By Sarah Canney, Coolcore athlete

Falling leaves, crisp air, a little frost on the windshield in the morning—all signs that winter is well on its way.

But just because the weather is getting colder doesn’t mean your workout has to suffer or be stifled indoors. Taking your workout outside is a great way to soak up the beauty of the changing seasons and stay active. Use these tips to stay comfortable outdoors, whether you’re hiking, running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or simply out for a walk:

Wear Clothing That Works to Keep You Dry

One of the best ways to stay dry is to choose apparel that is constructed with fabrics that move moisture away from the skin. Coolcore’s patented, chemical-free thermoregulating fabric is constructed to wick and transport moisture, preventing the fabric from becoming saturated. And staying dry ultimately means staying warm. I prefer and highly recommend Coolcore’s Interval long sleeve tee as a base layer that provides moisture transportation next to the skin.

Layer Up

On top of a moisture regulating fabric, layer thicker outerwear that will lock in heat. Outer layers should be somewhat loose-fitting to provide a layer of air between your close-fitting base layer. It’s actually the layers of air that keep you warm on extra cold days. A soft, breathable fleece like Coolcore’s Aurora hoodie is the perfect piece for additional warmth and moisture management.

Consider This Rule of Thumb

Take into consideration your level of exertion when layering your clothes. Often times if you wear too many layers you can overheat and sweat more, making you feel colder. For higher exertion workouts like running or cross-country skiing, a good rule of thumb is to dress as if it is 25 degrees warmer than it actually is. For hiking, walking, or snowshoeing, consider wearing layers you can easily remove and pack away to accommodate for both periods of exertion and pausing along the trail.

About the Author:
Sarah Canney is a Coolcore ambassador and avid trail and mountain runner. She recently transitioned from road running to the trails and while she loves both, the mountains are where her heart is. She blogs about her running adventures at RunFarGirl.com and you can also find her on Instagram at @runfargirl.