Being well equipped for hiking or any other outdoor activity in winter is essential. And the first item of clothing you should choose carefully is undoubtedly your trousers. A good pair of warm trousers is an indispensable piece of kit for comfort and confident performance. But the choice is wide and complex! To help you make your selection, here are our top tips, key criteria and a list of models that should keep you happy this winter!
What criteria should you use to choose a warm winter trouser?
Beyond the look and the many comfort features of your trousers (number of pockets, elasticated waistband, etc.), there are essentially two key technical parameters to consider for your outdoor winter activities: thermal insulation and waterproofing.
Thermal insulation in trousers
This feature may seem obvious for a warm trouser, but it is worth understanding what actually makes a trouser effective at insulating against the cold.
Most often, this insulation is provided by a fabric combining 3 layers:
- the first layer, closest to the body, will be insulating — for example a fleece fabric
- the intermediate membrane will need to be waterproof-breathable
- the outer face will be an ultra-durable stretch fabric
This provides thermal insulation that retains body heat close to the skin without it being cooled by the outside air.
Waterproofing
Water-repellent treatments (often combined with stain-resistant treatments) provide significant waterproofing for your trousers. They also offer a windproof effect that is essential for protection against wind chill. There is nothing worse 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 (put on a proper waterproof rain trouser) but will at least shield you from light or brief rain while you find shelter.
For optimal protection in the most demanding winter conditions, look for trousers with a waterproof-breathable membrane rated at 10,000 mm water resistance and a genuine breathability of 10,000 g/m²/24h. These are the values that will let you face rain and snow without any difficulty.
A selection of warm winter trousers
#1 A fitted, insulating trouser
This breathable and warm Bornand trouser is made from a water-repellent (DWR) CimaFlex® 3D stretch fabric. Its ergonomic, fitted cut delivers genuine comfort and an impressive freedom of movement for the outdoors.
Warm yet supremely breathable, these perfectly fitted trousers feature a CimaTherm® lined interior that provides highly effective protection against the cold. Side zip vents offer particularly efficient moisture and perspiration management during activity.
Finally, its elasticated and zipped leg cuffs 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 excellent for intense winter sports such as skiing or mountaineering! They feature a breathable, windproof Softshell fabric, waterproof to 10,000 mm (non-heat-sealed seams).
Its other key features are:
- 2 large dual-slider ventilation zips ensuring excellent ventilation, with a mesh lining for good support even when the trousers are fully open.
- The comfortable, windproof 3-layer Softshell fabric that regulates temperature
- Edge and crampon guard reinforcement zones for outstanding durability
- Pre-shaped knee reinforcements
- Integrated and removable braces
- RECCO® beacon for emergency rescue
#3 A warm and waterproof trouser
Perfect for winter, this trouser is waterproof against water and snow. Made from Softshell fabric, it will win you over with its thermal insulation and will keep you warm and dry against the wind and cold on every hiking trail imaginable.
#4 A waterproof hiking trouser for winter hiking
The Hoggar trousers feature a 3D-Flex fabric, a CimAlp innovation, 100% stretch, durable and ultra-comfortable. They have become a benchmark among mountain experts and are perfectly suited to hiking on rough 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 waterproof membrane rated at 10,000 mm with heat-sealed seams
- 1 large bellows pocket with waterproof zip on the right thigh
- Edge/crampon guard reinforcements in Cordura Strong
- Velcro leg cuff adjusters
It has been treated with a PFC-free DWR Teflon EcoElite finish derived from renewable resources. The fabric is Bluesign® certified, meaning natural resources have been preserved and environmental impact reduced.
Ideal in every season, the Hoggar also offers the best value for money.
