Francesca Donovan rates the Peak Performance Ascent Track Tights from the (relatively) new Swedish brand on the block.
The Peak Performance Ascent Track Tights are the first bit of kit I’ve tested from the Swedish brand founded in Åre in 1986. Peak Performance design is rooted in skiing so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve been impressed with the thoughtful features on these leggings, though.
Francesca Donovan recommends
Packed with thoughtful extras I didn’t know I needed, these Peak Performance tights may just be worth the price tag if you don’t mind a medium support approach.- smart storage solutions
- lower leg reinforcements
- overall fit
- medium support
- price
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: £102 (available from Peak Performance) Weight: 263g (XL) Materials: 260gsm double yarn, ultra-stretch jersey; fine-meshed stretch mesh pocket; 95gsm stretch ripstop reinforcements Features: Adjustable drawcord at waistband, narrow flatlock covering seams, keyring loop Pockets: 2 YKK zipped thigh pockets; 2 mesh pockets Sizes: XS-XL Men’s version: no peakperformance.com |
Firstly, the pockets are a revelation. Four pockets – two zipped on the upper thigh and two mesh pockets at the top of the leg – constitutes an abundance of storage for a hiking legging. The zipped pockets are huge – I’ve squeezed a small guidebook in there alongside snacks – thanks to a clever layered fabric approach that gives the pockets more depth. The mesh pockets are also plenty big enough for a smartphone or my sunnies and, again, the obligatory snacks. Finally, with barely any extra weight added, Peak Performance has included a waist cord loop for hanging keys or light accessories like a buff. It’s a feature I’ve never seen on leggings for hiking before and it’s brilliant.
More impressively, even when the pockets are fully loaded up, I didn’t find the leggings were pulled down. This is thanks to the waistband which is quite deep and has an in-built cord which feels very durable. The waistband was quite baggy initially on me but after tying the cord, I’ve found the flexible fit comfortable and the (many) seams don’t irritate at all.
Unlike some leggings which are simply designed to stretch over an individual’s shape, these are slightly tapered so they don’t compress my hips and seat excessively. I have one small criticism of the overall fit; they are slightly baggy at the ankles, perhaps due to the V-slit at the hem. Tucked into socks, though, I barely notice this. Elsewhere, on the lower leg, the lightweight 95gsm stretch ripstop both felt protective in low gorse and heather and, as claimed, dew and light rain beads nicely.
Peak Performance say the tights are medium support. Indeed, the fit feels slightly looser with less compression than on others tested here. Some will prefer this for fast and light adventure to allow for better circulation while others may miss the extra support. I fall into either camp, depending on the weather. The lightweight, silky soft fabric and comfy next-to-skin wiggle room have helped me regulate my temperature hiking on warmer days. On colder runs, however, I might choose something thicker and more supportive.
While lightweight and breathable on and not at all opaque, the lighter fabric perhaps makes them less flattering on the wearer than others. But the design features do mean they’re a great looking pair of leggings. Packed with thoughtful extras I didn’t know I needed, these Peak Performance Ascent Track tights may just be worth the price tag if you don’t mind a medium support approach.
How we tested
Francesca tested these leggings on multiple walks and day hikes in the Peak District and north Wales throughout late winter and spring 2026 as well as in the gym and at her local climbing wall. She is 5’7 and has a small waist relative to large thighs (usually taking between a UK16 and 18, depending on brand) and runs hot.
To compare them to others, see our guide to the best leggings for hiking.
