The best winter hiking and snowshoeing pants are highly breathable softshell pants that prevent the accumulation of perspiration when hiking, snowshoeing, climbing/mountaineering, or even ski touring in winter. They’re made with woven nylon or polyester that is warmer and more windproof than normal three-season hiking pants and are treated with an exterior DWR coating to help them repel water. Many softshell pants have features that can be used for multiple winter sports while others are more hiking-specific. The fit also varies by activity: climbing-style pants tend to run slim while pants that are good for hiking/snowshoeing are roomier and more easily layered. Popular features include a buried/integrated belt providing for hipbelt and climbing harness compatibility, zippered side vents, zippered pockets, and ankle adjustability. Be sure to read our FAQ below about how to choose the best softshell winter pants for your needs.
Here are the 10 best softshell winter hiking pants that we recommend.
1. REI Activator Softshell Pants
The REI Activator is a softshell pant with a gusseted crotch, moderate stretchiness, and three zippered pockets. It has a good balance between breathability and warmth and is coated with an external DWR to prevent blowing snow from making the pants wet. It requires an external belt (previous models had an integrated buried belt). Despite its relative lack of technical features, they’re a winter hiker favorite, very durable and long-lasting, and quite affordable. A women’s model is also available. These pants are my favorites and have been for close to 10 years. They breathe well, have great pockets, are not too warm to hike in, and are relatively inexpensive.
2. KUHL Klash Pants
KUHL’s Klash Pants are durable softshell pants with a roomy fit that is perfect for winter hiking and snowshoeing. They provide excellent freedom of movement, they dry quickly when they get wet, and have lots of pockets so you can stay organized. They have belt loops with an Ultrasuede waistband for a comfortable fit, a gusseted crotch, and articulated knees. The pants have a zippered bottom hem gusset to fit over boots, hooks that can be used instead of gaiters to help seal out the cold, and ankle cuff guards to protect against abrasion. A women’s model is also available. Read our Kuhl Klash Pant review. These pants are quite comfortable and can serve double duty for cross-country skiing and other winter sports.
3. Arc’teryx Gamma MX Soft-Shell Pants
The Arc’teryx Gamma MX Pant is a wind-resistant winter-weight softshell pant with a PFAS-free, durable water-repellent finish to fend off moisture and is lightly insulated for thermal comfort. Their Fortius 2.0 softshell fabric has a superior warmth-to-weight ratio and is exceptionally durable. A gusseted crotch works with the stretch for freedom of movement. They have two hand pockets and two thigh pockets that are accessible while wearing a pack or harness. A corded loop at the cuff creates a gaiter to seal out snow and trail debris A women’s model is also available. These stretchy pants have a buried belt that’s harness-compatible and hipbelt-friendly.
4. Mountain Equipment Ibex and Chamois Pants
Mountain Equipment Men’s Ibex Pants and their counterpart the Women’s Chamois Pants are double woven softshell pants that provide extra warmth and excellent durability. They are loaded with five zippered pockets: two side pockets, one rear, and two thigh pockets. They have an integrated buried belt with a microfleece waistband for added comfort with gusseted ankle zips which are also large enough to fit around ski boots. See the SectionHiker review. These are great pants that are roomy, with a buried belt that works well with a backpack hip belt, and lots of pockets.
5. Fjallraven Abisko Winter Stretch Trousers
Fjallraven Abiskio Winter Stretch Trousers are durable winter trousers made with 4-way stretch fabric with a double-weave blend of PFAS-free recycled nylon, polyester, and elastane that has been brushed inside for added warmth. They are cut to fit over baselayers and come with two zippered handwarmer pockets and a zippered security pocket in the side seam of the right leg. The legs have a tapered cut with gussets that can be opened to fit over winter boots. A women’s model is also available. Roomy and warm, these pants have a fleece-lined stretch waist that is super comfortable under a backpack hipbelt.
6. Mammut Courmayeur SO Pants
Mammut’s Courmayeur SO pants are highly breathable, elasticated, and wind-repellent Schoeller soft-shell pants that provide comfort and freedom of movement. They have a wide waistband that can be adjusted from the outside with stretch tabs to dial in a perfect fit. There are four harness-compatible zippered pockets: two front pockets, one on the leg, and one in the rear. Snap buttons adjust the width of the leg hems and a boot hook is provided. A women’s model is available. The fit is slim, but if you can fit in them, they are great stretchy pants for hiking, cross-country skiing, or ice climbing.
7. KUIU Attack Pants
KUIU’s Attack Pant is a mid-weight softshell pant that’s great for four-season use. It has zippered hip vents and mesh-lined pockets that provide effective temperature regulation and added breathability, while articulated knees, a crotch gusset, and 4-way stretch fabric for offer unrestricted mobility. Two hand pockets, two zippered rear, and two deep zippered thigh pockets provide storage without excess bulk. The cut is roomy to allow for a base layer worn underneath. Don’t let the fact that a hunting clothing and gear company makes these pants deter you; these pants are an exceptional value and quite popular with off-trail winter hikers and snowshoers. A women’s model is available. The side thigh vents are very effective for dumping excess heat so you perspire less when winter hiking and snowshoeing.
8. Outdoor Research Cirque III Softshell Pants
Outdoor Research’s Cirque III Softshell Pants are serious softshell pants for winter hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, and ski touring. They’re made with a 90d, double-weave fabric that is highly durable and warm, with a gusseted crotch, articulated knees, and plenty of stretches for big moves. The fleece-lined waistband has a buried belt and is comfortable under a backpacking hip belt. There’s a thigh pocket, two handwarmer pockets, and an avalanche beacon pocket. Ankle scuff guards, zippers, drawcord cuff adjustment, and lace hooks are all included. A women’s model is also available. The Cirque III is an excellent multi-sport option if you want one pair of pants that can span winter hiking and ski touring.
9. Patagonia Terravia Alpine Pants
Patagonia Terravia Alpine Pants are softshell pants that come with a partially buried belt that is comfortable under a hip belt or climbing harness. They’re made with recycled polyester with a PFC-Free DWR coating to resist moisture. A gusseted crotch provides freedom of movement and slim legs let you see your feet. They have four mesh-lined zippered pockets: two hip pockets, one in the back and one on the thigh. Scuff panels protect inner legs from abrasion and wear and tear, while the cuffs adjust with a low-profile shockcord and cordlock, ensuring compatibility with different footwear. A women’s model is also available. These pants have a lot of stretch and slim legs so you can see your feet, which is important when wearing crampons.
10. Norrona Falketind Flex1 Pants
Norrona’s Falketind Flex1 softshell pants are well-suited for all-season trekking in the alpine. The pants are soft and stretchable, providing good wind resistance and water repellency. They have a custom-fit waist system with velcro side tabs in addition to belt loops, a gusseted crotch, mesh-lined ventilation from the hips to the knee, two hand pockets, a back pocket, and a thigh pocket – all with zippers. A women’s model is also available. If you run cold, the pants can be worn with a base layer. Read our review. The velcro side tabs help dial in the fit, the fabric is wind-resistant, and the side vents are great for aerobic activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Softshell Winter Hiking Pants – FAQ
What are the best winter hiking pants?
Many experienced winter hikers prefer softshell winter pants because they’re simpler to use than wearing rain pants over a pair of long underwear. Softshell pants are also more form-fitting and don’t make any noise. The problem with rain pants and long underwear is that it can be difficult to vent your rain pants or take off your long underwear without first removing your rain pants and boots. Softshell pants are breathable enough, meaning that your sweat will evaporate through them if you start to warm up and perspire.
Are softshell pants good for snow?
Softshell pants are good for snow because they have a DWR coating on the exterior that repels water and they’re highly breathable so you don’t overheat. Hiking in snow or snowshoeing requires a lot of energy and it’s easy to overheat and perspire. You want to avoid getting too warm and sweating because it will wet your clothing and reduce its ability to insulate you.
Are softshell pants waterproof?
Softshell pants are far more breathable than the waterproof rain pants that some hikers wear, so you’ll stay cooler and perspire less when working hard when hiking up mountains or snowshoeing. While they have an external DWR repellent coating for enhanced rain resistance, they are not waterproof or as windproof as hard shell rain pants. We recommend carrying both softshell pants and rain pants on cold-weather hikes, the latter for rain and wind protection, as well as added warmth when layered over the softshell pants.
Are softshell pants windproof?
Softshell pants are more windproof and warmer than regular hiking pants, but they’re designed to be highly breathable and let some wind through. If you need protection from the wind, we’d recommend layering a pair of wind pants or rain pants over a pair of softshell pants when you need added wind protection.
Should you wear a baselayer under softshell pants?
You can wear a baselayer (long underwear) under softshell pants, but it’s often unnecessary except on extremely cold days. Softshell pants are warmer than regular hiking pants and are usually sufficient to keep you warm when you’re hiking or snowshoeing. If you need additional warmth because the wind is chilling you or because you’re standing still and not moving and generating heat, you can warm up by wearing a pair of rain pants over your softshell pants. Also, if you wear a baselayer under softshell pants and find yourself overheating, it’s very difficult to delayer without taking off your boots and pants unless your baselayer long underwear has side zips and is removable without requiring that you get undressed.
How are softshell hiking pants different from ski pants?
Ski pants are usually much heavier, bulkier, and warmer since there is so much start-and-stop activity involved, especially if you’re skiing at a resort with chair lifts. Many ski pants also have internal gaiters, which are hot and awkward to use when hiking and snowshoeing.
Why do softshell pants have a buried or integrated belt?
A buried or integrated pants belt loops around your waist like a regular belt but is covered with fabric around the back and sides of the pant. This makes the belt compatible with a climbing harness or a backpack hipbelt. You may be required to rope in with a climbing harness when climbing higher mountains.
Why do softshell pants have zippered pockets?
Softshell pants have zippered pockets that are usually located in front of the pants and are positioned so they can be easily accessed, even if you’re wearing a climbing harness. Zippered pockets are more streamlined than regular pockets and less likely to interfere with gear hanging from a climbing harness.
Why do some softshell pants have ankle cuffs?
Some softshell pants have a built-in ankle cuff on the inside of the legs to provide crampon protection when climbing, backcountry skiing, or winter hiking. The ankle cuff isn’t as substantial as a high gaiter and doesn’t replace wearing them, but can be a useful convenience for winter use, especially if you want to use the same pants for ski touring.
Why do softshell pants have articulated knees?
Articulated knees are baggier than the knees in regular pants and provide more freedom of movement especially for climbing.
What are gusseted softshell pants?
Gussetted pants have added fabric panels, usually triangular, that add more width to the crotch, making it easier to raise your knee when taking large steps or climbing vertical surfaces.
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