2XU HYOPTIK Thermal Compression Tights

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Disclaimer: I received a pair of 2XU HYOPTIK Thermal Compression Tights to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

NOTE: I’ve edited this post since it was originally shared on December 27…because I’ve fallen in love (with these tights!) – updates are in BLUE.

2XU HYOPTIK Thermal Compression Tights

Running in Vancouver generally means running in the rain, rather than the cold. But there’s a chilly dampness in the air that means even on days where the temperature is hovering above zero, it’s still pretty darn wintery. I have a pair of tights that I bought a couple of years ago, but I’ll admit I was pretty excited to have the opportunity to try and review a new brand as a BibRave Pro!

There was a brief debate among BibRave Pros about when the tights would arrive, and the very next day I got a package at my office. Given that I’m one of the few BibRave Pros in Canada, shipping can either be ridiculously slow or remarkably fast. This time, it was a latter (and better!).

2XU HYOPTIK Thermal Compression Tights

The first thing I have to remark on is the name: HYOPTIK. I flashed the box at a few people, who immediately thought it said ‘HYPNOTIK’. I think it’s kind of a neat name, though, and captures both the imagination as well as the reflective qualities of the tights.

My first trial run was 2 days later, heading out for a 16km run with my running group from Forerunners. I struggled with a couple of things:

  • What do I wear under my compression tights?
  • How do I get these things on?

In answer, I have since tried my tights both with and without underwear. I don’t know if there is a definitive best practice – and would welcome feedback on this point. I have concluded that a good pair of athletic boxer briefs (SAXX, to be precise) is the best under layer for these tights!

In terms of getting them on – my other tights have zippers at the ankles, making them easier to fit over my feet, but I’ve also noticed that they’re getting a bit ‘flappy’. The HYOPTIK tights have very tight ankles, so it takes a bit of doing to get them on – but once on, they’re snug and comfortable.

[Tweet “2XU HYOPTIK Thermal Compression Tights: What you need to know #runhyoptik #bibchat”]

I’ve taken these tights out for several a whole bunch of runs now, including one in very low-light conditions (i.e. Stanley Park in the dark).

What I like:

  • Snug, comfortable fit – I selected my size based on the detailed sizing chart on the 2XU website, and I feel like I made the right decision
  • Thermal material, but not bulky – the ‘brushed interior thermal layer for added warmth‘ does its job, but doesn’t add thickness to the tights – and as the weather got colder, I stayed warm!
  • Cool design – I just like the look of these tights – kind of fun and funky
  • Compression seems to make a difference – I’m not fully bought in to the value of compression garments, but I’ll admit that my legs have felt pretty good both during and after my runs in these tights. During the runs, I feel like my muscles are supported, and my tweaky knee has felt better; afterwards, I don’t feel the fatigue I sometimes do.
  • Wearable shorts-free! I have always been a bit shy/modest and have a few of my own body issues. Whenever I wear tights, I always wear shorts over them. BUT – there’s something about how these tights fit and feel that make me think that it doesn’t really matter. I’ve been out, running, in public – shorts-free! This is awesome, because it’s way less cumbersome and makes me believe that I’m more aerodynamic!
2XU HYOPTIK Thermal Compression Tights
Shorts-free tights!

What I like less *with some key caveats*:

  • Sub-par reflective quality – I have some other gear that truly shines in the dark, makes you stand out; the HYOPTIK logo seems like more of a matte finish, and I don’t feel it does its job as well as it should. Upon further experimentation, I think they do a pretty decent job – just not as ‘shiny’, but still visible.
  • Hard to get on and off – but as noted above, this is a challenge offset by the positive effects of the compression. But no quick changes when I have to sit on the floor to get them over my feet! I changed out of these at the gym this week – a bit challenging, but I’m getting the hang of it.
  • Material bunching at knees – during my runs, I was aware of the material behind my knees, a bit like elephant ankles. It’s probably something I’ll get used to, but during my first couple of runs I found this distracting. I’m used to the fit now – this doesn’t bother me at all.
  • Lack of pockets – there is a tiny pocket inside the waistband, maybe enough space for a key. Is it feasible to have a back zippered pocket and still maintain compression? Not sure about this one. Not practical to have pockets in these tights!

Overall, I’m pretty happy thrilled with my 2XU HYOPTIK Thermal Compression Tights! Throughout the upcoming winter months, I expect they’ll get a lot of mileage.

2XU HYOPTIK Thermal Compression Tights

I’m pleased to note that the Canadian 2XU site has some pretty amazing Boxing Week sales through until January 3, 2016. Over at the US 2XU site, there are some good post-Christmas deals.

Follow 2XU on Twitter @2xu_usa, #RunHyoptik, and #bibchat.

Do you run with tights? Have you had any experience with compression tights?

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