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Seasonal Reviews > Warm Weather Essentials
Essential Warm Weather Running Gear for 2025
By Runners Gear Guide - Apr 1, 2025
Spring is here, and summer is right around the corner! As temperatures rise, staying cool, comfortable, and efficient on your runs becomes even more important. The right gear can make all the difference—helping you manage heat, wick away sweat, and power through those tough miles.
We’ve done the research so you don’t have to! In this guide, we’ll break down what to wear for warm and humid weather running, key features to look for in your gear, and our top picks to help you perform at your best—no matter how hot it gets.
When running in hot weather, the right gear can help you stay cool, dry, and protected from the sun. Staying properly hydrated and fueled is just as important to maintain performance and prevent heat exhaustion. Here’s what to wear, bring, and consume for maximum comfort and endurance:
1. Lightweight, Moisture-Wicking Clothing
Choose breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester, nylon, or merino wool to keep sweat off your skin and promote airflow—because no one likes that clingy, soaked-shirt feeling mid-run. Avoid cotton at all costs unless you enjoy chafing (spoiler: you won’t).
Opt for running shorts with built-in liners and sleeveless tops to maximize ventilation and keep things feeling light. When the heat cranks up, every little bit of airflow helps, so look for mesh panels or perforated fabrics that let the breeze in. The goal? Feeling cool and unrestricted, not like you’re wearing a wet towel by mile three.
Top Lightweight, Moisture-Wicking Options:
TLRUN Men's Running Tank - Ultra Lightweight
New Balance Men's RC Short 5"
Lululemon Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top
CRZ YOGA Women's Naked Feeling Light Running Shorts
2. Sun Protection: Hats, UPF Clothing, & Sunscreen
Shield yourself from harmful UV rays with a lightweight running hat or visor—because no one wants to end a run with a sunburned scalp. A good hat not only keeps the sun off your face but also helps wick away sweat, keeping you cool and comfortable. And let’s be real—squinting through a long run is not the vibe.
Beyond just hats, UPF-rated running shirts and sleeves are a game changer. They give you that extra layer of protection without making you overheat, so you’re not stuck slathering sunscreen on your arms mid-run. Sun exposure adds up fast, and as runners, we spend hours outside, whether it’s an easy jog or a weekend long run. Too much sun can lead to premature aging (hello, wrinkles) and increase the risk of skin cancer—things we definitely want to avoid.
And speaking of sunscreen—don’t skip it! A sweat-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is essential for keeping your skin safe, especially on exposed areas like your face, neck, and shoulders. Look for ones that won’t sting your eyes when you inevitably start sweating buckets. Your future self will thank you for taking the extra few seconds to apply it before heading out.
Top Sun Protection Options:
Rab Men's Force Tee
Arc'teryx Taema Crew Neck Shirt SS Women's
Ciele Athletics ALZCap
La Roche Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Sunscreen
3. Sunglasses with UV Protection
A good pair of running sunglasses isn’t just about looking cool (though that’s a bonus)—they’re essential for protecting your eyes from UV damage and reducing glare, especially on those bright, sun-blasted runs. Squinting through miles isn’t fun, and prolonged sun exposure can lead to eye strain and even long-term issues like cataracts.
Go for lightweight styles that won’t bounce around or slip down your nose when you start sweating. Polarized lenses help cut down on glare from roads, water, or trails, making it easier to stay focused on your run. The best part? No more mid-run struggles of wiping sweat-covered sunglasses that won’t stay in place. A solid pair will feel like they’re barely there—until you finish your run and realize how much more comfortable your eyes feel.
Top Sunglasses Options:
Goodr OG Sunglasses
Polarized Sport Sunglasses for Men and Women
ROKA SR-1 APEX
Oakley Men's Oo9406 Sutro Rectangular Sunglasses
4. Hydration Gear to Stay Cool and Safe
Staying hydrated in the heat isn’t optional—it’s what keeps you running strong instead of slogging through the miles feeling drained. When temperatures rise, your body sweats more to stay cool, which means you’re losing fluids and essential electrolytes that keep your muscles firing and your energy levels steady.
Use a hydration belt, handheld bottle, or vest to make sure you have easy access to fluids without breaking your stride. On longer runs, plain water won’t always cut it—electrolyte drinks help replenish sodium, potassium, and magnesium lost through sweat. Salt Stick pills and LMNT electrolyte powders are great options to keep your hydration balanced and help prevent that dreaded mid-run bonk or post-run headache. Bottom line: drink up before you feel thirsty, because by then, your body’s already playing catch-up.
Top Hydration Options:
Salomon ADV HYDRA VEST 4 Running Hydration Pack
Nathan Pinnacle Pro 6L Hydration Vest
Nathan SpeedView Flask, Handheld Water Bottle
Nathan ExoDraw & ExoShot 2.0 Flask, Handheld Water Bottle
5. Fueling for Sustained Energy
Running in hot conditions isn’t just tough on your body—it burns through your energy stores faster than you’d expect. Staying fueled is crucial to avoid that dreaded mid-run crash where your legs suddenly feel like bricks. Energy gels, chews, or electrolyte-infused hydration tablets can help maintain stamina and prevent dehydration, giving your body the carbs and minerals it needs to keep pushing.
Carrying easily digestible fuel, like energy gels or chews, ensures you have a steady source of carbohydrates to keep you going strong. For longer runs, aim to refuel every 30-45 minutes to keep your energy levels steady. It might feel unnecessary at the start, but trust me—your future self at mile 10 (or 20) will thank you.
Top Fueling Options:
UCAN Edge Energy Gel Shots
Huma Chia Energy Gel
Skratch Labs Energy Chews
CLIF BLOKS - Energy Chews - Variety Pack