Fitness Fashion: Craft Running Apparel

The Right Fits is a blog where Fitness and Fashion meet, but I realize it has been awhile since I did a fitness fashion post. I’m changing that now!

After my warm weather work trip was cancelled, I decided to treat myself with some new winter running apparel, and I’m reviewing some of that gear today for you.

Depending on what the groundhog tells us on February 2, spring might be on its way. That means that hopefully the worst of the winter running is behind us! There may still be some cold and snowy runs this spring, but a lot of retailers have already put their winter running apparel on clearance/deep discount. This is the perfect time to snag some really great items for a great price.

And, that is exactly what I did with one of my favorite winter running retailers, Craft!

I have mentioned Craft running apparel in the past- here’s a post about their warmest running pants ever, a Craft jacket, and my Craft bi-fold mittens. Craft gear is best known for cross country skiing and cycling, but their running stuff is also top quality (in my opinion). I have Craft pants and jackets that I have run in for YEARS and they are still in top shape.

I was excited to check out their online sale where I snatched up these three items:

Touring Mitten
Insulated mitten with neoprene cuff, inner elastic at wrist and Clarino palm. Normally $44.99, marked down to $5.99 here! <– you cannot beat this price for a pair of Craft running gloves.
I have (self-diagnosed) Reynaud’s and/or poor circulation so my hands are always cold, but these gloves are really toasty. I wore them the other night on a 20 degree run (with a “feels like” temp of 11 degrees) and I actually had to take one off occasionally as my hands were over-heating! They are machine washable and super warm. I like a mitten for the really cold days as I can curl up my hand to keep those fingers warm. The touring mittens are a great pair of winter running gloves.

(Seriously, buy these now!)

Brilliant Light Jacket
Buy it here $99.99.

This jacket isn’t a particularly warm jacket. It’s not lined; instead it’s a windbreaker that you wear on top of your warmer items. There is a lining on certain areas. It’s (obviously) super bright and shows up even at night. The fit is really great (I’m wearing a medium for reference.) I also love the two zippered pockets. It’s not quite as reflective as the Athleta Running Start Jacket, but it’s a very bright jacket for safe running in dark conditions.

From Craft,
“Lightweight fabric with excellent wind protection and water repellency. Ventilation panels at back, on side and under arms. Reflective parts with ventilation. Zippered music and key pocket. 360 degrees of visibility.”

I wore this jacket for the Securian Winter Run Half Marathon on January 30th (race recap to come!) The temperature was about 30 degrees with winds of about 8 mph. I had one long-sleeve shirt underneath and actually overheated.

Love this jacket.

PR Thermal Tights
Usually $90, on sale here for $63 <– another incredible deal. I love a pair of Craft running tights that I already own and this new pair is just as good. They have ankle zippers and a zippered pocket in back. They are soft and fit very well (size medium for reference), with a thin fleece-like lining to keep the legs and booty warm. I have worn these on two different runs at temperature in the low teens and I was plenty warm. They just may be my new favorite pair!

From Craft, “Soft thermal tights with brushed inside, ergonomic fit and 360 degrees visibility. Ergonomic fit for optimal freedom of movemen.t Brushed, soft, thermal fabric for optimal warmth. Sweat-protective key/music pocket at the back. Zipper at bottom. 360 degrees visibility.”