The performance of a legging is determined by its fabric and features. For high-intensity activities like trail running, look for lightweight, quick-drying materials that excel at wicking moisture away from your skin. Many tights also include mesh panels for increased breathability and reflective details for safety in low light. For hiking and colder conditions, fleece-lined or thermal leggings provide necessary insulation, while durable, abrasion-resistant fabrics can withstand contact with rock and trail-side vegetation. Features like a high, supportive waistband, flatlock seams to prevent chafing, and strategically placed pockets for essentials like your phone and keys add to their functionality on the trail.