While tights as a baselayer is nothing new for me, I've recently become a convert to tights as outerwear. Women have been doing it for years, and with more and more options and styles on the market, men are starting to catch on to the benefits. Long have I hated baggy hiking pants. They become floppy when wet, and even the more fitted pants can be constricting for aerobic sports like trail running. I purchased these tights with the intended purpose of wet wading while fishing, and to that end I think they work great, though i started finding many more appilcations for their functional benefits. I wanted to put them through the paces and test the range of activities. So I took them on a half marathon training run around my neighborhood in misty mid 50s weather. Here is what I discovered: -there is a liner in the front crotch, suggesting that these are meant to be worn sans sous vêtement. While the somewhat abrasive stitching tactically avoids sensitive areas, they still run the length of the garment, giving me pause. Turned out not to be an issue, even for the seam running up the backside. (If anything, the liner helps smooth any unwanted embelishments if you still choose to wear something underneath.) -The tag actually irritated me more than the stitching, though after about an hour of running I no longer felt it. Still, i wish i thought to cut it off before i left the house. -i am used to wearing trousers and shorts on my hips. These tights are meant to be worn high on the waist. It almost reached my belly button. This can't be avoided, you must pull them all the way up or the stitching in the crotch WILL rub your inner thigh. -the reinforced areas kept my legs warm and feeling fresh even as the wind picked up. I was worried they would feel uncomfortable for long distances but i quickly got used to it. Would definitely come in handy for hiking, wading, scrambling, sitting, or any other activities where you make contact with your environement. -the drawstring was next to useless. Fortunately the tights are tight enough to hold themselves up for the most part, but once the string wears out I may try to replace it with a thin running shoelace. Bottom line, these are on my packing shortlist for all outdoor endeavors. Quick drying, warm, breathable, non constricting, and durable. Works well as a base layer or on their own. They look great, feel great and give me the confidence to be as bold as they look. If someone sees a man in tights on the trails, they will say to themselves, whoa, this guy means business, and give you plenty of space. I would like to conclude that as great as they are, they are still tights. I probably won't go grocery shopping or to my son's soccer game in these. Recommend sticking to places where they are functionally appropriate.
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