Most bottom layers don’t come with options: they’re built for one purpose, without much room for versatility. However, GoLite’s Sanitas pant gives you the option to use it as a lighter-weight single layer or a reinforcing outer layer. You can use it twice as often – and it’s comfortable enough that you’ll look forward to the extra time.
GoLite Sanitas Pants Features
- Material construction: 88% polyester, 12% spandex
- Anti-chafe flatlock construction
- Ankle zippers with gusset
- Secure-zip hand (2) and back (single) pockets
- Comfort waistband
- Drawstring waist closure
- Reflective side piping
- Weight: 370g (13 oz)
- MSRP $85
GoLite Sanitas Running Pant Review
The perfect running pant is something of an enigma; it’s almost impossible to nail down a precise cut, fit, and thickness that will appeal to multiple users. They’re either tight where you want them roomy, or baggy where you want them snug. The Sanitas pant isn’t quite perfect, but it does a commendable job of not being noticed for any significant irritations.
Golite’s material construction is thicker (and therefore, also heavier) on the Sanitas than with either of their compressive bottom layers, and the poly/spandex blend has an extremely smooth interior surface against the skin. The overall feel is very comfortable, which is perfect if you have to wear them for a couple of errands after your run. Other noteworthy features are the reflective piping down each leg, which throw off impressive illumination from oncoming lights, and a very secure, just-perfect-sized key compartment behind the right hip.
The cut of the Sanitas is officially semi-fitted, meaning that it counters to the body without being tight. With my particular build (6’2”, 32” waist), I found the pants to ride slightly low through the crotch – I cinch up the drawstring closure to manage this – very nicely through the thighs and knees, slightly snug at mid-calf, and excessively wide in the ankles. Considering that the ankle openings have zippers, it seems that this region could be tightened up just a bit. The overall fit allows great freedom of movement, without any feeling of restriction.
Of course, the beauty of the semi-fitted shape is that you can wear it alone, or on top of a thin baselayer for those especially frosty mornings. However, the thick material keeps you pretty insulated on its own; I’ve worn the Sanitas pant by itself in mid-20-degree temperatures without feeling the need for an additional layer underneath.
Good Sanitas
- Extremely comfortable fabric construction
- Loose fit ideal for post-workout lounging
- Versatility as single layer or outer layer for wide temperature range
Bad Sanitas
- Sits slightly low in crotch
- Noticeably wide at ankles
Bottom Line: GoLite Sanitas Running Pant
Comfortable enough for everyday use and versatile enough to carry you deep into winter, the GoLite Sanitas pant is worthy of gaining heavy-rotation status in your winter running wardrobe.
Buy Now: Search for Running Pants at REI (GoLite is out of business)
