Whether it is hiking a trail or going out for a casual stroll around the block, you need a good pair of hiking pants for the winter season. The ideal pants should be both comfortable and durable. Other factors that you should be considering include breathability, freedom of movement, and water/wind resistance.
If you are thinking of replacing an old pair or want to add a new one to your collection, you have come to the right place. The following are our top picks for the best winter hiking pants for all your outdoor adventures.
Editor’s Choice: Free Soldier’s Winter Hiking Pants
Free Soldier Hiking Pants take the cake for the best hiking pants for men. It is an excellent product that is both comfortable and reasonably priced. Not only are they adequately insulated, but they also has the most stylish yet sleek design out of all the pairs on the list.
Best Winter Hiking Pants of 2020 Reviewed
- Clothin Men’s Cargo Pants
- ZOOMHILL Men’s Pro Hiking Pants
- Columbia’s Saturday Trail II Winter Hiking Pants for Women
- Toomett Women’s Ski Pants
- Helikon-Tex Men’s Outdoor Tactical Pants
- Arctix Men’s Zurich Insulated Pants
- Gopune Women’s insulated Hiking Pants
- DAFENGEA Women’s Hiking Pants
- Free Soldier’s Winter Hiking Pants for Men
- LANBAOSI Women’s Hiking Pants
- Little Donkey Andy Women’s Winter Hiking Pants
1. Clothin Men’s Cargo Pants – Best Pockets
This pair comes lined with super snug microfleece on the inside and softshell fabric on the outside to ensure maximum comfort and flexibility. The pants are water-repellant and wind-resistant, so they will keep you warm and dry even in extreme weather.
Clothin Men’s Cargo Pants are one of the best winter hiking pants for men, as they offer increased functionality by providing six pockets for all your storage needs. The partial elastic at the side and the snap closure zip, guarantees a perfect fit and convenience. It comes in twelve different colors and sizes up to 3X-Large.
Highlights
- True to size
- Micro-fleece lining
- A softshell exterior
- Zip fly with snap closure
- Water-repellent and wind-resistant
- Six pockets (2 zippered hand pockets, 2 side Velcro pockets and 2 back Velcro pockets)
- Partial elastic on the sides of the waist
- Snap closure zip
- Twelve different colors/pattern
2. ZOOMHILL Men’s Pro Hiking Pants – Most durable
ZOOMHILL Men’s Pro Hiking Pants use a strong TC shell fabric that is 65% polyester and 35% cotton making it water-resistant. It has four nylon patches around the knees and hips for increased flexibility and comfort.
The legs of the pants have ventilation zippers that allow you to maintain the temperature inside for warmer days. It has an adjustable waist and bottom tabs which ensure the perfect fit. The pants have six pockets (4 zippered) and come in seven different colors/patterns.
Highlights
- True to size.
- Fabric is 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton.
- Nylon patches on the knees and hips.
- Ventilation zippers on the legs.
- Six pockets (2 slash pockets, 2 side zippered pockets and 2 thigh zippered pockets).
- Adjustable waist and bottom tabs.
- Seven different colors/patterns.
3. Columbia’s Saturday Trail II Winter Hiking Pants for Women – High Tech Pants
Made from 96% nylon and 4% elastane, these pants feature Omni Shade UPF 50 fabric that guarantees sun protection. The thermal reflective technology in the pants keeps you feeling warm even in the snow. These pants also offer water and stain repellency in case of muddy terrains or snow.
The pants have gusset detailing, articulated knees and leg hems which are cinchable, allowing you to hike without any restrictions. It has six different pockets and comes in two different colors.
Highlights
- True to size.
- Fabric is 96% nylon, 4% elastane.
- Gusset detailing and articulated knees ensure ease of movement.
- Omni shade UPF 50 fabric for sun protection.
- Omni shield protection from water and stains.
- Button closure.
- Patented thermal reflective technology.
- Six pockets (2 zippered side pockets, 2 back pockets that have Velcro and 2 slash pockets).
- Available in two colors.
4. Toomett Women’s Ski Pants – Most Minimal Design
Made from a fabric that is 100% Polyester, this fleece-lined pair is both functional and stylish. The polyester fabric makes these pants wrinkle-free and allows them to retain their shape. The outer layer of the pants is water-resistant and the inner layer is moisture-wicking that keeps you warm and dry.
Toomett Women’s Ski Pants feature a gusseted crotch and articulated knees, which ensure ease of movement and durability. The semi-elastic leg holes can be cinched around the ankles so that no air gets in, keeping you warm even in windy weather. It has four zippered pockets and is available in five different colors.
Although made specifically for skiing, these high-waisted pants are also suitable for all your outdoor activities such as hunting, camping, hiking, fishing, etc.
Highlights
- True to size.
- Fabric is 100% Polyester.
- Lined with moisture-wicking fleece.
- Water-resistant and wind-resistant.
- Zip fly with snap closure.
- Gusseted crotch and articulated knees.
- Cinchable around the ankles.
- Four zippered pockets (2 side pockets and 2 back pockets).
- Available in five different colors.
5. Helikon-Tex Men’s Outdoor Tactical Pants – Most Expensive
Helikon-Tex Men’s Outdoor Tactical Pants are made from 93% nylon and 7% spandex. They come with the option of picking from two different variations of fabric: VersaStretch and VersaStretch Lite. The latter being a more breathable and lighter version.
The four-way elastic allows you to move around with ease in these pants without putting any additional pressure on the seams. It has an elastic waistband with a Velcro fastener, which ensures a snug fit.
It has a total of 6 big pockets. The front and back pockets also have internal pockets for knives and flashlights. It comes in 18 different colors/patterns in both VersaStretch and VersaStretch Lite variations of fabric.
Highlights
- True to size.
- Fabric is made from 93% nylon and 7% spandex.
- Two fabric variations: VersaStretch and VersaStretch Lite.
- Zipper closure.
- Six pockets (2 front with Velcro, 2 back and 2 upper-thigh cargo pockets) with internal pockets.
- Four-way elastic for flexibility.
- 18 different patterns/colors.
6. Arctix Men’s Zurich Insulated Pants – Most convenient
This pair uses 100% Thermalock Polyester and fleece lined ThermaTech insulation to keep you warm even in the roughest climates. You can adjust the waist of the pants using the adjustable Velcro straps for a snug fit.
The denier rating, which measures the thickness of the fabric, is an indicator of the durability of the pants. With a 600-denier rating ballistic fiber ankle, scuff and hem guards, these pants are resistant to daily wear and tear.
It has boot zippers which make changing in and out of these pants very convenient and boot gaiters which can be seamlessly tucked inside your boots for snow and wind protection. These pants have three pockets and comes in three different colors.
Highlights
- True to size.
- Fabric is 100% ThermaLock Polyester.
- ThermaTech insulation.
- 600-denier rating ballistic fiber around ankle, scuff and hem guards.
- Water-repellant and wind-resistant.
- Zipper closure.
- Boot zippers and boot gaiters.
- Three pockets (2 zippered front pockets and 1 back pocket).
- Adjustable waist with Velcro straps.
- Three different colors.
7. Gopune Women’s insulated Hiking Pants – Most flexible
These soft-shell pants constitute 85% Nylon and 15% Spandex. The outer coating of this pair is water-resistant, keeping you dry in rain or snow, while the inner lining is a high-quality fleece that keeps you warm and insulated.
Gopune Women’s insulated hiking pants have a partial elastic waistband on the sides, guaranteeing a perfect fit. It has six pockets and is available in seven different colors.
Highlights
- True to size.
- Fabric is 85% Nylon and 15% Spandex.
- Lined with a comfortable fleece.
- Buckle closure.
- Water-repellant and wind-resistant.
- Six pockets (2 front slant pockets, 2 back Velcro pockets and 2 knee pockets).
- Seven different colors.
8. DAFENGEA Women’s Hiking Pants –Sleekest design
Made from 92% polyester and 8% spandex, this pair is one of the best winter hiking pants for women. DAFENGEA Women’s Hiking Pants are water-resistant, wind-resistant and abrasion-resistant. Their lining is a soft fleece that provides you with extra warmth and comfort.
They have an elastic band around the waist that ensures the perfect fit. They are available in 5 different shades of the colors black, blue and pink and have three zippered pockets.
Highlights
- True to size.
- 92% polyester and 8% spandex.
- Lined with comfortable fleece.
- Zipper closure.
- Elastic band around the waist.
- Water-repellent, wind-resistant and abrasion-resistant.
- Three zippered pockets (2 front, 1 back).
- Seven different shades/colors.
9. Free Soldier’s Winter Hiking Pants for Men – Most Value for money
The fabric of these pants is 94% Polyester and 6% Spandex. The softshell on the outer layer makes this pair water-resistant and wind-resistant, whereas the warm polar fleece inner layer makes it both insulated and comfortable.
These pants allow increased mobility thanks to the integrated motion points throughout the pair and the partial elastic waistband enables the perfect fit for every user. They have five cargo pockets and are available in nine different colors.
Highlights
- True to size.
- 94% Polyester and 6% Spandex.
- Lined with warm polar fleece.
- Zip fly with snap closure.
- Partial elastic band around the waist.
- Water-repellant and wind-resistant.
- Five pockets (2 zippered side pockets, 2 hook and closure pockets on the upper thigh and 1 zippered back pocket).
- Nine different shades/colors.
10. LANBAOSI Women’s Hiking Pants – Most lightweight
LANBOSI Women’s Hiking Pants are made from wind-resistant and water-resistant Nylon and Spandex Legacy Twill. They are lined with lightweight fleece keeping your legs warm and cozy even in freezing temperatures.
These pants come with a removable belt and have a partial elastic waist that ensures the perfect fit. The ergonomics 3D design around the knees allows you to bend and stretch without any worries of the fabric ripping.
Extremely lightweight and flattering, these pants have two zippered front pockets and are available in Grey and Black.
Highlights
- True to size.
- Made from Nylon and Spandex.
- Lined with lightweight fleece.
- Hook and zipper closure.
- Partial elastic band around the waist.
- Water-repellent and wind-resistant.
- Ergonomics 3D design to increase mobility.
- Two front zippered pockets.
- Two different colors.
11. Little Donkey Andy Women’s Winter Hiking Pants – Most affordable
A pair which is made of 95% polyester and 5% spandex. These softshell pants offer both comfort and warmth. The three-layer construction fabric has a water-repellent surface fabric, a mid-layer that is breathable and water-resistant and an inner layer made from polyester synthetic material.
The fabric enables four-way stretching and is equipped with articulated knees and gusseted crotch, ensuring ease of movement during your hike. It has a flexible waist, hook snap and two zippered pockets for convenience. It comes in various color combinations and the upgraded version even has elastic bands and a zipper at the leg opening.
Highlights
- True to size.
- Fabric is 95% polyester and 5% spandex.
- Three-layer construction for insulation and water-resistance.
- Four-way stretch material.
- Articulated knees and gusseted crotch.
- Two zippered front pockets.
- The upgraded version contains a zipper and elastic band in the leg holes.
- Available in several colors.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Winter Hiking Pants
Choosing the best hiking pants is no easy task. You must first understand what you want from your hiking pants. For that, you need to ask various questions: Where can you consider compromising? What features are completely non-negotiable? What is your price range?
You can start looking once you answer these questions for yourself. To further simplify the whole process, we have compiled a short buying guide to ensure that you make the right decision.
Price Point
Not everyone wants or can afford to buy pants worth $100 and above. Luckily, there are options available in both mid-price range and low-price range that can provide you with similar or even better features.
Insulation
When venturing outdoors in the cold, you need to ensure that the cold weather hiking pants you choose are adequately insulated. You do not want to be uncomfortable with the insulation either, so you need to be aware of the material of the lining.
Luckily, most of the products in the list above are lined with fleece that makes those pants super warm and cozy. Some products boast the light-weight micro-fleece, while the others go with thicker ones.
Pockets
Pockets are essential when it comes to choosing the perfect pair. The pairs above have various multi-functional pockets for your convenience. The zippered pockets may be more secure, but the Velcro ones are easier to use, as they do not require constant zipping and unzipping.
Where you need the pockets is also very important. Some pairs such as ZOOMHILL Men’s Hiking Pants and LANBAOSI Women’s Hiking Pants, come without any back pockets.
Flexibility
Flexibility is crucial for pants for outdoor activities. All pants incorporate this element in their own unique ways. ZOOMHILL has added flexible nylon patches around the knees and hips for increased mobility, whereas Free Soldier has integrated motion points throughout the fabric. When looking for a stretchy pair, you should look for one with more Spandex in the material.
Durability
Depending on the activity, your cold-weather hiking pants are bound to go through wear and tear with time. Wearing down can be slowed down by using material that is resistant and does not crease easily. Out of all the materials, pants with Nylon in them tend to be relatively more durable.
Additional features
Several other factors also come into play when choosing the best winter hiking pants. You can choose between a loose or a slim fit, or a pair that has leg holes that can be zipped or cinched. Adjustable waists, removable belts, snap closure zippers – the features are endless!
Picking The Right Pants
Staying warm and comfortable on your hike is the sensible thing to do. You risk freezing or even injuring yourself with the wrong kind of pants.
Hopefully, this short guide will help you make a better, more educated decision about your next pair.