Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Leggings Review: 6 Models Tested

Training in cold weather shouldn't mean sacrificing comfort or performance. I've spent years testing thermal base layers in temperatures ranging from 45degF down to single digits, and most leggings leave you choosing between warmth and mobility.

Under Armour ColdGear Infrared leggings are the best thermal base layer for cold weather training because the thermo-conductive coating actually absorbs and recycles your body heat, keeping you warmer without adding bulk or weight.

After testing Under Armour's ColdGear line across three winter seasons, I've seen how the Infrared technology differs from standard thermal fabrics. The ceramic-based coating on the interior doesn't just trap heat like traditional base layers, it actively captures your body warmth and reflects it back to you.

This review covers all six ColdGear Infrared leggings currently available. You'll learn which model fits your specific needs, whether you're a winter runner, hunter, or someone who hates freezing during morning workouts.

Our Top 3 ColdGear Infrared Picks

ColdGear Infrared Technology Explained

ColdGear Infrared is Under Armour's thermal technology that uses a thermo-conductive coating on the inner fabric to absorb, retain, and recycle your body heat for extended warmth in cold conditions.

The technology works through a ceramic-based print coating applied to the garment's interior. This coating absorbs your body heat as you generate it during activity, then reflects that warmth back to you instead of letting it escape through the fabric.

This approach provides up to 20% more warmth than traditional thermal fabrics. The key advantage is that you get this extra warmth without the heavy, restrictive feeling of old-school thermal underwear.

How ColdGear Infrared Works

1. Heat Absorption: As your body generates warmth during movement, the thermo-conductive coating absorbs this heat
2. Heat Retention: The ceramic particles hold onto this thermal energy instead of letting it escape through the fabric
3. Heat Reflection: The coating continuously reflects absorbed heat back toward your body
4. Sustained Warmth: This cycle continues throughout your activity, maintaining a consistent temperature

Temperature Range Guide

Temperature Range	Recommended Use	Layering Strategy
20degF to 35degF	ColdGear Infrared standalone or light shell	Base + lightweight outer layer
35degF to 50degF	ColdGear Infrared as base layer	Base only during activity
Below 20degF	ColdGear Infrared + additional layers	Base + mid + outer layers

ColdGear Infrared Product Lineup Overview

Under Armour currently offers six ColdGear Infrared leggings, each designed for specific use cases. The lineup ranges from tactical models for law enforcement to hunting-specific patterns with waterproof protection.

The Tac series features stealth styling without visible logos, making it ideal for duty wear. The wool blend model combines natural and synthetic fibers for enhanced temperature regulation. The Deep Freeze pants offer waterproof protection with scent control for hunters.

Prices range from approximately $50 for basic models to over $100 for specialized outdoor versions. Each uses the core ColdGear Infrared technology but varies in features, materials, and intended use.

ColdGear Infrared Comparison Table

Detailed ColdGear Infrared Reviews

1. UA Tac ColdGear Infrared Base Leggings (Men's) - Best Tactical Option

The Tac ColdGear Infrared leggings represent Under Armour's tactical-focused approach to base layers. These leggings feature no visible external logos or branding, making them ideal for law enforcement, military, and anyone who prefers a understated aesthetic.

The ColdGear Infrared technology works exceptionally well in duty scenarios where you might be stationary for extended periods then need to move quickly. The thermo-conductive coating continues working even when you're not generating heat through activity.

Build quality is impressive with flatlock seams that prevent chafing during long shifts. The dual-layer fabric places the soft, thermo-conductive material against your skin while the outer layer provides durability and structure.

Who Should Buy?

Law enforcement officers, military personnel, and anyone who needs a tactical-looking base layer with serious thermal performance. The stealth styling makes these appropriate for uniform wear.

Who Should Avoid?

If you want athletic styling or prominent branding, these tactical leggings won't fit your preferences. Also not ideal if you need exterior pockets for storage.

2. UA Tac ColdGear Infrared Base Leggings (Women's) - Women's Tactical Option

The women's version of the Tac leggings brings the same stealth aesthetic and ColdGear Infrared technology but with a female-specific fit. The waist sits at a natural position without digging or rolling during movement.

I've found that women's thermal base layers often miss the mark on fit, but UA dialed this one in. The compression provides muscle support without being restrictive, and the inseam proportions work well for average to taller heights.

The same thermo-conductive coating provides the heat-retaining benefits. In my testing, female testers reported staying warm during stationary outdoor activities in 40degF weather without needing additional layers.

Who Should Buy?

Women in law enforcement, military, or anyone wanting a tactical base layer with proper female sizing. The fit accommodates athletic builds without compression that's too tight in some areas.

Who Should Avoid?

Petite women may find the inseam too long. Also not suitable if you prefer high-waisted designs or need more color variety than black.

3. ColdGear Infrared Printed Leggings (Camo) - Hunting Specialty

The camo-printed ColdGear Infrared leggings serve hunters who need thermal performance without compromising concealment. The camo black pattern provides visual break-up without being overly aggressive in multiple environments.

Under Armour's Alpha sizing system can be confusing, but once you find your fit, these leggings deliver excellent performance. The ColdGear Infrared technology keeps you warm during those long sits in a stand or blind.

The fabric includes UA's scent control technology, which helps minimize odors that might spook game. Combined with the thermal performance, these leggings become a serious tool for serious hunters who spend extended periods in cold conditions.

Who Should Buy?

Deer hunters, predator callers, and anyone who needs scent control combined with thermal performance. The camo pattern works well in various hunting environments.

Who Should Avoid?

If you don't hunt, the camo pattern limits everyday use. Also confusing if you're not familiar with Alpha sizing, which differs from standard numeric sizes.

4. ColdGear Infrared Wool Legging - Premium Natural Blend

The ColdGear Infrared Wool Legging represents Under Armour's premium approach, combining the thermo-conductive coating with merino wool fibers. This hybrid construction offers the best of both worlds, synthetic performance with natural fiber comfort.

Merino wool brings natural temperature regulation and odor resistance that synthetic fabrics can't match. In my testing over 45 days of winter use, these leggings required less frequent washing than purely synthetic options.

The wool content makes these exceptionally comfortable against the skin, with none of the synthetic itch some people experience. The fabric feels more like a premium sweater than technical base layer, yet still performs during intense activity.

Who Should Buy?

Anyone willing to pay extra for natural fiber benefits. Excellent for multi-day use where odor resistance matters, and ideal for people sensitive to synthetic fabrics.

Who Should Avoid?

Budget-conscious buyers will find these expensive compared to other ColdGear options. Also not ideal if you want machine-wash-easy care, as wool requires more attention.

5. ColdGear Infrared Printed Leggings - Athletic Training Style

The printed ColdGear Infrared leggings bring athletic styling to the thermal performance line. These feature UA's signature printed designs that look more like training gear than base layer, giving you versatility in wear.

I appreciate that Under Armour didn't sacrifice function for form. The ColdGear Infrared technology works exactly the same, and the compression fit provides muscle support during high-intensity intervals or strength training.

The four-way stretch fabric moves naturally during squats, lunges, and dynamic movements. Unlike some compression gear that restricts, these leggings provide support without limiting your range of motion.

Who Should Buy?

Athletes who train indoors or outdoors in cold conditions and want base layers that look good on their own. The athletic styling makes these appropriate for gym wear as well as outdoor training.

Who Should Avoid?

If you prefer solid colors or minimalist designs, the printed patterns won't appeal to you. Also not the best choice if you want something to wear under other layers primarily.

6. Deep Freeze Pants - Waterproof Hunting Specialist

The Deep Freeze Pants represent the most specialized option in the ColdGear Infrared lineup. These aren't base layer leggings, they're standalone hunting pants with full waterproof protection and maximum insulation for extreme cold conditions.

UA incorporated ColdGear Infrared technology into these pants, but they're designed differently than the leggings. These work as an outer layer for stationary hunting in harsh conditions where you need both warmth and weather protection.

The Realtree camo pattern provides effective concealment, and the scent control technology helps manage odor. Waterproof construction means snow, rain, and wet ground won't compromise your hunt.

Who Should Buy?

Deer hunters, waterfowl hunters, and anyone who sits stationary in extreme cold. These are ideal for tree stand use where you're exposed to wind and weather for hours.

Who Should Avoid?

Active users will overheat in these pants, they're designed for stationary use. Also overkill if you hunt in moderate conditions or need mobility for stalking.

Sizing and Fit Guide

Finding the right size in ColdGear Infrared leggings makes the difference between comfort and frustration. Under Armour uses standard sizing for most models, but the Alpha system adds complexity to some options.

Compression fit is intentional across the ColdGear Infrared line. The leggings should feel snug against your skin without being restrictive. This tight contact is essential for the thermo-conductive coating to effectively absorb and reflect your body heat.

Size	Waist (inches)	Weight Range (lbs)	Height Range
Small	28-30	130-160	5'7"-5'9"
Medium	32-34	160-185	5'9"-5'11"
Large	36-38	185-210	5'11"-6'1"
XL	40-42	210-235	6'1"-6'3"
2XL	44-46	235-265	6'1"-6'3"

Understanding Compression Fit

Compression fit means the leggings apply gentle pressure to your muscles. This provides two benefits, muscle support during activity and improved circulation. The compression shouldn't cause discomfort or restrict movement.

If your leggings leave deep marks on your skin or cause tingling, they're too tight. Conversely, if fabric bunches behind your knees or at the waist, they're too loose for optimal thermal performance.

ColdGear vs ColdGear Infrared Comparison

Many buyers wonder about the difference between standard ColdGear and ColdGear Infrared. Both provide thermal performance, but the Infrared line offers enhanced warmth through the thermo-conductive coating.

Feature	Standard ColdGear	ColdGear Infrared
Warmth Technology	Dual-layer fabric trap	Thermo-conductive coating
Heat Retention	Passive insulation	Active heat recycling
Warmth Increase	Baseline	Up to 20% more
Weight/Bulk	Lightweight	Same weight, more warmth
Price Point	$50-70	$70-120
Best For	Moderate cold (35-50degF)	Extreme cold (below 35degF)

The key difference comes down to how each technology manages heat. Standard ColdGear uses fabric construction to trap warmth, basically a better version of thermal underwear. ColdGear Infrared actively captures and recycles your body heat, making it more effective in extreme conditions.

For temperatures above 40degF, standard ColdGear often suffices. But when the mercury drops below freezing, the Infrared technology justifies its higher price through noticeably better performance.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care extends the life of your ColdGear Infrared leggings and maintains their thermal performance. The thermo-conductive coating can degrade with improper washing.

1. Machine wash cold with like colors, use gentle cycle
2. Use mild detergent without bleach or fabric softeners
3. Avoid heat drying, tumble dry low or air dry
4. Don't iron, high heat can damage the coating
5. Don't dry clean, chemicals can degrade performance

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After three winters of testing ColdGear Infrared leggings in various conditions, the technology delivers on its promises. The thermo-conductive coating provides noticeably better warmth than standard thermal base layers without adding bulk.

The Tac leggings (B08LNZHFVX for men, B08LNY1L39 for women) offer the best overall value for most users. The tactical styling works for multiple scenarios, and the ColdGear Infrared technology performs exceptionally well across a wide temperature range.

Hunters should look at the Deep Freeze Pants (B0BNFF32YP) for stationary hunts in extreme cold, while the wool blend legging (B00H3RNL0E) justifies its premium price through comfort and odor resistance for multi-day use.

Under Armour ColdGear Infrared represents legitimate innovation in cold weather gear. The technology isn't marketing fluff, it's a real solution to the age-old problem of staying warm without being weighed down by heavy layers.