How to choose trousers for winter hiking?

Hiking in winter requires a certain amount of preparation for the weather. You may encounter rain, but also snow, especially if you are hiking in the mountains. The preparation starts with the choice of your outfit and especially your trousers. They must be resistant, waterproof, but also sufficiently insulating to keep you warm. Find out how to choose trousers for winter hiking with our advice.

The important elements in the choice of trousers

The choice of the cut of your winter trousers will depend on the type of hiking you are doing. If you are going on an intense hike or a mountain trek, it is best to choose trousers made of stretchy fabric with a close-fitting cut. They will adapt perfectly to your movements. For less intense hiking on flat terrain, you can choose a slightly looser fit.

For winter hiking, some trousers are equipped with zipped pockets, ventilation pockets, drawstrings or gaiters. These protect the lower legs and the top of the shoe. This allows you to walk through vegetation without the risk of water or snow getting into your shoes. 

The choice of waterproofing in winter

In winter, showers are frequent, especially in the mountains. To face the rain, your trousers must be waterproof or at least water-repellent. Water-repellent trousers allow water to slide off the surface of the fabric without absorbing it, so that you don't get wet. However, they will not withstand heavy rain or snowfall. A pair of trousers made from a waterproof material will not allow rain to pass through. They are more suitable and resistant to bad weather.

In order to be really protected, we advise you to buy either waterproof trousers or water-repellent trousers with an overtrouser in addition. The latter is easy to put on, takes up no space and allows you to be really protected against the rain.

The importance of good thermal insulation

When temperatures drop in winter, thermal insulation will play an important role. Most winter hiking trousers are either fleece-lined or brushed. They are designed to retain warmth while being quite breathable. 

The three-layer system can also be used for the lower body in winter. It consists of a pair of thermal tights, hiking trousers and an overtrouser with a waterproof and resistant membrane. The three elements together ensure that you do not suffer from the cold, but also from bad weather during your hike.

Softshell trousers for winter hiking

For winter hikes at high altitudes, softshell trousers can also be a good way to equip yourself. Softshell is a fabric made up of three layers glued together: a fleece layer to provide warmth, a waterproof membrane and the outer fabric which is windproof and protects the membrane. It provides complete protection from the elements.

Apart from being slightly heavier and less waterproof than hardshell trousers, softshell trousers have many advantages. Their inner fabric guarantees good thermal insulation. Body heat is kept close to the skin. Their waterproof membrane and stretch fabric allow them to cope with the various natural elements without problems. They are comfortable, insulating, warm, durable and flexible. 

The right choice of trousers for winter hiking will ensure that you are protected from the cold and the elements. We do not recommend that you go hiking with ski trousers. They are not designed for hiking and can become a burden with the sweat produced when hiking.