Fall Running Gear to Keep You Warm

Baby, it’s getting cold out there! And here are two new pieces of fall running gear we got to review — per our sweet relationship as a Brooks Running blog ambassador (totally objective review though!) — that are perfect at keeping you warm and dry this season. Oh, and they’re totes cute.

Brooks Running Utopia Thermal Hoodie III Review

For the last few seasons, Brooks has been taking things up a notch in the fitness fashion department, and the Utopia Thermal Hoodie III ($115) is just another example of how they’re taking basics like a jacket and giving it subtle yet amazing details that take it to the next level. Details like a flattering semi-fitted and somewhat flared-around-the-middle cut (I sized up for my growing belly and the fit was pretty much perfect!), pleating at back (really classes the jacket up beyond your normal hoodie), two side-zip pockets that lay flat and are positioned up a little higher than normal for a fun look, and — probably my favorite detail of all — amazingly soft yet thick and stretchy fabric.

The jacket is relatively light but it does keep you warm, and while it’s not fleecy per se, it’s soft and cozy and gives you that same feeling when you wear it, except it still performs like a technical piece. Oh, and the Utopia Thermal Hoodie III also has two of our other running requirements: a ponytail exit in the hood and thumbholes. Genius!

Brooks Running Utopia Thermal Tight II Review

For the last few years, my favorite go-to pair of fall and winter running tights has been these Mizuno ones that are super fabulous for keeping you warm yet dry in the coolest conditions. But those certainly have a new competitor with the Utopia Thermal Tight II ($95). Made of the same soft and warm yet light material that the hoodie comes in, these feel great on. Nice and fitted with two inventive side-slash pockets on the side (these are so much a part of the tights that I didn’t even realize they were there until an hour after my first run in them!), they’re just kind of everything a piece of fall running gear should be.

With two waist pockets, a back splash-proof drop-in media pocket, and reflective tape (gotta be seen at night!) and ankle zippers, this is truly a tight designed with the runner’s runner in mind. Plus, I have to say that the Heather Gray color looks fabulous with this shirt in neon yellow …

Have you transitioned to your cooler running gear this year yet? —Jenn