Under Armour colder runs (Page 2)

I wear a variety of pants for cold weather running.  That matters to me less than tops, where I will sweat and then freeze.  Nearly everything at Target (except mesh) will work.  However, I did just get a pair of Reebok running tights that are truly awesome.  I tried them, a UA pair and I think Nike.  Reebok was the best and cheapest ($45) and I wore them in 30 degree sleet and was great.  I have a fleece lined pair, that are really cycling tights from Pearl Izumi, I will wear from the 0-20 range.

Tops are more important to me.  I recommend a wicking layer on your skin and they ahve a number of great choices at Target.  I can't stand going to Walmart, but the Target stuff (Champion) is a happy medium.  I usually wear fleece over the wicking shirt unless it's very wet out, then I wear a fancier but heavier running jackets with pockets, vents, etc.

ETA:  I love all of the Under Armour items, though.  They have all been worth the money.  I have summer running tops that I love in particular.

Thanks for all the answers.  I tried on a few different pairs yesterday at Sports Authority.  I will hit Target in the next few days and then make up my mind.  I did not care for the Nike stuff, did not like the fit.  Hoepfully the local Target has something.  I live in the most depressed econemy in the country, so pickings are slim.

As far as how cold will I run in, not sure.  As long as I can leave my house run past the Coffee place and back (13.5m) in under 2 hours by March.  I will be happy, given my current running level,it's going to be a long winter.

Joe

I have some UA cold gear & I have some of the 'knock-off' stuff (Walmart, Target).  As far as keeping warm, I can't tell much difference.  Fit and fluidity with movement is different for me though.  UA, Nike both 'fit' better and are more likely to stay where they're supposed to for me - especially with tops.

I know it doesn't help now, but check sporting goods stores at the end of season.  They usually need to move the previous season's stuff.  I have a pair of cold gear compression tights that retailed for $80-ish, that I picked up for, oh $8-ish.  If you're in this for the long haul, building up your training gear over a few years is cheaper than trying to buy it all at once.  I also have phenomenal luck at TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls, etc.  (Women, be sure to check the mens and boys sections for tops too, if you're not top-heavy, like me!)

I have a set of UA that has made all the difference for me. My winter training is now tolerable without overdressing. My advice is go with it.

Matt Cazalas
Technical Writer

Network Cables

This is kind of why I asked how cold the OPer will be running in and how frequent.  I get heavy use out of my UA top in stuff most folks dont run in.  I could care less that it is UA from a brand standpoint, but it has worked for me from a quality standpoint.  Maybe there is stuff out there that is as good, but this is what I bought three years ago and it has given me no other reason to look elsewhere.  You can applaud the quality without it being brand lust.

I don't get it.

Is there really that much thought that goes into clothing?

This thread is almost as out of hand as the "potty mouth"thread.

1st I like Under Armour and I do own a few t-shirts, a vest, and a 1/4 zip pullover. I love em. I hated paying for them. I initially bought the t-shirts to wear under my body armor while working on the ambulance. Well, it gets pretty hot an humid in South Carolina even at 3am when the air temp is 88 degrees during the months of June-August. Yes, the shirts did their job, they kept me RELATIVELY cool while at work by transporting moisture away from my body. I also had a Walmart brand undershirt as well. The only difference was that after a 12 hour tour the Walmart shirt smelled like cat pee when the sweat evaporated and the UA shirt didn't.

Do your research. There are different types of moisture wicking fabrics out there. Most are comparable in the job that they do. Yes UA is somewhat more durable and probably won't smell like cat pee due to the antimicrobial treatment they use on the fabric. The reason UA is more comfortable and moves more fluidly with the wearer is because of the weaving process. You are paying for this in the end even though 1/2 of Under Armour's products are made in "Honduras, Mexico and other countries in the Caribbean basin." 

The US military clamored for this stuff until docs in the sandbox were racking their brains trying to figure out how to get melted polyester fabrics off the skin of tank and other tracked vehicle crewman who had been burned in fires. Yeah, they wear Nomex coveralls and Nomex doesn't melt but polyester does. There are several units now where UA type undershirts are banned from wear.

Mr. Plank saw a need and we all know necessity is the mother of invention. Let's remember that his first shorts were made from "lingerie fabric" and we all want to wear it now. Polypropylene was great for years as was silk as a base layer. All of us gear-queers out there are looking for the next whizz bang thing to use to give us an edge. All I'm saying is do your research first and then look for the best deals on this stuff.

I know it sounds like I'm ranting but I assure I am not, I just want to offer a little counterpoint and maybe another point of view. I understand that we have some people in the textile business here as well as someone who is close to the Under Armour brand as well. I don't even remember the OP's question at this point.  All I know id that my UA stuff as kept me cool in the summer on the ambulance and toasty in the winter in the tree-stand while hunting. Do your research, make you own informed decision.

Then again, where whatever, run faster, and get back home to your nice warm house.

-Chris