Autumn Running Gear Roundup: Salomon, Buff, Fractal and More Picks Worth Trying

Introduction

Not everything we test fits neatly into a full-length review, so each month we pull together the bits of kit that earned time in rotation but never got their own spotlight. This month’s roundup covers a cold-weather-heavy mix: two Salomon pieces for winter racing and trails, winter headwear from Buff and Fractal, a pair of very likeable running socks, a quarter-zip fleece from The North Face, chafe-free running underwear, and a sweet long-run fuel option that doubles as a sofa snack. As ever, prices and availability vary by region, so check current listings before buying.

Salomon Race Base

The Salomon Race Base is a thin, lightweight long-sleeve base layer made from the same material as the brand’s race vests, and it fills a gap that traditional racing advice tends to ignore. The classic convention says you should race cross country in a vest alone, but plenty of runners simply race better when they are warm. This top offers a slight extra layer of warmth without being the hottest option around, so you can still run fast and stay breathable without overheating.

It comes in white and black, and white happens to match many club vests, which makes it easy to slot into a racing setup. It has already proven itself in a couple of races and as a regular option for the main hard session of the week, worn under a vest or t-shirt as temperatures drop. If you would rather be a bit warmer on winter start lines, this is an appealing, unrestrictive choice.

Salomon Trail Rain Jacket

The Salomon Trail Rain Jacket is really more of an anorak, built around a smock-style fit with a double-zip system at the front. Unzip both zips and pull it down and you get a wider opening that works better with a vest’s straps on trail runs. There are also abrasion-resistant sections where a vest sits, so you are not rubbing the fabric over long days out.

Packing is handled neatly: it stows away into a pocket quickly, with a couple of buttons holding it in place, and it compresses into a small package without feeling thin and flimsy. It is fully waterproof and meets trail race regulations, yet it is genuinely breathable. On runs near freezing in Scotland it did not overheat on climbs, and it doubled as a wind layer on exposed hilltops. In milder, wet conditions around 7 to 8 degrees Celsius it stayed comfortable too, making it a throw-it-on option even when rain is only a possibility. It also dries remarkably fast, having gone from soaked to completely dry within a couple of hours.

The one trade-off is that it feels like a waterproof rather than a soft all-weather running jacket, and at £250 or $325 it is a serious investment. If you want a regulation-compliant waterproof that you can actually push the pace in, though, it is a strong pick.

Buff CrossNet Headband

The Buff CrossNet Headband at £21 or $26 is a winter headband with a bit more thickness than the very thin summer fabric options. It keeps the ears warm, has a fairly loose and stretchy fit, and wicks sweat away well enough that it does not feel cold and clammy on your head at the end of a run. That means it can comfortably go on several runs in a row.

A layered design dries quickly, and the fit accommodates glasses and over-ear hooking headphones without pressing them uncomfortably against your head. Tested on back-to-back runs including hill efforts, it delivered steady warmth and protection without getting sweaty. If you are a headband wearer in the winter months, this is an easy recommendation.

Fractal M Series SoKo Winter Edition Cap

Fractal’s summer running caps are a well-known staple among runners who like running in a cap, and this winter edition takes the same idea in a distinctly cold-weather direction. The M Series SoKo Winter Edition is thick with a fleece-lined design, and it is honest about its season: wear it in summer and you will end up with a very sweaty head. In winter, though, it suddenly makes a lot of sense.

It works best on those slower, easy-pace runs where you are not building up a heavy sweat but just want your head kept warm. It is comfortable, reasonably breathable for the conditions, and handsome enough to wear as an everyday cap outside of running. At £36 it costs a bit more than many caps, but it does something most running caps simply do not: it keeps a cold head toasty. If you are the sort of runner who suffers in the cold up top, it is well worth picking up.

Danov Grit Micr Crew Ultra Lightweight Running Socks

The Danov Grit Micr Crew Ultra Lightweight Running Socks are thin, but nicely padded where it counts, which gives them a balance that is harder to find than it sounds. Over the past month they have covered races, long slow runs and trail outings without complaint.

Because they are thin, they pair happily with race shoes without making your feet uncomfortable or overheated. Because they are also relatively padded, they work with everyday trainers without feeling like ultra-thin race-only socks. Add in a comfortable fit, breathability and padding in the right areas, and you have a genuinely good pair of socks. There is not much more to say, and that is the highest compliment running socks can get.

The North Face Quarter Zip Run Fleece

The North Face Quarter Zip Run Fleece is a warm running top rather than a true fleece, and it teaches you quickly when to wear it. Tried in September, it was instantly far too hot. Now that temperatures have dropped, it has become a regular choice, particularly for runners who prefer long sleeves over jackets, since jackets tend to come off within the first few kilometres anyway.

It keeps you warm as soon as you head out, stays breathable enough for a comfortable base-pace run, and removes the need to carry a jacket at all. The fit is relaxed rather than figure-hugging, which many runners will prefer, and the inner fabric is soft enough to wear all day before an evening run, making it a good option for anyone working from home. Thumb holes, a handful of reflective strips on each arm, and a smooth full-range zip round out the details. Start the run zipped up, finish with it all the way down. Just do not reach for it in summer, because it is a warm one.

CXP Endurance Running Underwear

The CXP Endurance follows the same blueprint as the brand’s earlier Run XP running underwear, using an incredibly light, soft, pliable fabric that delivers a supportive second-skin feel without feeling restrictive. The waistband is wide and does not roll, staying securely in place while remaining flexible enough to avoid cutting in, and flat seams run throughout to keep chafing at bay, with plenty of support up front.

The thin fabric also means these can be worn under almost any shorts. They come in 5-inch and 7-inch leg lengths, with the 7-inch version adding silicone grips to keep the legs in place. The result is a genuinely chafe-free pair of running underwear that disappears on the run.

Untapped Waffles

For ultra runners looking for long-run fuel, or any runner who likes to top up carbs before a session, Untapped Waffles are a solid-food option worth hunting down. They are essentially maple syrup in solid form: sweet, crumbly and almost melt in the mouth, which makes them easy to eat without much chewing. They are a touch dry, but not so much that they leach moisture from an already thirsty mouth, so you can get them down even without water.

Each waffle packs 20 grams of carbs, and there are plenty of flavours to choose from, including Maple, Lemon, Cocoa, Raspberry, Coffee and Chai. In the UK you may have to hunt a little for shipping, but they are probably worth the digging. The real trick is not eating the whole box while watching television on the sofa.

Overall Buying Advice

This month’s picks are all about the transition into colder weather, and the right choice depends on how you run. If winter racing is your focus, the Salomon Race Base solves the warmth-versus-vest dilemma neatly. For trail runners who need regulation-compliant rain cover that will not turn clammy, the Trail Rain Jacket earns its premium price. Headwear is the cheapest way to upgrade winter comfort: the Buff headband covers the classic ear-warming role while the Fractal cap adds fleece-lined insulation for slow, easy runs.

For the basics, the Danov socks and CXP underwear are quiet, no-drama wins that pay off on every run, while the North Face fleece suits runners who prefer long sleeves over jackets on easy winter days. And if your training includes long endurance efforts, the Untapped waffles make carbohydrate top-ups genuinely enjoyable. Match the item to the conditions you actually run in, and each of these should earn its place in the rotation.

Conclusion

Cold-weather running kit does not need to be complicated. A warm base layer for race day, a breathable waterproof you can push the pace in, comfortable headwear, well-balanced socks and underwear, a warm but breathable fleece, and an easy-to-eat carb source cover most of what autumn and winter will throw at you. Every pick here earned regular use over the past few weeks, and that is the best endorsement any piece of running gear can get.