Rave Review: 2XU Hyoptik Thermal Compression Tights

Disclaimer: I received a pair of 2XU Hyoptik Thermal Compression Tights to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

The two biggest challenges to keeping up my run streak during the long Wisconsin winter are darkness and cold. I'm an early morning runner, and currently sunrise is after 7 a.m. which means that I am running in the dark five days a week. Visibility is a big, big issue for me. And since I live and run in Wisconsin, it goes without saying that cold is the other issue.

So when I was given the opportunity to review 2XU's Hyoptik (think "high-optic") thermal compression tights, I jumped at the chance. Reflective? Sweet. Thermal? Yes! Compression? Fantastic! Three of my favorite things.  I was definitely excited to try these out.

Sizing

And then I got the tights in the mail and pretty much had a panic attack. Despite my careful measurement and selection of Size Medium based on their sizing chart, these looked tiny. Like, super tiny. Itty bitty. This is something that is always a struggle for me. I have super long legs and I'm...shall we say..."gifted" in the thighs and calves so I often have a really hard time finding tights that fit properly, that don't have seams that split or chafe, and that are long enough for me. And when I saw my much-anticipated Hyoptiks, I thought there was no way they would fit.

Fortunately, I've never been so happy to be wrong. They fit perfectly. In fact, I have to rave about the length:  I wasn’t constantly struggling with them riding down while I ran, nor was I continually stopping to pull them down because I was getting cold ankles.  Until now, I have experienced at least one of these annoyances (and often both) with nearly every pair of compression tights I’ve owned.  There’s nothing more irritating than having to hike up tights that are riding down, or finishing a run only to find that your ankles are red and raw from windburn because your tights rode up too high.  To be free of those issues was a huge relief. 

So trust the size chart! 

Running in the Cold

I decided to test out my new Hyoptiks on a short six mile run in 30 degree (fahrenheit) temps.  Because I am totally a skeptical nonbeliever, I used the tights as a base layer with a pair of Adidas sweatpants over them.  After all, my other thermal tights seem to work best as a base layer, so why should these be any different?

Well, I learned my lesson.  They aren’t called “thermal” compression tights because they like lots of words in their name.  By two miles in, I was warm.  Really, really warm.  Almost too warm.  For someone who always suffers from cold legs/cold butt during my winter runs, it was a new experience.

I wised up for my second foray with the Hyoptiks and wore them with nothing over them.  The temperature was about the same – 30 degrees with little wind – and I felt fine.  I wasn’t uncomfortably warm, but I wasn’t cold. 

Unfortunately, those 30 degree days came to an abrupt end and January brought on new blasts of cold.  As the temperatures dipped below 15 degrees I found that wearing the Hyoptiks as a base layer under either yoga pants or sweat pants was perfectly adequate, even when the wind chill brought the temperature down to about zero. 

Comparing and Contrasting: 2XU versus Old Navy

I had a great opportunity to compare the Hyoptiks to my Old Navy “thermal” tights that got me through last winter by doing some back to back long runs over a cold weekend.   My Saturday run with the Hyoptiks as a base layer went quite well – the Hyoptiks under yoga pants did a wonderful job of cutting the sharp wind, and I made my mileage with minimal complaints about the weather.  I even got snowed on!  My Sunday run with the Old Navy tights as a base layer was less stellar.  The wind cut right through them despite wearing heavier sweatpants over the top, and I again had the ankle-rise problem, despite the tights being otherwise properly sized for me.  I feel like the Hyoptiks have spoiled me a bit – while the ON tights seemed fine before, I now realize just how inadequate they were.  

Of course, the counter to this is that the Old Navy tights come with a much smaller price tag.  In most areas of life, I don't mind pinching a penny, but when it comes to running I have no problem paying more for quality products.  After all, I run every single day.  Why wouldn't I want something that keeps me warm and comfortable when I'm getting those miles in?  This is one of those times where paying a little more is well worth it.

Overall

The 2XU Thermal Compression Tights are a great option for those of us who live and run in cold climates.  They make an incredible base layer, yet they work well alone.  They are comfortable and well made (no splitting seams, no rough edges to chafe the skin) and the reflective pattern is actually rather flattering.  

Running With Podcasts

I'll say it:  I'm not sure I'd be a runner if not for podcasts.  Listening to podcasts has gotten me through some of my most tedious treadmill slogs, my most gloomy runs at the Pettit, and my most arduous training runs.  I used to be committed to my music playlists when I ran, but now I rarely turn on the tunes (unless I need a little extra burst of speed  - then you betcha I've got some Taylor Swift ready to go. #trueconfessions).

To state what might not be obvious to everyone, a podcast is an episodic digital audio file not unlike a radio show or serial.  There are podcasts out there about everything:  running podcasts, human interest story podcasts, Star Wars podcasts, Sudoku fan podcasts, hiking and mountaineering podcasts.  Basically, choose your interest and there's probably at least a half dozen podcasts on the topic.

Podcasts can be downloaded to your iPhone either through the iTunes player or through a third party podcast app.  I use an app called Podcruncher.  Podcruncher has a simple interface and a lot of options that make it easy to download and listen to podcasts.  My favorite feature is the playlist creator.  (If you have an Android phone or some other device, sorry: I know nothing about them but I suspect through the use of voodoo and good vibes you can listen to podcasts on your weird non-Apple device too).  #nothelpful

So, how about some podcast recommendations?  I have plenty.

Running podcasts

If you are reading this at all, you probably have at least a passing interest in running, so let's start out with some great running podcasts.

Ten Junk Miles - TJM is my favorite running podcast.  The podcast is created by a group of mostly ultrarunners who talk about everything from chafing to karaoke to some of their weird and crazy race experiences.  (I want an invite to the Retaste of Chicago someday!) They typically have guests from the ultrarunning world who are always interesting and entertaining.  The podcast can get laugh-out-loud funny at times, and it really makes the miles go by.  I save this one for my long runs.

Ultrarunner Podcast - URP takes on ultrarunning from the speedy side of things by interviewing mostly accomplished ultrarunners.  While I can't relate to their speed, I enjoy listening to their take on various races around the world, and it is a neat glimpse into how the other half lives and runs.

Trail Runner Nation - This podcast is a little more diverse.  It has interviews with accomplished trail runners, but it has plenty of episodes featuring Q&As with sports medicine folks, nutritionists, coaches, races directors, and people from all sides of trail running.

Okay, it can't all be about running, can it?  Let's switch it up.

True Crime Podcasts

True crime is all the rage right now.  The Netflix documentary Making a Murderer is everywhere, there has been a surge in true crime podcasts of all stripes, and Serial, the podcast that added the word "podcast" to the lexicons of millions of people is in its second season.

Serial - You just can't talk about podcasts without taking on Serial.  In fact, if you are new to podcasts, Serial Season One is probably the best place to start.  Created by the creators of This American Life, Season One featured journalist Sarah Koenig's investigation into the 1999 murder of a young woman named Hae Min Lee.  Through compelling storytelling, Koenig leads listeners through the evidence in a way that calls into question whether the man who is doing time for her murder is really the killer.  It is a great listen and it truly deserves the accolades that it has received.

Sword and Scale - This is one of the grittier and more graphic true crime podcasts that I have come across.  Each episode features a strange and awful crime, ranging from the Jonestown massacre to "satanic panic" to more obscure and strange murders.  The episodes can be a little hard to listen to as they often include "real" media, like 911 calls and interviews, but that's also part of what makes this podcast so compelling.  I have actually fallen out of love with this podcast recently as I feel as though the quality has declined a bit, but I still recommend the earlier episodes as they are very well done.

Criminal - Criminal takes on the subject of crime from all angles.  In one episode we hear about the beautiful relationship between a police officer and his retired K9 partner.  In another we hear about a woman who was duped by an online love interest.  In another we learn more than we ever wanted to know about the theft of wood from the Petrified Forest National Park.  You never know what you'll get with Criminal, but it is always a solid, entertaining listen.

Too serious?  I'll admit that I scared the heck out of myself when I made the mistake of listening to a certain episode of Sword and Scale while on a long, lonely run on the Glacial Drumlin Trail.  #boo! If true crime is too real for you, there are other options.

Offbeat Podcasts

The Mystery Show - The Mystery Show tackles a new, slightly wacky, totally inconsequential mystery each episode.  Despite the stakes being about as low as they could possibly be, every single mystery unfolds in such a compelling way that you can't help but be engaged.  From reuniting a weird belt buckle with its owner to figuring out what Britney Spears is reading, The Mystery Show is always delightful.

Reasonable Doubt - I can't say that I'm a huge fan of comedian Adam Carolla or attorney Mark Geragos, but when they are together for the Reasonable Doubt podcast, they put on a great show.  They tackle the legal side of current events without ever getting dull or bogged down in the uninteresting side of the law. Mark always has great insight from some of his high-profile cases, and Adam's off-the-cuff remarks make the show very listenable.  New episodes are released every Saturday, and before I take on my Saturday long run I always make sure I have the latest Reasonable Doubt loaded up.

The Moth - The Moth is about all about storytelling.  Great storytellers share their stories that are sometimes grand, sometimes mundane, but always entertaining and often moving.  I have been moved to tears by this podcast and I have been reduced to laughter by it as well - sometimes within the same episode.

Limetown - Limetown takes Serial's compelling investigative format and turns it on a fictional storyline.  The result is an incredibly immersive adventure which goes well with a good, long run. I can't say much about the plot without giving it away, but I suspect you'll be hooked after an episode. Season one recently ended with little closure and I am looking forward to more Limetown in the future.

The world of podcasts is booming right now, and because I listen to so many podcasts, I'd like to make podcast reviewing a regular feature on the ol' blog.

Do you listen to podcasts?  What are you listening to these days?  Recommend something - I'm always looking for more things to listen to.

Not just cold: Wisconsin cold.

Disclaimer: I received a Buff Hoodie to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Winter in Wisconsin is no joke.  As I write this, I'm looking out my window at a temperature of -7 degrees Farenheit with a wind chill in the negative thirties.  While this is a particularly cold spell, December through March can be pretty brutal here.

But we're mostly used to it.  And that's why we run outdoors every chance we can.

I am always in the market for new cold weather running gear, especially now that I'm in the middle of a run streak (day 230 #whatwhat) so when I had the opportunity to review a Buff's new hoodie, I couldn't say no.  I absolutely love the Buff headgear (some might say I have a bit of an addiction) but crazy enough, I hadn't tried any of their cold weather products.

Why did I wait so long?  Of course Buff hit a home run in the cold weather department.  I am in love.  The Buff Hoodie is a winner.

The Buff Hoodie three parts: a soft, stretchy, double layer that goes around your neck, a super soft Polartec® Thermal Pro® hood, which may be the softest material on the planet, and a stretchy wool collar that you can pull up over your face or tuck down around your neck. The hood has adjustable drawstrings so you can pull it tight or wear it loose. Like all of Buff's products, it is super-versatile.

The stock photos of the Hoodie from Buff's website make it look a little weird. I promise, it is actually really cute. Here's a picture of the Buff Hoodie in action out on the Ice Age Trail:

The temperatures were in the high 20s but sunny with almost no wind for my first outing with the Hoodie, so I was able to tuck the facepiece down around my neck comfortably. With temps down to the low 20s I didn't even need to wear a stocking hat under the hoodie - the hood was warm enough by itself. When the temps fall to the lower twenties and below, I prefer to have a stocking cap under the hood, although I often find myself either ditching the cap or tucking the hood down because it really is that toasty.

And tucking the hood down doesn't mean making a time-wasting stop to readjust anything - I can literally whip the hood up or down and adjust it on the run with no difficulty. The hood isn't bulky either, so tucking it down isn't cumbersome.

I've used the Buff Hoodie for runs as cold as 0 degrees, and I've run with it in the snow. I actually find myself reaching for it when I need to go run errands in the cold because it is cute and unlike most running gear it actually looks just fine with regular street clothes. I took my son to the art museum last weekend and got lots of compliments on my cute hood (#thathappened).


If you are in the market for that one piece of running gear that will make winter running much more tolerable, the Buff Hoodie is the way to go. It is versatile, it looks great, and most important: it is so very warm.