Normally during the winter I basically shut it down & wait for warmer times to come back before I get back out there. Well, this year I’d like to continue to train (at least minimally) through the winter & was wondering if you guys had any advice on what the best tights you’ve worn <$100.00
Thanks,
Nate
The best cold weather running tights would be anything from Craft. But then again your price point might be a bit low !!
DB
i wore these through a wisconsin winter last year. I found them to work very well and kept me comfortable.
http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&pc_id=35&product_id=1150517
You’re correct, just as I hit send, I remembered PI. They are really good as well, great for nordic skiing also. They are a bit less expensive, generally, than Craft, and are just as high in quality.
DB
I have used the Descente for the past few winters work well. Craft for when it is really Fn cold! Chicago Cold!!!
Define cold weather?
Ottawa cold where 32F is like awesome hot during the winter
or Miami cold where 40F is like F#$%^&!#K cold during the winter
If we are talking Ottawa cold, you can look at Craft, Pearly Izumi, Louis Garneau, etc… however it will be tough to find something below $100 to keep nice and warm.
Fred.
I have a pair of Sugoi tights that I really like; they keep me warm in just about everything we see around here (Philadelphia).
Agreed - “cold weather” can be a very relative term. I remember visiting the out-laws down in Palm Harbor one Feb, I was running in shorts and T-shirt in the low 40’s and sweating my balls off (cuz I was used to it being 20 degs colder), whereas the locals were out on the bike path walking with parkas and earmuffs on.
I’ll letcha in on something I found out the last 2 winters of running outside - run pants are warmer than run tights.
Guess it’s the fact that you can create a small micro-climate of warmer air inside of 'em, rather than having just that thin lycra (or whatever tights are made out of these days) layer between yer skin and the cold and wind.
To the OP - I’d suggest picking up a pair of run pants (I’m a BIG fan of the Nike Dri-Fit ones) AND a pair of whatever tights.
Tights for warmer days, pants for colder days, wear both layers for severe cold days.
PS - be careful on cold, windy days. Getting frostnip on Mr. Happy is not very much fun. 
Wear an extra pair of run shorts, tri shorts, run underwear, whatever, underneath to protect against that.
I’ve always been a fan of Hind running clothes. After 20+ years of running in tights, I switched to running pants a few years ago. Feel less gay in pants vs tights;-) I really like the Hind Drylete Xpt Style#10225. Very well made and they only cost $53.
Under Armour cold gear tights are pretty sweet too and only about $60.
DeSoto
DeSoto
DeSoto
DeSoto
DeSoto
/end thread
.
CWX Pro Insulator. I love these, great for xc skiing, running. In really cold weather (sub 0F) or cold and windy layer a windshell over them and you’re good to go.
Craft storm if it is colder, but those might be over $100 if not on sale.
I have used PI tights too, including amphib - but if you don’t need the extra protection they might be too heavy (weigh too much -the amphib fabric is heavier than just thermal lycra).
Sugoi is another good choice - check XC ski retailers to see what folks wear in cold weather.
Run all winter!!!
The absolute best and most versatile cold weather tights I have found are not “tight” at all. I use “tight” tights for riding but have found that the loose fitting running pants offered by several manufacturers are best for running. They work for me from from 39 degrees down through the teens.
Once in the single digits I use the bicycle tights I would use if riding in the 30s or I wear a pair of cycling shorts and long cross country ski socks under the loose tights.
Loose tights are all pretty cheap - well under $100.00. I would advise against getting a pair with any cotton content.
David K
www.craftsports.us and use the dealer locator for a shop near you
Search for:
193693 Active Knicker for chilly days (embrace the knicker) $55
193913 Performance Run Tight for cold days. Best value! $80
193352 Storm Tight for F’ing cold days $110 (spend the extra bucks … worth it!)
197542 Gore WS Thermal Tight (windprood and lined with our underwear) Emergency use only! $170
Having a hard time deciding whether to go Performance or Storm tight. The Storm tight looks looser (in some photos on the web) - is it loose? I prefer a tighter-fitting pant.
Majority of my cold runs will be in the 20-30-degree range. We’ll get an inversion that will drop the temps to 5-15 degrees for a couple of stretches but I have some other stuff I can layer underneath.
Based on this, do you recommend Performance or Storm?
I should just put this in my signature line during the winter -
Desoto fleece tights. Windproof, super warm (has to be below 40 for me to wear them), comfortable, great price, great service.
you won’t be disappointed. I have 3 pr and wish I could wear them more.
good luck
Barry
DeSoto - that good huh?
DeSoto - that good huh?
for me, yes. These are my cold weather bike and run tights. Even on the bike, I’m fine with wind down to about 15 degrees. Below that, I’m taking a day off to swim or something. Once it gets above 40 they’re too hot to wear. One of the best dollar/satisfaction purchases I’ve ever made.
good luck.
I ran all winter last year with DeSoto fleece tights in Chicago. It had to be below 25 F before I could put them on. Only time I ever had any body part get cold was running for 2 hours in <0 with a healthy Chicago wind, and it was only Mr. Winkie who got cold. There are special underwear designed to combat this.