It is always worth being well equipped for hiking or any other outdoor activity in winter. And the first garment to choose carefully is undoubtedly your trousers. A good pair of warm trousers will be an essential piece of kit for comfort and a confident performance. The choice is wide and can feel overwhelming — so here are our recommended criteria and tips, plus a list of models to keep you happy this winter.
What criteria should you use to choose warm winter trousers?
Beyond the look and the many comfort features of your trousers (number of pockets, elasticated waistband…), there are essentially two key technical parameters to consider for outdoor winter activities: thermal insulation and waterproofing.
Thermal insulation in trousers
This characteristic may seem obvious for a warm trouser, but it is worth understanding what actually makes a trouser effective at insulating against the cold.
Most commonly, this insulation is provided by a fabric combining 3 layers:
- the first layer, closest to the body, will be insulating — such as a fleece fabric
- the intermediate membrane must be waterproof-breathable
- the outer face will be an ultra-resistant stretch fabric
This delivers thermal insulation that retains body heat close to the skin without it being chilled by the outside air.
Waterproofing
Water-repellent treatments (often combined with stain-resistant treatments) provide significant waterproofing for your trousers. They also deliver a windproof effect that is essential for protection against wind chill. There is nothing more unpleasant than walking with wet legs and little hope of the fabric drying out. A water-repellent treatment will not protect you from a heavy downpour (pull on a proper waterproof rain trouser for that) but will at least keep you dry in light or brief showers while you find shelter.
For optimal protection in the most demanding winter conditions, look for trousers whose waterproof-breathable membrane is waterproof to 10,000 mm and offers a genuine breathability of 10,000 g/m²/24 h. These are the ratings that will allow you to face rain and snow without difficulty.
A few warm trouser options for winter
#1 A fitted, insulating trouser
This breathable and warm Bornand trouser is made from a water-repellent (DWR) CimaFlex® 3D stretch fabric. Its ergonomic, tailored cut delivers genuine comfort and impressive freedom of movement for outdoor use.
Warm yet extremely breathable, these perfectly fitted trousers feature a CimaTherm® lined interior for highly effective protection against the cold. Zipped side vents also allow particularly efficient moisture and perspiration management during exercise.
Finally, the elasticated, zipped leg openings make the Bornand a trouser perfectly suited to active and intense winter sports.
#2 A warm, windproof and waterproof trouser for intense activities
The Piton trousers are excellent for intense winter sports such as skiing or mountaineering! They feature a breathable, windproof Softshell fabric that is waterproof to 10,000 mm (non-heat-sealed seams).
Its other key features are:
- 2 large dual-slider zip vents providing excellent ventilation with a mesh inner for good support even when the trousers are fully open.
- The 3-layer Softshell fabric — comfortable, windproof and temperature-regulating
- Edge-guard reinforcement zones for outstanding durability
- Pre-shaped knee reinforcements
- Integrated, removable braces
- RECCO® emergency rescue beacon
#3 A warm and waterproof trouser
Ideal for winter, these trousers are waterproof against water and snow. Made from Softshell fabric, they impress with their thermal insulation and will keep you warm and dry against wind and cold on every hiking trail.
#4 A waterproof hiking trouser for winter hiking
The Hoggar trousers feature a 3D-Flex fabric — a CimAlp innovation — that is 100% stretch, durable and ultra-comfortable. They have become a benchmark among mountain experts and are perfectly suited to hiking on rugged terrain.
Other notable features of these trousers:
- Half-elasticated waistband with adjustable belt loops, raised at the back for excellent kidney protection against the wind
- 2 waterproof zip side pockets
- CIMASHELL membrane waterproof to 10,000 mm with heat-sealed seams
- 1 large bellows pocket with waterproof zip on the right thigh
- Reinforcements protecting edges/crampons in Cordura Strong
- Leg hem tightening via tab with Velcro fastening
It has been treated with PFC-free DWR Teflon EcoElite, derived from renewable resources. The fabric is Bluesign® certified, meaning natural resources have been preserved and environmental impact reduced.
Perfect for all seasons, the Hoggar also offers the best value for money.
