The importance of having hiking pants for cold weather cannot be overemphasized.
Insulated hiking pants are needed for cold temperatures in order for you to truly carry out your hiking activities.
These hiking pants are useful because they are water-resistant and wind-resistant. Herein lies their ability to protect us in the backcountry. Also, they have to be breathable to prevent the accumulation of moisture when hiking.
Best hiking pants for cold weather
Eddie Bauer Men’s Pants
Hiking Pant Materials: Nylon, Spandex
Weight:
Water and Wind Resistance: Water repellent, wind resistant
Thickness: Thick
Belts and Waist Adjusters: None
Knees and Gussets: Available
Pockets: Two side pockets and two back pockets
The whole essence of having hiking pants for cold weather is to provide warmth. And this hiking pant does that exceptionally well. The insulation it provides is just perfect.
You’d love it. And quite frankly, it fits women too. These pants are durable and comfortable.
Wespornow Hiking Pant
Hiking Pant Materials: Polyester, Spandex
Weight:
Water and Wind Resistance: Water repellent, wind resistant
Thickness: Thick
Belts and Waist Adjusters: Yes
Knees and Gussets: Available
Pockets: Pockets are present
These pants are durable and breathable. The fabric retains warmth and it doesn’t make a swishing noise when walking.
Marmot Scree Soft Shell Pants
Hiking Pant Materials: Nylon
Weight:
Water and Wind Resistance: Water repellent, wind resistant
Thickness: Thin
Belts and Waist Adjusters: Yes
Knees and Gussets: Not available
Pockets: Pockets are present
These pants are durable and breathable. They are one of the best softshell pants for hiking in cold weather. Although they are water resistant, they are not waterproof.
Since they are breathable, they are also quick to dry.
Free Soldier Softshell Pant
Hiking Pant Materials: Polyester and spandex
Weight:
Water and Wind Resistance: Water repellent
Thickness: Thick
Belts and Waist Adjusters: Yes
Knees and Gussets: Yes
Pockets: Pockets are present
Just like the other ones, these hiking pant is breathable but not as much as you’d want them to, comfortable and water repellant.
It is also wind resistant. The fabric is multi-layered hence it provides proper insulation and keeps warm.
Toomett Men’s Hiking Pants
Hiking Pant Materials: Polyester
Weight:
Water and Wind Resistance: Water repellent
Thickness: Thick
Belts and Waist Adjusters: Yes
Knees and Gussets: Yes
Pockets: Pockets are present
These softshell pant is absolutely splendid for cold weather. It insulates properly because it features multiple layers and keeps warmth.
It is moisture-wicking, breathable, and comfortable.
What To Look For When Choosing A Hiking Pant For Cold Weather
Hiking Pant Materials
Most hiking pants for cold weather are made of nylon and other fabric material like elastane and spandex. Elastane causes the pants to stretch while nylon causes insulation.
Weight
The weight of hiking pants isn’t always the top criterion however it is an important consideration given the fact that every ounce counts when going into the backcountry.
Waterproof and Wind Resistance
One of the features of good hiking pants for cold weather is their ability to breathe. Unfortunately, this feature cannot be merged directly with waterproofing. Because the design for both is mutually exclusive.
However good hiking pants should be water resistance and wind resistance.
Thickness
Generally, most clothes insulate better when they are designed thick. For example, a duvet.
Hiking pants are no exception because the thicker the material, the more warmth it provides.
Belts and Waist Adjusters
The ability to adjust the waistband is crucial for every hiking pant because no one wants to use a belt on their hiking pants except for integrated belts.
Knees and Gussets
Some hikers hike the trail using traditional pants. Well, this isn’t advisable because they aren’t made for hiking.
A crucial feature of hiking pants is the presence of the articulated knees and gussets which aids mobility based on the interaction of a hiker’s knee in response in response to pant.
Pockets
Pockets aren’t a most but they are good for the organization for storage options.
Read Best Hiking Jackets for Cold Weather
What Next?
Choose one out of the five best-hiking pants for cold weather. My best pick is the Eddie Bauer Men’s pant