A few weeks ago I shared with you my Cold Weather Workout Essentials for 2014 which focused on my picks for women’s winter running apparel.
It’s about time already that I follow that up with some Workout Accessories for this fast approaching (if not already arrived) cold weather workout season.
But here’s the situation…. I have the basic accessories essentials part down pat like a science.
Figuring out the right brand for each item on my list with the features I am looking for to keep me running happy? That’s the experiment of the moment.
It’s not that anything I used last winter was a total failure but there were some aspects of my accessories that bothered me and I want to fix that for this winter.
Let’s call this a team effort, okay?
I will tell you what I am looking for, show you some of the products I have in mind, and you let me know what you think, what you prefer, what you wear etc.
Gloves:
Last year I wanted to save some money so I purchased a pair of running gloves from Target.
My hands were cold more often than not and the touch-screen techy feature didn’t work most of the time which often led me to removing my gloves in order to use my phone.
I guess sometimes you really do get what you paid for.
Right now I have my eye on a pair of Brooks Adapt Glove II which also have a mitten option for those extra cold moments. 
If I don’t go for the extra warmth of the mitten option, I have my eye on these Sweaty Betty Run gloves which have a zipper pocket and reflective pattern for running in the dark (not that I ever do but it’s a nice feature anyway).
Hat:
I mentioned the Lululemon Run With Me Toque last year but I never bought it. I have friends who swear by it though and I like that there is a slot in the back for your ponytail.
Neck warmer:
I have a love/hate relationship with my current Lululemon Neckwarmer.
I don’t know; the first winter I used it, I didn’t like it. Last winter I decided that I liked it but I still never loved it.
I really like having a neckwarmer for those really cold mornings because it not only covers my neck without making me sweat or choking me like a scarf, I like to be able to pull it up over mouth until I adjust to running in the freezing temperatures.
I don’t even see this neckwarmer on the Lululemon website anymore so maybe I am correct that it isn’t the best?
I see that GapFit has a Cowl Neckwarmer for this winter and I considering trying it out.
Earwarmers:
Sometimes I don’t want to wear a hat and would benefit from just keeping my ears warm.
I have my eye on the Brooks Utopia Thermal Headband but I also really like the look (and price) of Sweat Betty’s Fleece Earwarmer 
Socks:
Aside from Pro Compression socks, I always thought that I loved the GapFit socks the best until I tried Balega for the first time and now I am confused!
I received the Balega socks as part of my Runner’s World Hat Trick goodies and I really noticed a difference in my feet when I run in them.
I can’t decide if I should order more and if so, which ones exactly. There are so many options!
I am also interested in these Performance Run socks from Sweat Betty based upon the specs and reviews on their website. 
More than anything, I don’t think it’s too much to ask to find a pair of running socks that not only feel good but also keep my toes warm during those frigid morning runs.
Hair Accessories:
For a while I swore by all Lululemon headbands but I think I am loving Sparkly Soul bands more right now.
They stay in place much better on my head and don’t stretch out.
As for ponytail hair ties, how cute are these hair toggles from Sweaty Betty?
They remind me of the 80’s but also received great reviews so I assume they hold the pony well? I haven’t tried them but I want to!
Undergarments:
I realize that undergarments aren’t listed in my accessories essentials checklist because technically they aren’t accessories but can we talk about them anyway?
We already discussed sports bras but today we need to chat about the undies.
I never invested in running specific/sweat-wicking underwear before but lately I am considering the purchase as important. 
Sweaty Betty makes a few different styles like these No Show Pant which, just based upon their specs compared to Lululemon, for the same price, there is more mention of the sweat-wicking material plus cotton in the important spots.
What do you think? What am I forgetting? Please chime in with your ideas, opinions and share links to your favorites!
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Sweaty Betty. Although I was compensated, all thoughts and product recommendations expressed in this post are my own.
The Cookie ChRUNicles 
I wish I had more to add to this list, but I think you basically covered everything. Oh wait, a nice long sleeve running top would be good.
I love the Lululemon Run Swiftlys for a long sleeve option.
I definitely want to get a neck warmer for this year. I didn’t have one last year and it was brutal.
If you find a good one, let me know. I have to get over to the Gap to see if I can try their version.
Good call on the neck warmer- I need to pick one up! I also think investing in a good pair of gloves is crucial. Great list!
Let me know which gloves you get for this winter please!
I sometimes like to wear a thin nylon vest to keep the wind out. Bought a Danskin vest at WalMart ON CLEARANCE(yeah) and love it. Of course, after all those years of dancing in Danskin, trust it!!!!
Nothing beats an awesome clearance purchase! I did well last year at SA Elite (the higher end of Sports Authority) at the clearance rack. Some of my key winter pieces at really cheap prices!
So funny that you mentioned that neckwarmer because I have it and have the same exact feelings about it. First of all, I’ve only used it when it was probably under 10 degrees and windy, so I needed to use it to cover my mouth and maybe that’s the part I didn’t love about it. It’s hard to tighten and loosen and the over-the-mouth thing didn’t work that well either. I’ll probably use it again this winter only if it’s truly freezing.
It really didn’t stay up well, at least not the first year. Last year I felt like I had a better handle on it but still, it’s not the best. I wish they would make a new one that functions the way we want it to.
I vividly remember my first cold-weather run…smart Emma didn’t think a hat / ear warmers were necessary, and so I ended up running with my headband pulled over my ears. Attractive visual, I know. Proper gloves are definitely on my wish list for this year, but now that I’m living in Vancouver I should probably invest in a rain jacket for running first…seems kinda important. 😉
That’s the worst when you are out there and not dressed for the weather! Your ears must have been freezing, just like my fingers the other morning when I decided I didn’t need gloves.
I don’t feel like I really “love” any of my winter running accessories. I usually buy stuff thats on sale on amazon that got decent reviews, otherwise I stick with Brooks. I think my gloves are from Brooks and they are “light vapor” or something and not super warm, but good for temps in the mid to high 30s. I also have a warmer pair but I don’t remember what kind they are. I haven’t dug out my winter running gear yet so I forget a lot of the stuff that i have! If I find anything amazing I will be sure to let you know:)
I definitely need to deal with picking the right pair of gloves asap and an earwarmer. Any week now it’s going to suddenly be super cold, I just know it.
I don’t really use any cold weather essentials where I live, because it is never cold enough. But, when I go skiing, those neck warmers that go over your mouth and face are super annoying. I am NOT fond of them haha.
It must be nice to not have to deal with multiple layers in the winter!
Winter in LA = Shorts and a T-Shirt. LOL!!!!! And you know what? I am SOOOOO OKAY with this! 😉
SO jealous!