Review: Maier Sports Ophit 2.0 Leggings

I came across Maier Sports for the first time last year and was immediately struck by the company’s focus on creating high quality and well fitting outdoor clothing. In an age where active clothing brands have become hugely commercialised Maier’s back to basics, family business approach to the market really appealed. For those of you less familiar with Maier Sports here’s what you need to know…

Image courtesy of Maier Sports

About Maier Sports

Maier Sports is a German outdoor clothing company. Founded in 1938 as a textile company the brand turned it’s focus to sports wear in the 1970’s. They have since become key players in the ski and outdoor clothing market priding themselves on their sustainable production processes and perfectly sized garments.

Suits me, Fits me

One of the areas in which sets Maier Sports apart is their focus on well-fitting clothing. Their range of pants is available in over 60 (yes 60!) different sizes ensuring that everyone is well catered for.

Image courtesy of Maier Sports

Review: Ophit 2.0 Leggings – £79.95

Having heard good so many good things about Maier Sports I was keen to put one of their products to the test. The Ophit 2.0 Leggings are specifically designed for female hikers looking for outdoor clothing that is practical, well fitting and comfortable. So let’s check these babies out..

The Lowdown – Ophit Leggings selling points

• Comfortable waistband for a reliable, snug fit
• 4 way stretch fabric for maximum elasticity
• Highly effective, environmentally friendly finish – PFC free
• Convenient side-pocket with finely sewn zip

I’ve had these leggings for around 6 months now and I have enjoyed wearing them for a range of activities including running, hiking, cycling and even slouching around the house. I can honestly say they are by far the most comfortable pair of trousers I own and often find myself choosing to wear them around the house over my usual tracksuit bottoms or baggy jeans.

What I like about them

• I love the stretch waistband. It feels really flattering and is really forgiving on the tummy area. One of the things that can put me off leggings is the way they sometimes dig in around the waistband – but these fit really well with absolutely no pressure on the belly area whatsoever. To top things off the waistband fabric is so silky and smooth I sometimes find myself weirdly stroking my tum! No lie. You’ll see what I mean when you feel the material (I hope!).
• The Dryprotec fabric is light weight, durable and quick drying. Stomping through the muddy puddles on my local hiking routes I’ve noticed that rather than absorbing the moisture the water drops sit on top of the material and run off. This has made walking and running in the soggy British climate so much more comfortable, while although the leggings are not waterproof they certainly offer significant protection from wet weather.

• I didn’t notice the leggings had a pocket for the first few wears, it’s that discrete, but once I clocked it these trousers were instantly upgraded to my preferred running attire. The zip pocket is the perfect size for storing my front door key which I previously had to hide in my front garden or even tuck away in a sock stuffed down my sports bra! Small touches like this stand out as features that have been tried and tested by designers who have really thought about the practicalities of active clothing and in turn make a huge impact on the people wearing them.
• I often struggle with the fit of leggings. Sometimes they’re too tight and feel uncomfortable, other times they’re not fitted enough and become baggy around the knees or bum constantly needing pulling up. The Ophit are the perfect balance though, they fit well but actually offer a bit of room to move. They fit particularly well around the upper leg area meaning I don’t have to worry about constantly readjusting or hoiking them up. They’re really comfortable and they stay where they’re supposed to.

My thoughts

I love the Ophit leggings. I’ve worn them so much more than I expected when I received them, which is a true testament to how they feel. They’re built for purpose making them the ideal leg wear for hiking thanks to their light weight, durable and water resistant material. They’re warm yet breathable meaning they’re just as suited to running as walking in the hills. At £79.95 they’re an expensive buy – possibly slightly outside my budget but having said that I can appreciate they are a quality product exceeding my expectations as a active garment. If you want to invest in a pair of high quality, well fitting and extremely comfortable active leggings make sure these are top of your list.

Disclosure: I was gifted a pair of Maier Sports Ophit leggings for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.