Fitness Gear Apparel The Best Cooling Running Gear for Hot Weather The Chill Pal Cooling Neck Gaiter can be worn 12 different ways to keep you cool By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT LinkedIn Twitter Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 08, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDE, CPT Medically reviewed by Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDE, CPT Facebook Twitter Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDE, CPT is a New York City-based telehealth registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition communications expert. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Running outdoors is good exercise, but there are times when running in hot weather can be unpleasant or even downright dangerous. Dumping ice-cold water over your head isn’t very practical when you're pounding the pavement, but fortunately, there are other ways to stay cool on the run. Reviewed & Approved The Chill Pal 12-in-1 Multi-Style Cooling Neck Gaiter is an easy pick for our best overall selection because it can be worn many different ways and stays cool for up to two hours. A budget-friendly pick, the Frogg Toggs Chilly Mini Cooling Towel's small size makes it convenient to carry on a run. You can find shirts, shorts, hats, socks, towels and even sports bras made with cooling properties. When choosing a product, make sure it fits comfortably and holds a cool temperature for a long time. We reviewed the products on our list based on type of product, fit, affordability, and material they're made of. Here, the best cooling running gear for the hottest days and climates. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Chill Pal Cooling Neck Gaiter at Amazon Best Budget: Frogg Toggs Chilly Mini Cooling Towel at Amazon Best Shirt for Women: Arctic Cool Women's Instant Cooling Performance Short Sleeve Shirt at Arcticcool.com Best Shirt for Men: Arctic Cool Men’s Instant Cooling Performance Short Sleeve Shirt at Amazon Best Hat: Mission Cooling Performance Unisex Hat at Amazon Best Socks: Balega Hidden Moisture-Wicking Socks at Dick's Best Headband: Mission VaporActive Cooling Lockdown Headband at Amazon Best Sports Bra: Under Armour Women's Armour Crossback Sports Bra at Amazon Best Shorts for Men: Arctic Cool Men’s Instant Cooling Active Shorts at Amazon Best Shorts for Women: Columbia Women’s Chill River Shorts at Amazon In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall: Chill Pal 12-in-1 Multi-Style Cooling Neck Gaiter 4.8 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon An excellent gear item for anyone who runs in hot weather, our best overall pick is the versatile Chill Pal cooling band. It 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. In a 2019 collection of 45 studies, external cooling of the neck, torso, and face proved to be the most beneficial for aerobic performance with a moderate to large effect. 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 four 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 Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods View On Amazon View On Walmart View 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 (3 x 29 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 Courtesy of Arctic Cool View 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 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Arcticcool.com 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 and UPF 50 sun protection, making them ideal shirts for hot weather running. They even work great as a moisture-wicking undershirt. Additionally, they’re antimicrobial and machinewashable, so they’re easy to care for. The 11 Best Sunscreens for Runners of 2022 Best Hat: Mission Cooling Performance Unisex Hat Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond View 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 Courtesy of Amazon View On Dick's View On Implus.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 Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View 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. The chemical-free cooling technology attracts moisture at the vapor level, wicking away sweat to keep you cool. This soft, absorbent headband keeps the sweat out of your eyes and your hair off your face during even the most strenuous training sessions. 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 Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods View On Amazon View On Underarmour.com Any runner with a bust knows 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 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View 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. The Best Running Shorts for Men, According to a Running Coach Best Shorts for Women: Columbia Women’s Chill River Shorts Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's 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 UPF 50 protection, so they’re ideal for running and other outdoor pursuits. The Best Running Shorts for Women That a Running Coach Loves Best Towel: Mission Max Plus Original Cooling Towel 4.7 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View 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, snap it, 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. Best Vest: TechNiche International Adult HyperKewl Cooling Sport Vest TechNiche View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Kmart.com It may seem a bit counterintuitive to put on an additional layer during a hot run, but this lightweight cooling vest can actually help you feel more comfortable. Specially designed for runners and cyclists, it can provide five to 10 hours of cooling. To use, just soak the vest with water for two to three minutes before your run and then put it on. The water slowly evaporates and takes your heat with it, while the vest’s water-resistant liner keeps you dry. The only downside of this vest is that it’s not as effective in very humid conditions, since it depends on evaporation to keep you cool. It comes in a variety of sizes, from extra-small to triple extra-large, and comes in blue or silver. The 11 Best Running Vests of 2022, According to a Running Coach What to Look for in Cooling Running Gear Materials Cooling running gear should contain synthetic, moisture-wicking materials to keep you dry and cool. If sweat lingers on your body, it could lead to chafing. For scarves and hats, you should also look for soft, breathable fabric that cools when you wet it. Fit For cooling running gear, look for loose shirts and running shorts. If you prefer leggings, avoid black, which can absorb heat. Try lighter colors and make sure the leggings fit tight to avoid chafing. Reflectivity To stay safe when running outdoors, you need to make sure you’re seen. Wear clothing that has reflective elements to increase your visibility. This is especially important if you opt to run at dusk, late at night, or early in the morning to avoid strong sun and heat. Frequently Asked Questions How do you stay cool when running in hot weather? Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing will help your body breathe and cool itself down naturally. Tight clothing restricts that process and dark colors absorb the sun's light and heat. Wear synthetic fabrics (not cotton) because they will wick moisture away from your skin so cooling evaporation can occur.If you want to wear something on your head to block the sun, wear a visor. Hats can be constrictive and trap heat. Does cooling running gear offer protection from the sun? While some clothing is specially designed to block UV rays, it's important to protect exposed skin with a waterproof sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15. Will cooling running gear enhance your performance? Wearing cooling running gear may help enhance performance because when you feel better, you may be able to run longer and more efficiently. A 2016 study on cooling clothing has shown that it improves exercise capacity when used in a hot, humid environment. How do you run safely in the heat? Avoid running when the sun is at its strongest, generally from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early morning or late evening running is better. You should also run without headphones and wearing reflective gear to stay safe. What are the signs of overheating during exercise? Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of overheating:Feeling faint or dizzyDisorientedSkin is cool to the touchStop sweatingThese are all dangerous signs of overheating or even sun stroke, and you should immediately stop exercising. Why Trust Verywell Fit Running coach and marathoner Christine Luff avoids treadmill running at all costs, so she runs outside through all types of weather extremes. During hot and steamy runs, she wears a Mission Enduracool Cooling Performance hat to stay cool and protected from the sun, and she puts on Balega socks to keep her feet dry and comfortable. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get one simple hack every day to make your life healthier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 2 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Douzi W, Dugué B, Vinches L, et al. Cooling during exercise enhances performances, but the cooled body areas matter: A systematic review with meta‐analyses. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2019;29(11):1660-1676. doi:10.1111/sms.13521 McFarlin BK, Henning AL, Venable AS, Williams RR, Best Sampson JN. A shirt containing multistage phase change material and active cooling components was associated with increased exercise capacity in a hot, humid environment. Ergonomics. 2016;59(8):1019-1025. doi:10.1080/00140139.2015.1108460