Let’s be honest, it doesn’t get REALLY cold in the UK because of that I tend to look at my winter running gear as something that you might need to remove during a run.
I tend to run hot anyway so, rather than adding layers, sleeves have been an essential part of my winter running attire. They’re great at insulating your arms against wind chill but can be easily (and quickly) removed. I have heard some complain that they can’t get a very good read of HR if they put their watches on top of them and, if they put it underneath, the watch face can’t be seen. My response to that would be: if HR is that important to you, why are you using your watch to measure it?!
I have two types, OMM insulated & Compressport sleeves. I use the OMMs for the colder weather, they’re made from a wicking material that doesn’t hold water so you stay warm if it starts raining and they have a decent rubber grip to keep them in place, the thumb hooks keep them over my hands which helps keep them warm without gloves.
The Compressport I use for dryer weather, they look better but not that good for wet weather – the material is sort of woolly which soaks up water, but makes them really lightweight. Unfortunately though, the arm grip is made from elastic which often comes unsewn after a while which can loosen it’s grip.
In both cases arms are sheltered from the icy wind chill in the winter and if it gets too warm for them, I can easily take them off and tuck them into my belt.
An essential bit of kit for winter running!
