In our ultimate guide to running tights we set out to transform your trail running experience. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to peak performance with gear that keeps you dry, warm, and free to move. Dive into expert tips, top picks from Alpkit, and find out why the right legwear is essential for every run.
Imagine running along a forest trail, the fresh air filling your lungs, the rhythm of your footsteps in tune with nature. You feel energised and free. Now, picture the same run, but your legs are chafing, your leggings are heavy with sweat, and the waist band feels like it is going to fall down with every stride. Comfort is everything. It's what makes a good run great and a bad run unbearable.
Legwear plays a crucial role in your overall running comfort. It's not just about looking good or staying warm. It's about a whole system of elements working together to keep you dry, warm, and moving freely. Let's delve into how different factors affect your comfort and how choosing the right running tights, or shorts can make all the difference to your runs.
The design challenges
Environment: Hopping over stiles, squeezing through gates, plunging through rivers or running scree, your surroundings play a huge role in determining the best running tights. Trail running in the hills demands durable and flexible leggings that can handle whatever your route throws at them.
Weather: Rain, wind, sun and humidity can turn a pleasant run into a nightmare. Legwear that can handle wet conditions or keep you warm in the cold is essential.
Intensity: A light jog doesn't require the same gear as an intense trail run. You need legwear that can keep up with your activity level. Usually this comes down to how breathable the fabric is. Lighter weight more breathable fabrics, or legwear with zoned mesh panels built in, will keep your legs dry and cool.
Carrying items: If you're carrying a phone, keys or gels your legwear needs pockets to stash these things away for you without restricting movement.
Season: The time of year dramatically influences what you should wear. Winter requires insulation, while summer demands breathability. Trouser length is also a consideration here. Shorts provide the ultimate breathability and many dedicated fell runners will wear these year round, however full length or 3/4 or 7/8 length running tights offer more warmth or sun protection. Reflective patches are a nice safety touch to have on your tights for running in the winter.
Fit: Running tights should be snug but not so tight that it restricts your movement or circulation. A high rise waist band has the advantage of greater support, is less prone to riding down and can be more comfortable especially when wearing a running pack. Low profile flatlock seams will reduce abrasion points. Ankle zips help get your tights off and on, especially after a muddy run.
Duration: For long epic runs, comfort becomes even more critical. The longer you're on the trail, the more important it is to have legwear that keeps you chaff free and comfortable for hours. All of the factors mentioned above will come into force.
More comfortable runs with the right legwear
By addressing these factors with the right legwear, you enhance your trail running experience. You'll be more comfortable, which means you'll enjoy your runs more and perform better. You'll stay dry and warm, reducing the risk of hypothermia or muscle strains. You'll move freely, without chafing or discomfort, allowing you to focus on the run and not on your clothing.
Solutions for comfort: legwear as part of the layering system
Legwear is a vital part of your broader layering system. Here's how you can make some smart choices about materials and designs:
The best fabric choices for trail running:
- Synthetic fabrics: These are great for wicking moisture and drying quickly. Ideal for high-intensity fast and light mountain runs or wet conditions. Look for soft nylon knit fabrics with 4-way stretch to provide freedom of movement for all-day use outdoors.
- Merino wool: Excellent for temperature regulation and comfort. Perfect for colder weather or longer runs.
- Hybrid or blends: Combine the best of both worlds, offering moisture management and warmth.
Running shorts or running leggings?
Wear whatever is most comfortable for you or makes sense at the time. The important thing is that you do not miss out on a run because of decision paralysis or extenuating circumstances.
It was 5 o'clock in the morning, the curtains had been left open and it looked like a wonderful morning. I lay there knowing I should just get up and go for a run. Somehow the kids had ended up on the end of the bed and I didn't want to wake them. I rolled out of bed still in my pj's and t-shirt and stepped out of the door. And you know what, nothing bad happened.
Sometimes you just have to go with what you have, but when you do have time to make a more considered choice; shorts offer the most freedom, and in the summer they will keep you cooler. If you need more support try shorts with built in compression liners.
Tights or leggings offer greater protection and reassurance, especially for long days in the hills where the weather can change, or you will be stopping for breaks.
Skorts are a blend of tight shorts and a skirt. The most popular styles have zipped pockets, high waist bands, and lightweight fabrics that move with you as you run.
The beauty of a skort is the ultimate freedom it provides: all the coolness of a skirt but with the practicality of shorts, just ridiculously comfortable for hot days on the hill. Little details like the concealed zipped thigh pocket keep your essentials at hand. - Ronnie, Design Manager
Top picks from the Alpkit range
We are not short of runners in our team. Here are some top picks which we wear on our legs day in day out.
Koulin Trail Tights: Made with breathable, quick-drying, 85% recycled polyester fabric, these tights are perfect for high-intensity runs and unpredictable weather. Considered features make these tights our do-anything leggings with styling to ensure you look heroic when you reach your summit. Available in full length or 3/4 length.
Mello Tights: All-day leggings for a life outdoors. High-wicking and quick-drying, they're made from a plush soft nylon for active running and hiking.
Koulin Trail Shorts: Lightweight, mid-length trail running shorts designed for maximum comfort when moving fast. Quick-drying fabric with Polygiene® odour control for less frequent washing.
Vayper Running Shorts: Ultralight, wicking and quick-drying running shorts designed for moving fast in warm weather.
Vayper Shorts Twin: Lightweight two-layer running shorts with an ultralight outer and supportive knee-length liner. Ideal for moving fast in cool weather. Made with 85% recycled liner.
Mello Shorts: Wicking short tights for hot summer runs. Close-fitting with a high, deep waistband to stay in place.
Mello Long Shorts: With the same great fit and durable wicking fabric as the Mello Tight, the Mello knee length shorts have a high waist and deep waistband for a secure fit and are made to stay in place and keep you cool when running.
Aiguille Skort: Lightweight, cool running skort for active use in warm weather, giving unrestricted movement on summer runs and hikes.
Environmental considerations: Choose eco-friendly materials and brands committed to sustainable practices. Look for recycled fabrics and companies that prioritise environmental responsibility.
The final mile
Choosing the right legwear is fundamental to your trail running comfort. It's not just about picking something that looks good; it's about creating a system that works together to keep you dry, warm, and comfortable, no matter the conditions. With the right legwear, you'll find that your runs are more enjoyable, and you'll perform at your best. Remember, comfort is key, and with the right gear, you can achieve it every time you hit the trail.
