Hands down one of the best, hardest things I can do in winter is go for a run… outside.
Blistering cold wind, frozen fingertips, and a frosty red nose are just some of the characteristics I associate with running in February. Things I’d rather not experience if I don’t have to.
But there’s an annoyingly strange truth to it all. We become mentally and physically stronger when we do things we don’t want to do.
And the Craft SubZ Running Light Pants help get me out the door on these cold mornings.
Light Pants
I can’t tell you how much I dislike running in anything besides shorts.
So much so that when the rugby preseason started in high school, I always trained in shorts. I’m talking about Wisconsin in February. On a field in front of Lake Michigan which only made it more stupidly cold.
The wind was like knives flying past our legs.
BUT I preferred that wear shorts instead of pants at practice. (And yes, even when the field was covered in snow.)
Fast forward to now, and just this past Thanksgiving I ran 14 miles in shorts despite rain, wind, and 30°F weather.
However, it keeps getting down to 20°F or less and I’ve been skipping runs because of how awful it’s become. Thankfully though, Craft offered to send me a pair of their SubZ Light Running Pants.
Hesitant at first, I accepted the offer because of their description: “Lightweight warmth. Full-range movement.” And I’m so glad I said yes!
What Did Craft Do?
When Craft says the pants are light, there’s one reason why I don’t agree, and two reasons why I do.
Why don’t I agree? Because shorts are still lighter than their SubZ Light Pants.
Why do I agree? Firstly, because their pants weigh less than half of a casual pair of sweatpants. Secondly, because of how Craft designed the pants.
The inside of the front top half (from your knee up) has this wool like material that quickly creates and holds in your body heat. The rest of the inside of the pant legs are a super thin, blanket-soft fabric that does a supreme job of keeping the rest of your legs at a goldilocks temperature: not warm, but not cold.
Topped off with a wind resistant outside layer, it prevents warmth from being whisked away in each stride. I love the slightly grippy ankle cuffs that compress against my ankles too! These ensure the pants don’t ride up or allow a whisper of cold air to sneak in.
Another nice touch are zippers on the bottoms of each pant leg, that give you the option to open them up if you get too toasty.
Below 30°F
To be honest, I still prefer running in shorts. The freedom and simplicity they offer just makes sense for a sport like running… unless it’s below freezing outside.
If we’re honest with ourselves, at some temperatures it’s just a dumb idea to not wear clothing that protects you and your body. Whether it’s winter or summer.
So, here’s my new rule of thumb for winter running: If it’s 30°F or less, wear the SubZ Light Running Pants.
They continue to help me get outside and stay healthy, no matter how ridiculously cold it is. And all the credit goes to Craft with these pants and this hoodie.
The Recap
If you’re like me and you prefer to run outside instead of a treadmill, or you occasionally run less because of numbingly cold weather, then you’ll want to try a pair of Craft’s SubZ Light Running Pants.
And as someone that doesn’t like to spend money, the price is a bit hefty at $120. I highly recommend you look out for sales! If the price doesn’t bother you, then you should’ve bought a pair last week.
These pants help me get outside even when the weather turns and drops 10°F overnight.