Hiking in winter means being properly equipped to face bad weather and low temperatures with confidence. And your choice of hiking trousers plays a crucial role. Choosing the right winter hiking trousers is therefore very important for your comfort and the pleasure you'll get from being out on the trails. Here are a few criteria to consider when making your choice, along with some trousers models that are perfect for walking in cold conditions.
What criteria should you use to choose trousers for winter hiking?
Beyond the look and the various features of your trousers (number of pockets, elastic belt…) there are two key parameters to consider for winter hiking: thermal insulation and waterproofing.
The thermal insulation aspect of a hiking trousers
Depending on the season, you won't need the same trousers for heading out on hiking trails. While lightweight is key in summer and on fine days, thermal insulation becomes essential when the temperature drops.
A warm trousers that is also waterproof will be a serious asset when facing harsh weather or altitude on long-distance trails or trekking routes. For example, a softshell fabric combines 3 layers:
- an inner fleece fabric for thermal insulation,
- a waterproof-breathable membrane,
- and an ultra-resistant stretch fabric on the outer face.
This ensures 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) offer significant waterproofing for your trousers. They also provide 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 won't protect you from heavy downpours, but it will at least shelter you from light or brief rain while you find cover. For optimal protection, choose a waterproof hiking trousers.
For optimal protection in the harshest winter conditions, look for trousers with a waterproof-breathable membrane rated to 10,000 mm of water and offering a real breathability of 10,000 g/m²/24h. These are the values that will allow you to face rain and snow without any difficulty.
A few trousers models for winter hiking
Women's warm and waterproof trousers
Perfect for winter, this women's trousers are waterproof against water and snow. In softshell fabric, its thermal insulation will win you over, keeping you warm and dry against wind and cold on every hiking trail.
Men's waterproof trousers with breathable membrane
The HOGGAR 2 men's trousers, with its stretchy Activ'Shell waterproof-breathable membrane, is a best-seller. Valued for its suppleness, lightweight feel and performance, it also offers an outstanding price-to-quality ratio!
It features a waterproof-breathable fabric with CIMASHELL 10,000 membrane with impressive specifications:
- Waterproof membrane rated to 10,000 mm of water pressure and breathable at 10,000 g/m²/24h
- Stretch and hyper comfortable
- Windproof
- Durable
Warm and waterproof trousers with Kevlar reinforcements
This men's warm and waterproof trousers is an outstanding winter trousers! Its very comfortable 3-layer softshell fabric regulates temperature. It features pre-shaped knees and Kevlar® edge guards for optimum durability.
Its fabric is made from bamboo fibres, which offer some great benefits:
- Breathable: bamboo has a very high absorption capacity. Its structure, made up of countless micro-pores, regulates moisture levels, creating a very pleasant and regulated environment even during intense effort.
- Antibacterial: neutralises unpleasant odours and prevents bacterial growth through natural catalysis.
- Thermal: bamboo fibres act like a mirror, reflecting heat back towards the body.
- CIMASHELL 10,000 membrane: waterproof, breathable and windproof.
- Easy care: machine washable at 30°C, no ironing needed.
3D Flex stretch mountain trousers
These men's trousers feature CimAlp's 3D-Flex fabric innovation — 100% stretch, durable and ultra-comfortable. They have become a benchmark among mountain experts and are perfectly suited to hiking on rugged terrain.
Its fabric delivers a level of comfort and freedom of movement never seen before, thanks to a unique combination of fibres:
72% bamboo viscose for a soft and silky fabric that regulates both temperature and moisture,
25% polyamide for a durable fabric, even in the most extreme conditions
3% elastane fibres combined with 3D weaving for a fabric with optimal stretch.
It also benefits from a DWR water-repellent, waterproof and stain-resistant finish
