The following review was written by trail runner Sarah Barber and features R5 GORE-TEX INFINIUM Tights. Product was provided for the review at no charge.
Winter running tights fall into the category of things I generally dislike. Let’s be honest: wouldn’t we all prefer to run in shorts? But I live in a region that has four distinct seasons, so for at least three months out of the year, full-length leg coverage is mandatory for outdoor trail time. As such, I’ve become extremely finicky about winter tights.
My minimum requirements are pretty basic: they need to be warm enough, they need to be long enough for my five-foot-nine frame, and they need to have pockets. They also need to be comfortable for extended mileage on rugged terrain.
Good for the long haul
When I first heard of the R5 GORE-TEX INFINIUM Tights by GOREWEAR, I had high hopes and even higher expectations. With a word like INFINIUM—not actually a word, even according to Scrabble rules—in the name, they had to be good for the long haul. An amalgamation of “infinite” (endless, without limits) and “ium” (an element, also used to indicate the setting where a given activity is carried out), INFINIUM Tights suggest they can run forever—even in cold weather.
GORE-TEX INFINIUM Tights standout features
In addition to meeting my minimum requirements, the R5 GORE-TEX INFINIUM Tights have several standout features that that are immediately attractive. Zippers on the calves facilitate smoother dressing in the morning when it’s dark and the coffee hasn’t yet reached its peak effect. On the flipside, they strip off quickly when the post-run hot shower beckons. Reflective highlights are a must, given that most of my winter runs are illuminated by headlamps and moonlight due to shortened daylight hours. A drawstring at the waist fights sagging fabric for a body like mine that is built without a deep indent at the midsection and without hips to keep pants up.
But the highest priority? My nether regions. Most lady runners agree that a seamless crotch and a warm booty make winter runs more tolerable. Chaffing is never a good thing, but our sensitive tissues deserve extra concern. Meanwhile, that patch of avascular padding on our derriere is more prone to the chill when temperatures go glacial.
The test
When I pulled on the R5 GORE-TEX INFINIUM Tights for the first time, my skepticism rose up like goose-bumps on icy flesh. As one who spends her winters in puffer jackets and wool hats, I couldn’t imagine such thin fabric would provide enough insulation to keep my tush from going numb. But just like the best running partner, GOREWEAR had my back—and my front, thanks to its WINDSTOPPER technology that’s impervious to the elements. Even on a 20-degree day augmented with gusting wind, my keister was nice and toasty. Equally important was the fact that my undercarriage was unabraded by the velvety brushed fabric, both breathable and warm.
Within a few miles, I was ready to put a ring on it: the R5 GORE-TEX INFINIUM Tights are keepers! And as I jogged down the frozen trail, awash in endorphins from being more than a little lovestruck by my new tights, a minor tragedy occurred. I tripped on a jagged rock and plunged to the earth with all the grace of a water buffalo. I knew before I got back on my feet that the damage was done. I had perforated the right knee, leaving exposed skin and a trickle of blood. Heartbreak ensued.
Maybe someday GORE-TEX and Ripstop will collaborate on some next level apparel for a klutz like me? But until then, I’ll keep wearing them, hole in the knee at all, because none of my other winter running tights complete me the way the INFINIUM Tights do.
