I spend a lot of time in the cold and snow, so I need gear that performs well. I absolutely love Athleta’s Flurry Base Layer Tight; it keeps me warm, it’s stylish enough to wear around town, and, thanks to the Polygiene-treated fabric, it can be worn for several days before it needs washing.
Before an epic cold day of skiing at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, when the temperatures ranged from one to eight degrees Fahrenheit, I had to get layered up. The Athleta Women’s Flurry Base Layer Tight fit snugly against my legs, from my ankles to the waistband, under a pair of merino-blend long underwear and my form-fitting ski pants. I was surprised I could add another layer without adding bulk. It felt like a silk weight layer that provided medium- to heavy-weight warmth. Better yet, no bunching at my shins!
On a slightly warmer day in the high 20s F, I really loved how the Athleta Women’s Flurry Base Layer Tight was warm enough on its own for riding on chairlifts. The seamless, label-free, chafe-free tight’s extra wide waistband and medium rise ensured that it stayed put when I leaned over to adjust my boots, and the material felt smooth against my skin.
Hiking several thousand feet uphill to ski untracked powder on Teton Pass, in temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees F, I knew I would be working up a sweat. I wore the Athleta Women’s Flurry Base Layer Tight and opened the vents on my ski pants for the hike. My sweat seemed to vaporize and be whisked away instantly during this high-output uphill struggle, so that when I switched over to the downhill at the top, I was able to stay warm.
After wearing these tights for these three activities, especially the high-intensity backcountry skiing, I was curious to see if Athleta’s “unstinkable” promise would hold up for a weekend trip to Montreal. The tight easily passed the sniff test and seemed have a neutral smell, so I resisted my instinct to wash them and threw them in my carry-on. I wore them under jeans for a day spent at brunch in a neighborhood gastropub, ice skating on a natural pond at a park, trekking through the Underground City, and out to dinner. Even through these varied activities both indoors and outdoors, I stayed at a comfortable temperature and without a hint of odor thanks to the Polygiene treated, silver-ion infused fabric’s antimicrobial-combatting technology.
The Athleta Women’s Flurry Base Layer Tight is available for women in white or black in sizes XS-XL. I found my usual size small fit true to size with an athletic, next-to-skin fit. The thickness and pattern of the tights is classic Athleta: flattering and feminine with a hint of flair.
Bottom Line: Warm, svelte, stylish, breathable, and layerable tights for winter activities.
Manufacturer’s site: athleta.gap.com
Was $79, on sale for $60, Athleta
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