We get over 350″ of snow at our house in the mountains above Salt Lake, so for the past few years I have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of hiking pants.
When I’m hiking in the winter, I need my pants to keep my legs warm in cold, windy conditions, without making me overheat. My favorite pairs are also waterproof and can handle a little snow if the weather changes while I’m on the trail.
In this blog post, I share my short list of the best women’s pants for winter. These are the pairs I usually wear when exploring local snowy trails in sub-freezing temperatures.
For more suggestions on winter hiking clothes, check out my posts on what I wear for winter hiking and my top winter hiking tips.
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1. Craft Storm Balance Tights
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The Craft Storm Balance Tights are a fun alternative to traditional leggings and pants for winter wear. Although they are called tights, they are not as tight as leggings. Basically ski pants are designed to keep you warm during winter workouts.
These winter hiking pants are lined with fleece with a windproof layer on the front, offering more protection from the elements than other leggings mentioned further down this list. The elastic waistband includes a drawstring to keep it in place. I love how these pants include a reflective strip on the side to increase visibility at night.
The first time I wore these I went for a short walk on a 30 degree day, and I stayed very warm, except that my butt felt weak. Since then on a hard, cold ride where it used more power, this was fine.
I also wore them on a day when we had wet snow, and you can see in this picture how the drops formed on the outside of my pants. As a result, my legs stayed dry underneath.
One interesting feature of these winter hiking pants is the felt knee. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this detail, but I found that because the pants themselves don’t stretch like leggings, the felt knee gives you more freedom of movement. This ultimately makes the pants more comfortable for winter walks and outdoor activities. If you’re learning how to snowshoe this winter, these pants are perfectly designed for climbing the slopes.
The bottom of the trouser leg is tied with an elastic cuff. Zip cuffs are designed for cross-country ski boots, but the bottom of the leg is too narrow, making it difficult to securely fit a sore leg around a winter hiking boot. For that reason, they are better fitted, and you may want to pair them with other gaiters that can prevent snow from getting into your boots.
I also HATE that these don’t have pockets. Yes I can put my phone in my jacket pocket, but seriously, why would any brand make pants without pockets? Either way, these are still my favorites for both looks and performance.
2. Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tights
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If you’re looking for a lightweight option on those days when there’s a slight chill in the air, the lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight fits the bill. These leggings are designed with a thin fleece, which keeps your legs warm without overheating them.
These leggings are super soft and comfortable. Like most lululemon leggings I own, I like how the waistband stays put and doesn’t slip, even on long walks. Because they are designed with a seamless interior, there is less friction while walking, which helps prevent discomfort and chafing.
As for the leggings, these offer plenty of room for your belongings with five pockets, and the two side pockets are big enough (and sturdy) for your phone. With the sun setting so early in the winter, I love how these are designed with reflective dots so I feel safe on my early morning hikes.
The continuous drawcord around the waistband is easy, making it difficult to lose the cord inside the pants. They run true to size, and at 145 pounds, I wear a size 8.
These have also become my go-to for hunting, brisk winter walks with my son, and wandering around the house.
3. REI Co-op Activator 3.0 Pants
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As one of the more budget-friendly options on this list, the REI Co-op Activator Pants are a great option for hiking pants. These pants are designed with soft shell fabric that has been treated with DWR to repel light moisture and wind.
I love that these pants have five deep pockets, three of which are zippered. The belt loops are a nice touch if you find these pants to be a little tight fitting.
The articulated knee allows a good range of motion for all kinds of outdoor winter activities. I appreciate the drawstring on the cuffs to hold the pants up to avoid getting snow on my boots while hiking. It largely eliminates the need for gaiters.
These pants are comfortable, quick-drying, and a versatile option to bring on winter hikes or hikes in potential rain.
I also love that these can be worn from the trail to the city. Not that the others on the list can’t, but these look like normal pants. They can easily be worn with a button-down flannel.
Winter Riding Pants vs. Hiking Leggings
As you can see from this blog post, I recommend both hiking pants and fleece lined hiking leggings for winter temperatures. I love the comfort of leggings and will choose them on milder days. However, if it is really cold or snowy, hiking pants offer more protection and last longer. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which style of pants to wear.
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What is your favorite winter hiking pants for women? Let me know in the comments below!