For years, I’ve struggled to find a good pair of winter hiking pants. I’m either stifling hot and sweaty in ski pants or freezing cold in my normal summer leggings. This winter after moving to the mountains, I decided there has to be a better way. So I purchased nearly a dozen pairs of winter hiking pants and have been testing them out on my local trails.
A quality pair of winter hiking pants should protect your legs from wind and chilly air, keeping you comfortable in even the coldest conditions, without making you overly hot. And while not all warm hiking pants repel moisture, the weatherproof pants on this list score bonus points since staying dry in winter is important.
In this blog post, I round up the best women’s winter hiking pants that made the top of my list after months of testing on snowy trails and a range of sub-freezing temperatures.
Hopefully, this blog post helps you find the best winter hiking pants to keep you (and your legs) warm on the trails this season!
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Best Winter Hiking Pants for Women at a Glance
1. Craft Storm Balance Tights
Personal Favorite Winter Hiking Pants
Key Features
- Rise: Mid
- Inseam: 30-32 in.
- Pockets: 0
- Fabric: polyester backed with polyurethane
Where to shop
- What I like: slimmer cut, regulates body temperature as you work up a sweat, windproof layer on the front, freedom of movement with articulating knee, zippered ankles
- What I don’t like: no pockets! too narrow at the bottom of the pant leg to fit around bulkier winter hiking boots
The Craft Storm Balance Tights are a happy medium between leggings and traditional winter hiking pants. Although they are called tights, they are not skin-tight like leggings. They are actually cross-country ski pants designed to keep you warm during winter workouts.
These winter hiking pants are fleece-lined with a windproof layer on the front, offering more protection from the elements than the other leggings mentioned further down on this list. The elastic waistband includes a drawstring to keep them in place. I like how these pants also include a reflective strip on the side to increase visibility at night.
The first time I wore these on a very mellow hike on a 30-degree day, and I stayed very warm, except for my butt felt a little drafty. Since then on tougher, colder hikes where have exerted more energy, these have been perfect.
I’ve also worn them on a day when we had some wet snow, and you can see in this photo how the droplets formed on the outside of my pants. As a result, my legs stayed dry underneath.
Notice the droplets forming on the legs of these pants
One interesting feature of these winter hiking pants is the articulating knee. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this detail, but I found that because the pants themselves aren’t stretchy like leggings, the articulating knee gives you more freedom of movement. This ultimately makes the pants way more comfortable for winter hikes and outdoor activities. If you’re learning how to snowshoe this winter, these pants are well-designed for climbing up hills.
The bottom of the pant leg is tapered with an elastic cuff. The cuffs have zippers designed for cross country ski boots, but the bottom of the leg is pretty narrow, making it difficult to securely fit the pang leg around a bulkier winter hiking boot. For that reason, they are better tucked in, and you may want to pair them with some gaiters that prevent snow from getting in your boots.
I also HATE that these don’t have pockets. Of course I can put my phone in my jacket pocket, but seriously, why would any brand make pants with no pockets? Either way, these are still my favorite for both look and function.
2. REI Co-op Flash Insulated Hybrid Pants
Best for Layering
Key Features
- Rise: Mid
- Inseam: 30.5 in.
- Pockets: 3 zippered
- Fabric: Shell: recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign®-approved); stretch panels: 85% nylon/15% LYCRA spandex
Where to shop
- What I like: sizable zippered pockets, venting panels near the hips and inner thighs, roomy fit that allows for layering, packs down small
- What I don’t like: not particularly stylish, a slight “swishy” sound while hiking, placement of pockets is a little low, run large
If you are looking for multi-functional winter hiking pants that provide warmth while also offering room to layer, check out the REI Co-op Flash Insulated Hybrid Pants. These winter hiking pants are lightly weatherproof with a DWR finish, so if you get caught in light rain or snow during your hike, these pants will continue to keep you warm.
Although I wouldn’t say these are the cutest winter hiking pants that I own, I love how they are made with recycled insulation and are intentionally designed for outdoor winter activities. They feel like a puffy jacket for your legs. The venting panels near the hips and inner thighs help regulate your body temperature as you hike uphill.
The REI Co-op Flash Insulated Hybrid Pants have plenty of room to layer underneath. Here I’m 145 lbs and wearing a size medium. I kinda wish I would have gotten a small.
They also feature three sizeable zippered pockets to help prevent your items from falling and getting lost forever in the snow. I like how I can tighten the pants with a drawstring on the waistband and drawcord around the ankles to prevent wind from getting in.
The fit of the hiking pants is roomy enough to be able to add another cold weather baselayer underneath on extra cold days. In terms of sizing, the medium (which is normally the right size for me) fits pretty loose, and other reviewers have also reported these running slightly large. So if you’re in between sizes, I recommend sizing down.
3. lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight
Most Comfortable
Key Features
- Rise: High
- Inseam: None (25 in. or 28 in. in length)
- Pockets: 5
- Fabric: 87% Recycled polyester, 13% Lycra® elastane
Where to shop
- What I like: extremely soft fabric, no inseam (less friction), waistband doesn’t slip, fleece lined, lots of pockets compared to other leggings
- What I don’t like: thinner material, not as warm compared to the other winter hiking pants on this list
If you are searching for a lightweight option for those days when there is 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 layer of fleece, which keeps your legs warm without overheating them.
These leggings are extremely soft and comfortable. Like many of the lululemon leggings that I own, I love how the waistband stays in place and doesn’t slip, even on longer hikes. Because they are designed with no inner seam, there is less friction while you move, which helps prevent discomfort and chafing.
As far as leggings go, these offer ample room for your belongings with five total pockets, and the two side pockets are even big (and tight) enough for your phone. Since the sun sets so early in the winter, I like how these are designed with reflective dots so I can feel safe while hiking in the early evening.
The continuous drawcord around the waistband is convenient, making it impossible to lose the string inside of the pants. They run true to size, and at 145 pounds, I wear a size 8.
These have also become a favorite of mine for errands, quick winter outings with my son, and lounging around the house.
Save on gently used lululemon gear
lululemon has “Like New” section of their website where you can shop for gently used and revived gear. It’s a great way to give the brand a try if you’re not quite ready to shell out for a brand new pair of leggings.
4. Icebreaker Merino Speed Winter Tights
Lightest Winter Tights
Key Features
- Rise: Mid
- Inseam: 25 in.
- Pockets: 2
- Fabric: 97% wool/3% elastane
Where to shop
- What I like: all-natural merino wool fabric, lightweight yet offers ample warmth, pocket big enough for a phone
- What I don’t like: does not hold up well against the wind, slips a little while moving, fabric easily attracts dog hair
You’ve probably seen me talk about Icebreaker here before. The company has some pretty incredible sustabinability standards, and they make my favorite winter baselayers and ski socks. Now their winter leggings are also are a staple in my wardrobe.
Although these leggings may feel thin as you put them on, do not let the lightweight, breathable fabric deceive you. The Icebreaker Merino Speed Winter Tights are surprisingly warm.
Made of all-natural, 100% traceable merino wool, these leggings kept me adequately warm at 38 degrees. However, they are not windproof, so I recommend them for mellow hikes on warmer days or heavier workouts if you exercise in super cold temperatures. Due to how light these are, you could also layer them as a base layer underneath the REI Co-op Flash Insulated Hybrid Pants listed above on a very cold day.
There is a drawstring that helps keep the waistband in place. You will want to keep this drawstring tied to avoid the string getting pulled (and lost) in the hole. I can also easily slide my phone in and out of the side pocket to take photos on my hikes. These leggings run true to size (I’m 5’5” and currently 145 pounds and a medium fits well).
Like most wool products, if you also have a furry friend at home, be aware that these leggings tend to attract dog hair. The good news is (unlike some wool products), they are machine washable. You just have to make sure to follow the instructions to avoid having them shrink.
5. REI Co-op Activator 3.0 Pants
Best for Trail to Town
Key Features
- Rise: Mid
- Inseam: 32.5 in.
- Pockets: 5 (3 zippered)
- Fabric: 63% nylon/26% polyester/11% spandex (bluesign® approved)
Where to shop
- What I like: more affordable price for winter hiking pants, plenty of pockets for storing items, comfortable and quick-drying material, can pass as normal pants
- What I don’t like: some reviewers report seams on pants unravel over time, the fit is a bit bulky around the waist, runs large
As one of the more budget-friendly options on this list, the REI Co-op Activator 3.0 Pants are an excellent option for winter hiking pants. These pants are designed with soft shell fabric that has been treated with DWR to repel light moisture and wind.
I like how these pants have five deep pockets, three of which are zippered. The belt loops are a nice touch if you find that these pants fit a bit loose.
The articulated knee allows for a good range of motion in all sorts of outdoor winter activities. I appreciate the draw cord at the cuffs so I can cinch the pants to avoid getting snow in my boots while hiking.
These pants are comfortable, quick drying, and a versatile option to bring on a winter trip or hiking in potential rain.
I also like that these can be worn straight from the trail to the town. Not that the others on the list can’t, but these look the most like a normal pair of pants. They can easily be dressed up with a button-down flannel.
Winter Hiking Pants vs. Hiking Leggings
As you can see from this blog post, the Bearfoot Theory team and I recommend both winter hiking pants and hiking leggings for cooler temperatures. Use these factors to help you decide which to wear on the trail:
Be sure to check recent trail reports to wear the proper attire for your hike.
- Weather Conditions: Check the temperature first when deciding between winter hiking pants and leggings. Leggings are excellent for days when there is just a slight chill in the air because they allow for better airflow and feel more breathable as you hike. Winter hiking pants, on the other hand, are better suited for colder temperatures, providing more insulation and protection against snow and cold winds on the trails.
- Trail Conditions: Read recent reviews of the trail you plan to hike. Depending on the terrain or the amount of snow, this could help you decide if leggings or winter hiking pants are the better option. If you’re hiking in areas with deep snow or wet mud, pants can offer better protection to keep your socks and legs dry. On the other hand, if the trail conditions look favorable, hiking in leggings should be sufficient.
- Comfort and Personal Preference: Sometimes it comes down to which fit you prefer. Many people like the soft feel of a pair of leggings, while others like the insulation of a pair of winter hiking pants. It is important to wear whichever feels comfortable and keeps you warm. I recommend testing both leggings and hiking pants on walks around your neighborhood to see how the material feels as you move and make sure the fabric does not chafe or rub against your skin.
- Durability: If you’re planning on doing any scrambling or off-trail hiking, long hiking pants can help protect your legs from scrapes and scratches, even in icy conditions. BFT Contributor Kaylin has fallen before on rocky, icy terrain during a winter hike and ripped a hole in her leggings (as if falling isn’t a big enough bummer)! The material of winter hiking pants tends to be thicker and more durable if you happen to fall or brush against a rough surface.
When choosing between winter hiking pants and leggings for your hike, the key points to consider are the anticipated forecast, your comfort, and recent trail condition reports. You can also read more about my other recommendations for women’s hiking pants and leggings for the other three seasons.
I hope this post on winter hiking pants for women helps you find the best hiking pants for you! Stay warm on the trail!
Gear up for your winter hike with these other apparel recommendations:
Which of these women’s winter hiking pants is your favorite pick? Let me know in the comments below!
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