This summer I was introduced to Janji, an incredible running apparel company that enables runners to give back by purchasing running gear. Mike and Dave, both avid runners, started Janji in the Spring of 2012 with the mission to harness the philanthropic power of the running community not just on race day, but every day by providing running apparel that would “give back.” Janji, which means “promise” in Malay, donates a portion of every sale to organizations who are providing on-the-ground solutions to real problems. For example the purchase of a the purchase of the Rwanda shirt provides 3 days of nutritional medicine to a malnourished Rwandan child by funding the group MANA Ready to Use Therapy Food. Not only does your purchase provide a tangible relief for hunger and thirst around the world, but wearing the brightly colored clothing helps raise awareness. When they contacted me to ask if I would be willing to try something from their new fall line I jumped at the chance, even though I was still wearing shorts and tanks for my morning runs I knew that cold weather was just around the corner. And of course I was right. It is now officially cold in New Hampshire, like 25 degrees-in-the-morning-cold. I was so glad I opted to try their new Tanzania Tights because they have been my go-to running bottoms for the past few weeks now. I've had a chance to really wear them, wash them and wear them again and I'm pretty happy with them. In fact yesterday morning I was really tempted NOT to change after my run and just wear them to story time (they are that cozy), but we were meeting my in-laws for lunch after so I opted to shower and "get dressed" like a normal grown-up.

The Tanzania tight is one of Janji's new offerings for colder weather running, they've also added some long-sleeve options, capris and some winter running accessories like hats and headbands. Purchasing the Tanzania tight provides a years supply of fresh water to a person in Tanzania. It's nice to think that spending money on a piece of running gear is doing more than just making me comfy on a winter run (or at story time), it's also providing essential hydration for someone on the other side of the world.

Appearance: The tights are all black with a yellow and silver/white patterned detail down the side of the leg that wraps around to the back. The side panel detail is also reflective, making these tights visible on dark, early morning runs. The waste band is wide, but not as wide as a say a "yoga" style running pant. And the interior of the waste band elastic is a contrasting yellow elastic printed with "Janji." At the ankle there are two 8" zippers. Most of the stitching is in black except for the hem on the pant, which is red and adds a nice contrast. There is also a small back, zippered pocket.

Fit/Sizing: I was given a size small and find the tights to be true to size. They have a 29" inseam which hits nicely at low ankle (I am 5'7), with a slightly taller sock these will be perfect for snowy runs. One thing I did notice was that the rise of these tights is slightly lower than most other running tights I own. The waste of this tight hits about two inches below my "natural waste." Normally tights that fit like this on me have a tendency to slip down while I run, but these tights stay put so the lower rise isn't a big deal. I often prefer a higher rise on a tight that I can pull up to cover that "baby pooch" (you know that leftover stuff around the middle that you can never seem to get rid of). But I honestly like the low rise. The fit is definitely snug, they are tights after all, but the gusseted crotch and flat stitching make for a superior fit. I did notice that the waistband elastic didn't have as much "give" as a wood have liked on on several occasions taking them off I could hear a couple stitches "snap." I'm not sure how this would be remedied because I wouldn't want the waste to be any looser because then they would slip down while running.

Feel This is probably the highlight of the tights: the feel. The tights are made of a polyester/spandex blend fabric which has a nice stretch, while maintaining it's form (as in it doesn't get baggy). But the real highlight of the fabric is the "sueded" or brushed interior that is oh.so.soft. Really, it has a nice fleecy feeling without being thick or bulky. Of all the tights I own (including a pair of Asics fleecy winter running tights) these most definitely have the softest "feel" against my skin. The fabric is thicker than a simple spandex tight, so on a windy day it will definitely keep you warm.

Performance: The most important thing for me in tights and capris is that they don't fall or slide down as you run. Ive made several purchases from big name running apparel companies only to be disappointed by the fact that I have to tug and pull to keep the tights in place. This is not the case with these tights. They have stayed put on every single run I've worn them on. I've worn them in temps ranging from low 40's to mid 20's and they seem to breath in the warmer temps and keep me warm in the cooler temps. The only complaint I have with the tight is the small back pocket. It is small. The Janji website describes it as a "media pocket," but the only media you could fit in there would be a iPod shuffle. It is big enough for a key and a credit card or one GU or a small spray Mace. But not much besides. The website also says there's a hidden security side pocket, but it must be really well hidden because I can't seem to find it. Perhaps I have a sample version of the tight?

Wash and Wear: I've washed these tights several times on the Warm/Cool setting and let them line dry. They seem to be holding up just fine and the sueded finish on the interior of the tight has remained soft and has not pilled. Durable is good.

Price: At $68 it falls right in the mid-range of most running tights from other major running apparel companies. But the great thing is that those $68 don't just get you a pair of new running tights, they also give a person in Tanzania fresh water for a year. Money well spent in my opinion.

The Bottom Line: I real, really like these tights. I have lots of winter running tights (I hate the treadmill and live in New England, you have to have lots of tights.) and have yet to put on any of my other tights. I love the soft feel and the fit of these tights. I'd even wear them to story time.