UKC

Well today and yesterday has brought nothing but horrible drizzle and id quite like to get out and run but without the blisters and chafing and sogginess that wet shoes and tights can bring. Does anybody have any recommendations for wet weather gear Obviously needs to be breathable as well as waterproof which usually means £££- but thats ok so long as its good quality. Im thinking specifically road shoes and tights; not so fussed about my top half but recommendations for lightweight rain tops wouldnt go amiss...
I have fairly wide feet, with a large tendency for underpronation and am female so needs to take this into account.
Also a hat which lets my head breathe but keeps the rain off my head would be good.
Ta

In reply to Jamming Dodger: I don't bother with anything with the feet..wouldn't consider goretex trainers.. in colder weather sealskinz socks are good..

As long as its not too cold I just wear shorts and any lightweight waterproof.. goretex paclite etc..

But in drizzle I like a light pertex top, wets out but traps in some heat, keeps the wind off.. drys quickly..

In reply to IainRUK: I thought about the socks but wasnt sure how effective they are. Just to be clear, not at all bothered by being wet as such, its the blisters etc it causes which makes it unpleasant.
Nothing more waterproof than your own skin
Bit cold for shorts though, im not a masochist!
Ive got road shoes already so wont buy waterproof ones if the socks will do the job I want. I know the socks are pricey but if you recommend them then i'll give them a try.
Got a decent paclite riding jacket but think it'd be too bulky and rustly for running

In reply to Jamming Dodger:

The seal skins are good if you want a bit of extra warmth when your feet are wet. They aren't the most comfy things and will wet out if your running through puddles. Ive never had a problem with blisters, just wear merino walking socks and my inov8's even in the wet.

Get some tights and then these wont chafe.

I got a rab lightweight event waterproof for the hill but have used it a lot for running and it works really well. I think mostly because its pretty pants at keeping out the water but it breaths really well. Never got sweaty in it.

Good luck!

In reply to peas65:

p.s for the hat, get a buff, perfect for running as they arent too bulky and hot but keeps the water out your eyes

In reply to Jamming Dodger:

Go for double loop stitched socks, woollen preferably and that should deal with your blisters and keep your feet warm. IME blisters are usually caused by not wearing socks that are thick enough / shoes that are too big or the wrong shape. Often the blisters are inevitable but soon go away once your feet are used to your shoes.

You could try vaseline all though its a bit marmite - some people think its great whereas others say its best avoided.

For a hat I always like a buff as its not too hot and can be easily wrapped around your wrist if its too warm. It should normally keep you warm enough that its lack of waterproofing doesn't matter. If its that bad I'll definitely be wearing a hood.

As far as waterproof tops go the Montane Microlight H20 is a very good top to carry if your not sure if its going to rain. Other than that don't spend loads on the eVent OMM cypher top (its a bit delicate) and get the standard Gelanotts one instead.

In reply to Jamming Dodger:

I tend to go for 3/4 length tights most of the time (I suspect I run significantly slower than Iain.....), and that just get wet. A bit of a gap between wet bottom of tights and socks seems to help quite a lot in the comfort factor.

I also tend to go with decent wool socks as someone suggested. I've not got on with Sealskins for running (used them a lot for mountain biking), but I think some of newer ones might be thinner/more flexible and better for running? I mainly fell run, and tend to assume wet feet are inevitable. But haven't generally had a problem with blisters or rubbing, so the two aren't necessarily connected.

In reply to Jamming Dodger: Ive already got a Buff and wear Woolie Boolies if its nippy. I dont tend to overdress when I run cause i hate being too hot and my runs arent that long right now, ten miles tops.

In reply to Jamming Dodger: It's funny - I was going to say don't bother with the Montane H2O and see that someone's already recommended it! Mine sits in a draw as it's pretty unwaterproof and I use a baggy old LA Rush generally.

Iain mentioned twin skin Hilly socks and vaseline earlier this year and I found it to be brilliant combination in a flooded ultra race. I'm also with him on the windproof, does near everything you need and dries quickly when wet.

In reply to Jamming Dodger:

Buy the right shoes and you'll have no issue with blisters. If you get blisters already then you could pre-compeed. Not sure why you mentioned pronation - over thinking that methinks.

Chaffing has a number of solutions depending on where it is! You can even buy some porno looking nipple covers should you see fit. Pete Bland's sells them I think. Lycra usually does the job elsewhere.

Buffs are great but I usually run in a mesh cap as I generally run v. hot. If cold out then I would have a buff for the head and one as a neckerchife.

In reply to Jamming Dodger:

Arc'teryx Phase base layer - long sleeve top and tights, Kraft shorts over the tights, thin synthetic mid-layer gillet, Powershield Pro Smock, Icebreaker socks, Sportiva WildCats, synthetic golves and beanie..Petzl headtorch....

Just worked for me up on the moors..... light rain, cold, dark, 7 miles....toasty and dry-ish (never expect totally dry as dat be a myth), but not too toasty..

In reply to HAJ: I mentioned it with regards suggestions for goretex road shoes- dont want stability ones so no point suggesting them.
I dont think I need nipple covers. The sports bra takes care of that, but thanks.

In reply to Jamming Dodger: I must say that in my experience the secret to not getting blisters when soaking wet is down to the socks, and my 'secret weapon' are the thing Nike ones that come in pairs. Using thick socks has always proven disastrous as they start moving when they're wet, and wool are second only to the double layer anti-blister socks as being a dead cert for causing a mess.

I tend to assume I'm going to get wet. I have cross country skiing kit for the cold, but for the rain thickish capri tights work for me. Up top always a wicking short of some nature, with either a rain jacket on top or short on top of long sleeve. Oddly, and if it's really windy with slight rain, cotton t shirt on top of thermals seems very effective as the slightly damp shirt blocks the wind.

I've probably worn a hat 20 times in 20 years.... or not many more, and only for cold

In reply to Mick Ryan - UKC and UKH:

Toasty, I am surprised you didn't melt! Only joking, but it proves that what works is very individual.

As others have said, your feet are likely to get wet regardless, fit and the right socks plus pre treating are the answer.

In reply to Jamming Dodger: For really wet conditions I recommend Injinji toe socks with wool socks (I use Bridgedale) over them to draw the water away from your feet for blister free running.

In reply to Jamming Dodger:

Both my pairs of Sealskinz socks punctured within the first couple of runs and are useless for keeping feet dry - but this is on very wet fell runs. If you are road running I've found goretex shoes very good as long as the puddles are not more than ankle deep (same off road), though they are heavier than other shoes.
Don't mind tights getting wet, just don't notice it as long as it starts raining after warming up.
Waterproof breathable top gets very sweaty wet inside. I think fabric warm tops (like with the tights) and a windproof pertex are probably more comfy.

In reply to digby:

Not sure if this adds much, but I agree with the warm top + windproof (+ keep moving) strategy when its rainy.
Also, Ive just picked up a waffer thin windproof top for a tenner from Aldi, theres a few more left in the Birchwood branch (dunno how good itll be, but for a tenner I thought it worth a punt).