POC Thermal Cargo Tight evaluation: Warm winter tights with area for further cargo

The days could also be slowly getting longer within the northern hemisphere, however winter continues to be properly and really right here. As such, my winter bib tight (and package) testing continues apace. 

This week, the POC Thermal Cargo bibtights are below the microscope. POC is a Swedish model that designs biking gear but additionally Snowsport tools and attire. 

The POC Thermal Cargo bibtights are certainly one of a pair of choices within the model’s vary, the opposite being the decrease priced Essential Road Thermal tights, which I have never had the possibility to check out but. 

The bibtights in query are a pair of heat, winter bibtights which are out there in each males’s and ladies’s variations. A key calling card, as evidenced within the mannequin identify is the Cargo pocket on every thigh which offers further cupboard space. Overall, they’re at the moment the perfect winter cargo tights I’ve examined, however not essentially the perfect bib tights total. 

The POC Thermal Cargo bibtights are priced at £270 / $300 / €290, so on the premium finish of the market value smart, and fortunately given the worth they function the technical particulars you wish to see in a very good bibtight; wind/waterproof membrane, DWR coating, cosy fleecy backing and a stable reflective panel.

You can even try our greatest winter bibtights information, which options a variety of the perfect bibtight. There ought to be one thing within the for you, it doesn’t matter what form of using you do. 

Design and Aesthetics 

These POC Thermal Crgo Tights are available one color possibility, ‘Uranium black’, which is all the time good for a winter bibtight because it hides all method of street spray and muck. Branding is minimal and the tights function a single reflective ‘POC’ wordmark on the left leg.

Manufactured in Albania, the bibtights, like most biking package, use a mix of polyester, elastane and polyamide. The inside is totally lined with mushy fleece, notably nice when pulling the bibtights on; you are feeling able to face the chilly from the off. The fleece ends on the meshy bibs straps and prime again panel. The rear of the left hand calf can be lined in a giant piece of reflective material. It’s very vibrant when gentle hits it from behind and a much more than the standard passing to not reflectivity that some clothes have. 

There’s a vibrant inexperienced ‘Vital VPDS’ chamois pad which hasn’t given me any grief, although I take to each other with nearly all of chamois pads. Unless one thing is majorly off, I are inclined to really feel snug. Chamois thickness could be noticeable at occasions if you happen to’re pulling on new package. Whilst the Vital pad is plush and mushy, it did not trigger problem in any method. 

These are, if you have not labored it out but, cargo bibtights, and there’s a cargo pocket on every leg. The pockets are created from stitched on mesh panels and supply a comfortable match for gels, multi instruments, cellphone and so on. in order for you some further cupboard space. 

Fit-wise, I have never had any issues with the tights and I’ve examined 20+ pairs of bibtights of late. They are true to measurement; I’m all the time a measurement small in tights (up thus far) and the POC small has fitted me properly. There’s loads of size within the leg with out it going too far. There has additionally been zero bunching or tightness behind the knee, a key level for me and by no means very good when pedalling. 

The total reduce is ever so barely extra relaxed, extra so than one thing just like the Rapha Pro Team bibtights. They aren’t saggy by any stretch of the creativeness however there’s just a bit further room, and a few wrinkles from the match on the entrance of the legs. 

Performance 

Performance has been excellent from the bibtights all through testing. First off, thermal effectivity. These tights have saved me heat and cozy right down to freezing. Warmth – or a scarcity of it – is not a problem. A 3-hour journey at low depth in these situations did not part them in any respect, and so they appear to forestall biting winds from chilling you on longer descents. The fleece inside definitely retains issues heat, if something I’d warn towards utilizing them above round 10C / 50F as chances are you’ll begin to really feel uncomfortably cosy, we’re all totally different nevertheless. 

No bibtights are completely waterproof for my part. I’m at the moment testing sneakers like the brand new Sidi Nix winter boot in addition to bibtights and not using a entrance mudguard fitted and have been pummeled with loads of spray and water on all my latest rides. If your out in a heavy downpour for an prolonged interval of using, their defences will most likely be breached, however they will take care of a good little bit of spray and water.

Two issues I’d personally change are the skinny bib straps and ‘pillowcase openings’ on the prime of the cargo pockets. The bib straps, while completely practical, are on the skinny aspect. I discover a wider and at occasions thicker bib strap extra snug, equivalent to those discovered on the Attaquer Race bibtights. 

Second up are the cargo pocket openings. They double over on the the highest and are unstitched, like a pillowcase opening. POC claims this helps retains belongings protected however I discover they’re cosy sufficient that while you do attain into one for one thing, pulling your hand out once more leads to the fabric folding over itself, bunching and searching undity. It’s the form of factor that niggles at me as a result of it appears to be like just a little messy. 

If it helps you make a shopping for resolution, I’d say there are tights on the market with a extra trendy match, reduce, and look that provide comparable heat and safety. Two prime examples are the MAAP Apex winter bibtights and Rapha Pro Team, however they do not have pockets. Premium winter bibtights with cargo pockets are just a little extra scarce, but when that is what you need you may be properly happy. These will make a wonderful pair of winter tights that ought to deal with no matter you wish to do in them.

Value

A barely difficult prospect, as I’m undecided the POC Thermal Cargo tights provide wonderful worth for the cash. They are costly at £270 / $300 / €290. This is on a par with a few of the costliest bibtights round.  

They are just a little greater than the aforementioned Rapha Pro Team Winter tights, which I want for his or her heat, fashion and match. They match the tights for consolation and heat, however look actually good while doing it and have higher bib straps. 

The tights additionally do not match as much as the Nalini Ergo X Warm bibtights which supply unbelievable safety with a brilliantly snug match. I do not really feel one million {dollars} in them and for the cash I simply desire a bit… extra. 

Verdict 

the POC  Thermal Cargo Tights are a very good set of cargo bibtights. They’re heat, snug, and sturdy. If you need heat winter bibtights with twin cargo pockets these are an excellent possibility that will not allow you to down. But I really feel you possibly can have the identical heat and luxury for much less cash elsewhere if you happen to forego the necessity for pockets.