IUGA HeatLab Fleece Lined with Pockets Review

Bottom Line

The IUGA HeatLab Fleece-Lined Leggings with Pockets are, without a doubt, the coziest and most comfortable insulated leggings we’ve ever worn. We discovered these leggings for those who wish they could hike in the winter while feeling like they’re in their pajamas.

The fabric is irresistibly soft, and the stretch is incredibly forgiving, making these leggings a warm embrace for every curve. Given the price point, the warmth and flexibility feel almost magical. We sized up for an extra dose of comfort, and it paid off in spades. Even without a drawstring, they stayed in place better than pricier options.

However, as expected with a budget-friendly price, the fabric doesn’t hold up over time. After just a couple of wears, we noticed pilling. If you’re looking for a pair of leggings to last through a single winter season, the IUGA HeatLab are a great choice, but don’t expect them to endure for round two

Our guide to the best hiking leggings has many more options if you’re looking for more.

How We Tested

We tested these leggings during the early winter months in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We wore them while hiking along the trails next to Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe, California, at 6,200 feet, on a windy day, through meadows and forested areas, as well as along the water’s edge.

We also wore them while working at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, which is at 7,800 feet, to see how they would perform in even colder temperatures.

Comfort

These leggings are incredibly comfortable and flexible, made from super soft material. We could wear them all day long with ease. They’re simple to put on and take off. We sized up, which makes them even comfier than if we had ordered our true size. These leggings feel like we’re not wearing anything at all, yet they’re thick and warm enough to protect us from the elements.

Fit

Since we sized up, the waist is a bit loose, but it’s manageable. Many leggings tend to slip down when we wear the correct size, but we haven’t noticed any rolling down at the belly or muffin top with these.

The stretch is excellent. If we have more in the belly area or prefer a looser fit there, sizing up is a solid option. If we want something snugger to stay in place during active movements, sticking to our usual size is best.

We could definitely wear these for several days — hiking and even sleeping in them — but they might get grubby quickly, so frequent washing is advised.

Features

These leggings feature two open pockets that are wide and tall enough for today’s smartphones. While casually walking, the phone stayed securely in place. It never felt like it would fall out, and it was easy to access on the go.

We were pleasantly surprised that we didn’t notice much sagging or shifting of the leggings with the phone in the pocket, especially since we sized up. These pockets felt very unobtrusive and were the perfect size. Besides the fleece lining, which was incredibly soft and comfortable, there aren’t any other features.

Breathability & Warmth

They are very warm! These leggings feel like sweatpants on a chilly day. The colors also make them much more fun to wear in colder weather, when we typically don’t have great options.

We wore them at 7,800 feet on a cold, wintry day and felt comfortable despite the chill. They didn’t seem to have much, if any, breathability. We chose to wear them for slower hikes or on days when the temperature fell below freezing.

Durability

Regarding durability, these leggings rank slightly lower. We noticed pilling after just the second or third wear. This isn’t surprising, considering the price and softness of the material.

Pilling appeared not only between the thighs but also on random areas of the legs (we suspect where a jacket or a hip belt may have rubbed during a hike), indicating that sitting on rocks or logs could lead to more wear.

We wouldn’t want the dog to jump on us while wearing them if we wanted to avoid snags and pilling. At the same time, although pilling did occur, it didn’t stop us from continuing to wear them, though.

Should You Buy the IUGA HeatLab Fleece Lined with Pockets?

These leggings are designed for anyone on a budget who also needs something extra warm for hiking. They are a great choice for those who prefer traditional leggings and don’t require zippered pockets or any other bonus features.

They are perfect for people looking for brightly colored leggings or just a specific shade, given the wide variety of colors available.

What Other Hiking Leggings Should You Consider?

If the IUGA HeatLab® Fleece Lined Leggings with Pockets are close but not quite right for you, we are confident you will discover a perfect fit for your body type and needs among our favorite hiking leggings for women. Here are a few of our top recommended options that share similarities with this product:

IUGA FlexTight™ High Waist Tummy Control Leggings With Pockets Review: These leggings are nearly identical to the IUGA HeatLab, except they aren’t fleece-lined. Therefore, they are an excellent choice if you appreciate all the features but need leggings suitable for warmer weather or simply prefer a non-fleece option. The IUGA FlexTight also outperformed in durability, showing no signs of pilling during our testing period.

Revolution Race Alaska Fleece Lined Leggings Review: These leggings are Our other option for those needing a warmer, fleece-lined legging is the RR Alaska. It is one of our top-performing leggings overall. The main difference between these and the IUGA is durability. The RR Alaska is made from a tough, high-quality material that seems like it will last for years. These two also differ slightly in fit and comfort, with the RR Alaska being a bit stiffer (but still stretchy) and having a slightly lower waist than the IUGA HeatLab. Lastly, the RR Alaska comes in at a much higher price point.