Review of The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights

Winter weather is constantly changing and some days you just don’t know what to expect. I have three different weather apps that I constantly check during the winter in the hopes that I can make an informed guess as to what I should dress for running. But the weather is fickle and living in the mountains, it’s hard to keep track. I’ve learned to just be prepared for anything.

The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights make it easy for me to choose the bottom half of my running outfit. I wear these tights in temperatures below -4°C, in blizzards, wind, or on really cold days. If I could only choose one pair of running tights for winter, these would be it. They tick all the boxes.

In summary: The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights ($100) are my favorite winter running tights. They’re fleece lined and wick moisture away really quickly! They use The North Face’s FlashDry technology, which feels like a second skin, pulling moisture away from the body and repelling moisture from the outside – a perfect combination for winter running.

The mid-rise waistband (with internal drawcord) is comfortable and never rides down. These tights even have three pockets. One of them is zipped in the back and there are two lined hand pockets on the outside of the thighs. The inseam is just above the ankle at 27.6 inches and may not be long enough for taller runners.

Read our full roundup: The best running tights for women in winter.

Review of The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights

When I first slipped into the updated The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights, I knew they had done it right. I liked the previous version, but these were much more comfortable.

The inside of the tights was completely lined with a fleece layer, not just the back panel like the previous version. It felt downright luxurious.

The wide waistband was still comfortable and didn’t pinch. I’m 1.62 m tall, so the inside leg length of 69.5 cm fits me perfectly. However, it might be too short for taller runners.

Thumbs up: The North Face FlashDry technology

When running in the winter, it’s important to stay dry. To do that, the fabric needs to keep moisture away from you. That includes wicking it away from your skin and protecting you from the elements. The North Face’s FlashDry technology does just that.

Thanks to the moisture-wicking properties, my sweat was quickly drawn off of me, keeping me dry and therefore warmer. During thunderstorms, they also kept me from getting wet. I took them off for a 2-hour run during a typical spring thunderstorm. The kind of thunderstorm with heavy, wet, huge snowflakes. I was impressed with these tights, they kept me dry and warm the entire time. As a bonus, they didn’t sag or lose their shape at the end of the run!

Bags: Five in total

These updated pants hit the nail on the head by adding extra pockets. There are five pockets in total, including two lined hand pockets. Yes! I ended up using the hand pockets to stash stuff since they were big enough (6″ x 3.75″) and were a handy place to keep my phone.

The zipped waistband pocket (6.5″ x 2.5″) on the back is large enough to hold a phone as well, but I prefer pockets in the hip/thigh area for easier access. I’ve found this zipped pocket to be ideal for storing valuables like keys, cash, or cards. The two side mesh waistband pockets (7″ x 3″) are perfect for gels, chews, or trash you find along the way.

Drawstring and gusset

My short torso needs a mid-rise tight. These ones sit right at my belly button. The wide 3-inch waistband is comfortable and doesn’t roll up when I bend over. They also have an inside drawcord for a more customized fit. I didn’t notice the tights slipping while running. But everyone’s body is a little different, and drawcords help reduce that risk.

This gusset is designed to maximize mobility. Because of the soft fabric, these running tights already feel delicious against the skin. But with the added gusset, there is virtually no restriction. When warming up with leg swings, high knees, or lunges, I never felt the slightest tightness.

Improvements

While this updated version is a step in the right direction, there is still room for improvement. I was disappointed to see the wind panel removed. I appreciated the extra protection for my legs. However, there are definitely fewer restrictions without it. And the fleece interior is now integrated into the entire leggings rather than just the back panels, so there is a trade-off.

Thanks to the dense fabric structure, the Tight Panel is wind-resistant, but still not as impenetrable as a real Windwall panel.

I also noticed that these tights pilled faster than I had hoped. After just a few runs, I noticed some light pilling on the inside of my thighs and on the outside of my ankle where I had slipped down a rock on a steep slope. They kept me warm, but they showed signs of wear faster than other tights.

The other improvement I was hoping for (and didn’t see) was the addition of reflective markings. Currently, there are two half-inch-wide rectangles on the outside of each ankle. That’s all. Winter running is often in low-light conditions, and reflective markings can help keep runners safe. It’s important not to rely solely on the reflectivity of a pair of running pants to be seen, but it helps if your pants come with additional safety features.

Finally

The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights are a reliable and versatile option for winter runners. With a fleece lining on the inside and innovative FlashDry technology, these tights kept me warm and dry even in demanding winter conditions.

Five pockets, including lined hand pockets, make the pants more practical and provide space for essentials on long runs. The mid-rise waistband with internal drawcord ensures a comfortable and secure fit and adapts to different body types.

Despite its many strengths, there are areas where there is still room for improvement. While the updated version with the integrated fleece lining offers more comfort and mobility, some runners may wish for more protection from high winds by eliminating the Windwall panel. To improve durability and safety, the fabric’s tendency to pill and the limited reflective markings could be addressed in future versions.

Overall, The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights offer impressive performance and functionality. They can withstand a wide range of weather conditions and keep you warm and dry while you run during the winter months. Whether you’re braving snowstorms or facing cold winds, these tights are there for you and ensure you can focus on your run without worrying about the weather.