Sugoi Firewall 180 Pants-Review

According to the Sugoi site the Firewall 180 Pants provide:

"Powerful windproof coverage combined with the thermal warmth of ZeroPlus for enhanced comfort and protection during winter cross training."

They are also listed as breathable, and wind/water resistant.

For once I have found something that performs exactly as advertised.

While not technically a cycling pant (Sugoi lists them as running pants), I found them while searching for a good winter cycling pant which could be used in lieu of, or in addition to tights.  I wanted a pant that fit well, blocked the wind, looked good off the bike, and didn't sound like a potato chip bag when I walked in them--these pants fit the bill in every way.

I got a size small which was advertised as having a 30" waist and a 31" inseam--correct and correct.  The waistband is elastic in back and has a Velcro adjustment on either side.  I have worn the 180s with and without Lycra chamois underneath and in both cases they fit well without the normal "baggy butt" look that you get with rain-pants.  The fit is athletic without being tight and the fabric has a little stretch so they don't bind at all.  They also have zippers on the bottom of the legs which when opened make it easy to put them on or take them off over shoes.  When the legs are zipped they are loose like a pair of warm up pants, but not so much that they rub the crank.

So far I have worn them a dozen or so times in temperatures ranging from 31-50 degrees and have had no issues with temperature.  At the lower end of the temp range with a stiff wind they got a little chilly when I was waiting on lights, but not to the point where my legs got cold, and when it got warmer the pants were warm but, once again, not to the point of being uncomfortable, and riding with the front pockets unzipped seemed to pull the heat out much like pit-zips in a jacket.  I still haven't used them with tights, but it seems like they would be good for a few more degrees without needing to do so.

As for the water resistance, I haven't ridden in conditions yet that would test that, but I already have some rain pants, and didn't get these for rain protection.  That said, the material seems like it would stand up to light rain or road spray.

As you can probably tell, I simply love these pants.  If I had a five star rating system I would give these pants six stars