Gore Wear X7 Partial Gore-Tex Unfinium Tights
Most versatile bottoms
Our take Looking for a single piece to pull double duty as long johns and light shell pants? These sleek bottoms are a mash-up of both. Like traditional long undies, they’re stretchy and vacuum up sweat: “On a snowshoe race up Mt. Washington on a 25°F, sunny day, these kept me relatively dry,” one tester notes. And the wind-blocking Infinium panels on the front (from the waist to just under the knees) add effective weatherproofing.
The details A trim fit and generous stretch (thanks to the 85 percent nylon, 15 percent elastane fabric) are ideal for high-intensity activities. A thigh pocket holds keys, and the ankles stretch over cross-country skiing boots and don’t bag out. In colder weather, the X7s are smooth enough to easily layer under pants. Caveat: price.
Trail cred “The X7s proved perfect for New Hampshire skate-skiing trips,” one tester says. “Comfortable, yet plenty stretchy.”
8.5 oz. (m’s L); m’s S-XXL, w’s XS-L