COLD COMFORT

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THEHARSHEST OF WEATHER IN OUR FAVOURITE WINTER BUNDLES

COMPILED BY TINA CHANTREY

© HOWIES

ASICS LITE SHOW WINTER JACKET, LITE SHOW WINTER TIGHT, ELITE BASELAYER Tested by: Liz

asics.com

First impressions? Not sure about the colours personally but it’s very, very warm kit.

How good was the fit? Fit is bang on for me. The tights feel quite secure; the baselayer is fitted but ‘relaxed’ while the jacket is a bit looser.

How is the quality/attention to detail?

The quality is really good, particularly on the tights and baselayer. The feel of the fabric is soft and close- knitted. The tights have a thick, deep waistband and a good-sized pocket, which is padded on the inside so its contents don’t irritate. The jacket feels more standard but includes good windproof material and thumbholes.

Any useful and/or unique features?

Although not unique, everything you need is here. The jacket and tights have loads of reflectives on them which are subtle in daylight but bright in headlamps.

How did they feel when you’re running? The tights have a brushed inside which makes them feel really cosy, but they’re not too warm (I tested them in relatively mild autumn weather as well as nearly-frozen mornings). The baselayer is warm and wicks well. The jacket is water resistant and not restrictive; it’s fairly breathable, although in combination with the top it’s probably overkill apart from in really sub-zero conditions.

What’s the best thing about these products? The warmth.

What’s the worst thing about them? The bulk of the jacket – but that’s just what you get with deep-winter kit.

How would you rate it out of 10 for value? 9

Overall mark out of 10 for performance? 8 Would you buy them? Yes.

£45

£48

£75

PUMA NIGHTCAT STORM JACKET, PWRWARM LONG SLEEVE, NIGHTCAT TIGHTS Tested by: Claire

puma.com

First impressions? I liked the look of the baselayer and jacket – but it was the tights that blew me away. Wow! I loved the look of them.

How good was the fit? The fit of all the kit was spot on – although the sleeves of the jacket seemed a touch long.

What did you think of the quality/ attention to detail? The quality seemed great – there were no uncomfortable seams or awkward zips or fastenings. Plus I loved the flattering wide waistband on the tights.