Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights Review

Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights are one of your choices for budget-friendly active apparel.

Winter tights make an important difference for men and women who recreate outdoors. They’re designed to keep you warm whether you use them as a layer or wear them alone. Tights also play a role in wicking moisture off your skin and keeping you dry, which is critical in the winter months.

The Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights are best for hikers, trail running, and cyclists who are adventuring in cold weather.

I use these winter tights for hiking, trail running, and cycling. This is my review of the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights based on my experience using them. If you find this review to be helpful, consider giving me a small one-time donation for taking the time to write this article.

Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights Overview

The name on Amazon for these tights is “Baleaf Men’s Winter Running Tights Thermal Cycling Pants Cold Weather Gear Fleece Lined Pockets Leggings Compression.”

The intended use of the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights is for running and cycling in colder weather. I’ve adapted them to be used for hiking and trail running. They make for a great layer, or you can easily wear them alone.

You can get these tights in small to XXXL and in black, blue, gray, and red. These tights are mainly black, but the stitching is the color if you choose blue, gray, or red. I chose blue.

You can buy the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights on Amazon for $39. If you use my link, I’ll earn a commission. My link does not impact your price at all.

Material and Construction of the Tights

The Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights are well-made for a budget-friendly product.

The material used is 87% polyester and 13% spandex. The inside of the tights is fleece lined all the way through. The outer material is water-resistant (light rain only) with wind resistance included.

The tights are thick enough to be worn alone, show no transparency when stretched, but are stretchable enough to fit comfortably.

The inside material (fleece lining) is very comfortable. These are warm when worn alone on cooler days. They make for a warm layer under hiking pants on colder days.

The stitching is very durable. I have had no stitch-tearing at all, even when I first put them on. After multiple wash cycles, the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights still feel new and very durable.

Warmth & Cold-Weather Performance of the Tights

The Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights are made for all different types of cold weather.

To wear them alone, anything under 60 degrees (F) and over 32 degrees (F) should be comfortable. If under 32 degrees (F), I would recommend wearing these as a base layer with something warmer over them. If above 60 degrees (F), these tights will be hot and uncomfortable.

I do wear these tights alone under 32 degrees (F) when trail running. This is because I heat up fast and sweat. Since I’m heating up, the tights are warm enough without it being a problem for me.

I find that these tights are very warm but still breathable, whether worn alone or as a layer under something else.

Fit & Comfort of the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights

Overall, I like the fit of the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights.

I found these tights to be true-to-size for my usual sizing selection, which is XL. If you want them looser, I suggest that you size down at least one size. They are tight enough without needing to size up for a tighter fit.

The waistband is very comfortable, doesn’t fold over or dig into your skin, and the inner draw cords give you a secure fit based on your needs.

There is a gusseted crotch for ultimate comfort for men. The flat lock front design helps to reduce chafing and discomfort. There are zippers on the ankles, as well.

The compression level is about moderate, where it’s not too tight, but it’s tight enough to feel like a second skin. I find them to be very comfortable when hiking and trail running because I can move around better in them. On the coldest of days, they’re my go-to base layer under my warmer hiking clothes.

Mobility and Range of Motion of the Tights

The Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights have great mobility and range of motion.

While making sleep climbs and hiking or running on uneven trails, I find these tights perform perfectly. They don’t sag or start to slide off me. They don’t create spots at the bend of my knee that restrict me from bending at all, as firmer tights might do.

I have found no restrictions with the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights while wearing them for hiking and trail running.

Pockets & Storage of the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights

I love the pocket selection on these tights, which is important for me when shopping for them.

There are 3 pockets. There is a rear pocket at the waistband that can be opened and closed by a very sturdy and easy-to-operate zipper. There are also two open pockets on each side of the leg that you can drop things into.

The side pockets are big enough to carry a large iPhone using an even larger case, as well as keys, gels, and a small towel. The rear pocket would be great for taking one key, a card, or some cash. Unfortunately, the pockets have no mesh or anything like that to help them dry out quicker.

When doing the bounce test and trail running, I’ve had no issues with abnormal movement in the pockets or things falling out.

Moisture Management & Breathability of the Tights

The Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights are ideal if you need something that is breathable and wicks sweat from your skin.

They perform well when you get hot and start to sweat. They insulate well but also breath well and wick moisture from your body. It doesn’t take long for them to dry out the moisture from your skin, as well.

On a colder day, I’m very comfortable wearing them alone during hiking and trail running, but I’ll only wear them as a layer if it’s super cold; otherwise, I’ll start to sweat pretty quickly because I get hot really fast.

For the most part, I never smell these tights on me. I mean, when I’ve hiked or run in them, I don’t get a funky sweat smell from them. If they were non-insulated, I’m sure that would be a different story because of the polyester.

Durability of the Tights on the Trails

The Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights perform very well when hiking and trail running in the forest.

When hiking off-trail or running down single-track trails, I never have issues with the tights when they snag on brush or tree limbs. There were a few times I figured I ripped them, but when I checked, they were fine. They also hold up well when I slide on rocks and such.

After multiple washes, the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights feel like they’re still brand new without any major wear or material transparency.

Visibility & Design Features of the Tights

There are some good visibility and design features of the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights.

The stitching and Baleaf logo are reflective. This makes the tights great to wear alone in low light and dark areas for more reflective protection.

I think these tights are both road and trail friendly. They seem to be made for all forms of outdoor activity. In fact, their description on Amazon says they’re great for hiking, biking, running, skiing, exercise, traveling, and general outdoor use.

I usually wear a pair of trail runners when I wear them alone. I’ll wear a shirt that goes a little past my waist for some extra modesty. Or I might pair them up under my hiking pants if I wear them as a layer on much colder days.

The tights also come with an ankle zipper with reflective detail. The zipper is strong and seems very durable.

Pros and Cons of the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights

The following are the pros and cons of Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights based on my personal experience in using them.

Pros

• Great pricing for such a nice pair of running tights
• Very comfortable and warm during colder weather
• The tights have deep side pockets and a rear pocket that zips up.
• The tights are designed well and have actual compression.

Cons

• Not good to wear when it’s warmer outside
• Not fully wind or waterproof like other running tights
• No non-insulated version available
• Can be loose around the ankles due to ankle zippers

How these Tights Compare to Other Tights

I also use other tights when hiking and trail running, and this is how I compare the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights to them.

My Under Armour Tights are like these, but they seem like they’ll become transparent before too long and lose compression. The Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights seem to be manufactured way more durably than Under Armour’s. Plus, UA tights only have one pocket, and that’s pretty annoying.

Janji tights are more durable and comfortable than the Baleaf ones. I’ve not found many other tights or half tights that are more durable and comfortable than Janji. However, Janji tights are significantly more expensive than Baleaf tights.

CompressionZ tights are another affordable option. While they are very comfortable, there aren’t any good, insulated options. If I need them to be warmer, I am out of luck, so I would say the Baleaf tights are better than CompressionZ.

Best Use Cases of the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights

• Cold-weather trail running
• Winter day hiking
• Layering for colder-weather activities
• Wearing over bib shorts for cold-weather cycling
• Casual active leisure wear in the winter
• These tights are available in men’s and Women sizes and styles.

Final Verdict on the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights

The overall performance of the Baleaf Winter Running Thermal Tights is awesome, and I think they make a great low-budget hiking and trail running piece of gear.

If you’d like to purchase these tights, you can get them from Amazon. Remember, using my link will mean I will earn a commission, but your price will not be impacted. Alternatively, you can buy these on Amazon without my link.

If you like wearing insulated tight for hiking, trail running, and regular running, I highly recommend these if your budget is low.

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And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!