Recommendation on tights

I hike, bike, and run in tights, have gone through countless pairs, and right now I'm using the Sugoi mid zero and UA anchor run.

The Sugoi are one of the most comfortable pair of leggings I've ever worn, the fabric feels amazing. Some people have complained of the sizing being off and the tights being to tight(Go figure…) but I have a feeling a lot of those folks don't understand the concept behind a compression fit. Sizing up for these wouldn't hurt though but I don't think it's a must.

The UA Anchor's are great for nasty weather. Not quite as comfy as the Sugoi and weigh almost 2oz's more(The UA's come in at 9.9) but the benefits of their added protection may outweigh those negatives.

In the end I'm undecided which I am more fond of, but I'm pretty much decided on one of these two being my daily wear for winter and early spring backpacking. Both being synthetic there are of course some downsides I'm sure people will point out, but as someone who has been involved in athletics their whole life I can easily say wool is inferior to today's synthetics.

Note: When I bike in them I typically wear a chamois as they provide no padding in that department.

When hiking during the shoulder season I add cycling leggings to my kit to wear during those brisk morning hours; at one time I wore the traditional wool leggings, but I agree with Matthew and find the newer fabrics better, especially the fact that they don't stretch out of shape and are lighter. The one's I'm using now are made by Craft and weigh a mere 3.7 oz for the pair.

As a bike commuter I wear Craft's winter tights this time of year. They are a kind of softshell material on the outside and a fine micro fleece in the inside…and are they ever warm! As an example, last week, factoring in the windchill, It was about -35 below zero, and I just clipped right along, snug as a bug in a rug. They weigh 8.5 oz.

Craft items can be found on STP at a good discounted price usually.

Happy trails!

Thanks for the help guys. What is the difference between tights and leggings? Like I said I have no experience with tight so don't trash me on this question. Do you wear undies under the tights or just go cammando?

Golite makes some kick ass tights but they only have xxl left.

Are you planning on using them by themselves or under pants? That will determine how durable you need them to be.
I usually wear shorts and put the tights on over when I get cold.
Avoid anything with soft breathability panels. They can wear out from sitting down or snag/rip on branches.

I wear Go lite tights and they are my underwear, so yes I go commando when wearing them..no need to go overkill.

depends on how long the trip will be, the expected temperature and what if anything i'm planning on wearing over them. i'm a big fan of ua heatgear boxerbriefs.

I wear my boxer briefs over my tights when I wear tights. It adds another layer to keep the fellas warmer. And since they are on the outside I don't have a wedgie problem

Highly recommend you read Damien Tougas's excellent overview on tights for different conditions:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/backpacking-tights-tougas-part-1.html#.VHP1LtLF-Ag

My wife and I only use tights for very cold weather running, hiking and x country skiing – Golite winter tights (don't remember model name but they are my favorite) and Craft Storm Tights (almost equal to the Golite tights for comfort, warmth and wind resistance). I wear them with merino or synthetic briefs. For cold weather snowshoeing and snow trips we use light stretchy soft shell pants (about 19 oz) or a heavier nearly windproof Schoeller pant depending on conditions.

I might try the lighter tights Damien recommends for cool conditions, but for warm weather, I much prefer hiking pants to tights.

Once again thanks for all the help guys. I ended up finding some Golite tights in my size so I ordered them. I let ya all know how it goes.

In an odd turn of events, GoLite tights are available at REI Outlet. I guess the liquidators decided to branch out a little.

http://www.rei.com/product/883731/golite-castlewood-canyon-running-tights-mens-overstock

While I'm sure the benefits of the lightest pair are nice(I wouldn't know to be honest), don't underestimate the benefits of a true compression fit. Some will claim that enough research hasn't been completed, I tend to disagree with them though. Having gone over some decent studies, and having worn them myself for quite a long time now, I feel confidant in saying they do reduce the strain on muscles during physical activity.

Some of course is marketing hype and pseudo science, such as companies going on about the benefits of copper in compression garments. It's just as useless as it was in those stupid copper bracelets being pawned off to people a few years back.

I hike in above-the-knee lycra shorts and/or full-length tights. Light colors in summer, black in cooler weather. Eliminates chafing. Decent compression. Nice slippery base layer makes next layer easy to get on. Also makes repositioning inside a sleeping bag easier.

So the Golite tights that I ordered came today and unfortunately they where to big. Also a little to thin for what I was looking for so they are going back. I now have placed an order with STP on a pair of thermal tights by Craft so we will see how that goes.

Ok I received my Craft thermal tights ordered from STP yesterday and let me tell you I'm sold! I did an early morning hike today, it was cold 34 deg. rainy/wet conditions. I wore my new tights, a synthetic T, a light fleece pullover and topped it all off with my Zpacks cuban poncho. My lower leg where damp when I was done but not soaking wet. I also stayed very comfortable temperature wise even with damp lower legs. so I think i'll be very happy with the new set up. So now I will carry my tights, UA running shorts and my Mont-bell wind pants for my lower half on Backpacking trips. I think this should cover me from April-Nov here in VA. Thanks for the help guys