Winter hiking means having the right gear to confidently face harsh weather and freezing temperatures. Your hiking trousers play a crucial role! Choosing the right winter hiking trousers is essential for your comfort and enjoying the trail. Here are the key criteria to consider when making your choice, along with top models engineered for cold-weather trekking.
Key criteria for choosing winter hiking trousers
Beyond style and functional details (pocket count, elasticated waistband, etc.), two key factors matter most for winter hiking: thermal insulation and waterproofing.
Thermal insulation in hiking trousers
Depending on the season, you won't need the same trousers to hit the hiking trails. While lightness is key in summer and warm weather, thermal insulation becomes essential as temperatures drop.
Warm trousers that are also waterproof are a vital ally when braving biting cold and high altitudes on long-distance trails or treks. For example, a Softshell fabric combines 3 layers:
- an inner fleece fabric for thermal insulation,
- a waterproof-breathable membrane,
- and an ultra-durable stretch outer fabric.
This ensures thermal insulation that traps body heat close to the skin without being cooled by the outside air.
Waterproofing
Water-repellent treatments, often combined with stain-resistant treatments, give your trousers a high degree of water resistance. They also provide a windproof effect that helps protect you from wind chill. There’s nothing worse than walking with wet legs and little hope of the fabric drying. A water-repellent treatment won’t protect you in a heavy downpour, but it will keep you dry in light or brief rain while you find shelter. For the best protection, choose waterproof hiking trousers.
For optimal protection in the harshest winter conditions, choose trousers with a waterproof-breathable membrane rated at 10,000 mm water column and an actual breathability rating of 10,000 g/m²/24 h. These specs will let you tackle rain and snow with complete confidence.
A selection of trousers for winter hiking
Women's warm, waterproof trousers
Ideal for winter, these women’s trousers are waterproof against rain and snow. Made from softshell fabric, they provide thermal insulation to keep you warm and dry against wind and cold on any hiking trail.
Men's waterproof trousers with breathable membrane
The HOGGAR 2 men’s trousers are a bestseller, with a stretchy, waterproof and breathable Activ'Shell membrane. Valued for their flexibility, low weight and performance, they also offer excellent value for money.
It features a waterproof-breathable fabric with a CIMASHELL 10,000 membrane offering impressive specs:
- Waterproof membrane rated to 10,000 mm water pressure and breathable to 10,000 g/m²/24h
- Stretch and ultra-comfortable
- Windproof jacket
- Durable
The HOGGAR and our other men’s membrane trousers are all in our men’s waterproof trousers range.
Warm, waterproof trousers with Kevlar reinforcements
These warm, waterproof men’s trousers are an excellent choice for winter. The comfortable three-layer softshell fabric helps regulate temperature, while articulated knees and Kevlar® edge guards provide excellent durability.
Its fabric is crafted from bamboo fibres, delivering standout benefits:
- Breathable: bamboo has exceptional absorption capacity; its microporous structure regulates moisture levels, keeping you comfortable even during intense efforts.
- 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 3D-Flex fabric—a CimAlp innovation delivering 100% stretch, rugged durability, and exceptional comfort. A benchmark among mountain professionals, they are built for hiking across rough terrain.
Its fabric provides unprecedented comfort and freedom of movement thanks to a unique blend of fibres:
72% bamboo viscose for a soft, silky fabric that regulates both temperature and moisture,
25% polyamide for a tough fabric, even in the most demanding conditions
3% elastane fibres combined with 3D weaving for optimal stretch.
It also features a waterproof, stain-resistant DWR water-repellent finish
