Francesca Donovan recommends the Helly Hansen Blaze 7/8 Tights – a low-maintenance workhorse.
The brand designed the Blaze tights “to give you the comfort of tights and the protection of softshell hiking pants on the trail”. My verdict is: Mission accomplished – no sagging and no snagging. The Helly Hansen Blaze 7/8 tights are the limpets of the hiking legging world – they simply won’t budge.
Francesca Donovan recommends
These tights are an extremely low-maintenance workhorse. What they lack in technical features you might find on more expensive leggings, they make up for in comfort.- comfortable reinforcements
- freedom of movement
- secure waistband
- opacity
- lightweight
- only one pocket
- no DWR
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: £90 (available from Helly Hansen) Weight: 232g (L) Materials: 66% Polyamide, 34% Elastane (reinforcements – 47% Polyamide (Recycled), 41% Polyamide, 12% Elastane) Features: 4-way stretch fabric, adjustable waist with drawcord Pockets: 1 large zipped pocket Hem: simple low-profile Sizes: XS – XL Men’s version: No www.hellyhansen.com |
The deep waistband fits comfortably high above the belly button and at the small of my back, away from potential pack friction points. The four-way stretch is so effective that despite having disparate waist and hip measurements, I didn’t use the built-in adjustable cord at the waist while walking, though it does help during climbing or running. When not in use, the drawcord tucks neatly away into the band.
I’ve never been sold on the idea of 7/8 leggings, but I’m a convert now. The hem extends below the line of anything longer than a crew sock and leaves a decent gap with anything shorter than a low-cut sock. I’m happy wearing the Blaze tights on long days in boots or with my trail runners for faster-paced outings when the extra ventilation is welcome.
Breathability is good. These aren’t designed to be winter-ready but I run hot so they’ll see me through all seasons, if I get my layering right. They resist odours over several days, wash well and maintain their shape. Another plus: they are not see-through! There’s no DWR but they’re comfortable enough when wet – no sagging – and dry fairly quickly after a shower.
The pocket sits low on the left thigh with a vertical, easy-to-use zipper for better security than a mesh or envelope pocket, and it’s accessible while wearing a waterproof and pack with hipbelt. Given the stretch fabric, it’s big enough for a smartphone and keys. I like it so much, it’s a shame there’s just the one! However, the Blaze benefit from simplicity. They’re among the lightest, most packable tights I’ve tested.
I was impressed with the extra softshell reinforcement, stretching from the hem over the knee and across the seat to the waistband. Lower leg protection was a real advantage when wading through plenty of heather and gorse on test and no snagging has resulted. The fabric maintains a good amount of stretch despite a lower elastane count, yet, I’ve found these areas to be truly abrasion resistant even on gritstone. The seams don’t chafe or irritate after a full day on the trail, either. There’s some give behind the knee which adds to the overall freedom of movement.
These tights are an extremely low-maintenance workhorse. What they lack in technical features you might find on more expensive leggings (reflective strips, extra pockets, DWR) they make up for in comfort and everyday versatility.
How we tested
Francesca Donovan tested in late winter and early spring walking, trail running and bouldering at home in the Peak District, and while trekking the Glyndŵr’s Way in mid-Wales. She also took them for spins in the gym. She is 5’6 with relatively short legs, wears a UK16/18 and has a low waist to hip ratio. Compare these tights with other in our guide to the best hiking leggings.
