A Review of Running Pants. Seriously.
Look – it’s cold outside. Even in Savannah, Georgia the temps have dipped down into the teens and my trusty tights base layer needs more help to keep me warm than a simple pair of overlaid shorts can provide.
That realization started my search for proper running pants. Scratch that: Inexpensive running pants.
I’m not talking about run of the mill track pants. I have those – and they’re perfect for sleeping in while camping; but pretty miserable for actual running. No, I needed something more form-fitting that created less drag and designed to withstand colder temperatures. My last requirement was that they be cheap.
I hate spending money, even on my hobbies. So, when I found the Ronhill Classic GT Trackster Running Pants
The seller was based in England, so it took 20 days from order to delivery via air mail. I had started to forget that I placed the order. But they came at a perfect moment. The next day, the temps were set to dip again, and this time I would be prepared.
My initial impressions weren’t good. They reminded me of cheap baseball pants with a medium weight polyester-feel and even the prerequisite stirrups attached.
I immediately began to re-think my size choice. The supplied sizing chart suggested I purchase a small. I’ve never purchased a small in anything, so I went medium. After some initial back and forth, I decided that shipping back to the UK and waiting on a replacement pair seemed silly for such a small investment. So I geared up and went for a run.
The wind chill was dropping into the teens, so I wore my trusty base tights and layered them with the Trackster pants. There was just enough room in between to not feel any constraint; but still tight enough so that cold air didn’t get trapped in between the layers. The stirrups were indeed long, which caused the pants to gather a bit near the ankles. That said, a small may have been too tight in other places, like the seat, which really hugs what little curve I have.
Ultimately, they performed well, and I’m more than happy with my investment. My legs were actually a little bit too warm and I’m looking forward to trying them again without the base underlay. Time will tell how well they hold up; but with the few days a year these will be necessary in my moderate climate, I’m hoping for at least the next few winter seasons.
