Hiking in tights?

[PedalRoll]

So I’ve been interested in taking some tights (think Skins) for use during hiking (if cold and/or moving through wet scrub) and performing double duty at night to replace my thermals. John Z recommends it and I am feeling it.

Sometimes I can be really agitated with my sweaty and grimey legs on my mat when sleeping so looking for a fix.

What do you all think? Who does something similar?

[nezumi]

I've done a day walk in thermals + running shorts over the top. I found it quite comfortable, not sure how I'd go doing it on a multi-day hike tho.

[Gadgetgeek]

Its certainly worth a try. One thought, if they are too tight, they might feel a bit chilly overnight as they can restrict bloodflow near the skin, which can make you feel colder, even if you are not actually cold. That said, I know quite a few people who do walk in all sorts of skins, yoga pants, tights, etc.

[Moondog55]

Been wearing PowerStretch tights for ages, the trick is to not get them too tight This year I tried a pair of female Yoga tights from Target, look good but very cool to wear even over long-johns, great when working hard not so good when you stop.
Hard-faced PowerStretch seems to be a good compromise between warmth and freedom of movement
I've never tried Skins tho

[photohiker]

I've been using tights for several years for long and short distance walks.

My right knee was getting painful for any hiking and was reducing my daily hiking. I hike for at least an hour around 5 days a week. Found a physio and went for a test and the result was to do a daily exercise flexing before going for a hike. The physio also suggested that a good tight would improve the knee and reduce the pain because it is a bit wobbly I rarely now have any pain in my knee.

If you look around you can find a warm or a cool tight. I use tall gaiters and shorts, never get too cold or hot.

[ChrisJHC]

I concur that the standard Skins don't add a lot of warmth. You need to look for thermal versions.

[slparker]

polypro thermal tights and shorts were de rigeur back in the day.

They're quite hot and sticky and they catch on scrub. The bonus is you look like an extra from Robin Hood.

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

Agree with the temperature comments.

I have high compression A400 skins, but if I’m not exercising I get very cold. The body’s natural way to keep warm (standing hairs up on end to restrict boundary layer air movement) is lost.

I’ve been cold at night in them and got much warmer very quickly by taking them off.

Use them for recovery, yes. As thermals - no.