Sugoi Firewall 220 Tights

Winters here in Norway are cold, wet, and potentially miserable without the proper gear. I'm glad I'm testing Sugoi's Firewall 220 tights; without them, I don't know how much I'd enjoy running outside this winter.

These tights are perhaps the best cold-weather running tights I've ever used, and they make my outdoor adventures totally fun. I'm spending the coldest months of the year in a small, coastal town called Molde. As one might imagine, the days here are bone-chilling cold and the nights are even colder. The sun sets around four in the afternoon, so I often run in the dark. Conditions could get worse, but if they did I'd probably take up knitting. Needless to say, the Sugoi Firewall 220 tights have been a game-changer for me.

I love my Sugoi Firewall 220 tights for so many reasons. Much like a soft shell jacket, they're highly wind- and waterproof but still very breathable. A few nights ago I ran home from my local climbing gym in the dark and managed to stay warm and dry. It was snowing hard, and the flakes were big and wet. As they hit my body, they quickly melted. The tights didn't let any of that moisture pass through to my skin.

Due to the snow and ice buildup underfoot, I had to run on the street for a few blocks, but I felt confident knowing that drivers could see the numerous reflective stripes on my Firewall 220 tights. Bonus!

I also spent a few afternoons testing these tights on hills behind my house, which lead to some breathtaking scenery of the fjords below. The trails are steep, which means I need to take big steps and bend my knees often as I ascend. I like the grippy ankle bands on the inside of each pant leg; they keep the tights from riding up. Conversely, I like the drawstring in the waist band because it keeps the tights from falling down.

When I'm really moving downhill, I like to have mobility and dexterity, which the Sugoi Firewall 220 tights offer in spades. They are stretchy and have a seamless, gussetted inseam. Both of those features offer a lot of freedom of movement. The tights are also made from 10 separate panels, so they're more form-fitting by design. (Imagine the difference between a tube sock and a dress sock).

I should mention some of the smaller, detail-oriented features I love about these tights: they've got long, 10" ankle zippers for easy on and off; a zippered back pocket that I can fit my MP3 player into; and flat-lock construction that eliminates inner seams and, consequently, chafing.

The Sugoi Firewall 220 is available in black. Men's sizes S to XXL (top photo) and women's sizes XS to L (bottom photo).

Bottom LIne: Extremely warm tights for running, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing when the mercury drops.--N.W. (Dec 10).

BUY ONLINE : $140 women's tights on sale now for $104.96 at Backcountry (12/11/10). Click for men's tights.

Manufacturer's Site: www.sugoi.com

Share on Facebook