Running Gear Review: Brooks Utopia Tights and Hot Chillys Top

If I had an endless budget for buying clothes (I don't) my closet would be filled with a lot more running and workout clothing. So comfortable, but beyond that, on a deeper level, I am my most confident when I have running shoes on and the clothes that go along with them. In today's post, I am reviewing two new pieces of running clothing that I have acquired recently: Brooks Utopia Thermal Tight II and Hot Chillys Micro Elite Chamois Sublimated Print Crewneck.  I purchased both of these items on my own accord, I am not being reimbursed at all, all opinions are my own, all the normal stuff you read in a product review blog post disclaimer, yadda yadda, etc.

Brooks Women's Utopia Thermal Tight II
I bought these tights on the clearance rack at a local sporting goods store. I had never tried Brooks bottoms before, so I took Medium and Large to try on. The mediums were just really too tight on my rear and thighs, so I opted for the large. The large isn't perfect on me because, while they fit much better through the seat and thighs, they are pretty big through the waist, which is a common issue for me. Gotta love my curves! Thankfully, they have an inner drawstring in the waist, so when I cinch that up really tight, everything works pretty well.

Back and front views of Utopia Thermal Tights.

I have used these tights several times now in varying levels of cold and wind. According to the website, they are designed for temperatures under 40 degrees. That is no exaggeration! The warmest weather I have worn these in was temperatures right around freezing with wind at about 10-15mph and I felt right on the edge of being too warm. The coldest I have worn these was when I ran with Christy at Chico.  (BTW, that post is quickly climbing the charts to being one of the most popular posts I've ever written. Check it out!) When we left on our run it was 2 degrees outside, no wind. I stayed warm enough in these tights, even without another base layer underneath. I think if it had been much colder or windy, I would have wanted one more thin layer underneath or at the very least some tall socks to wear. Even though it was super cold that morning, I still sweated a lot and the tights felt wet when i took them off, but I never felt wet while I was wearing them, so this tells me that they wick like a motha-you-know-what! Technical fabric that keeps you warm and dry is hard to come by, folks. Lots of products say they will do it, but under perform in reality. Not the Utopias. Bottom line, though, these tights are made for cold weather!

These tights are definitely created with outdoor distance runners in mind. They have mucho pockets for anything you could want-- two large side pockets and three inner key pockets. They zip up from the ankle so you could pull them on and off easily. One of the best features is the strategically placed reflective tape. Not only are you seen easier by oncoming traffic, but the placement of the tape elongates and slims the look of your legs. Always a bonus when you have big, powerful, runner/skier-girl legs like me!

Seriously. Lots of pockets, folks. And oh yeah, drawstring!

I love the color and soft, technical fabric of these pants, I love the fit of these pants, and I love the performance of these pants. It's just too bad I can't wear them to track practice because they go against school dress code, but that's another topic for another day. I will wear the heck out of these pants for years to come when I'm running on my own time. I'll definitely keep Brooks in mind next time I'm looking for performance running tights and clothing, too!  I have a few other items from Brooks including a Run Happy tshirt and some running shorts, and I love both of those pieces, too. These people know what's up.

Run Happy! 

Hot Chillys Micro Elite Chamois Sublimated Print Crewneck
I found this top on my recent ski trip to Red Lodge in their on-mountain t-shirt and gear shop. The print on the front of the shirt was immediately eye-catching-- I knew I had to have this shirt! I justified the purchase by selling myself on its versatility. I told myself that I could dress the shirt up and wear it to school or other social functions, I could wear it skiing (duh!) and could probably wear it running. Endless possibilities! Hot Chillys is a company that specializes in cold-weather baselayers, specifically for skiing. They have a wide variety of weights and textures, and also offer socks. Ironically, the only use I haven't worn it for yet is skiing...

Pants and top in action, with dogs. :)

This shirt is designed to be a lightweight, soft, next-to-skin layer for active outdoor pursuits in cold weather. I have worn it next-to-skin on that same cold weather run I mentioned earlier with Christy. The top did what it was supposed to-- wicked my sweat away while keeping me warm and dry. I have also worn this shirt a few times for non-workout purposes and received bunches of compliments both times. The side panel seams are very slimming and flattering and the southwest-inspired design on the front panel is eye catching and super on-trend right now. I love the bright colors! So many running and skiing layering pieces are just the same old boring palette of blacks, grays, and whites. Great to have a pop of bold design!

I bought a medium in this shirt and it fits me perfect through the body. The only complaint I have about the fit is that the sleeves and body length are just a little too short. Not a huge problem because I like to wear a tank top under most of my shirts anyway, and I almost always roll my sleeves up. Anyone taller than me (I'm 5'5") might be bothered by the short torso length though.

All in all, this is a great, versatile top and I'm thinking pretty hard about purchasing the matching leggings to wear with it! I found them on Zappos... and they might have to become mine soon! Or, hey, if anyone's feeling generous and like they want to give me a gift... ;)

Me and Iggy!

So there you have it! Two new pieces of running and fitness clothing added to my fit-fashion stash! Both are from smaller specialty companies, which I am all about supporting, especially after reading this eye opening post on Lauren Fleshman's blog: http://asklaurenfleshman.com/2015/02/usatf-yourwelcome-commercial-the-problem/. Lauren's post talks about how Nike athletes are represented by USATF at a much higher rate and higher quality than non-Nike athletes. I agree with her that it's not fair and it's not right. There are many other specialty running and athletic companies that sponsor athletes besides Nike and it's time to give them a shot, too. That's why supporting companies like Brooks, or Saucony, Asics, or my favorite, Oiselle, and others, is important. So, for that reason, too, I'm going to be trying to stay away from Nike for a while.

For any of my other fitness enthusiasts out there reading this, do you have any favorite brands or favorite pieces?

Me and Harvey, and a smiley barn!