Brooks Running Winter Gear Product Reviews

With winter’s last gasp, it becomes more readily apparent the importance good layering has for pleasurable outdoor training. Brooks Running has plenty of gear to help you stay comfortable while getting your miles in.

Utopia Thermal Pant

Fabric: (85% polyester/15% spandex)

“This soft, knit, cold-weather run pant proves that you can enjoy warmth without the weight. With 360° of 3M™ Scotchlite™ retroreflectivity, you can go the distance on short winter days.

• Fit: Semi-fitted
• 30" inseam
• Soft, brushed thermal fabric
• 360° of 3M™ Scotchlite™ retroreflectivity
• Articulated knees for enhanced freedom of movement
• Center back zip pocket
• 9" reflective gusseted ankle zips”

These running pants offer comfort and protection in a variety of temperatures. Pair with added layers for colder weather or wear by themselves when more mild temps appear. Really soft, these pants are also comfortable for lounging before or after a workout, or when you just don’t feel like getting dressed in non-running gear. Wind blocking is more than adequate, even during a typical Midwest snowstorm. These pants run a bit bigger than true to size, so you might want to try them on in a retail environment before purchasing.

Equilibrium Windbrief Boxer

“Fabric: Body: Silc Lite; (90% polyester microfiber/10% LYCRA® spandex); Front Panel: 100% woven nylon ripstop

Build your run outfit on a solid, comfortable foundation. This supportive men's running boxer transfers moisture away from the skin, ensuring dry comfort, while adding a protective wind-blocking front panel for added warmth. Essential for cold weather runs.

• Fit: Fitted
• Wind-blocking front panel protection 
• Soft elastic waistband”

As all male runners know, protection is the name of the game in Winter - no one wants to descend too far through the levels of what Dirt Dawg calls the Ball Clacking Factor. I’m not a big fan of boxer briefs, preferring tightie whities, but after a few runs in these Equilibrium briefs, I found that the design offered plenty of support and did a great job of offering protection. For most conditions this brief along with the Utopia Pants should be sufficient for most people. The briefs run a tad large, but nearly true to size.

Adapt Glove

“Fabric: Main Body: 85% polyester/15% spandex; Cover: 100% polyester

When a cool run makes a turn for the cold and misty, the easily stowed water-resistant ‘windshield’ in this light-weight, MP3-compatible glove helps you adjust. Ample reflectivity gives peace of mind when light it low.

• 3M™ Scotchlite™ retroreflective detail
• Lightweight, stowable windshield
• Polyurethane finger grips, MP3 thumb pad, and flip-back thumb
• MP3-compatible”

Nice option when the weather is not cooperating, being neither cold nor warm enough for either a heavy nor a light glove. These fingered gloves offer a stowaway mitten cover that blocks wind and moisture. On the run stowage of the mitten is not easy, but the cover is so light you can just leave it out, and the flopping around is basically unnoticeable. While not uncomfortably so, these gloves run about a size smaller than stated, so hopefully Brooks will start making an XXL for those of us with larger hands.

Brooks Running makes quality gear for every running situation. Anyone who runs in cold weather, or cooler weather, and especially in cold, wet conditions will not go wrong by adding any of these products to their gear closet. Multifunctional and excellent as layered or standalone pieces, all of these are well-worth shelling out the all important gear dollars.

Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for review purposes, courtesy of Brooks Running. I was not compensated in any other way for the review, was not obligated to give the items a positive review, and all opinions are my own. Some information in this review was taken from the company website.

Would you like your product reviewed? Contact me at lakotega@yahoo.com.