Gorewear Winter Gear Roundup: Temps Goin’ Down, We’re Yellin’ Tim-brrr

What You Need To Know

Introduction to Gorewear’s Winter Collection

REESE: If you’re a runner or cyclist, heck, any outdoor enthusiast, at some point, I’m sure you’ve worn some Gore-Tex apparel. And for good reason: It is the first and perhaps has been the preeminent breathable, yet waterproof fabric for outdoor apparel. While you can find Gore-Tex in jackets from brands like Arc’teryx or Mountain Hardwear, the fabric’s originator, Gore Wear, also has its own line of gear. And they’ve gone beyond just waterproof apparel, creating premium running and cycling clothing. That’s great news for anyone looking for quality because while an Arc’teryx jacket with Gore-Tex can easily cost $400, Gore Wear’s jackets are often about half that. Price isn’t the only factor, of course, but Gore Wear consistently delivers high-quality performance gear at a more accessible price point across their lineup.

TAYLOR: Whether you love it or not, the seasons have changed. Here at 8,300ft in the Colorado Rockies, it’s always a decisive swing of weather. It also typically means a quick change of wardrobe. I’m now settled into my winter attire.

There’s that old saying, “There’s no bad weather, just bad gear.” Well, I beg to differ, not on the point of bad gear, but on the weather piece. There’s absolutely bad weather. The wind howlin’, snow blown’, and frigid days of this season are often on my mind. I don’t want that in my bones. I despise being cold!

Yet, I love winter running… in the right gear. There are some great options out there to soothe the winter days. True enjoyment can be found in this deep, dark, and cold season. Honestly, one brand I would expect to have ailments for these conditions is Gore Wear. There’s no denying that when it comes to weather and warmth, they are frequently on top of the pedestal.

Here are a few newer pieces that will help you take the edge off of winter’s weather over the next few months. Each piece in this collection has a thin layer of microfleece that makes all the difference.

Gorewear Everyday Thermo Quarter-Zip

REESE: This top is a solid choice for winter running, and at under $100, it’s punching well above its weight class. The light thermal fabric makes it versatile—great on its own or layered under a jacket or vest. I tested it out under a lightweight jacket during a snowstorm, and it kept me warm—thankfully, since I was running so slow there was no chance of generating enough heat on my own. I’m a sucker for thumb holes in long sleeves, but this shirt didn’t have those. Not a deal breaker though.

The 3D textured fabric excelled at wicking away sweat while also trapping heat. The secret lies in its ability to hold air within the fabric. The more air a material can trap, the warmer it feels. Thanks to air’s low thermal conductivity, the trapped pockets slow down heat transfer, helping to keep you warm. The zipper allows for moderating warmth, but I love the little collar when it’s fully zipped. Super cold temps? Ain’t nobody got time for a scoop neck or a cold neck or chest for that matter.

TAYLOR: I grew up in the great white North of Minnesota. Now, I’m in Colorado, where winter is still very much a real thing. Quarter zips have always been a staple in my running winter wear.

Gorewear’s Everyday Thermo Quarter-Zip takes the simple design and makes it that much more performance-oriented. It is designed as a mid-layer. However, I wore it most as an overlayer, and it performed as well as I had hoped. Even on a dry 19℉ run with the Gorewear Contest 2.0 tee underneath, I was perfectly warm. My internal thermostat is always set a little high, but the idea is that a simple layer underneath paired with the Everyday Thermo ¼ Zip can be a very solid winter option. Rest assured that the internal microfleece layer has you covered.

I’m picky about clothing fit – especially with overlayers. It needs to be that “just right” type of comfort, and this one is. It wasn’t too long, nor too short, not too wide, or too floppy around the neck (even when unzipped). I’m not saying it’s the absolute perfect fit for everyone. At the same time, I’m not sure how I would make it better. It simply ran nice.

PRICE: $90

Gorewear Concurve Thermo Tights

REESE: On a cold winter day, I just want to sit by a warm fireplace all day, letting my back get almost painfully hot. This is mostly possible, but the big problem arises when I need to eat, use the bathroom, converse with others, attend work meetings, and attend to life’s responsibilities. Ie, when I leave the warmth of the fire, I’m left with a deep, deep chill, as if I’d never sat, sweating in front of the fireplace. Why am I telling you this? Because these thermal tights are kinda like this experience. Except it comes without the light burn of sitting too close to a fireplace.

These tights are snug and cozy, I didn’t want to take them off after my run (don’t worry I did!) because I was so warm and comfortable in them. The tights, while a little long for my 5’2 frame, the legs on the pants fit well, but the waist was a little loose, so they rode down while running, but nothing that a drawstring can’t fix. Gorewear created this piece using their “kinetic garmet design” process, which is to say, they designed it with menial seams and made sure the fabric was stretchy in all the right places. The waistband is wide, as it has a hidden pocket, and the fabric is comfortable and doesn’t squeeze the waist. The right thigh also has a phone pocket, but with the pants already sliding down a bit, I didn’t dare run too far with any more weight in its favor.

TAYLOR: Tights are my go-to lower-wear for winter. I avoid pants at pretty much all costs. Pieces of garments like the Concurve Thermo Tights get me out the door and back in with a smile on my face.

Most fleece-lined tights really lay it thick. I appreciate the warmth, but it is often too much, resulting in a pant-like sensation. Gorewear layers it just right. It seems to hit a sweet spot of warmth and flexibility to maintain proper function and comfort even into the low 20s and teens. I totally agree with Reese’s sentiment,

They do have a paneled design that places fabric specifically to flex in the right ways and in the right spot. I felt that through mainly feeling very free to run. There wasn’t any restriction at major junctions like the hips and knees.

Having more of a… robust lower body, I did feel that my typical mediums needed to be worked into. The calves and thighs were initially taught. The waist was actually a perfect size, and I loved how the Gorewear Concurve Thermo Tight felt when they were on.

PRICE: $120

Gorewear R3 Gloves

REESE: I can never seem to have enough good gloves! I stash a few pairs in my car for those unexpected “it’s much colder than I thought” trailhead moments, and my gear closet has several pairs for different situations. These gloves are perfect for fall and early spring weather. I tested them in early November in Colorado, just as a cold front rolled in. These lightweight gloves held up well with temps in the 40s and 50s. They’re fairly warm, though I wouldn’t go below 40°F in them, especially on windy days. For interval workouts, though, they’d offer just the right barrier against the elements. The fit is snug—I typically wear a small, but I went with an XS in these so I might be between sizes.

TAYLOR: Another necessity done well. Bravo, Gorewear! The R3 Gloves are moderately thin gloves that fit the bill on typical winter days. I love that they have thermal fabric yet wick moisture adequately. The R3 gloves are perfect for runs with light wind, maybe some precipitation, and temperatures in the 30s to 40s (remember, I run hot).

Even the small things like appropriate finger length and a light hug throughout the hand and wrist are on point. Also, the subtle reflective decals make a $45 purchase really reasonable.

PRICE: $45