Article by Matt Kolat
In the article, I test and review Soar Running's Cargo Tights, Long Sleeve Merino & Silk Base Layer, Winter Gloves, and Run Cap.
Matt K - Soar sent me a bunch of items to complete a winter ready outfit but the standout surely are the Cargo Tights. I will address the elephant in the room first, not that’s not a picture of me - I wish I had this much hair. The tights themselves are excellent, the fit TTS albeit maybe slightly long. I ordered my usual Large but probably if you are or trim build you could rock a size smaller than usual. The name gives away the purpose of those tights as they are meant to help you carry whatever that is that you need.
My favorite pocket is the one, where in the picture above, the model stows away an orange jacket. I am one of those people that likes to start the run in more layers than they finish and find this solution excellent. I typically also finish off my run with a mile long walk as I find that beneficial for injury prevention, I can then pull out my jacket from the large back pocket, put it on and avoid catching a cold.
There is also a secure, zippered pocket as well as a split compartment pouch pocket. Both front and back have printed reflective bits which, if you read my RTR reviews, are something I deeply care about in those dark winter months.
I’ve saved my favorite feature of the Cargo Tights for last. You know how sometimes on a run tights roll down and you have to stop your run, or even worse mid run, you have to readjust and pull them up? Soar have thought of that and implemented printed silicone grippers in the lower and upper sections of each of the legs and they really work - tights stay in place throughout the run.
Soar Cargo Tights XS-XXL
Soar Long Sleeve Merino & Silk Base Layer ( $125, £92)
Apart from the brilliant Cargo Tights Soar also sent me a long sleeve. I have to say this is a first for me as normally during the winter I go for long sleeves made from similar fabrics I wear throughout the year. The experience was very positive, but also quite warm. This is an excellent layer for winter but very close fitting. I would reckon it’s mostly applicable for colder weather as a part of the layering system rather than standalone. If you prefer a more loose fit for winter I would look elsewhere.
I quite like the ventilation provided by the generous, wide neck cutaway. The seams are completely flat and the fabric is very soft and comfortable. Another top offering from Soar.
SOAR Long Sleeve Merino & Silk Base Layer XS-XXL
SOAR Winter Gloves ($51, £38)
I also tested the Winter Gloves. They are very warm and comfortable and come in a range of sizes. What sets them apart from competition is a lot of silicone detailing on the fingers which makes using a smartphone much easier (if it’s not on Strava it does not count and all that). However my favorite feature is the clip which allows the gloves to be bound together while not being used. Think that this is not important? Well think again about all of those times when you lost a single glove - now that problem has been sorted for you, pretty smart I’d say.
Winter Gloves S - L
SOAR Run Cap ($54 £40)
As a final touch to complete the look Soar also provided me with the Run Cap. It’s made of very lightweight material and has multiple ventilation holes. It has a very short brim which is reminiscent of traditional cycling caps and looks quite hip. It only comes in one size and it’s fully adjustable via a cord in the back.
This is a very comfortable cap but the only downside it has is that you won't be able to wear it back to front.
Please find a photo of yours truly above rocking the full outfit (including the Winter Gillet, which is brilliant btw and has been reviewed last year on RoadTrailRun.
Maciej 'Matt' Kolat- 37 years old, hailing from Poland but pounding Scottish pavements and trails since 2007. Mainly runs shorter distances on pavement 5-10 km and reserves longer runs for beautiful Scottish Glens. Matt’s opinion sometimes may differ from other RTR testers as he is the slowest of the bunch (5k at 25:38). Matt also uses running as a way to stay healthy having shed 100 lbs so far (and counting).
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