tester, her skin temperature dropped further, and the final reading was just over 3°C cooler. Contact www.smartwool.com; 0131 221 2200Mizuno Breath Thermo Combo Zip Top – £30Mizuno says "The fabric characteristically changes the moisture absorbed from

A long-sleeved jacket could be the most expensive and under-utilised piece of kit in your running wardrobe. If it's fully waterproof, it doesn't breathe. If it really breathes, it isn't waterproof. Even if it does a good job of both, it's too warm

’ll notice that the fabrics used in most of these base layers are surprisingly similar to those used in summer kit. Whatever the temperature, you need kit made of lightweight material that wicks, that is, draws moisture away from the skin. In winter, wet

. Contact: 01827 383200; www.insport.comNo Need For Wool… Mizuno Breathe Thermo – £30On chilly mornings, Mizuno’s new fabric has become a real favourite. Like most technical fabrics, Breathe Thermo wicks away moisture as you sweat, but its clever trick

When Runner's World readers were asked to list their essential kit last year, heart-rate monitors came out on top. Unfortunately for the female runner, using a heart-rate monitor is usually an uncomfortable experience, requiring 10 minutes before

good rule of thumb to avoid overheating is to kit yourself out as if it were 10ºC warmer. Wind  affects your body's ability to control its temperature by sweating, so wrap up warm on windy days. A buff will shield your face and keep you breathing

more, check out our Gear section. You could even submit a review of your own...1. Panache Hi-Impact bra - £31.99 (ChristmasTips(CT))In Short: The best bit of running kit I have bought.Strengths: Comfy straps, no chafing, excellent, no-bounce support

sizes before you find the perfect fit. "First of all, ensure that the back band is at the same level all the way round. If it rides up, then it's too big," suggests Nolan. Your sports bra should fit snugly, but not be so tight that you can't breathe

to make do with ill-fitting men's clothes and footwear. So be specific in your demands and remember that investing in quality kit will potentially save you from injury, and will certainly save you from discomfort. And while function takes precedence over

It’s easy to find excuses not to run, without adding inclement weather to the list. Taking on the elements can help to make you psychologically tougher, so get yourself kitted out and get out there.We’ve tested the latest kit, from base layers