The best winter hiking 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.
Make / Model | Men's Model | Women's Model | Fit |
---|---|---|---|
REI Activator 3.0 Softshell Pants | Mens | Womens | Standard |
Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pants | Mens | Womens | Standard |
Mountain Equipment Ibex/Chamois Pants | Mens | Womens | Relaxed |
Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Pants | Mens | Womens | Slim |
Rab Incline AS Pants | Mens | Womens | Standard |
KUHL Klash Pants | Mens | Womens | Relaxed |
Marmot Scree Softshell Pants | Mens | Womens | Relaxed |
Outdoor Research Cirque II Pants | Mens | Womens | Roomy |
Patagonia Altvia Alpine Pants | Mens | Womens | Slim |
Norrona Falketind Flex1 Softshell Pants | Mens | Womens | Standard |
Here are the 10 best softshell winter hiking pants that we recommend.
1. REI Activator 3.0 Softshell Pants
Available from:
REI
2. Arc’teryx Gamma LT Soft-Shell Pants
3. Mountain Equipment Ibex and Chamois Pants
Available from:
Backcountry | Campsaver
4. Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Pants
Available from:
Backcountry | Black Diamond
5. Rab Incline AS Pants
Available from:
REI | Backcountry
6. KUHL Klash Pants
Available from:
REI
7. Marmot Scree Soft Shell Pants
Available from:
Backcountry | Marmot
8. Outdoor Research Cirque II Softshell Pants
Available from:
REI| Outdoor Research
9. Patagonia Altvia Alpine Pants
Available from:
REI | Backcountry | Patagonia|
10. Norrona Falketind Flex1 Pants
Available from:
Backcountry
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 not necessary except on extremely cold days. Softshell pants are warmer than regular hiking pants and usually sufficient to keep you warm when you’re actively hiking or snowshoeing. If you need additional warmth because you’re being chilled by the wind 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. When climbing higher mountains, you may be required to rope-in with a climbing harness.
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.
SectionHiker is reader-supported. We independently research, test, and rate the best products. We only make money if you purchase a product through our affiliate links. Help us continue to test and write unsponsored and independent gear reviews, beginner FAQs, and free hiking guides.
Fjallraven? May not meet the criteria of “soft-shell” pants but they are extremely durable, breathable and warm depending on which model is chosen.
I suggest you look at the materials they’re made with because they include a substantial amount of cotton. I simply won’t jeopardize my life on a serious mountain hike by wearing them, but to each his/her own.
I’ve spent the last 5 years learning about how incorrect that cotton myth is via/when talking about fjallraven pants… the waxed cotton dries as fast if not faster than any of my synthetic pants do, and clearly out here in the SW its completely different than the NE on that front. Out west where its drier generally, and you aren’t going to often or ever encounter winter rain, there isn’t a brand out there that can hold a candle to the Fjallraven pants. Extremely durable, different options for what you want, thigh and or ankle zips depending on the model, and not all of them have cotton. What is important to understand is that the cotton is part of a woven thread with non cotton and the whole thing is not going to act like cotton does from your experience. Other than the coldest days when I need full wind protection I rock exclusively Fjallraven pants in all seasons, including winter. You’d probably be surprised. I hiked the entire JMT in them as well. They take rain, snow, rocks and a serious beating and you don’t get too hot. That’s one of the best summer benefits to them. BTW, long time no chat hope life is good dude.
I am going to cast a vote for the Kuiu Attack Pant. It has all the features you tick off here and is super comfortable.. In rainy/cold the Kuiu Axis pant can’t be beat.
Wondering if any readers have experience with OR’s Trailbreaker II pant?
Cirque II: “Make sure you like the fit.”
Boy you weren’t kidding with that one, Philip! I just got a pair shipped to me, and the legs are outrageously long and baggy below the knee. They fit great above the knee. In looking on OR’s page for them, lots of complaints about the change in fit from the Cirque 1’s, and the overall bagginess of these. Total crampon catchers. I’m 5’11”, you need to be like 6’4″ for these to fit appropriately. https://i.imgur.com/6om9O5X.jpg
Yikes. That’s why OR sells gaiters too!