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Whether you're marathon training or heading to Parkrun, these running gilets will keep you warm

Whether you’re marathon training or trying to get out of bed for Parkrun, motivating yourself to get going on colder mornings can be tricky.

Our tried and tested tips? Invest in a good base layer, and have a few different layers in your wardrobe to make wrapping up, whilst not getting too warm, easier. One of these essentials is a running gilet.

What to look for in a running gilet or vest

There’s a number of different options on the market, which vary in terms of insulation, fit, materials and more. Below we have selected a number of gilets that include padded options that will keep you warm when there’s snow on the ground, to the lighter, waterproof vests that add an extra layer of protection from the elements. We've also divided them into men's running gilets and running gilets for women.

Super-lightweight, this On running vest protects you from the elements without weighing you down. A shield from the wind and rain, lightweight and extremely packable, like all of On’s products, this has been built with the runner in mind. We’re a big fan of the zipped pocket on the back, the added ventilation and the freedom of movement in this vest. The only downside? It’s one of the more expensive options on our list.

A thicker, more insulated vest for colder runs, this is a gilet you’ll wear as much when you’re not running as when you are. Made from 100% recycled polyester, this lightweight gilet will keep you warm on the coldest of runs. With two zipped pockets, a high neck and a water-repellent finish, the whole gilet can be packed away into an inner pocket when the weather changes. What’s more, Patagonia is one of the brands on our sustainable running gear list, so you can rest assured you’re doing your bit for the environment.

The Soar All Weather Jacket is an impressive bit of kit and you can now get a gilet version of it that boasts all the tech and weather-proofing, but without the bulk that a jacket brings. It is a very impressive and capable piece of performance apparel, so if you have A LOT of winter running coming up, it's a worthy investment.

A great layer for blocking out a chill, its main goal is to stop your core temperature dropping when out in cooler conditions and the wind begins to cut through. Packable, it folds down into a little pouch that you can easily carry by hand thanks to an elastic strap, or just put it in a running belt/bag.

There's a down-filled version of this gilet too, for those with some extra coins to spend, but we prefer the synthetic version as it feels a little lighter but with just as much heating potential. We also prefer the higher collar too, and although it doesn't feature the same amount of ventilation as its feather-filled compatriot, that wasn't an issue as the full zip allows you to adjust the warmth as you run. Nike has replaced the back pocket on the previous version with zipped side pockets at the front, which are slightly less runner-friendly but still do the job of holding your keys or wallet.

When it comes to staying seen, it doesn’t get better than this. Fully reflective, this gilet from Proviz will keep you visible on those early morning or darker run commutes. Super-lightweight, on colder days you’ll probably want to add a base layer for warmth, but as the reflective coating does reduce breathability somewhat so on warmer days you may not need that extra layer. With zipped pockets for your essentials, a high neck to keep the cold out and a moisture-wicking lining, this is a handy layer for the safety-conscious. A women's version is also available.

A brand that knows a thing or two about the great outdoors, this gilet has been designed for the long haul. Wind-resistant and breathable, this will help keep you warm on long days out, unless the weather becomes biblical. The technical fabric is soft and comfortable, and the lightweight layer allows you to move freely. You’ll need a base layer underneath when it’s really cold, but on spring days, this will do the job with just a t-shirt. One of a few we tested with a hood, it's an extra bit of protection if you're likely to heading out in bad weather.

The performance benefits of merino all bundled up with a DWR-coated shell and hood makes this offering from Smartwool a versatile and good-looking option, usable in a range of weather conditions. Merino is so good at keeping you warm, you don't need too much of it, meaning this gilet is small enough to pack away into a pocket but warm enough to cope with most UK winter runs.

Polartec has been making premium insulation materials for a while, so whenever you see that tag in a product you know it'll do a good job of keeping you warm. Combine it with the higher-end material choices of Lululemon, and the Another Mile vest will help you live up to its name and keep you out running longer when the needle dips.