Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
The Small Running Gear That Makes a Big Difference
35
items These are the little things that make runs more comfortable, safer, and more enjoyable — gloves, hats, buffs, socks, lights, and reflective gear. They might be small, but they play a huge role in how good a run feels.
Sections
5
Running gloves
Hats, Beanies & Headbands
Neck warmers / buffs
Socks
Visibility & Safety
Running gloves
What I use to keep my hands warm and comfortable on cold, rainy or windy runs.
I like my THE NORTH FACE Etip Trail Gloves because they keep my hands warm without feeling bulky or stiff. The soft fleece is comfortable and breathable, so my hands stay warm but don’t overheat during runs or everyday use. The Etip touchscreen finge...
Etip™ Recycled Gloves TNF BLACK | The North Face
I like my Montane Anti-Freeze Mitts because they provide serious warmth when I’m running in very cold conditions. The insulated design traps heat extremely well, keeping my hands protected from cold wind and freezing temperatures without feeling bulk...
Montane Anti-Freeze Down Mittens
I like these for cold, windy runs because they’re super lightweight but still block the chill really well. The soft-shell fabric keeps the wind off, the touchscreen fingers mean I don’t have to take them off to use my watch or phone, and the little n...
Montane Trail Lite Gloves
I like these for cool to cold runs when I want a lightweight, ‘second skin’ feel, and they’re amazing for the price. They keep my hands warm without getting clammy, the touchscreen fingers work really well, and they’re perfect for mild to single-digi...
Kiprun Running 500 Black Tactile Gloves V2
I use these on really cold or wet runs as an extra layer over my gloves. The mitten design keeps my fingers much warmer, they’re fully waterproof, and they pack down small so I can carry them just in case the weather turns nasty.
Inov8 Waterproof Overmitt
I use these when it’s wet and cold because they keep my hands completely dry while still feeling soft and comfortable inside thanks to the merino lining. They fit close without restricting movement, have good grip, and I can still use my phone or wat...
Sealskinz Anmer Waterproof All Weather Ultra Grip Glove
I use these on really cold days because they’re incredibly warm and fit smaller hands much better than most winter gloves. They block wind well, feel soft inside, and the adjustable wrist strap helps keep the cold out. They’re not the most nimble glo...
Carhartt Quilts Insulated Waterproof Glove
Hats, Beanies & Headbands
Headwear I rotate depending on the weather — for warmth, sun protection, or sweat control.
I like my 2XU Run Beanie because it keeps my head and ears warm without overheating when I’m running. The fabric is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, so sweat doesn’t build up and make me feel cold. It fits snugly without slipping or fee...
2XU Run Beanie
I use this both for everyday wear and on my coldest runs, even in single-digit and below-zero weather. It’s extremely warm, covers my ears well, and I like that I can fold it up for less coverage when I don’t need as much warmth. It’s cozy, durable, ...
Patagonia Brodeo Beanie
I love this beanie for cold runs because it keeps me warm without overheating, and the merino-fleece blend feels really comfortable when I’m moving. The little sunglass slots are a great touch too — they keep my sunglasses sitting properly without fo...
SmartWool Merino Sport Fleece Beanie
I love this cap because it’s so comfortable it almost feels like it’s not there, and it still looks sharp enough to wear beyond just running. The fabric has a bit of stretch so it stays gently locked in place even when it’s windy, and it wicks sweat ...
Arc’teryx Bird Word Cap
I like this hat because it’s clearly designed for women — it fits smaller head shapes well and has a ponytail opening that actually works for long hair. The mesh panels keep it breathable, it dries quickly when I sweat, and the UPF 50+ fabric gives g...
Vimhue Sun Goddess Hat
I love this cap on race days and hot runs because it’s insanely lightweight and barely feels like I’m wearing anything. It wicks sweat, dries fast, and stays comfortably in place, and I can scrunch it up and stuff it in a pocket without worrying abou...
On Zero Cap
I use this to keep sweat and flyaways out of my face on runs, and I love that it looks good too. It stays in place, feels soft against my skin, and keeps my hair under control without feeling tight or distracting.
Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband
I like my Icebreaker 200 Oasis Merino Headband because it keeps my ears warm while still letting heat escape from the top of my head, which is perfect for running in cool to cold weather. The merino wool is soft, breathable, and naturally moisture-wi...
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Headband
I wear this on dark or low-light runs because it keeps my ears warm while also reflecting brightly when headlights hit it. It’s comfortable, stays in place, and adds an extra layer of safety without feeling bulky.
Proviz REFLECT360 Explorer Reflective Fleece Lined Headband
I use this on cold, windy runs because it blocks the wind and keeps my ears and forehead warm without making me overheat. It’s comfortable, wicks sweat well, and the reflective details add a nice extra layer of visibility when I’m running in low ligh...
Gore Wear Unisex Windproof Headband
Neck warmers / buffs
Versatile pieces I use to protect my neck, face, and ears from cold air and wind.
I like my Icebreaker Merino 200 Flexi Chute because it gives me versatile warmth and protection when I’m running in cold or windy weather. I can wear it as a neck gaiter, face cover, headband, or beanie, depending on conditions. The merino wool is so...
Unisex Merino 200 Flexi Chute
I use this on cold runs because the merino is soft, warm, and breathable without feeling bulky. It keeps my neck and face protected from wind and cold, and it doesn’t get damp or smelly, even on longer runs.
Mons Royale Double Up Merino Neckwarmer
I love how versatile this Buff is — it can be worn in so many ways, like a neck warmer, headband, balaclava, or even a bandana. The fabric is really thin and breathable, so it stays comfortable even when it’s folded over, and it also gives great sun ...
Buff Original EcoStretch Neck Gaiter
I use this on hot runs when I want sun and sweat protection without extra warmth. It’s incredibly lightweight, super breathable, and dries fast, so it keeps me comfortable even in the heat while still protecting my neck and face.
Outdoor Research Echo Ubertube Neck Gaiter
I use this on super cold days when I need serious warmth. The fleece traps heat really well, the drawstring keeps it in place, and it still wicks sweat instead of feeling damp. It’s warm enough for icy runs, but easy to pull down for fresh air when I...
Stoic Polar Fleece Neck Gaiter
Socks
Running socks chosen for comfort, moisture control, and keeping my feet happy over long miles.
I wear these on almost every run because they fit snugly without slipping or bunching and don’t cause blisters. They’re breathable, cushioned in the right spots, and keep my feet comfortable even on long runs.
Feetures Socks
I use these when my legs feel tired or I’m running long because the compression really helps support my calves and keep them feeling fresher. They’re comfortable, breathable, and make a noticeable difference in how my legs feel during and after a run...
CEP Tall 4.0 Compression Running Socks
I wear these after runs or on long days when my legs feel heavy. The compression helps improve circulation and reduce that stiff, tired feeling, so my calves and feet recover faster and feel ready for my next run.
2XU Recovery Compression Socks for Running
I wear these when it’s raining or the ground is wet because they keep my feet dry without feeling thick or bulky. They’re great for cold, soggy runs when regular socks would leave my feet soaked and uncomfortable.
DexShell Ultra Thin Waterproof Socks
I like these because the arch compression and anti-blister cushioning make them really comfortable, even on hot runs. The cooling panels help keep my feet from overheating, they dry fast after wet runs, and they hold up well wash after wash. The quar...
DANISH ENDURANCE 3 Pack Anti-Blister Running Socks
Visibility & Safety
Lights, reflective gear, and high-visibility pieces that help me stay seen when running in low light.
I use this for early-morning and night runs because it’s extremely bright, lightweight, and comfortable to wear for long periods. The beam lights up the road and trail ahead while still letting me see what’s around me, which makes running in the dark...
HeadLamp 800 Pro
I wear this when I’m running in low light because it makes me incredibly visible from all directions without feeling bulky or restrictive. It’s lightweight, doesn’t bounce, and gives me peace of mind when I’m running near traffic or in the dark.
NoxGear Tracer 2 Light Vest
I carry the Ashley Alarm 2 when I’m running alone because it gives me real peace of mind. It’s USB-rechargeable, has a super-bright torch, and the siren is extremely loud, so I know I can get attention fast if I ever need it. It’s small, easy to clip...
Ashley Alarm 2
I wear this when I’m running in low light because it adds a big layer of visibility without feeling bulky or hot. It slips on easily over my running clothes, doesn’t bounce, and helps me feel much safer around traffic.
Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Vest
I wear this when I’m running in the dark or low light because it lights up brightly when headlights hit it, making me incredibly visible from far away. It’s lightweight, blocks wind and rain, and still looks sleek and stylish, so I feel good wearing ...
Proviz REFLECT360 Women's Fully Reflective Running Jacket
I wear this on cold, dark runs because it keeps my head warm and lights up when headlights hit it, making me much more visible. It’s soft, comfortable, and adds an extra layer of safety when I’m running in low light or near traffic.
Nathan Sports HyperNight Beanie
I wear these on cold, dark runs because they keep my hands warm without getting sweaty, and the reflective backs make me really visible to traffic. They stay securely in place thanks to the snug cuffs, and I love that I can still use my phone or watc...
Proviz Reflect360 Reflective Lightweight Running Gloves
I wear these on early-morning or evening runs because the reflective details make me visible from all angles in low light. They’re seamless and really comfortable on my skin, so I get warmth and safety without any irritation.
Asics Lite-Show Armsleeves