops we tested earlier in the year. On runs long and short, road and trail, we paid attention to comfort, function, and style. We had zero tolerance for irritating seams and awkward fits, and we placed high value on breathability, mobility, and how a top made us feel. Here are our winning picks.

Update October 2025: For this season鈥檚 update, we selected five new category winners and added runner-ups in two categories.听We again called upon the 国产吃瓜黑料 lab for measurements on air permeability and dry time to help you select the best running top for you.听Be sure to read the 鈥淗ow We Test鈥� section below for more details on our methodologies and how to interpret the lab data.

The post The Best Running Shirts and Tank Tops for Women (Fall 2025): Field and Lab Tested appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Long-sleeved running shirts are underrated. Finding a good one鈥攕oft, wicking, breathable, comfortable鈥攃an be the difference between looking forward to a winter run and dreading it. The best kinds of long-sleeved shirts can be worn on their own in mild temps and shoulder seasons, and they serve as the final line of defense against bitter cold when worn underneath protective layers. We tested a host of this season鈥檚 women’s long-sleeved tops. Here are the ones we reached for the most.

At a Glance

• Best All-Around:
• Best Value:
• Best for Cold/Damp Conditions:
• Best for Beginners:
• Most Versatile:
• Other Long-Sleeved Running Shirts We Tested
• Best Women’s Running Jackets
• How to Choose Long-Sleeved Running Shirts
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best All-Around

Janji Rover Merino Hoodie

Material: 37% 17.5渭 merino wool, 55% nylon, 8% spandex
Fit: Relaxed

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent warmth and breathability on its own or layered
鈯� Scuba hood provides added protection
鈯� $128 is a lot for a shirt

If you buy one running shirt this winter, this top is worth the splurge. Testers said the soft, brushed interior blend of merino wool, nylon, and spandex felt great against the skin and moved moisture to the smooth exterior surface. Extended sleeves and thumbholes kept our hands warm, especially when tucked into gloves (that gap between sleeve ends and gloves or mitts was eliminated). The scuba-fit hood provided extra warmth and protection for the neck and head when pulled up and was lightweight enough not to flop around annoyingly when not in use.

We appreciated thoughtful details like a small interior pocket at the bottom seam with a bungee to attach a key ring, and a ponytail port on the hood. Bonus: The subtle branding, relaxed fit, and overall style also made this a great crossover top for other winter sports or even around-town wear. Another bonus: This shirt, and all Janji apparel, is backed by a 5-year warranty.

Best Value

Oiselle Altitude Longsleeve

Material: 78% nylon, 22% spandex blend
Fit: Slightly relaxed, boxy

Pros and Cons
鈯� Seamless comfort
鈯� Can be worn across seasons
鈯� Boxy, slightly shorter cut let chill creep in when not tucked in

This is a comfortable, flattering shirt that can be worn on its own in mild temps (or during spring and fall, hence the value), or as a first layer in the cold. We love the bird graphics and the word 鈥渇ly鈥� knitted into the fabric. The nylon/spandex blend was soft against the skin and did a good job wicking sweat. Testers prone to chafing appreciated the lack of seams along the body of this shirt鈥攖he only stitching is on the shoulders/arms. The thin fabric proved comfortable layered under a jacket or midlayer, although the boxy fit works best with looser-fitting layers over it. Thumbholes and extended sleeves added warm wrist protection from winter chill.

Best for Cold and Damp Conditions

Tracksmith Fells Waffle Layer

Material: 54% Merino wool, 46% recycled polyester
Fit: Slightly relaxed

Pros and Cons
鈯� Regulates body temperature in cold conditions
鈯� Great sweat-wicking performance
鈯� Too warm for mild days

When it was so cold and wet outside that we just wanted to pull on a sweatshirt and curl up on the couch, we reached for this top and laced up our shoes. The shirt鈥檚 Merino wool and polyester blend wicked beautifully, whether worn on its own in temps in the teens to 30s, as a warm-up layer over a tank top in mild conditions, or underneath an outer layer in the most wintry of winter days. The waffle knit construction proved both insulating and breathable.

The overall vibe of this top is East Coast cross country/British fell running鈥攁nd we found that it inspired us to charge up snowy hills like those hardy racers. Testers appreciated the no-scratch, no-irritation feel. One called it an 鈥渦ncomplicated performer of warmth.鈥� We also loved how this top doubles as a good-looking layer for casual wear, and we have worn it traveling and out to nice dinners.

Best for Beginners

Nike Swift Element

Material: Nike Dri-FIT: 88% polyester,12% spandex, with UVA and UVB sun protection
Fit: Relaxed

Pros and Cons
鈯� Works well layering over a tank, tee, or sports bra, or under a vest or jacket
鈯� Thumbholes and watch window help keep hands protected
鈯� When unzipped, collar can feel floppy

We like that the somewhat loose fit of this top makes it easy to throw on over a tank or short-sleeve shirt and also makes it beginner-friendly by accommodating a range of body types. The Nike Dri-FIT fabric, a polyester/spandex blend that wicks sweat, is nicely stretchy and super soft. The quarter-zip provided partial neck coverage to protect from cold, and allowed us to open up for ventilation when temps rose.

Testers loved this shirt鈥檚 extra features: handy thumbholes, a small zippered pocket on the left hip that one tester said was 鈥渋deal for a lightweight hotel-room key,鈥� and watch holes on both sleeves. One tester raved that being able to check her watch without pulling the sleeves up was 鈥渁wesome because when I pull back my sleeve, I bump my apple watch and it stops the tracking of the workout without me realizing it. [The watch window] leaves the button undisturbed.鈥�

Most Versatile

Paka Everyday Baselayer

Material: 85% Tencel, 15% Royal Alpaca
Fit: Form-fitting

Pros and Cons
鈯� Extremely soft
鈯� Can be worn for other winter sports, or casually
鈯� Shows sweat

This is one ridiculously soft shirt; the Tencel/Alpaca wool blend feels fantastic against the skin. We found ourselves wearing this for running in cold temperatures and as a casual layer at summer mountain concerts. When running, we liked how the fit was trim without being constricting, allowing full, unencumbered mobility. Of all the shirts in this roundup, this one provides the most warmth for the weight. It鈥檚 thin, making it easy to wear under other layers. But it鈥檚 also warm and temperature-regulating on its own.

鈥淢y initial impression was love at first sight,鈥� said a tester who appreciated the responsible packaging, Peruvian logo, and great fit and feel. One beef: The shirt loses a little of its initial shape after washing, and the stitching at the sleeve endings and hem doesn鈥檛 have any give to it, though the fabric has plenty. Notable: Paka teaches single mothers in Peru how to stitch.

Other Women’s Long-Sleeved Running Shirts We Tested

• . This is a great wool layer for winter running, but the $124 Janji hoodie beat it out on price.
• . A high-performing, thin wool crewneck that fit too snug for most.
• . Made from recycled materials, this top breathes remarkably well. The fit is very baggy, and the graphics large. Seems more of a shoulder-season piece.
• . This is more shirt than jacket, which is why we tested it in this category. Testers didn鈥檛 feel it held up great to washings, and didn鈥檛 love the chest pocket for running.
• . Performs well in cold by wicking sweat and regulating temperature. While this topped our list as an all-around winter piece, we found the Janji hoodie better suited to running.
• . A soft, thin, and breathable wool blend layer, though some thought the arms and torso were cut shorter than we鈥檇 like.
• . A great wicking piece made from 100% recycled polyester. Some testers thought it could be softer.
• Arc鈥橳eryx Modus AR Hoodie ($N/A). We liked this sweat-wicking hoodie, but it was discontinued from the Arc鈥橳eryx line.

How to Choose Women’s Long-Sleeved Running Shirts

Consider your needs: Are you looking for a baselayer type of fit and function, where next-to-skin comfort and wicking is paramount and a slim fit allows easy layering? Or, are you in the market for a shirt you can pull over a tank or short sleeve or even a slim-fit second shirt to act as a midlayer at times and work on its own when needed? From there, think about what added features matter, like thumb holes, hoods, watch windows, or zippered necks, and what materials you prefer against your skin, whether a synthetic fabric or a natural fiber blend. When possible, head into a specialty retail shop to try on running tops. The one that fits you well, suits your temperature and feature needs, and makes you excited to go running through winter is your winner.

How We Test

Head tester and writer Lisa Jhung researches each gear category and works with gear companies to narrow down which items to add to the test loop. She then orders samples for herself and her team of five testers, who live in Colorado, Virginia, and the San Francisco Bay Area. For this test, women’s long-sleeved running shirts were worn in a range of winter conditions, from cold, dry, sometimes snowy Colorado Front Range and high country, to cold, damp Virginia and cool, rainy, mild Northern California.

Meet Our Testers

Lisa Jhung has been running for 35 years, testing and writing about gear for 25-ish years, and manages a pool of testers out of her home in Boulder, Colorado. She runs in all conditions and loves heading out in a gnarly snowstorm.

Kristen Mecca moved to Virginia after running all over Colorado, including multiple podium finishes at the Pikes Peak Ascent and snowshoe races. She now tests gear through the East Coast winter and is a stickler for irritating seams and rough materials.

Beth Smith lives and runs in Burlingame, California, and runs roads and trails while trying to not get Prednisone-level poison oak rashes. She loves functional clothing with smart pocketing for her phone, which she always has with her.

Lindsay Clark trains around the roads and trails of Louisville, Colorado, while also heading to the Boulder foothills to hit rugged, rocky trails. After tragically losing her home in the Marshall Fire, she says she appreciates good running apparel on a new level.

The post Next-to-Skin Comfort in the Cold: The Best Women鈥檚 Long-Sleeved Running Shirts appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Winter can be challenging for runners. It can pressure you to stay inside and ruin your routine. Or it can be an opportunity to flex mental toughness and build physical strength by heading out in all sorts of weather. We choose the latter. Running in cold, rain, wind, or snow (or all of the above) can be downright fun鈥攊f you鈥檙e wearing the right gear. We tested a range of jackets meant to embrace winter, and these five came out on top.

At a Glance

• Best All-Around:
• Best Value:
• Best for Mild Climates:
• Best for Snow and Cold:
• Best for Trails and Travel:
• Other Products We Tested
• How to Choose a Winter Running Jacket
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best All-Around

Rab Kinetic Ultra Waterproof Jacket

Materials: 3-layer proprietary ProFlex recycled polyester with polyurethane coating
Sizing: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Both waterproof and breathable in the ideal ratio for runners
鈯� Adjustable hood
鈯� No insulation (but rarely needed when running)

Anyone who plans on running outside all winter needs a waterproof, breathable jacket. This one from Rab withstood our testing in Colorado sleet, snow, and rain, easily shedding all three. While the 3-layer membrane is obviously less breathable than a permeable fleece, it is far more protective from moisture, and we didn鈥檛 overheat or become clammy. (Thank God: Sweat freezes if it can鈥檛 escape.) We also loved this jacket鈥檚 stretchiness, which allowed for full mobility and didn鈥檛 pull uncomfortably around our arms or shoulders. And we appreciated the attention to detail even in the small things, like the hood鈥檚 slight visor that added protection from the elements.

Best Value

Saucony Hurricane Insulated Jacket

Materials: 100% recycled polyester insulation, recycled polyester fleece panels
Sizing: XXS-XXL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Can be worn casually as well as during high-intensity running
鈯� Multiple pockets add functionality
鈯� Easy care: machine wash low, gentle dry cycle
鈯� Cut is a little short for some
鈯� Hood could fit more securely and is a bit noisy

While $200 might not sound like a bargain, this jacket is versatile enough to get your money鈥檚 worth. To start, the hood is removable, so you can wear the jacket in a range of weather conditions. We found this jacket also good-looking enough to wear around town as a cute outer layer. The zippered hand warmer pockets add functionality on that end.

For running, fleece paneling on the sides and lower back allows full breathability while wicking sweat, and the lightly insulated chest and upper back provide warmth and shed light snow. 鈥淚 love this jacket,鈥� gushed a tester. 鈥淚 love the fit, the look, the material, how easy and well it washes, the fact that it has a hood, the soft and stretchy sleeve cuffs, and the pockets.鈥�

Best for Mild Climates

Nathan Sports HyperNight Stealth Jacket

Materials: Proprietary 2-way stretch UltraAire (100% nylon) with DWR finish
Sizing: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Very breathable
鈯� Reflective detailing adds safety
鈯� Packs into its own pocket
鈯� Not waterproof

We love the feel of this jacket against our skin. Its lightweight, soft, wind-resistant material breathes like a champ, while a DWR coating protects from light wind and snow. 鈥淭he material did not make me overheat, even during more intense runs,鈥� says our Bay Area tester. The ventilated back panel, as well as the material itself, does a good job of letting heat escape. The jacket features two-way stretch for mobility and makes minimal noise on the run鈥攖here鈥檚 no annoying swoosh-swoosh or crinkling sound with every arm swing. The subtle camouflage print on the front torso and upper back becomes brightly reflective under illumination, such as headlights at dawn or dusk.

Best for Snow and Cold

Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket

Materials: Shell: 100% 20D ripstop nylon with PFC-free DWR finish, Liner: 97% polyester/3%spandex, Insulation: Recycled synthetic Primaloft Gold P.U.R.E.
Sizing: XXS-XXL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Hood fits well and stays put
鈯� Can be worn casually
鈯� Lifetime warranty and repairs
鈯� Not waterproof
鈯� Can feel damp in humid climates or for heavy sweaters

With lightly insulated, DWR-coated paneling around the torso that both warms and blocks wind, and waffle fleece on the shoulders, hood, and arms, the Capa Hybrid Jacket offers a combination of warmth, protection, and breathability鈥攊n the right conditions. We love it for cold, dry runs, outings with lightly falling snow, or during a crushing wind. The insulated panel can, however, feel warm during hard efforts in all-but-frigid temps.

Our East Coast-based tester preferred this jacket during vacation runs in the dry conditions of Joshua Tree over the humidity back home in Virginia, where she felt it made her 鈥渢oo sweaty.鈥� Our testers in the Colorado Rockies and foothills praised the piece for protecting them during cold, snowy runs. The hood and thumbholes add coziness, and two zippered hand-warmer pockets help the jacket transition to casualwear. Bonus: We found the zippers easy to use even while wearing mittens.

Best for Trails and Travel

On Running Ultra Jacket

Materials: Shell: 100% polyamide, Pocket mesh: 82% polyamide, 18% elastane
Sizing: XS-XXL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Can fit over a hydration pack
鈯� Very lightweight for a waterproof jacket
鈯� Loose fit can feel sloppy to some

Some may deem the relaxed fit of this jacket a negative, but we found it valuable. One Colorado tester noted how easily the jacket pulls over a running pack鈥攖he jacket even has two pleats sewn into the backside for this purpose鈥攊n a deluge or when she needed protection in a pinch from a cold wind on the ridge of an alpine trail. And since the jacket packs down tiny and weighs close to nothing (4 ounces), we see no reason not to shove it in a trail-running pack to have on hand in shifty weather.

The almost-oversized fit of this jacket joins its monochromatic styling to make it, dare we say, urban cool. And the 2.5-layer waterproof polyamide material wards off rain admirably; one tester stayed comfortable standing in a downpour to watch a race after finishing her own. Reflective logos and detailing add safety for city running, but its ability to pack down small and go with everything make it truly shine as a trail or travel jacket.

Other Products We Tested

• Smartwool Active Fleece Zip-up ($180) or Pullover ($160). Soft and comfortable, but a bit thick and permeable for all but the coldest, driest winter conditions. Great for around-town wear.
• Patagonia Wind Shield Jacket ($199). Blocks wind, but we craved more shape than the boxy fit, and the neck could be higher when zipped for more protection.
• Patagonia Houdini Jacket ($109). This is a great layer and has been for years. We went with the Nathan Sports HyperNight Stealth Jacket as our water-resistant pick because of its soft material and reflectivity.
• The North Face Summit Series Superior FUTURELITE Jacket ($300). This is a solid lightweight waterproof piece. The material is a tad stiff.
• The North Face Winter Warm Pro Jacket ($150). A warm hybrid jacket that we felt wasn鈥檛 as breathable as the Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid or Saucony Hurricane Insulated.
• Ciele VLV Insulator ($340). The stylish, short cut didn鈥檛 provide enough protection for us.
• Saucony Hurricane Waterproof Jacket ($200). Great at blocking wind. Zipper and hood tested slightly uncomfortable when unzipped.
• Gore-Tex Concurve Running Jacket ($250). This shell is a fully protective jacket with nicely stretchy cuffs, but we found the material a bit noisy.
• Salomon Sense Aero Hybrid Cropped ($110). A breathable layer for high-output pursuits, but despite the cinching waist, the crop left us too exposed.
• Stio Exploit Jacket ($240). This fully waterproof jacket is comfortable and works great in mountain environments. The off-center zipper makes it awkward to wear casually.
• Montane Minimus Lite Waterproof Jacket ($235). Love the fit, feel, and weight (light!) of this jacket. Not as breathable as other waterproof picks in round-up.

How to Choose a Winter Running Jacket

Choosing a winter running jacket is primarily about the kinds of winter conditions you face where you live, travel, and run. Consider if you need a waterproof layer, or can get by with water resistance鈥攚aterproof jackets are more costly, don鈥檛 breathe quite as well, and tend to be somewhat stiffer and noisier, but are worth it when you鈥檙e out in a downpour or blizzard.

Then think about if you want your running jacket to be insulated and provide warmth on its own, or work as a thin, exterior shell. Insulated jackets can make heading out in frigid temps less daunting, especially if you tend to run cold, but can get hot during high-intensity exercise or if the temps rise. Shell jackets allow you to layer underneath to adjust for a range of conditions. Also consider if you want a fitted jacket that stays close to the body for streamlined mobility, or a looser fit that affords flexibility with layering underneath.

How We Test

Head tester and writer Lisa Jhung researches each gear category and works with gear companies to narrow down which jackets to get into the test loop. She then orders samples for herself and her team of testers, who live in Boulder and Louisville, Colorado, Virginia, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Jackets are worn in a range of winter conditions, from cold, dry, sometimes snowy, occasionally rainy/sleeting Colorado Front Range road and high country trails, to cold, damp Virginia roads and rail trails, to cool, rainy, mild Northern California roads and trails.

Meet Our Testers

Lisa Jhung has been running for 35 years, testing and writing about gear for 25-ish years, and manages a pool of testers out of her home in Boulder, Colorado. She runs in all conditions and loves heading out in a gnarly snowstorm.

Kristen Mecca moved to Virginia after running all over Colorado, including multiple podium finishes at the Pikes Peak Ascent and snowshoe races. She now tests gear through the East Coast winter and is a stickler for irritating seams and rough materials.

Beth Smith lives and runs in Burlingame, California, and runs roads and trails while trying to not get Prednisone-level poison oak rashes. She loves functional clothing with smart pocketing for her phone, which she always has with her.

Lindsay Clark trains around the roads and trails of Louisville, Colorado, while also heading to the Boulder foothills to hit rugged, rocky trails. After tragically losing her home in the Marshall Fire, she says she appreciates good running apparel on a new level.

The post The Best Women鈥檚 Winter Running Jackets (2025) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Modern base layers have come a long way from the waffle-knit long johns that were wetted out by lunchtime after a few freeze-thaw cycles. From natural temperature-regulating fabrics like Merino wool to synthetic options engineered to wick moisture, today鈥檚 base layers are marvels of technology. Our test crew put 50 items through their paces last winter in locations across North America. Testers skied at resorts and in the backcountry, went backpacking and camping, and ran on both snow-packed trails and city paths to bring you this list of the top performers in the category.

At a Glance

• Editor鈥檚 Choice: and
• Best Winter Running Top:
• Best Value: and
• Best One-Piece:
• Most Comfortable Base Layer Bottom:
• Best For Frigid Temperatures: and
• Best for Winter Camping:
• Best for Winter Backpacking: and
• How to Buy Base Layers
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Editor鈥檚 Choice

Helly Hansen LIFA Merino Midweight Graphic Crew and Pant

Sizes: XS-XL
Key materials: Merino wool, polypropylene
Comfort rating: 9/10
Breathability rating: 10/10
Warmth rating: 8/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Two-layer construction ideal for wool-sensitive people
鈯� Excellent moisture management
鈯� Flat seams are chafe-free under other layers
鈯� No thumb holes

Helly Hansen鈥檚 two-layer LIFA merino tech, which sandwiches an internal synthetic layer with an external merino layer, allows folks who are wool-sensitive to experience the material鈥檚 benefits. The result was a hit among our testers, who uniformly felt that LIFA鈥檚 combination of warmth and breathability made this the ultimate base layer for any winter activity where big temperature fluctuations require the need to stay warm and dry.

While testing this set in regions ranging from the Northeast to the Tetons, testers agreed that the LIFA Merino Midweight crew top and bottom provided warmth on lift rides and windy summits but also wicked moisture extremely efficiently. One tester who happened to have it on while digging out her snowed-in van was impressed with how dry she stayed throughout the physical exertion. For folks wanting even more ventilation, HH makes a zip-neck version for quickly dumping heat.

Best Winter Running Top

Janji Rover Merino Hoodie

Sizes: XS-XXL
Key materials: Merino wool, nylon, spandex
Comfort rating: 9/10
Breathability rating: 9/10
Warmth rating: 8/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Super stretchy and comfortable
鈯� Thumb slits and ponytail hole
鈯� Doesn鈥檛 get stinky
鈯� Baggier fit might not be ideal as a ski base layer

Although Janji considers its Rover hoodie to be a midlayer, this incredibly stretchy and comfortable merino-blend top might be the ultimate versatile hooded long-sleeve shirt. Weighing in at 10.6 ounces, the Rover Merino Hoodie is a true midweight base layer for all winter pursuits, but where it excelled the most during our test was as a running top for a wide range of conditions. Made mostly from merino wool and nylon with a pinch of spandex for added stretch and ease of movement, the Rover pulls on and off easily and feels weightless during your runs, yet adds just the right amount of warmth on cooler mornings and dumps heat effortlessly as your motor gets going.

Testers appreciated thoughtful features including the wide and stretchy thumb slits on the sleeves, a ponytail hole on the snug hood, and a small zipper pocket on the lower hem for stashing coffee money or a house key. I found it to be a fantastic addition to my winter running kit, and I especially appreciated the fact that it literally never got stinky. It鈥檚 become my go-to fall and winter running top.

Best Value

REI Co-op Merino 185 Long-Sleeve Half-Zip Base Layer Top and Bottom

Sizes: XS-XL
Key materials: Merino wool
Comfort rating: 10/10
Breathability rating: 8/10
Warmth rating: 7/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Well-priced base layer staple
鈯� Super soft next to skin
鈯� Built-in SPF 30 sun protection
鈯� Runs big

Anyone shopping for a high-quality merino base layer for skiing that won鈥檛 break the bank should seriously consider REI鈥檚 lineup. Made with 100-percent ultrafine 185-gram merino wool, this layer provides warmth and next-to-skin comfort without any itchiness or chafing. Flat seams and underarm and crotch gussets to enhance your comfort and range of movement, while the super stretchy waistband is low profile beneath ski pants. (The top is available as a crew neck or a half-zip depending on your personal preference.)

Our testers wore this at resorts as well as on winter hikes and snowshoe excursions, and felt that it got the job done, albeit without any bells and whistles like thumb holes or built-in UPF protection. This would be a good choice for someone with basic long underwear needs who want a quality option that isn’t flashy or fancy,鈥� said one Durango, CO-based tester who wore it in a range of conditions last winter. 鈥淚 was surprised by how soft the material was. I didn’t notice or feel it while skiing, hiking, or cross-country skiing. After a big sweat, it dried before the chill set in.鈥�

Best One-Piece

Wild Rye Olivia Onesie

Sizes: 0-18
Key materials: Merino wool
Comfort rating: 9/10
Breathability rating: 8/10
Warmth rating: 8/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Flattering shape
鈯� Boot-top length
鈯� Easy rear zipper for nature breaks
鈯� Runs big

Testers raved about this onesie. A couple of them even admitted to wearing it nearly 24/7 while working from home, going on dog walks, ski touring, and resort skiing. The 100-percent merino wool onesie is butter-soft next to skin, but what sets it apart from other one-piece options are a few thoughtful design components.

Testers loved the soft, wide waistband; it helped keep our ladies from feeling like shapeless blobs while wearing it. Wild Rye put a lot of thought into the rear zip for convenient bathroom access while out in the wild: One tester who wore the onesie beneath a drop-seat bib was happy to report that the interface between the two worked flawlessly. Our lady skiers also appreciated the 戮 boot-top length on the legs and the high-zip neck for added warmth and wind protection. The snug-fitting hood slips easily beneath a helmet, too.

鈥淪o warm and cool at the same time,” said one tester. “The lightweight wool is just right for changing conditions, and the hood and high-zip neck keep you snuggly warm when the chill sets in.鈥�

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY REI
MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes ($169.95)

Devotee of winter wandering? You can depend on the MSR Evo Trail snowshoes. Great for trails and rolling terrain, they blend simplicity, comfort and performance to keep you exploring with ease.

Other features:

• ParaGlide bindings feature 2 roller buckles and toe stops that make placing your feet and securing and removing straps simple and intuitive鈥攅ven while wearing gloves
• Stretch mesh bindings comfortably hug your feet with no pressure points and fit nearly any footwear
• Steel traction rails and brake bars molded into the decks provide secure and lasting grip
• Molded plastic decks withstand harsh conditions
• Add-on modular flotation tails (not included) accommodate heavier loads, or allow you to go from packed snow to deep powder with a single pair of snowshoes
• Max recommended load with tails (not included): 250 lbs.

Most Comfortable Base Layer Bottom

L茅 Bent Sentinel Midweight Waffle-Knit Bottom

Sizes: XS-L
Key materials: Nuyarn Merino Wool Blend with Bamboo
Comfort rating: 10/10
Breathability rating: 8/10
Warmth rating: 9/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great loft and breathability
鈯� Super warm
鈯� Stretchy and comfortable
鈯� Pricey for base layer bottom

L茅 Bent waffle-knit leggings use the brand鈥檚 tried-and-tested Nuyarn construction, which means the wool fibers are spun around a bamboo filament, rather than coiled, as with traditional merino. The result is more surface area to soak up and diffuse moisture, which leads to a garment with more loft, better temperature regulation, durability, and superior breathability.

Our testers raved about these bottoms, with one Vermont skier admitting that they kept her as warm on the coldest days as her trusty pair of down-insulated crops. 鈥淎 bit bulky,鈥� she commented, 鈥渂ut worth it for the warmth.鈥�

Classified as midweight, the Sentinel uses a waffle-knit design to reduce the weight without sacrificing the performance. The full-length tight is a bit of splurge for a base layer bottom, but testers argued that it鈥檚 a luxury purchase with best-in-class thermoregulation. In other words, you get what you pay for. 鈥淥BSESSED with this baselayer,鈥� said our 5-foot, 6-inch tester. 鈥淚 toured in it and never got too hot. My butt never got cold at the resort, even on the coldest and wettest days.鈥�

Best For Frigid Temperatures

Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Zip Neck and Bottom

Sizes: XXS-XL
Key materials: Polartec Power Grid synthetic fabric
Comfort rating: 9/10
Breathability rating: 8/10
Warmth rating: 8/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
鈯� Breathable in a range of conditions
鈯� Deep chest zipper, thumb loops, and stretchy underarm gussets
鈯� Not offered in a hooded option

Given the heft of Patagonia鈥檚 beefiest base layer, we expected it to be less breathable. But while the Capilene Thermal Weight Zip Neck and Bottom is the warmest in the brand鈥檚 lineup, our testers were pleasantly surprised by how well this set was able to dump heat, wick sweat, and keep them dry and comfortable throughout a large range of conditions.

Patagonia uses Polartec Power Grid, a lofted synthetic technical fleece that layers a wicking fabric next to your skin to soak up moisture with a top layer that easily disperses it. The 鈥済rid鈥� design creates air channels that help keep the base layers light and breathable. 鈥淭his is a wonderful layer and was often my go-to this winter because I knew it could handle many different conditions and would be the most comfortable,鈥� said one tester who wore it in temperatures down to 5 degrees on shifts as a volunteer ski patroller at Grand Targhee.

Testers also appreciated the substantial layer鈥檚 versatility, allowing them to not only bundle it beneath many layers for warmth on the coldest days but also wear it under just a light shell on the skin track or other active pursuits, where they said it performed equally well. Another tester just replaced her set after eight years of consistent wear. 鈥淭he durability is impressive given the breathability,鈥� she said.

Best for Winter Camping

Houdini Long Power Tights

Sizes: XXS-XL
Key materials: Polartec Power Stretch Pro
Comfort rating: 9/10
Breathability rating: 7/10
Warmth rating: 9/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Warm and cozy
鈯� No inside leg seams
鈯� Waistband could be wider
鈯� Runs a little long

When warmth is of the utmost importance, Houdini鈥檚 Power Tight has got you covered. Literally. They鈥檙e stretchy, insulating, breathable, and oh-so-cozy鈥攕o much so that testers wore them all day then slept in them on winter camping trips in Utah and Colorado.

Made from Polartec Power Stretch Pro, a dual-layer synthetic fabric with four-way stretch that wicks moisture from the skin and disperses it up and out for quick evaporation, the Power Tights were a go-to pick for our testers all winter. The next-to-skin layer feels cozy like fleece, and the outer layer is silky smooth, making it easy to pull on your shell pants. Testers loved that the Houdini Power Tights have no inside leg seams, so chafing is never an issue, but agreed that a wider waistband might be more comfortable when you鈥檙e wearing these around the clock.

Testers who skied in the Power Tights said that they鈥檙e quite warm, and advised pulling them out on colder, lift-riding ski days. But for winter camping, all agreed that these were a staple and worth every penny. 鈥淚 wore them camping early spring in Moab and I was so thankful to have them.鈥�

Best for Winter Backpacking

Minus 33 Long-Sleeve Henley and Woolverino Wool Leggings

Sizes: XS-2XL
Key materials: Merino wool, nylon, spandex
Comfort rating: 9/10
Breathability rating: 8/10
Warmth rating: 7/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Simple design
鈯� Built-in SPF 50 sun protection
鈯� Comfy, wide waistband with a hidden pocket
鈯� Best for moderate temperatures

In addition to performing well during winter backpacking trips to and fro in temperatures ranging from 10 to 60 degrees, our testers loved that these base layers looked and fit like sporty tops and leggings rather than winter long johns, and that they have UPF 50 sun protection built-in. The Woolverino midweight bottoms feature a yoga-style wide waistband with a small stash pocket and a compression-style silhouette. They are made with a blend of merino wool, nylon, and spandex so they will keep their shape even if you wear them hiking all day, sleep in them, and then wear them to breakfast the next day. The Henley top is made from 100-percent merino wool with a regular fit and flatlock stitching so it鈥檚 comfortably worn with a backpack and doesn鈥檛 bunch up or rub on your shoulders. The three-button front-closure style adds a bit of flair and airflow while the slightly longer sleeves and hemline add to its classy profile.

How To Buy Base Layers

When shopping for base layers, consider how they will perform when you鈥檙e out in the wild. First and foremost, are they comfortable? These are your next-to-skin layers so they need to feel good on your body. Are the seams compatible with backpack straps? Does the hem work well with your ski pants? Does the half-zip, button-up, mock neck, or crew neck satisfy your style? Are you looking for something to wear during long days of uphill travel in the backcountry or will you be spending the day riding chair lifts?

Merino wool fibers are naturally odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and breathable, but generally less durable as synthetic materials. Because synthetics are usually a blend of fabrics, they are popular with those keen on stretchiness and moisture management. It鈥檚 better to buy something that is thoughtfully designed and durable rather than something cheaply made that might fail you on the mountain. Beyond the technical details, you may also want to determine if what you are buying is sustainably produced. Most reputable brands have information about their sustainability practices available on their websites.

How We Test

• Number of Testers: 8
• Number of Products Tested: 46
• Coldest Day During Testing: -10 degrees F
• Warmest Day During Testing: 55 degrees F
• Activities: Resort Skiing, Ski Touring, Camping, Snowshoeing, Dog Walking, Nordic Skiing, Running
• Mountain Ranges Tested In: Rockies, Tetons, Adirondacks, Wasatch, San Juans

Meet Our Testers

Understanding that base layer testing can be highly subjective based on personal preference, body type, activity level, and a host of other factors, we assembled a test team of ladies of all different shapes and sizes, living in different mountain regions, who regularly get after it no matter the winter weather. Category manager and SKI Executive Editor Samantha Berman lives and plays in Colorado鈥檚 Front Range, where she skis most weekends at the I-70 resorts. Other key testers include a Vermont ski patroller as well as a volunteer ski patroller at Grand Targhee.

The post The 11 Best Women鈥檚 Base Layers for Staying Warm and Dry in 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.