BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights for Hiking and Trail Running

Are BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights a good option for hiking and trail running?

BOA Half Tights are a performance-style compression short from the BOA brand. These shorts are meant to be worn alone and for various fitness activities. These shorts are designed with many features to support your activities.

These half tights are perfect for hiking, backpacking, and trail running because of their comfort, performance, and utility features.

In this review, I’m going to tell you about the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights. I’ve used them for hiking and trail running on many occasions. I’ll give you the full breakdown of these half tights in this review.

What Are BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights?

The BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights are engineered for performance, comfort, and breathability during fitness activities.

These half tights provide mid-thigh compression, built for running and training. They are light, supportive, and secure. They come in many colors and offer additional features for those who wear them.

These half tights are made in the USA, which is a big reason why I wanted to try them out.

These half tights are also very affordable, listed at $44 on their official website.

First Impressions

My first impressions of the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights, when I purchased them, were that they felt great and looked very durable.

The material quality is among the best I’ve seen in all my half tights from other brands. It’s made from DriTex and a Poly Spandex. The durable material has a quick stretch recovery, the stitching is very strong, and the waistband is extremely comfortable.

I’m 6’5” tall, and when I put them on, they rest about mid-thigh range, but closer to being

right over my knees.

The BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights are among some of my favorite half-tights. I use other brands like Janji, CompressionZ, Baleaf, and Brooks, but they are extremely comfortable and come in so many colors and patterns. They feel good when I use them for hiking and trail running.

Key Features of the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights

Now, let’s take a look at the key features of the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights and why I love these shorts so much.

Material and Construction

The fabric for these half-tights is 88% DriTex and 12% Poly Spandex.

The compression is not low, but somewhere between mid and high. The shorts are really durable. The material is thick enough that it doesn’t become transparent, even when I bend over and really stretch it out.

Being what it is made out of, the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights are meant to be a wicking layer. This means they breathe well and wick moisture from your body, keeping you dry. Second-skin clothing, like compression shorts, tends to perform better at sweat management than looser-fitting apparel.

Fit and Comfort

The sizing of the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights is accurate to the normal sizing options that I have used elsewhere.

I typically wear a Large or X-Large in half tights. Since 37 to 40 inches is the XL waist size, that is the size I got. It fits perfectly and is true-to-size.

The waistband is very comfortable and made with the same material as the rest of the half-tight. It has elasticity in the band and comes with secure internal flat elastic drawcords. While hiking and running, the waist stays in place without folding or sliding.

I do not chafe when wearing these half tights for longer hikes and runs. Then seams are flatlock and unnoticeable. The material is very comfortable when it comes into contact with your skin.

Pockets and Storage

There are ample storage capabilities when using the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights for hiking and running.

There is a drop-in pocket on both the right and left sides of the shorts. The pockets are big enough to carry my iPhone 16 Max Pro in its large protective case without any struggle to get it in and out. The pockets could also hold my keys, gel, a small microfiber rag, and my phone.

When hiking or running, the pockets are secure. The items are not significantly bouncing. The items remain securely in the pockets without falling out, even during an intense trail running session.

Length and Coverage

The BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights have a 9-inch inseam, which is fairly standard for half tights and compression shorts.

I feel the 9-inch inseam is beneficial for hiking, backpacking, and trail running. During warmer weather, the shorter inseam will help expose areas to help cool your body. However, the shorts are not so short as to be offensive or a threat to your modesty.

I find that these half tights do not slip down or ride up. The shorts stay in place at both around the waist and the openings around your legs. I even see this when doing more intense activities such as trail running.

Style and Color Options

One of my favorite features of the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights is the wide range of color and pattern options.

There are over 15 different colors and patterns available for these shorts. You can get them in black, white, royal blue, green, navy, and pink. There are also patterns such as real tree, red camo, and even cow print.

You can go minimalist and use a solid color, or you can use bolder colors and patterns. I find that having all these colors and pattern options makes the shorts better. I wear the real tree camo and the jorts pattern versions, and I love the way they look on me.

Performance on the Trail

Now, let’s get into why I love the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights so much for hiking and trail running.

For Hiking

I like to wear half-tights for hiking during the late spring, summer, and early fall, when it’s warmer outside.

The BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights give me all-day comfort on the trail, whether the hike is a mile or 15 miles. The leg support is great, without riding up and down, even when going uphill or downhill. The shorts are perfect for sweat management and dry quickly under normal conditions.

I typically wear these half tights alone, but you could easily use them as a base layer if you wanted to.

For Trail Running

I also wear the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights for single-speed technical trail running and mountain biking.

I find that the shorts are stable when bouncing during runs. They don’t fall down or ride up. Anything I put in the pockets will always stay put without bouncing, so it won’t be extremely annoying or distracting.

These half tights are excellent for heat management during fast-paced runs. They give me good freedom of motion and glide as I run. The compression is great and isn’t too tight or too loose.

I use these on technical trails and terrains where snags and trees occasionally slap or slide against me, and I have never found these shorts to rip in the process.

Weather Conditions

These shorts are perfect for warmer weather or cooler days where hiking or running will warm you up.

During hot weather and humidity, I find these shorts are best. I have no chaffing issues on short or longer activities. The sweat my body produces (and it produces a lot) is managed by the shorts’ wicking features, and I remain dry.

These shorts could be used for laying, especially if you’d rather have shorts as your base layer rather than leggings or tights.

I have worn these half tights in the rain. While they will continue to wick moisture and dry quickly, they’re not intended to be waterproof. The shorts will remain wet if you’re hiking or running in an active rainfall event.

Pros and Cons of the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights

Here are the pros and cons of the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights based on my own opinion, as well as the opinions of others that I have read online.

Pros

The shorts feature very supportive compression.

The shorts are lightweight and breathable.

There is a secure drop-in phone pocket on each side.

The materials wick moisture and dry quickly.

These shorts are comfortable for longer miles.

There are over 15 different colors and pattern options.

There is a drawcord in the waistband and reflective detail.

Cons

There are only 2 pockets, which is fewer than some competing shorts.

The shorts are 9 inches (inseam) and might be too short for some people.

These shorts are not suitable for colder weather.

There is no liner in these shorts.

Who Are BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights Best For?

There are several different folks that I would recommend to try out the BOA Constrictor Plus  Half Tights, including:

Hikers who prefer minimalist gear or ultralight hikers.

Trail runners need lightweight performance apparel.

Hot weather, humid hikes, and backpacking trips.

Ultrarunners or fast packers.

Gym-to-trail crossover athletes and regular runners.

You could even wear the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights for athleisure or casually if that’s your thing.

How They Compare to Other Half Tights

I have many other half tights to compare to the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights.

I also use and wear Janji Trail Half Tights, CompressionZ Shorts, Brooks Half Tights, Baleaf Half Tights, and Under Armor Compression Shorts.

The BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights are very comparable to these shorts. The only difference is that a few pairs have liners or modesty liners in the front. The Janji Half Tights include multiple pockets, as well.

Sizing Tips and Buying Advice

I find the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights are true to size. If you’re between sizes, I would recommend sizing up as the compression is good enough to a size up and still be comfortably tight. I am 250 pounds, 6’5” tall, and I wear an XL in these half tights.

You can buy the BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights from their official website or Running Warehouse. The shorts are priced at about $44 per pair.

You can return them within 30 days of purchase, as long as they are new and still have the tags.

Final Thoughts About BOA Half Tights

The BOA Constrictor Plus Half Tights are a great choice for hiking and trail running.

I’m always confident when I wear them, knowing they will perform and look great on me.

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