Protecting your legs from the harsh winter weather can be the difference between enjoying the day outside in the cold, or spending the day watching everyone have fun from inside a cabin.
I don’t know about you, but I can only take so much time inside during the winter before I develop a serious case of cabin fever.
There are a variety of winter pants on the market today designed to keep you warm and protected from the ice, snow, rain and bitter cold temperatures.
Lets take a look!
- AERIS insulation keeps you warm even when wet
- Rated for temperatures from -35°F to 50°F
- Lightweight and stretchy for comfortable movement
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- Heatseeker Eco insulation for warmth in wet conditions
- DryVent shell with Chimney Venting for breathability
- StretchVent gaiters keep snow out of boots
- GORE-TEX for waterproof and breathable protection
- Versatile design for diverse activities
- High-performance materials for all-round weather protection
NOTE: If you are looking for winter clothing that will keep you warm in sub-zero temperatures even if you get wet, see my article on Fortress’s Clothing.
13 Warm Winter Pants for Extreme Cold in Winter
1. Fortress Extreme Pant
- AERIS insulation keeps you warm even when wet
- Rated for temperatures from -35°F to 50°F
- Lightweight and stretchy for comfortable movement
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PROS: Really warm, rated for a wide range of temperatures, AERIS insulation, warm when wet, comfortable a stretch with your body.
CONS: May need another shell.
The Fortress Extreme Pant is made with revolutionary insulation that will keep you warm, even if you get wet. The pants are lightweight and move with your body.
The pair of pants are rated to keep you warm between -35˚F to 50˚F! Like the BasePro pants below, these pants are most effective at keeping you warm when you wear them skin to skin.
These pants are so warm, workers wear them in Prudhoe Bay Alaska! They work best with paired with other Fortress gear. These pants can be worn alone or with another shell- depending on the weather and your activity level.
Check them out here: Fortress Clothing Extreme Pant
2. Fortress BasePro Pant
- AERIS insulation keeps you warm when wet
- Rated for temperatures from -5°F to 60°F
- Moisture-wicking polyester mesh for comfort
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PROS: Can be worn in a wide range of weather, warm even when wet, wicks away moisture, lightweight and comfortable.
CONS: May need another layer depending on activities.
Fortress is a Utah based company that has developed a new way of keeping people warm, even when they become fully submerged in water. It’s called AERIS insulation.
The company has a patent on it and uses this special, “revolutionary” insulation in just about every garment it makes! The BasePro pants are designed to be your ‘next to skin’ base layer and are rated to keep you warm in a wide range of weather and temperatures – from -5˚F to 60˚F.
The inside of the pants is lined with a polyester mesh that will wick away moisture, like sweat and water. The pants should be worn directly against the skin to be most effective. Depending on your activity, you can wear these alone or with another outer shell.
The AERIS insulation used in these pants is designed to keep you warm, even when wet!
Check them out here: Fortress Clothing BasePro Pants
3. Columbia Bugaboo Pant
- OMNI-TECH provides waterproof and breathable protection
- 85% recycled Microtemp XF II insulation for warmth
- Critically seam-sealed to keep snow out
PROS: Well insulated, waterproof, warm, comfortable, adjustable waist, internal gaiters, Omni Heat thermal reflective material.
CONS: Sells out quickly.
This is the ultimate pair of warm winter pants on a budget. Even though you’re getting a good deal, you aren’t skimping on quality. These pants boost 60g of polyester insulation – which will keep you dry and warm in the harshest weather conditions.
The shell is made with waterproof and breathable fabric to keep wet weather from reaching you. The breathable fabric is important to keep you from getting overheated on the slopes or in the middle of an epic snowball fight.
The internal gaiter is like insurance for your legs. With gaiters, there’s snow way (see what I did there) wet weather is getting to you!
Check them out here: Columbia Bugaboo Pant
4. Fjällräven Eco Shell Trousers
- Wind and waterproof three-layer design
- Spacious leg pockets with concealed bellows
- Reinforced with durable Cordura for added strength
PROS: Well made, waterproof, breathable shell, keep you dry in rain, snow and winds! Reflectors for better visibility, bottom of pants can wrap around boots for added protection.
CONS: Shell only, need appropriate layers.
The Fjällräven Eco-Shell is designed to keep wet weather away from your body. These pants are made with three layers of waterproof material. The pants are also reinforced in areas where you need it: knees, back of the legs.
Water-resistant zippers make sure rain or snow doesn’t make its way inside! The pants are best for extreme cold and mountaineering.
Check them out here: Fjällräven Eco-Shell Trousers
5. FlyLow Foxy Bib
- Insulated for warmth in cold conditions
- 20k/20k waterproof and breathable protection
- Inner and outer thigh ventilation for airflow
PROS: Waterproof, breathable, specifically made for women, stretch with every move, versatile winter pant.
CONS: Sells out quickly.
The FlyLow Foxy Bib is made just for women! It’s designed to fit a smaller frame and move with your body.
It’s made with a double layer of high quality waterproof shell material. The big pockets make it easy to find your keys or that granola bar you’re in desperate need of.
So, what makes these pants really warm? Water doesn’t stand a chance with these pants. The waterproof material and zippers, keep all snow, rain and sleet from slipping inside. If you are dry you are warm!
Check them out here: Flylow Foxy Bib
6. The North Face Womens Apex Pants
- 100% windproof with 0 CFM permeability
- Water-resistant and breathable for comfort
- Adjustable waist tabs for a customized fit
PROS: Fitted, water-resistant, wind proof, moves with your body, soft shell pant, durable water repellent finish.
CONS: Need base and mid layer for added warmth.
This is perhaps one of the most comfortable pair of warm winter pants you will ever find. They fit like a pair of your favorite yoga pants, but keep you warm like snow pants. How do they do it?
These are a soft-shell snow pant- which means you want to make sure to wear a base layer for added warmth. The pants move with your body on the mountain and while making snowmen in the back yard.
They are stylish and warm. The water-resistant and windproof fabric of the outer shell give these pants the warmth you are looking for.
Check them out here: The North Face Women’s Apex Snow Pant
7. Black Diamond Liquid Points Pants
- GORE-TEX 3L Active for waterproof and breathable performance
- Gusseted construction and articulated knees for mobility
- Integrated RECCO technology for safety in the outdoors
PROS: Well insulated, warm, move with body, wear over shell, side zippers for easy access to boots, relaxed fit.
CONS: Limited sizes.
These are the perfect pants to pull on when it’s bone chilling cold outside. Packed with synthetic insulation and made with a water-resistant outer shell, these pants work wonders on really cold days and night. Ideally, these pants should be worn over shell pants.
8. The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants
- Waterproof and breathable DryVent 2L fabric
- Heatseeker Eco insulation for warmth in wet conditions
- Inner-thigh vents for added ventilation
PROS: Well insulated, waterproof, breathable, for skiers and snowboarders, adjustable waist, big cargo pockets.
CONS: Limited lengths.
The Freedom Insulated Pants are what you need for a long day on the mountain. It’s the perfect pair of insulated pants that move with your body and keep the snow from ruining a perfectly good day on the mountain.
These pants are best suited for skiers and snowboarders. There are insulated with 60 grams of Heatseeker synthetic material.
This insulation is designed to trap heat and hold onto it! The shell is made with waterproof and breathable material that is coated with a polyurethane to keep all weather away! Built in gaiters make this a great choice for the mountain.
Plus, the inner thigh vents keep your legs from getting overheated on those black diamond runs.
Check them out here: The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants
9. Arc’Teryx Beta AR Pants
- GORE-TEX for waterproof and breathable protection
- Versatile design for diverse activities
- High-performance materials for all-round weather protection
PROS: Waterproof, breathable, well made, easy zippers to open and close in harsh weather climates.
CONS: Need middle layer and base layer for added warmth.
This shell is designed to keep you dry and warm no matter where your next winter adventure takes you. Heading to Mt. Rainier or walking the dog in snow storm- these waterproof, breathable and durable shell pants are tough.
The pants are reinforced in key areas where you move the most: your knees and lower legs. Special abrasion proof material is also applied to the areas where you will come into contact with the mountain and extreme weather.
Check them out here: Arc’Teryx Beta AR Pants
10. FlyLow Snowman Insulated Pant
- 10,000mm waterproof rating for protection
- 10,000g/m² breathability rating for comfort
- Fully sealed seams for enhanced durability
PROS: Lightweight, versatile, insulated, waterproof, thigh vents, big pockets.
CONS: Limited sizes.
Do you want to build a snowman? If so, these pants are for you. FlyLow is a relatively new outdoor gear brand, making waves in this industry. The company makes high quality, well made gear that is tough against whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
The Snowman Insulated Pant features 40 grams of synthetic insulation, so it’s lightweight and won’t get in the way of your epic turns down the bunny hill. The pants are made to fit loose and comfortably- not too loose though, just the right amount!
Big, over-sized pockets with waterproof material make it easy to store your cell phone for selfies on the chair or in town.
Check them out here: FlyLow Snowman Insulated Pant
11. The North Face Insulated Pants – Women’s
- Heatseeker Eco insulation for warmth in wet conditions
- DryVent shell with Chimney Venting for breathability
- StretchVent gaiters keep snow out of boots
PROS: Comfortable, well insulated, waterproof, windproof, breathable, comes in a variety of inseam lengths.
CONS: Limited use.
With 60 grams of synthetic insulation wrapped around your legs at all times, these pants will keep you warm no matter what. Plus, they are super comfortable and fit like your favorite pair of sweats.
The shell is waterproof, windproof and breathable- everything you want in a warm winter pant. When the rain and wind can’t get to you, you’ll most certainly stay warm all-day long. The built-in snow gaiters around the ankle ensure protection from the snow at all times.
Check them out here: The North Face Insulated Pants
12. Helly Hanson Sogn Cargo Pant
- Insulated with a beacon pocket for safety
- Helly Tech protection with fully sealed seams
- Articulated knees and adjustable waist for comfort
PROS: Boot gaiters, water-resistant zippers, weatherproof, keeps you dry, relaxed fit.
CONS: Run big.
The cargo pant is a great choice to be warm and comfortable all at the same time. The baggy fit makes wearing these all day in the snow and cold weather a breeze. These pants are packed with 60 g of PrimaLoft insulation.
This insulation is known for keeping you really warm and evenly distributing the heat all over. No cold zones in these pants! The shell is made with waterproof, windproof and a breathable fabric. When you are dry- you are warm. These cargo pants do both!
Check them out here: Helly-Hansen SOGN Cargo Pant
13. Salomon QST Pant
- Canvas-effect fabric for versatility in any terrain
- Durable 2L face fabric with weather protection
- Multiple pockets and internal/external leg vents for convenience
PROS: Warm, synthetic insulation, moves with your body, leg vent.
CONS: Not enough pockets.
Salomon is a brand well known in the ski world for making durable, warm winter gear. These pants are warm, protect you from the weather and they are easy to wear all day.
Some ski pants tend to ride up while in motion, these pants don’t! They stay put and keep you warm where you need the heat!
A powder skirt keeps snow from going up your back on the slopes and if you’re at home in enjoying freshies! An inner leg vent gives you the option to cool off, if you get too hot.
Check them out here: Saloman QST Pant
Choosing Your Winter Pants
Warm winter pants generally fall into three categories: waterproof pants, insulated pants and soft-shell pants.
What’s the difference you may ask? Waterproof generally act like a shell over your base and middle layers. Waterproof pants are lightweight and are designed to keep wet weather away.
These pants would be ideal if you are going on a day hike or riding your bike in the rain. Insulated pants are warmer than waterproof pants because they provide a layer of insulation-either down or synthetic insulation like a soft cozy fleece material.
Soft shell pants are also a great choice for the cold weather because they are typically waterproof and they move with your body. Soft shell pants are a great idea for high intense activities, where you need your pants to stretch and move with your movements.
In some cases, you can find a warm winter pant that is both soft shell, insulated and waterproof. In this article I hope to make shopping for warm winter pants easier than ever before. Let’s stick to the very best brands. Okay, who is ready to go shopping?
Now that you have your pants sorted its time to look into the warmest gloves, socks, boots, coats, hats and base layers.
