Winter is coming....What leggings do you wear?

I’ve tried a variety of leggings, from tight underarmour and nike tights intended for activities like running and football, but they’re so uncomfortable after several hours, are bulky, and synthetic (so they smell after more than a day of moderate use). I’ve also tried smartwool and icebreaker leggings, but after extended wear (a long day, or multiple days), my skin begins to react to the wool. I’ve tried some of the lower end patagonia leggings too but they’re either uncomfortable or just don’t keep my warm enough.

Ideally i’d like something for cooler days but can also be worn in the city on snowy days; something that can be worn under other layers, and are comfortable enough to be worn for multi-day adventures.

What do you guys recommend?

Lululemon. Not kidding.

I recommend men do not wear leggings.  

Cool do you also recommend men freeze their ass off?

I've always used Uniqlo heattech leggings :) Cheap and warm !

I've been using the same columbia long underwear for the last 5 years, for climbing, camping, and skiing. They've held up well but have always been worn under pants or a rainshell.

If you're having trouble with smell on synthetics, add a cup of vinegar to the laundry detergent in your washing machine.

Cycling tights are awesome! The ones without chamois obviously. I’ve got some Pearl Izumi leggings that I’ve had for maybe 12 years and are finally wearing out. Running, climbing, commuting, mountain stuff. 

Joe Prescott wrote: Cycling tights are awesome! The ones without chamois obviously. I’ve got some Pearl Izumi leggings that I’ve had for maybe 12 years and are finally wearing out. Running, climbing, commuting, mountain stuff. 

Echo this - the ones below have kept my warm biking in single degree temps:

Andy Novak wrote: I recommend men do not wear leggings.  

+1

rkrum wrote: Cool do you also recommend men freeze their ass off?

Nope...wear pants like a man. Ok to have thermals layered underneath of course...

• Cheap thin tights are usually comfy, I have a few pairs of Magellan lightweight thermals/leggings/tights that I like more than the marmot and Patagonia ones in the collection. Ill double up with cap 4 grid fleece if it's really cold. It's enough for Dawn patrol in storms here with softshell pants, and I've always been too hot in my hardshell pants with that combo, but I need to get some that zip this year.

Uniqlo are pretty good.

Textile manufacturer is also legit quality manufacturer.

Quality, cheap, it's a win win 

Joe Prescott wrote: Cycling tights are awesome! The ones without chamois obviously. I’ve got some Pearl Izumi leggings that I’ve had for maybe 12 years and are finally wearing out. Running, climbing, commuting, mountain stuff. 

Another +1 here. I have a pair of Specialized thermal tights that I have also had for upwards of 10 years. They work great under my regular Prana Zions. 

I go to the gym if too cold for pants.

Joe Prescott wrote: Cycling tights are awesome! The ones without chamois obviously. I’ve got some Pearl Izumi leggings that I’ve had for maybe 12 years and are finally wearing out. Running, climbing, commuting, mountain stuff. 

Hm. Interesting. Will have to give these a try.

So, are you looking for leggings in the traditional sense where they are form fitting tight and meant to be worn alone, like cycling tights? Or are you looking for thermal base layer options to be worn under pants, softshells, etc. For the latter, there are a lot of excellent options. R1 weight are available inexpensively for maximum warmth as military surplus (check ebay). Polartec powerstretch is very comfortable, warm, stretchy and breathable (and an underrated fabric now that grid fleece has become ubiquitous), both Ragged Mountain and Rab makes some with this fabric. The Ragged Mountains look like they could do double duty as a base layer or be worn independently.

https://raggedmountain.com/ragged-mountain-polartec-power-stretch-pro-tights-4582

Albert, technically, Fall is coming. It’s still Summer and in the 90s here in southern California. But I used to live in San Francisco so I can understand your wanting to get a jump on this issue. 

vasoline

Flannel lined jeans. Cuffed.