Comments on: Winter Running Apparel Review: GORE and Sporthill Windproof Running Pants and Tights

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 21:59:49 +0000

In reply to Aaron.

I’m the same – no issues with chafing in winter, but once I start to sweat with shorts on in warmer weather problems start to crop up. Inner legs for me as well are a particular problem.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 21:20:46 +0000

Pete – question for you and any readers who can respond. When running with more loose-fitting clothing in cold weather, are there any issues with chaffing? It would seem so, but maybe since many people tend to run for shorter periods in cold weather than when it’s (much) warmer, it may not be as much of a problem. I usually run 5-7 miles at 7:00-7:30 pace even in temps below 0F, and never have issues with chaffing (just somewhat dry skin on the small areas of my face that are exposed to the cold air. I don’t need to treat it all though.)

Chaffing is one of the problems that I have to deal with when I switch to shorts when the weather warms up here in MN. My inner legs need to reacclimate to having that kind of friction again.

By: rsg99

rsg99 — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 13:45:49 +0000

My recommendation: layering. Good pair of tights, standard tech underwear, then shove a folded bandana down inside your underwear and in front of the boys. Seriously.

Evidence: Canadian runner, 6 days (70 miles) per week, all outdoors.

By: Greg Emerson

Greg Emerson — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:21:57 +0000

Like Aaron, I run every day outside in Maine and that can include VERY challenging weather at times over several hours. (I have run 400 miles so far in 2015 with an average of 8 miles per day at about 9:20 pace average.) I find the trick balancing being warm enough without overheating. This can largely be done with head and hands as the thermometer so my legs are not the priority.
This being said, I find a layering system works the best for me. I wear running tights that are slightly loose (currently hot chili’s and a pair of under armor) and if it is windy or really cold I put wind pants over these (currently Patagonia Houdini wind pants). I use the same strategy on upper body. Technical T shirt, long sleeve technical top (Patagonia or New Balance) then north face quarter zip layer, then wind jacket (Patagonia Houdini).The real trick has been moisture control where sweat turns into ice. If I leave the house and feel comfortable I have too much on. During the first mile my core should feel chilly so I warm into a comfortable warmth without being too hot, sweaty, and wet.
I find expensive gear can be found on EBay NWT (new with tags) at about 50% retail and I have had great luck there.
I have been out 470 days (including in 2 blizzards this winter) without a break and these things work well for me.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 20:20:53 +0000

I agree these tights are expensive, but for someone like myself who personally avoids running on the treadmill all winter in Minnesota – it’s essential I have gear like this. I don’t have these exact tights, but I do have similar items from these and other companies, so I can speak for their necessity and effectiveness.

It does pay to shop around. As you found and reported above, now is a good time to purchase running tights as most sellers are marking down their prices to get rid of inventory. I just took advantage of a great deal last week from Running Warehouse where they had an additional 25% off sale and clearance items.

For me, it’s still cheaper (and far more enjoyable) using winter tights than a gym membership of buying my own treadmill.

By: odessaboots

odessaboots — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:48:36 +0000

I have had luck the last two winters with the Nike Elements Shield Tight. Usually 99.00, however RW had them on sale recently for about 62.00. They work really well at protecting from the wind, and they fit quite comfortably. The back of the thigh does not have the windproof panelling however, so anything below 20 degrees and your hamstrings might start to get cold. For reference: I live in the NE, and went running in 8 degrees this morning. I want to try the GORE tights now, but I might wait until they go on sale at the end of the season.