Base layers have nowhere to hide in the climate chamber at Nottingham Trent University's School of Biomedical and Natural Sciences. NTU's chamber, with a temperature range of –20°C to +40°C was a perfect testing ground. Our testers had temperature

Layering running tops is the best way to stay comfortable in cold conditions and manufacturers are starting to offer three-in-one kit solutions. We test the best.Crane SportsIncludes Winter Running Jacket £12,L/S Running Top £6.99,Seamless Running

and rain coming in. Contact www.peakperformance.comAsics Atlas Windblock Top, £75 A great option for those looking for a single winter layer, this top uses Gore’s Windstopper Softshell fabric so you can be sure you’ll stay warm. In fact, our tester

, and there are several key features you should look for when buying one. We took advantage of the less-than-clement English summertime weather to put the best models on the market to the test.TESTING CRITERIA Comfort Is it a close or baggy fit? Is the inner layer

quickly disappears. A light, breathable rain jacket will keep you dry (while still wicking sweat away); wearing a peaked baseball cap will also help keep rain off your face. Layer, Layer, LayerClever layering will banish sweat and hold in heat, keeping

waterproof. The jacket is made from only two pieces of fabric, reducing seams and bulk. Some runners might find the hood unnecessary (though it can be adjusted three ways so won’t fall down) and, with it up, the movement of the fabric blocks out a lot

substantial replacement. It’s still a stripped-down shoe, but a thicker midsole surrounds the Wave plate, the upper has slightly heavier overlays, and internal straps support the rearfoot. The other change: the midsole has layers of softer (green) EVA

units in the rear- and forefoot, Brooks has extended a layer of its durable Substance 257 cushioning material across a wide heel-strike area and the whole of the forefoot (it’s the orange layer above the outsole). Brooks has also updated the upper, which

squarely aimed at neutral, efficient runners.Following the trend that Adidas set with its excellent Gazelle a couple of years ago, other companies are now spreading huge layers of high-absorbency rubberised cushioning foam across the entire forefoot of some

Running on a British winter’s day can be a temperature-regulation lottery. If you look out of the window before a run and notice frost glistening on the lawn, it’s tempting to pull on several layers of your warmest kit. Be blinded by bright sunshine