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Cool weather running apparel

Our buyer's guide for cool weather running apparel includes our favourite jackets and tights

The fall is a wonderful time to work on your running – the shorter days means it’s harder to get out on the bike, so why not enjoy the opportunity to enjoy the cooler weather before the snow flies and the temperatures drop. You’ll have even more fun if you add some new apparel to your training wardrobe – these items are sure to keep you warm and comfortable regardless of the conditions.

2XU Refresh Recovery Tights – $130

After a hard run session the 2XU Refresh Recovery Tights are a great way to help your legs bounce back for your next workout. The gradient compression built into the PWX 105D fabric stabilizes your muscles and promotes increased blood flow to get you ready for another hard effort in a hurry. The comfortable waistband and contour moulded crotch area means you can even wear these when you sleep to enhance your recovery, too. The flatlock seams reduce chafing and enhance the comfortable, snug fit of these durable and breathable tights.

New Balance Max Intensity Jacket – $135

“It feels like you’re putting on paper,” was our reviewer’s first comment as she checked out the Max Intensity Jacket. She also enjoyed the cool mint colour. Reflective strips on the upper arms and on the back ensure you’ll be visible regardless of when you’re out on the road. The generous front zip pockets provide lots of room for phones, keys, cash or nutrition. The honeycomb inner lining uses Elastane for a bit of stretch to ensure you’ll be very comfortable, which is enhanced thanks to the jersey collar and back panel at the bottom. Excellent venting in the back helps keep things cool, rounding out this versatile, multi-faceted jacket that provides comfortable wind- and water-resistant protection.

Asics Seamless Jacket – $110

You can’t help but look good in this form-fitting jacket that also provides lots of performance functions. The soft, comfortable fabric minimizes chafing, while the ribbed neck, cuffs and hem enhance the comfort. Zippered pockets are perfect for a phone, MP3 player or some nutrition, while the reflective logo and gradient tape on the back keep you visible even at night.

Saucony Bullet Crop Tights and Run Strong Hoodie – $110 (tights), $120 (hoodie) 

You’ll be a hit on the trails in the comfortable, stylish Bullet Crop tights. The PowerLuxe fabric provides a snug fit and lots of support, while also keeping you dry and comfortable. There are two pockets that can fit a cellphone or some on-the-run nutrition, while a zippered pocket at the back for keys is a perfect spot for your keys or some cash. The Run Strong Hoodie is really light but amazingly cozy, providing just the right amount of coverage for those cool, fall morning runs. The super-soft, comfortable material provides lots of coverage, but breathes nicely, so you won’t feel clammy. Thumb hooks ensure the sleeves won’t ride up and the hoodie can be pulled up and over your head for really cold or windy fall days.

Skechers Distance Jacket and Arabesque Leggings – $118 (jacket), $75 (leggings) 

The front and shoulders of the stylish and comfortable Distance Jacket use wind- and rain-resistant material while the back and lower arms are made with super-soft cloth material, providing you with a comfortable jacket that will protect you from the elements. Thumb holes ensure the sleeves stay where you want them while the adjustable hood can be pulled up for extra coverage when you need it. The Night Owl reflective material keeps you visible in lowlight conditions and the zippered front pockets are perfect for phones, keys or nutrition. The form-fitting Arabesque leggings have a nice wide, comfortable waist band and use Skechers’ GoFlex Ultra poly/spandex blend fabric for a comfortable performance fit. The front open pocket is perfect for an iPod or a small phone. These are a great fall option for either a trip to the gym for a run outside.

Under Armour Threadborne Mesh and Run True – $45 (shirt); $170 (tights) 

Incredibly light and comfortable, the Threadborne Mesh T-Shirt hugs your body without feeling like it’s skintight thanks to the four-way stretch construction. It wicks perspiration away from your body and the mesh back provides lots of ventilation. Reflective logos ensure you’ll be visible for those early morning or late evening fall runs. The Run True . tights are also very snug, using HeatGear fabric to provide compression performance. The four-way stretch material is both comfortable and excellent at wicking away perspiration, so you’ll stay dry and comfortable even during the hardest sessions. The powermesh side pockets provide excellent storage for keys, gels or some cash for a post-run coffee.