The Best Cooling Running Gear of 2020, According to a Running Coach

Best Overall: Chill Pal 12-in-1 Multi-Style Cooling Neck Gaiter

Buy on Amazon

An excellent gear item for anyone who runs in hot weather, the versatile Chill Pal cooling band can be worn as a neckband, headband, and more. The soft, breathable fabric cools when you wet it, wring it out, and snap it—and then it stays cold for up to two hours. It’s particularly effective when worn on your neck, since it’s one of your body’s quick-cooling spots. Put the gaiter on and it will bring down your body temperature.

Runners swear that it helps them feel more comfortable and prevents overheating even during very hot runs. On top of that, it’s inexpensive and comes in three different fun colors. Even if you don’t want to wear a Chill Pal band while running, you can use it to pre-cool before a race or to cool down after.

Best Budget: Frogg Toggs Chilly Mini Cooling Towel

Buy on Dick's

If you’re not quite convinced on the effectiveness and technology of cooling gear, these mini cooling towels are an inexpensive way to give it a try. Just wet the towel and wrap it around your neck before, during, or after a run to feel instantly cooler.

Unlike a large towel, it’s a convenient size (3x29 inches), so you can stash it in a running pack or tuck it in your waistband until you need to use it. It absorbs sweat and provides cooling up to 30 degrees lower than body temperature for hours. It’s also washable and reusable, making it a great value find.

Best Shirt for Women: Arctic Cool Women's Instant Cooling Performance Short Sleeve Shirt

Buy on Amazon Buy on Arcticcool.com

As soon as you start sweating in this Arctic Cool shirt, you’ll begin to cool down. The secret is the shirt’s HydroFreeze X technology, a moisture-management system that disperses moisture and optimizes the natural evaporative cooling process.

Made from fabric that’s fast-drying, soft, and cool, these shirts feature a trim athletic cut for optimum mobility and stretch. Available in a range of colors and sizes, they’re perfect for running or any outdoor activity in the heat.

Best Shirt for Men: Arctic Cool Men’s Instant Cooling Performance Short Sleeve Shirt

Buy on Amazon

Similar to the women’s Arctic Cool shirt, the men’s version features technology that reduces the fabric temperature to cool you down when you’re heating up. Beyond the cooling effect, these shirts also have a lightweight construction, UPF 50 sun protection, and mesh sides for more ventilation, making them ideal shirts for hot weather running.

They even work great as a moisture-wicking undershirt. Additionally, they’re anti-microbial and machine-washable, so they’re easy to care for.

Best Hat: Mission Cooling Performance Unisex Hat

Buy on Amazon Buy on Bed Bath & Beyond Buy on Dick's

Keep your head cool on the run with this Mission Cooling Performance hat, made with proprietary fabric that cools instantly when wet. Just soak the hat before wearing, wring it out, and then snap it in the air to activate the cooling properties. Here's how it works—cooling zones in the hat’s sweatband and front panels absorb water and perspiration and then regulate the evaporation of moisture for a prolonged cooling effect.

The fabric also features UPF 50 protection, which helps to shield your head from the sun’s harmful rays. After a hot run, you can just toss this durable hat in the washing machine to clean and it will retain its shape and cooling properties. Available in several different colors, it has an adjustable hook and loop closure, so one size fits most.

Best Socks: Balega Hidden Dry Moisture-Wicking Socks

Buy on Amazon Buy on Implus.com Buy on Runningwarehouse.com

Wear the wrong socks on a summer run and you’ll definitely end up with hot, wet feet and most likely some blisters, too. But these durable socks from Balega will keep your feet cool and dry, while still giving them the protection they need. Made from a lightweight microfiber, they cool your feet by wicking away sweat.

The perfectly-placed support and grippy elastic in the arch and heel provide plenty of support and help with blister prevention. And you don’t have to worry about them slipping down, as the tab design keeps them in place. You’ll pay a bit more for these socks, but Balega fans say they’re well worth the price and are the ideal go-to running sock for hot-weather runs.

Best Headband: Mission VaporActive Cooling Lockdown Headband

Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart

If you prefer not to wear a hat when running in the heat, but still want to keep your head cool, this versatile cooling headband from Mission is an excellent option. Wet it before your run, put it on your head, and it’ll stay cool for hours, thanks to the chemical-free cooling technology. You can also use it dry, as a soft, absorbent headband that keeps the sweat out of your eyes and your hair off your face.

These headbands also come in handy to ease discomfort and cool your head when you’re dealing with a post-run headache. Once you’re finished, you can clean it in the washing machine and use it for your next run in hot conditions.

Best Sports Bra: Under Armour Women's Armour Crossback Sports Bra

Buy on Dick's Buy on Underarmour.com

Female runners know how a sports bra that’s ill-fitting or made of the wrong material can make a hot run much more uncomfortable. This Under Armour sports bra is designed to keep you feeling fresh and comfortable, and well-supported, of course. Its signature HeatGear fabric is lightweight and smooth, to help you feel cool.

UA’s moisture transport system wicks sweat away from the body to enhance the cooling sensation. The compression provides a snug fit to reduce chafing, while the four-way stretch fabric allows for a superb range of motion. Available in several different colors, the sports bra is an excellent addition to your summer running wardrobe.

Best Shorts for Men: Arctic Cool Men’s Instant Cooling Active Shorts

Buy on Amazon Buy on Arcticcool.com

These Arctic Cool shorts go way beyond just moisture-wicking to keep you cool. Their HydroFreeze X technology channels airflow through the fabric, creating an instant cooling effect. Featuring an athletic cut and four-way stretch fabric blend, the shorts allow for excellent range of motion and have a drawstring waistband for a custom fit.

The fabric is also antimicrobial and odor-fighting, keeping you feeling and smelling fresh.

Best Shorts for Women: Columbia Women’s Chill River Shorts

Buy on Amazon Buy on Dick's Buy on Columbia.com

The Columbia Women’s Chill River Shorts feature Omni-Freeze Zero technology, which reacts with sweat to actually lower the shorts’ temperature. The super-cooling fabric also wicks away moisture to keep you cool and dry. Durable, lightweight, and packable, the shorts feature two-way stretch and UPF 50 protection, so they’re ideal for running and other outdoor pursuits.

Best Towel: Mission Original Cooling Towel

Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Mission.com

A must-have for hot weather running, this cooling towel from Mission is extremely effective and easy to use. Simply soak it in cold water, wring it out, and it’s ready to drape around your neck. It stays cool for two hours, but once it starts to get warm, you can simply rinse and repeat.

The soft and durable microfiber towel is chemical-free, reusable, machine-washable, and even provides UPF 50 protection from the sun.