What do you all wear for pants during the colder months? I find it challenging to stay warm with just leggings. Any recommendations?
I recommend some fleece-lined softshell pants or Wrangler ATG. I tend to overheat, so I don’t need too much insulation.
I usually wear my Fjällräven Vidda Pros and add a base layer underneath if it’s very cold or if I’m not moving much. I tend to stay warm easily. As they say in Sweden, ‘stand in the middle of your pants to keep warm.’
I wear the same pants as in the summer, just add thermals underneath. This setup works for me down to -20°C as long as I’m active.
Bib pants are a game-changer! I use a slightly insulated model from Columbia Titanium. They’re not waterproof, but they’re durable, and I’ve waxed the knees for extra protection.
I layer a Patagonia Capilene base under normal Patagonia hiking pants. Plus, I always pack waterproof pants in case the weather turns bad.
Vance said:
I layer a Patagonia Capilene base under normal Patagonia hiking pants. Plus, I always pack waterproof pants in case the weather turns bad.
That’s my standard setup here in the Northeast. I also wear taller gaiters.
@Milan
I’m in NJ. Thanks for the reminder to get new gaiters!
Vance said:
@Milan
I’m in NJ. Thanks for the reminder to get new gaiters!
No problem, I’ve been using OR Crocodiles for years and they’re fantastic.
I wear a thermal base layer, usually a poly blend or merino wool, then just regular pants over that. I layer up similarly for my upper body, starting with a thermal layer, then usually a flannel, adding more layers as needed.
I switch to thicker fleece-lined leggings when it gets cold.
Layering is crucial for staying warm. I start with a merino wool base layer and top it with softshell hiking pants. For extreme conditions, I carry 3L hardshell pants in my backpack for wind, rain, or snow.
If it’s windy, rainy, or snowy, I wear softshell pants over my leggings.
I use Arc’teryx softshell pants. Underneath, I layer leggings if it’s extra cold. If there’s snow, I switch to hardshell pants over the leggings. Gaiters also help retain warmth.
Fjallraven Keb pants with a Smartwool base layer work well for me. The merino wool helps regulate temperature, and the pants are great at blocking the wind.
I wear Columbia winter pants with a reflective lining for the outer layer and Iomerino as a base layer. The base top even has thumb holes to keep my hands warmer.