New Cold Weather Apparel

You can do many things to make exercising outdoors more comfortable during chilly weather. Consider when dressing for outdoor activities in cold weather that you have to protect yourself from yourself; and second, you have to protect yourself from the outside elements.

• The first part of this advice translates to removing or wicking perspiration away from the body by wearing an initial layer of clothing made of synthetic microfibers such as polypropylene.



• Secondly, water transmits heat 30 percent faster than air — a key reason behind new fitness apparel aimed at removing sweat and keeping the skin dry. Fabrics designed for moisture removal include Hydromove, Dry Line, Corium and Coolmax.



• The final, or third layer, is for protection against the environment.

That's why you want your winter clothes t to be as windproof and waterproof as possible, Gore-Tex is probably the best known, but there are other products on the market that are lighter weight, such as Climafit by Nike.

New Cold Weather Apparel

With many fitness buffs attempting to exercise outdoors year-round, manufacturers are working to keep up with their needs:

• Reebok says its Hydromove technology keeps skin warm and dry by allowing fibers to absorb and disperse moisture away from the skin.
  
  Reebok’s Winter Runner DMX 6, scheduled to be unveiled on Friday, offers a waterproof and windproof upper shoe made with DuPont Teflon. The shoe comes with a removable and washable breathable liner that pulls moisture away from the foot. Suggested retail is $134.



• Nike offers clothing in three fabrics to accommodate a breathable layering: Dry Fit is used in T-shirts and shirts as well as sports undergarments for women to pull moisture away from the skin. Thermafit, a polyester fabric, provides breathable insulation. Climafit is water-resistant and efficient in protecting the wearer from the environment.



• Nike Air Dri Goat shoes are breathable and waterproof, and offer an advanced traction system. Contains a Gore-Tex laminate package with Dri-Fit lining. Suggested retail is $100.



• Nike Air Winter Waffle provides waffle traction in a winter running shoe. Features water-resistant upper materials. Retail $85.



• Reebok also offers Teflon finish to its jackets and fleece vests for water repellency.

Stephanie Oakes is a fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel, a contributing editor for USA Weekend Magazine and the LA Times, and appears on NBC's 'Today in New York'. She can be reached at soakes@beststuff.com.