Stio Glide Excessive Rise Tech Tight Assessment

Backside Line

The Stio Glide Tech Legging strikes a uncommon steadiness between excellent match and real consolation. Whereas most pairs lean towards one aspect or the opposite, these do each exceptionally nicely. The waistband sits snugly close to the stomach button with out digging in, and through the first few days of wear and tear, we didn’t even want to make use of the infinity tie. It felt like an ideal match! The material’s thickness gives discreet protection and sturdiness, so that you don’t want to fret about sheerness or snags.

After two to 3 wears with out laundering, the waistband could loosen barely, inflicting the tie to be wanted to maintain them in place throughout hikes.

The lower-left zipper pocket is well-placed and stretchy, however the zipper requires mild dealing with—a minor flaw in an in any other case intelligent design.

Whereas these leggings are the most costly in our lineup, the efficiency justifies the funding. They’re splendid for adventurers able to spend money on high quality gear or anybody looking for a reliable, go-to pair. When you’re on the lookout for one thing extra budget-friendly, ultra-comfy, or insulated, take a look at our favourite mountaineering leggings for ladies gear information.

How We Examined

We examined these leggings on and off in a 30-day interval. We largely wore them for uphill climbs, working errands, and strolling the canine to guage their match and luxury. We wore them on a pre-sunset hike beginning at 8,600 ft, proper after a rainstorm, with a powerful chill within the air.

We additionally examined during times of intense warmth, typically climbing 500 to 1000 ft, whereas eradicating high layers. All testing happened in July and August in South Lake Tahoe or Kirkwood, California, within the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Consolation

The standout consolation function of those leggings is the thick waistband mendacity utterly flat towards the stomach: no digging, no pinching, only a safe, easy match. The material is surprisingly tender and a bit of thicker than many different choices we examined, which frequently means a trade-off in consolation, however not right here. Even with the added sturdiness and construction, the leggings really feel remarkably straightforward to maneuver in.

Throughout testing, we wore them on every part from quick, steep, and scorching hikes to lengthy treks in cooler climate, and even for all-day journey after an enormous day on the path. They by no means chafed, rubbed, or brought about stiffness, and we seen no pilling after repeated put on.

They’re the sort of leggings you can put on to mattress after which roll straight right into a morning hike with out lacking a beat. That steadiness of softness, stretch, and all-day wearability makes them among the many most snug leggings we’ve examined, which is very spectacular given their excessive efficiency in match and options.

Match

The match of those leggings impressed us from the second we pulled them on. The waistband sits at simply the best spot, proper across the stomach button, providing a flattering excessive rise with out feeling restrictive. They hug the legs evenly from hip to ankle, with no bunching on the knees or pooling on the ankles, making a easy, streamlined look.

On our first put on, we didn’t even want the drawstring, not even on a 2-mile stroll with a telephone tucked within the pocket. The waistband stayed in place with out rolling, even when bending or transferring dynamically. Over a number of wears with out washing, the material relaxed a bit, and the infinity-loop drawstring proved helpful for longer hikes. Even with loaded pockets, the match didn’t shift or sag.

Options

The pocket setup on these leggings is excellent for each measurement and comfort. We comfortably carried a big smartphone within the drop-in pockets, together with snacks for the canine throughout hikes. The zipper pocket on the decrease thigh was splendid for necessities like keys or doggy luggage, staying safe with out feeling tight or awkward to entry.

We have been pleasantly shocked by how straightforward it was to achieve into the pockets mid-activity; not like different leggings, the place tight pockets make grabbing objects troublesome, these pockets struck an ideal steadiness of safety and accessibility. The upper, barely again placement helped hold gear out of the way in which throughout motion, enhancing general consolation on the path.

The infinity-loop drawstring is one other considerate function — when unused, it’s utterly unobtrusive, so that you overlook it’s even there. The zipper itself was straightforward to handle with two palms, however could be more durable to function whereas sporting gloves.

Breathability & Heat

Regardless of their thicker material, these leggings shocked us with how breathable they felt throughout a scorching, uphill hike in a thunderstorm-like afternoon. We anticipated to really feel stifled or overheated, however the airflow was surprisingly good—higher than most thicker leggings we’ve examined. This breathability makes them a superb choice for shoulder seasons or excessive mountain terrain the place temperatures can swing.

On a frigid morning, the leggings stored our legs feeling snug—not too heat however adequately cozy for standalone put on. When you might layer them underneath pants, the zipper pocket makes that much less sensible, so we suggest utilizing them alone. Their mixture of heat and air flow makes them versatile for year-round put on, particularly contemplating how nicely they carried out in different areas.

Total, these leggings discover a good steadiness between insulation and airflow, offering dependable consolation with out sacrificing breathability in numerous circumstances.

Sturdiness

The thicker material of those leggings instantly signifies sturdiness, and after a number of wears, we seen no indicators of thinning, pilling, or fuzziness. The fabric additionally feels dense sufficient to stop being see-through, which made us extra snug sporting them while not having lengthy shirts to cowl up.

We examined the leggings by sitting on varied tough surfaces like rocks, logs, and grime, and so they confirmed no indicators of wear and tear or discomfort. In comparison with different sturdy leggings, these stand out by offering wonderful consolation and breathability together with toughness, which is a uncommon combo.

The one potential weak level is the zipper pocket, which wants cautious dealing with to stop snagging and to verify it closes utterly. Though this might develop into some extent of wear and tear over time, it hasn’t brought about any points but.

Ought to You Purchase the Stio Glide Tech Legging?

These leggings are perfect for somebody on the lookout for a dependable pair that may deal with most conditions. They’re excellent for individuals who hike within the mountains throughout shoulder seasons, journey typically, or choose a flexible piece that simply transitions from lively put on to informal type. In addition they swimsuit minimalists who wish to pack gentle and wish a reliable choice for lengthy drives, day hikes, or enjoyable at camp.

They’re not designed for individuals who choose an excellent comfortable, compression-style waistband or want ultra-light, high-sweat-wicking materials for intense exercises in scorching circumstances.

For anybody who values consolation, sturdiness, and flexibility in a single piece, these leggings are a superb alternative. They supply a dependable, all-purpose choice for individuals who need to seize one pair and be prepared for nearly something.

What Different Climbing Leggings Ought to You Think about?

If these leggings are ticking a couple of bins, however not all, take into account reviewing these different shut contenders, that are additionally a part of our greatest mountaineering leggings for ladies gear information.

Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Stash Assessment: If you’d like all of the consolation of the Stio Glide Tech however in a lighter, extra packable design with out extras like a zippered pocket, the Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Stash is a wonderful alternative. It focuses on coziness with an extra-wide waistband and easy, no-frills options.

Revolution Race Alaska Fleece Lined Assessment: When you’re on the lookout for a winter-ready model of the Stio Glide Tech, the Revolution Race Alaska Fleece Lined gives an analogous waistband match and really feel with further insulation. It omits the zippered pocket however has two drop-in pockets which are well-placed for simple entry.