Winter hiking requires a certain amount of preparation to face bad weather. You may encounter rain, but also snow, especially if you hike in the mountains. Preparation starts with choosing your outfit and in particular your trousers. They must be resistant and waterproof, but also sufficiently insulating to keep you warm. Find out how to choose trousers for winter hiking with our advice.
Key factors when choosing trousers
The choice of cut for your winter trousers will depend on the type of hiking you do. If you are heading out on an intense hike or a mountain hike, the best option is to go for trousers in a stretchy fabric with a close-fitting cut. They will adapt perfectly to your movements. For a less intense hike on flat terrain, you can choose a slightly more relaxed cut.
For winter hiking, some trousers are fitted with zipped pockets, ventilation pockets, drawcords or gaiters. The latter protect the lower legs and the top of the shoe. This allows you to move through vegetation without risking water or snow getting into your shoes.
Choosing the right level of waterproofing in winter
In winter, showers are frequent, especially in the mountains. To face the rain, your trousers must be waterproof or at least water-repellent. Water-repellent trousers let water slide off the fabric surface without absorbing it, keeping you dry. They do not, however, hold up against heavy rain or snowfall. Trousers made with a waterproof material prevent rain from getting through. They will be better suited and more resistant in bad weather.
To be truly protected, we recommend getting either a pair of waterproof trousers or a pair of water-repellent trousers with overtrousers on top. The latter slip on easily, take up no space and provide real protection against rain.
The importance of good thermal insulation
When temperatures drop in winter, thermal insulation plays an important role. Most winter hiking trousers are either fleece-lined or brushed. They are designed to retain warmth while remaining sufficiently breathable.
The three-layer system can also work for the lower body in winter. It involves wearing thermal tights, a pair of hiking trousers and overtrousers with a waterproof membrane. The three elements combined mean you won't suffer from cold or bad weather during your hike.
The softshell trousers for winter hiking
For winter hiking at high altitude, softshell trousers can also be a great option. Softshell is a fabric made up of three bonded layers: a fleece layer for warmth, a waterproof membrane and an outer fabric that is windproof and protects the membrane. It provides complete protection against the elements.
Aside from being slightly heavier and less waterproof than hardshell trousers, softshell trousers have many advantages. Their inner fabric provides good thermal insulation. Body heat is retained close to the skin. Their water-resistant membrane and stretch fabric allow them to handle various natural elements without issue. They are comfortable, insulating, warm, resistant, durable and flexible all at once.
Choosing the right trousers for winter hiking keeps you protected from both the cold and bad weather. We advise against going hiking in ski trousers. These are not designed for hiking and can become a burden due to perspiration when hiking.
