Gear Review: C2 Women’s Elite Half Zip Wool and Performance Tights

Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
But since I want to hike outside
I need the right gear for the snow!

That is the idea behind the C2 Women’s Elite Half Zip and Performance Tights, to get you outside in less than perfect weather. I took both out on a snowy jog/hike in 30 degree weather with the lovely Kora dog.

What I like best about the C2 brand is that their products are made in the good ole USA. “C2 is 100% manufactured in the USA, including the materials, design, and all the hands that make and bring the product to you. We will never purchase products or services from outside the USA that are available from the USA.”

C2 Women’s Elite Half Zip Wool and Performance Tights

The Elite Half Zip is advertised as the perfect base layer but I think it would be better as just a shirt or as a top layer. The sizing was right but I did not like how the seams (there are two on each side of the torso) and zipper felt on my skin with a snug base layer fit. I felt the seams while I was moving. I also felt that the arms were a good length. I prefer a longer sleeve length to cover my wrist when my arms are extended. The cloth itself was nice and did all the wonderful wicking things like it was supposed to while keeping me warm.

I really liked the Performance Tights. There aren’t any seams in the thigh (crotch) area so there is no catching while moving. I experience this with many other bottoms and that is often the area that fails first since I have what I like to refer to as muscular thighs. The thickness kept out the chill and I did not get too hot while running. The tights also did not work their way off my butt as others sometimes do, again, because my muscular thighs pulling them down. I would not wear these as a base layer because of their thickness. The only other pants I have that would fit over them (without trying to squeeze me out like toothpaste in a tube) would be snow pants or rain pants which I would make me way too hot. They seem to be awesome stand alone pants unless you get really, really cold easily.

Disclosure: The C2 Women’s Elite Half Zip Wool and Performance Tights were donated for the purpose of review.