Good kit matters for winter hiking and other outdoor activities. Trousers are one of the first things to choose carefully. A good pair of warm trousers is essential for staying comfortable and moving with confidence. But with so many options, choosing a pair can be tricky. Here are the features we recommend looking for, along with a selection of styles for 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, give your trousers substantial protection against water. They also provide a windproof effect that helps shield you from wind chill. There’s little worse than walking with wet legs and no sign of the fabric drying. A water-repellent treatment won’t protect you in a heavy downpour — put on a proper pair of waterproof rain trousers for that — but it will keep off light or brief rain 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
These breathable, warm Bornand trousers are made from 3D-stretch CimaFlex® fabric with a water-repellent finish (DWR). Their close, ergonomic fit provides lasting comfort and freedom of movement for outdoor activities.
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
These Piton trousers are ideal for demanding winter sports such as skiing and mountaineering. Their breathable, windproof Softshell fabric is waterproof to a 10,000 mm water column (seams are not taped).
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
- Ski-edge reinforcements for greater 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 rain and snow. Made from Softshell fabric, they provide thermal insulation and keep you warm and dry in wind and cold on hiking trails of all kinds.
#4 A waterproof hiking trouser for winter hiking
The Hoggar trousers feature 3D-Flex fabric, a CimAlp innovation that is 100% stretch, durable and exceptionally comfortable. They have become a trusted choice among mountain experts and are well 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
- Cordura Strong reinforcements protect against ski edges and crampons
- 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.
