Winter Tights

[Veronica]

It was 45 degrees out for my run today and my CWX tights were just a little chilly. I know I'm going to need something warmer for my runs in DC and Maine and for anything I do before sun up here.

I don't really notice that the CWX do anything to aid recovery or give support while I'm running. And they are kind of a pain to get on. I'm not writing them off, but I'm not married to them either.

TE has a lot of insulating tights. How to choose which to buy?

Veronica

[colby]

The CW-X insulators are lightly fleece lined and have a wind-proof panel on the front top thigh up to the waistband. They aren't SUPER insulated, though, so if you're already chilly and have further to go in the freezing temperatures they might not be warm enough long enough.

SportHill makes some nice insulated stuff. I have one of their insulated wind-proof tops and it's one of my winter faves. They have a pair of tights with their 3SP that would keep me warm walking outside, let alone running.

How cold do you want/need to go?

[Veronica]

Around here, predawn is typically 36 - 50 degrees, usually in the low 40s. Maine is going to be in the twenties or less I suspect. Maybe I'll get lucky and they will have a warm spell. I'll suffer through it in Maine since it's a one off. Well two off since I'm planning two runs. I'm also taking a jump rope. My sister was rattling off the planned menu for the family Christmas party. It's a healthy eater's nightmare! Weird thing is, my mom just got diagnosed as pre-diebetic and my sis didn't list a single thing that I would think would be okay for my mom. I told her that and her response was, "Well, these are the traditional things." Maybe I'll make some chicken.

And that's the not the only party we'll be going to...

It was only my hips that felt cold today and only when I was heading into the wind. Most of my winter runs won't be as long as today either. I'm kind of leaning towards the Brooks since they have a rear pocket. My Brooks capris have that and it's very convenient for stashing my cell phone.

I'm thinking I need to two pair though.

Veronica

[7rider]

I don't really notice that the CWX do anything to aid recovery or give support while I'm running. And they are kind of a pain to get on. I'm not writing them off, but I'm not married to them either.

Great. I would have to read this on the day I took delivery of my first ever pair of CWX 3/4 length tights (read: capris ).

Actually, it was a damp 45 degrees on Thanksgiving morning, when I went out for a run in InSport capris and CEP compression sleeves on my shins and I was fine with that. Of course, YEMV. Since this will be my first winter running/jogging, I'm wondering just how warm I'll have to go with tights here in the D.C. area. I guess I have very hot legs! (Woot! )

[mudmucker]

I run down to 5 degrees. I just use a cheap $10 pair of close fitting black sweatpants over my Stabilyx tights. I buy the sweatpants a size or so smaller and find some so they fit snug and don't bag around. Great for very cold days. Might be too warm for 45 degrees but there are all sorts of thin sweatpants. At least you wouldn't be paying $100+ for something that may not work for you. I don't use the Stabilyx so much anymore. I have leg lymphedema so I use Jobst gradated compression tights for support while running - I get a gradient that is appropriate for my condition, but a person with a normal lymphatic system would choose a lower gradient. There are several brands of differing gradient schemes you could also look for that are half the cost of compression tights from some of these specialized running stores.

ETA: BYW, the Jobst comes in black

[surgtech1956]

Sorry to hijack, but Veronica, what are you wearing for a top layer? I'm in Michigan, so similar weather. Thanks

[Veronica]

Here in CA I wear a full length capilene bra top and a long sleeve wool jersey. I've got one I bought specifically for running that has a hood and thumb holes. It's a fine line for me between being cold and overheating and wool seems to handle that. I sweat buckets no matter how cold it is. The hood and extra long sleeves are really nice for when I start out. I also try to wear something with a zipper so I can regulate air flow a bit.

I have my wool cycling jerseys that I'll wear if my running one is in the wash. I have one from Ground Effects with a Windstopper front that is very nice on windy days.

I wear a wool headband over my ears.

Veronica

[jessmarimba]

7Rider, I used to run in CWXs in Virginia and I was fine - my butt would be cold to the touch when I was done but any warmer tights and I'd overheat (unless it was below 20 out!)

(btw, an apology for any weird posts to come - my spacebar is on thefritz and it's really annoying!)

[SadieKate]

I like both the Sugoi Midzero Zap and Subzero Zap because they've got the most ergonomic shaping so they stay up the best (the least amount of crotch droop). I think the coldest I've run in the Subzeros is @15F and they were fine. If my butt gets cold I wear either UA compression shorts or just Hanes Shaper undies (you know, basically the control top portion of pantyhose) because I just need a very light extra layer for warmth and they don't have annoying seams. Or I add a pair of very light wind pants from Zoot. They don't have back pockets but I wouldn't put a phone back there anyway. Even at 15F my lower back gets far too sweaty for electronics to survive.

[colby]

Great. I would have to read this on the day I took delivery of my first ever pair of CWX 3/4 length tights (read: capris )

I do notice the difference between the CW-X and regular tights, even in 3/4 length - it could just be the way I'm built. I notice it more on my quads than anywhere else, though the full tights did feel pretty decent on my ankles. My calves seem to be pretty well overlooked, and I don't really notice it on my glutes much.

back OT: The windblocker panel is nice on the insulators, but I'm not sure that much $ is worth it unless you're going down to colder temps or going to wear them for multiple activities (mine double for snowboarding gear). Maybe another pair of tights would let you layer over the CW-X for running in Maine, and by themselves at home.

[Catrin]

...SportHill makes some nice insulated stuff. I have one of their insulated wind-proof tops and it's one of my winter faves. They have a pair of tights with their 3SP that would keep me warm walking outside, let alone running.

Sorry for the high-jack...

I have been eyeballing a pair of SportHill tights for the bike, these in particular. Would you consider them warm enough for cycling at around the freezing point or below? I am swinging between these and the PI AmFibs (at least I know how the latter fits, all of my shorts so far have been PI). The Sporthill tights are less expensive...

Their multi-sport tights look great, but they are the same price as the AmFibs...

[colby]

From what I've seen (and worn) of the Zone 3 stuff, it's pretty toasty AND pretty wind proof. If I was going to buy a pair of cold weather hiking or walking (or riding with shorts with chamois underneath or running at very cold temps) tights, I'd definitely try them. Tough choice. I like my PI shorts (and pretty much only wear PI and Zoot these days), but I definitely like the warmth of the SportHill stuff. I'm not sure about that pair, but the stuff I've seen isn't super water proof, if that's a factor. No chamois either, but then you can wear a comfy trusty pair of PIs underneath

[Catrin]

From what I've seen (and worn) of the Zone 3 stuff, it's pretty toasty AND pretty wind proof. If I was going to buy a pair of cold weather hiking or walking (or riding with shorts with chamois underneath or running at very cold temps) tights, I'd definitely try them. Tough choice. I like my PI shorts (and pretty much only wear PI and Zoot these days), but I definitely like the warmth of the SportHill stuff. I'm not sure about that pair, but the stuff I've seen isn't super water proof, if that's a factor. No chamois either, but then you can wear a comfy trusty pair of PIs underneath

Thank you, that is good to know. I wouldn't mind a pair of tights with the chamois to give my other two pair of shorts a break...but if'en I can save that much and be warm enough then it is worth considering. I couldn't find any reviews on them as far as use in cycling is concerned. Thanks for your thoughts.

I do like PI shorts myself - or at least the ones with the orange chamois, don't care for the others that I have tried. Have yet to try other brands though.

[hebe]

I have the Terry coolweather tight, which I think is good for 40-60 fahrenheit. I don't ride when there's ice on the ground but have found them toasty warm with a lovely unobtrusive chamois.

[Crankin]

I just got the Sugoi MidZeros and they worked well for running/walking around 30 degrees and also riding in the 40's.
If your butt gets cold in running tights, I highly recommend wool underwear. I never wear anything under my tights except when it gets really cold and I have found that my Ibex underwear makes a huge difference. I also wear my Ibex under my silk long underwear when I x country ski in really cold conditions.