3 Recommended Compression Tights for Different Purposes, Selected by a Carefree Female Mountaineer
Written by Azusa Uehara
I spend my weekdays staring at my computer until late into the night. I know I should avoid getting enough exercise, but I can't help but go out on the weekends. I find myself suddenly hopping on an overnight bus and immersing myself in the great outdoors, the polar opposite of my everyday life surrounded by metal boxes and LED lamps, before returning to my everyday life as the sun sets. For my carefree mountain climbing style, the one item I'm particular about is compression tights
From running to mountain climbing, the choice of skirts and tights has become a standard for many mountain girls, including myself. They offer sun protection, foot protection, warmth, and, above all, a stylish look, making them an essential appeal for many women. However, what tights can't fully cover is fatigue, muscle pain, and pain in the knees and other joints that can occur during long, unusual climbs and descents. Compression tights, which focus on prevention and recovery, should allow you to enjoy your usual journeys more comfortably
That's why I want to be very picky about my compression tights, but the price is always a problem, making it difficult to try out a variety of them. Compression tights vary in design, comfort, and priority functions depending on the manufacturer and model. Since the desired elements vary depending on the user's purpose and physical constitution, finding the best model for you can be extremely difficult
This time, the editor-in-chief spoke to me and said he would let me do a serious comparative review of popular and noteworthy brands that I had been interested in. I finally got the dream opportunity to actually try out various models!
So, from now on I'd like to provide detailed comparison reviews and individual impressions, but in the first installment I'll introduce the recommended models that I felt I would like to recommend after actually wearing various compression tights, based on the purpose and type of wearer
table of contents
- Things to look out for when choosing compression tights for mountain climbing
- The models we tried out to select our recommendations
- I'm hooked! 3 compression tights
- Joint support gives you a lighter step than you'll find anywhere else! Also helps prevent injuries. Wacoal CW-X STABILYX Model Revolution Type
- 2XU W's Elite Compression Tights: Surprisingly comfortable and fatigue-free thanks to graduated compression!
- C3fit Impact Air Tights: Light as air for a great fit!
- summary
- We are looking for reviewers
Things to look out for when choosing compression tights for mountain climbing
Compression tights vary in the emphasis placed on various factors depending on the manufacturer and model, but they all share two common functions: "compression (pressure/gradual compression)" and "joint support (taping effect)." The former primarily serves to reduce fatigue and aid recovery, while the latter serves to prevent and alleviate knee and hip pain and wobble. For compression tights designed for mountain climbing, it's important to find a model that offers a good balance of both functions. At the very least, these two functions should provide support for the long, strenuous climbs and descents that characterize mountain climbing. For me, I first consider these factors and then focus on more detailed aspects such as comfort, ease of movement, breathability, and UV protection
The models we tried out to select our recommendations
- Wacoal CW-X STABILYX model (Revolution)
- 2XU W's Elite Compression Tights
- C3fit Impact Air Tights
- skins DNAMIC Women's Long Tights
- Mizuno BG9000 Bio Gear Tights
table of contents
I'm hooked! 3 compression tights
*The evaluation items for each model are relative guidelines based on the try-on impressions
Joint support provides unparalleled gait lightness! Also helps prevent injuries.
Wacoal CW-X STABILYX model, Revolution type.
Comfort ★★ Ease of movement ★★★ Fatigue reduction ★★ Joint support ★★★
CW-X is a leading brand of compression tights for mountain climbing. Perhaps it's the posture-correcting effect of the excellent balance of "joint support" and "compression" that gives your legs a light, bouncy feeling that you can't get with other compression tights. This bouncy feeling supports your movements even when you're tired from walking
In addition, the model provides joint support using taping theory, making it a great choice for those who are just starting to hike mountains or who experience joint pain (especially in the knees) when walking for long periods of time
The Revolution type is a lightweight model with no seams. It inevitably lacks knee support compared to models with seams, but the lightness and lack of seams make up for it in comfort. Also, the print on the pattern will inevitably fade with repeated washing, so it's a matter of personal preference whether you want the lightweight, seamless Revolution type or sacrifice the lightness and durability of the seams
2XU W's Elite Compression Tights: Surprisingly comfortable and fatigue-free thanks to graduated compression!
Comfort★★ Ease of movement★★ Fatigue reduction★★★ Joint support★
The graduated compression you feel the moment you put them on allows you to feel the blood flowing from your ankles to your thighs. The two types of material in the front and back provide firm pressure, so it's easy to see how the overall compression reduces fatigue even after a short workout. The difference between the support you feel when you're moving and the compression you feel when you're not is a great balance, so you can say goodbye to muscle soreness the next day
There's no specific support for joints, especially around the knees, so those with knee problems might want to avoid this. I recommend it for those who don't need knee or lower back support but still want fatigue reduction. I think this model can be used for a wide range of activities, from standing work to light to hard exercise. The waist is relatively loose and has a string inside for support, so it can be adjusted to fit loosely or tightly, but it may take some time to get the hang of how it fits
C3fit Impact Air Tights: Light as air for a great fit!
Comfort ★★★ Ease of movement ★★ Fatigue reduction ★ Joint support ★★
The biggest feature is their lightness. While it is difficult to make tights lightweight with seams, these tights are lightweight while maintaining their durability and support. The compression is light, but overall, the level of pressure also contributes to their lightness. In the mountains, your legs tend to feel heavier as you near the end of the climb. These lightweight compression tights are effective in those situations
I haven't tried it yet, but the included instructions say, "We will repair it if it gets damaged (frayed or torn)." It's an expensive item, so I want to take good care of it, but it's entirely possible that it could get torn by falling or getting caught on something while hiking, so I think it's nice that it can be repaired
The material is a little dry, so some people may be concerned about the feel against their skin. However, the dry mesh function means that it doesn't feel sticky when you sweat, so it's a model that will be more useful in the summer than in the fall and winter
summary
Compression tights are one of those items that you won't be able to let go of once you've fallen in love with them. The compression part involves medical considerations, so it's difficult to judge the details, as the main thing is how you feel when you actually wear them. However, if you're looking to start mountain climbing, aren't confident in your stamina, or want to improve your current level, we recommend finding a pair you like and getting hooked
Next time, I would like to write a report comparing more detailed features and functions, including those of other models
Azusa Uehara
From a young age, I grew up surrounded by nature, camping and mountain climbing in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. I'll never forget the memories of learning so much while playing in nature, and even now, I often find myself suddenly booking an overnight bus and heading out in search of nature. Nowadays, I spend my weekdays surrounded by computers and internet, and on weekends I travel in search of nature. Recently, in addition to mountain climbing, hiking, and hot springs, I've been aiming to try new activities. I also love gear, and I'm not limited to the outdoors, so I'm always searching for the moment when my desires, product concepts, and preferences match through experience. I hope to be able to convey my preferences through my experiences
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Comparison Review: A female mountaineer casually tries out different compression tights
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