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Looking for winter pants to keep out the chill? Cold weather pants are a must-have item on your packing list when you go to a destination with subarctic temperatures or plan lots of outdoor activities. See which warm pants our readers recommended as the best for winter travel!
Best Pants for Cold Weather
Table Of Contents
Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
We will be in the UK and Spain in December and January. I just realized I have no pants for cold weather, since I live in Qatar, other than thermal underwear and a pair of jeans. What do you girls recommend?
Nothing will ruin your trip faster than standing outside freezing because you packed the wrong type of clothing. When traveling during winter months, you may need more than just a standard pair of jeans or pants.
Warm pants for winter are perfect for staying comfortable in cold weather. When it is especially cold, you can layer them over your thermal bottoms, to keep you snug and toasty in low temperatures. Read on to learn how important it is to layer and choose the right fabric for cold-weather travel pants.
Remember to check the weather forecast at least three days before you leave for your destination to ensure that you have the most appropriate travel pants packed!
Best Cold Weather Pants
Here’s what our readers say are their favorite pants for traveling in the cold!
- Camii Mia Outdoor Hiking Fleece Pants
- BALEAF Fleece Lined Winter Leggings with Pockets
- Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pant
- Columbia Shafer Canyon Insulated Winter Pants
- Eddie Bauer Polar Fleece-Lined Pull-On Pants
- Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleece Pant
- Arctix Insulated Snow Pant
- Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
- Backcountry Fleece Lined Winter Jogger
- Mountain Hardwear Polartec® High Loft® Fleece Pants
- The North Face Sally Insulated Snow Pants
- BenBoy Slim Outdoor Windproof & Waterproof Pants
- CAROVIA Fleece Lined Leggings
- Angelina Fleece Leggings
- Columbia Glacial Fleece Lined Winter Leggings
Shop Sizes 25-38: Camii Mia Outdoor Hiking Fleece Pants
Camii Mia Outdoor Hiking Pants
The Camii Mia Pants have an awesome inner fleece layer to keep you warm, with a waterproof outer layer to keep the rain out. These warm pants for cold weather are perfect for winter vacations, particularly if you are planning many outdoor activities, such as hiking.
These were the most recommended winter pants according to our readers! More than a few of our readers raved about the Camii Mia Hiking Pants as the best cold weather pants, particularly for when traveling to Iceland.
One reader took these winter pants to Iceland and says they “were awesome and so inexpensive! I wore them two days by themselves (no underlayer needed).” Another reader adds, “I had the same this week in Iceland, and they were amazing!”
Another reader shares that they “look just like regular pants. I wore these almost every day — my most used item.” Sounds like the perfect pair of pants for the cold and windy Icelandic climate! Buy it here!
Shop Sizes XS-3XL: BALEAF Fleece Lined Winter Leggings with Pockets
BALEAF Winter Fleece Lined Leggings
The BALEAF Fleece Lined Leggings are popular with readers due their brushed, soft lining and cozy, warm feel. You can wear these breathable, moisture-wicking beauties when it’s harsh out by layering with lightweight thermals or wear them alone. And, they come in SO many colors to suit anyone’s personal style, with broad sizing of XS-XXXL.
A fun review says, “Pulling these pants on was like stepping into a hug. The fleece is lightweight but cozy. I need like fifteen more pairs of these so that I can live in them for the entirety of winter. And the pockets are super handy.” Buy it here!
Shop Sizes 2-16 and 162-24W Plus: Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pant
Columbia Anytime Pants (Regular and Plus Sizes)
The Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pant are designed with a nylon yet stretchy fabric to allow you plenty of movement, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. They come in a variety of inseams and colors, providing you with plenty of choices.
One reader shares how she wears the Columbia cold wear pants during the winter months, adding that they are fantastic for leaving plenty of room so you can “layer with wool tights or thermals when it’s really cold.” Another reader adds how she likes these warm pants for cold weather because they’re “super soft and comfy.” Buy it here!
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Columbia Shafer Canyon Insulated Winter Pants
Columbia Shafer Canyon Insulated Pants (Regular and Plus Sizes)
The Omni Heat reflective technology on these Columbia Insulated Winter Pants allow your bottom half to breathe, while still trapping in much needed body heat. Because they’re waterproof, use these faithful pants in mountainous blizzards or treacherous rainfall and stay drier than the Savannah desert.
On your next ski trip keep the snow out with lower leg gussets and zippered pockets. One happy user says these are more like typical pants, and not bulky at all. “These are lightweight pants but with Columbia’s unique technology they retain heat. Very comfortable to wear, it’s literally like pants. Allows you to move freely, is water repellent, and adjusts with velcro at the waist. Super satisfied. I’m ready for the cold and the snow!”
And with adjustable waist straps and sizes XS-XXL and 1X-3X these pants are ready for action for every woman! Buy it here!
Shop Sizes 0-22 (Regular, Plus, Petite, and Tall): Eddie Bauer Polar Fleece-Lined Pull-On Pants
Eddie Bauer Fleece Lined Pull on Pants (Regular, Plus, Petite, and Tall Sizes)
These Eddie Bauer Polar Fleece pants will instantly warm your legs and prevent the harsh wind from seeping in. For those of you who’re hikers or outdoor adventurers, these sturdy pants will hold up for you the entire time! This pants is also available in their new version, you can grab these in regular (0-16), plus (18W-24W), and petite (0-14), and tall sizes (6-18)!
One reader highly recommends Eddie Bauer warm pants for winter for both hiking and traveling in the cold. She says they are “water-resistant, not waterproof, but they dry very quickly.” Buy it here!
Shop Sizes XS-4X (Short, Regular and Tall): Arctix Insulated Cold-Weather Pants
Arctix Insulated Snow Pants
The Arctix Insulated Snow Pants are made from ThermaTech insulation, which means these are the ideal warm pants for arctic weather conditions. They have an adjustable waist, which allows you to adjust them, depending on what layers you have on underneath. They come in many colors and patterns, including black, pink, blue, and green, making them perfect if you want to stand out!
One reader says, “They kept me nice and warm during my trip to Iceland” on top of being waterproof. These cold wear pants are perfect for chilly temperatures and for any unexpected rain! Buy it here!
Shop SIzes XS-XL: Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleece Pant
Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleece Pants
The Helly Hansen Daybreaker pants are soft and very comfortable because of the Polartec classic 100 fleece. The cold wear pants are cozy, while being breathable, making them perfect for any outdoor enthusiast traveling to a winter climate.
These pants for winter are particularly recommend by our readers for being warm, comfortable, and fantastic for layering in severe weather. One reader says they are great for snowy weather. “I used mine for snowshoeing in Canada and hiking in the heavy rain.” Buy it here!
Shop Sizes 2-14: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Long Pants
The polyester and spandex fabric makes these Outdoor Research Ferrosi Long Pants perfect for outdoor activities, while the fleece lining ensures you are snug and warm. The outer layer is weatherproof, so it will protect you from the wind and the rain. It comes in several classic and fun colors, as well as sizes 2-14.
One reader shares how Outdoor Research makes excellent gear. She says their pants are fantastic for layering, “because it is easier to move in than in just one pair of very thick pants.”
Another reader adds, “These are my favorite hiking pants in the entire world. They’re soft, water- and wind-resistant, and very stretchy.” Since they block out the wind so well, they are perfect for traveling to cold and windy destinations. Buy it here!
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Backcountry Soft Shell On The Go Fleece Jogger
Backcountry Fleece Lined Winter Jogger
It can be difficult to find slimming winter pants, but these Backcountry Fleece Joggers are for anything but strictly leisure time! They’re specifically built for tackling the cold outdoors and whatever snowy trail you set your eyes on.
Alternatively, these just make wonderful winter outdoor pants because they repel water, have a cozy fleece lining, have stretchy side panels for climbing or any kind of movement. Not to mention, they look darn cute while on!
A reviewer says, “After years of looking, I found the perfect pants! I’ve been looking for winter pants that aren’t bulky or baggy like ski pants or old school wind pants. I hike a lot in cool, but very windy conditions so these flattering fleec-lined joggers should work well!” These come in two neutral colors and sizes S-XxL. Buy it here!
Shop Sizes XS-XL (Short, Regular and Long): Mountain Hardwear Polartec High Loft Fleece Pants
Mountain Hardwear Polartec Fleece Pant
Created with over 50% recycled materials, the Mountain Hardwear Pull Up Polartec Fleece Pants are incorporated with stretch elements throughout for extra mobility for those brisk morning jogs or holiday ski trips. You can grab them directly from Mountain Hardwear.
The best part? They come in regular, short, and tall sizes to accommodate diverse pant lengths. A reviewer notes, “They hit perfectly lengthwise and even if you’re slightly taller. I love the cut and if you grab the right size, they’re not frumpy in the bottom area.” Buy it here!
Shop Sizes XS-2X (Short, Regular and Long): The North Face Freedom Insulated Snow Pants
The North Face Freedom Insulated Waterproof Pants
You won’t get caught shivering while on a winter vacation with these North Face Snow Pants. These are fully waterproof so you’ll stay dry whether you’re enjoying a cold brew in the mountains of Montana or cruising down the frigid Norwegian coastline.
One review notes, “I love these pants! Stylish and comfortable! Work for snowboarding, skiing, or hanging out.” These pants are available on The North Face directly or on Amazon, and come in over four different colors and are available in sizes XS-3XL. Buy it here!
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: BenBoy Slim Outdoor Windproof & Waterproof Pants
BenBoy Outdoor Waterproof and Windproof Snow Pants
These BenBoy Outdoor Snow Pants are not only suitable for winter activities, but can be used for camping or hiking too! The fit is slim, but loose enough to fit layers like or leggings or thermals underneath for additional coverage if needed.
A happy wearer says, “The pants fit based on the size chart. The legs are the perfect amount of skinny, not so tight that you can’t move, enough slack that you can bend easily, but not so much that when you hike or move they are cumbersome.” These are available in XS-XL and a range of stylish colors. Buy it here!
More Cold Weather Pants for Layering or Wearing Solo
Shop Sizes XXS-XL: CAROVIA Fleece Lined Leggings
CAROVIA Fleece Lined Leggings
These are my favorite cozy and long-lasting fleece leggings because the interior fabric is smooth and doesn’t pill. I have had these for a couple of years now, and they still look pretty good!
As a bonus, they are now offered in a 28″ length, which is suitable for tall women like me. So, I’ll get a new pair to add to my winter collection. They will be good for a cozy snow cabin experience! Buy it here!
Angelina Fleece Leggings in One or Queen Sizes
Angelina Brushed Fleece Lined Leggings
A highly popular reader pick, these Angelina Brushed Fleece Leggings do not disappoint in price or performance. The brushed fleece lining is majorly soft and these can be worn alone or under clothes.
Also, they’re seamless and feel smooth like hosiery yet keep you totally warm! And this reviewer agrees, “Love them! I’ve been looking for leggings like these for so long. The inside is nice and warm for winter and they go all the way to my ankles. There’s no awkward seams like a lot of leggings.”
Though it’s one universal size, the same user says “they’re super stretchy and could fit a wide range of people.” Comes in one size or a queen size. Buy it here!
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Columbia Glacial Fleece Lined Winter Leggings
Columbia Glacial Fleece Lined Winter Leggings
These fleece Columbia leggings can be worn for active pastimes or just casual wear. Would go great with hiking shoes or waterproof ankle boots.
The microfleece polyester fabric is super cozy, comfortable yet lightweight, and the waistband is meant to form around your waist in the right areas. This review even says so! “These are SO comfy and warm, love them! Usually, I find it hard to fit into “activewear”—but these are great in the waist and legs.”
Comes in sizes XS-XXL, but note that some reviewers say these can fit large, so size down accordingly. Buy it here!
For more fleece-lined leggings, check out the full roster that range from casual to a bit more polished!
Women’s Cold Weather Pants Comparison Chart
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
Camii Mia Outdoor Hiking Fleece Pants |
These were the most recommended winter pants according to our readers! More than a few of our readers raved about the Camii Mia Hiking Pants as the best cold weather pants, particularly for when traveling to Iceland. | Check Price |
|
BALEAF Fleece Lined Winter Leggings with Pockets |
You also might consider winter pants with a Thinsulate inner lining. The highly insulating fabric works by catching air between you and the outside. As a thin fabric, it will be perfect to keep you warm and avoid the snowman look! | Check Price |
|
Columbia Anytime Pants (Regular and Plus Sizes) |
The Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pant are designed with a nylon yet stretchy fabric to allow you plenty of movement, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. They come in a variety of inseams and colors, providing you with plenty of choices. | Check Price |
|
Columbia Shafer Canyon Insulated Pants (Regular and Plus Sizes) |
The Omni Heat reflective technology on these Columbia Insulated Winter Pants allow your bottom half to breathe, while still trapping in much needed body heat. Because they’re waterproof, use these faithful pants in mountainous blizzards or treacherous rainfall and stay drier than the Savannah desert. | Check Price |
|
Eddie Bauer Fleece Lined Pull on Pants (Regular, Plus, Petite, and Tall Sizes) |
The plaid fleece lining of the Eddie Bauer Polar Fleece pants will keep you cozy and warm, while the Spandex shell allows maximum mobility -- perfect if you are planning outdoor activities during your winter vacation. | Check Price |
|
Arctix Insulated Snow Pant |
The Arctix Insulated snow pants are made from ThermaTech insulation, which means these are the ideal warm pants for arctic weather conditions. They have an adjustable waist, which allows you to adjust them, depending on what layers you have on underneath. | Check Price |
|
Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleece Pant |
The Helly Hansen Daybreaker pants are soft and very comfortable because of the Polartec classic 100 fleece. The cold wear pants are cozy, while being breathable, making them perfect for any outdoor enthusiast traveling to a winter climate. | Check Price |
|
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants |
The polyester and spandex fabric makes these Outdoor Research Ferrosi Long Pants perfect for outdoor activities, while the fleece lining ensures you are snug and warm. The outer layer is weatherproof, so it will protect you from the wind and the rain. It comes in four colors, including grey, black, army green, and purple if you want a more colorful option to brighten up your outfit! | Check Price |
|
Backcountry Soft Shell On The Go Fleece Jogger |
It can be difficult to find slimming winter pants, but these Backcountry Fleece Joggers are for anything but strictly leisure time! They’re specifically built for tackling the cold outdoors and whatever snowy trail you set your eyes on. | Check Price |
|
Mountain Hardwear Polartec Fleece Pant |
Created with over 50% recycled materials, the Mountain Hardwear Pull Up Polartec Fleece Pants are incorporated with stretch elements throughout for extra mobility for those brisk morning jogs or holiday ski trips. You can grab them at REI or directly from Mountain Hardwear. | Check Price |
|
The North Face Freedom Insulated Waterproof Pants |
You won’t get caught shivering while on a winter vacation with these North Face Snow Pants. These are fully waterproof so you’ll stay dry whether you’re enjoying a cold brew in the mountains of Montana or cruising down the frigid Norwegian coastline. | Check Price |
|
BenBoy Outdoor Waterproof and Windproof Snow Pants |
These BenBoy Outdoor Snow Pants are not only suitable for winter activities, but can be used for camping or hiking too! The fit is slim, but loose enough to fit layers like or leggings or thermals underneath for additional coverage if needed. | Check Price |
|
CAROVIA Fleece Lined Leggings |
These are my favorite cozy and long-lasting fleece leggings because the interior fabric is smooth and doesn’t pill. I have had these for a couple of years now, and they still look pretty good! | Check Price |
|
Angelina Brushed Fleece Lined Leggings |
A highly popular reader pick, these Angelina Brushed Fleece Leggings do not disappoint in price or performance. The brushed fleece lining is majorly soft and these can be worn alone or under clothes. | Check Price |
|
Columbia Glacial Fleece Lined Winter Leggings |
These fleece Columbia leggings can be worn for active pastimes or just casual wear. Would go great with hiking shoes or waterproof ankle boots. | Check Price |
Finding the Best Cold-Weather Travel Pants
When it comes to choosing the best pants for cold weather, TFG readers share these top tips:
- Weather protection capabilities – Look for pants made of high-quality fabrics, such as GORE-TEX, which is a windproof, waterproof, breathable material. Wind proofing, for example, is vital for keeping out the chill; if you can cut the wind, you reduce the feeling of coldness.Polyester is another reliable fabric that’s present in most outdoor clothing, as the tightly woven fibers prevent moisture from getting through.
- Lining – Consider pants with a fleece inner lining. Fleece is a fantastic fabric that is lighter than wool and offers better insulation. It also remains warm when wet and dries fast. You also might consider a Thinsulate inner lining. This highly insulating fabric works by catching air between you and the outside. As a thin fabric, it will be perfect to keep you warm and avoid the snowman look!
- Comfort and Quality – While high quality can be more expensive, it’s worth it for your comfort, and well-made cold wear pants will last you for years. You also want to feel confident that your bottoms will hold up during any activity; whether it’s touring the European Christmas markets or doing a short nature hike.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Icebreaker Merino 175 Everyday Midweight Leggings
Dressing for the Cold Weather
People always assume that cold-weather gear for women has to be big, thick, and bulky. While it is impossible to avoid some weight, you are much more likely to feel warm and snug if you wear several lighter layers.
Invest in a set of thermals to wear underneath your winter pants. If you are going to an extreme cold-weather destination, consider wearing two sets underneath your warm pants. Merino wool is the best fabric for thermals as it is retains warm air and keeps moisture out, keeping you nice and dry.
One reader advises that for cold climates you want to “dress in layers and be comfortable. You need an under layer, preferably made with merino wool. Then pants, preferably not jeans since they are not wind- or water-resistant. If it’s really cold, add a pair of windproof snow pants on top.”
Learn How to Pack for Cold Weather Travel
Throughout the past nine years of full time traveling, I’ve used various other brands including AmazonBasics, eBags, Pro Packing Cubes, Travel Wise, and Dot & Dot, too.
While these packing cubes all have their benefits, I’ve now created my own version that will take your organization to the next level: the Compass Rose Compression Packing Cubes shown above!
Watch the packing tutorial on Youtube!
In 2017, I launched Compass Rose Travel Accessories and my very first product was a 4-Piece Set of Carryon Packing Cubes. These are the only packing cubes sized to fit the exact width of a carryon suitcase and they also have a unique color-coded and numbered organization system – the only kind currently available anywhere on the market.
I put together a five-part YouTube series showing you the different methods to use packing cubes. If you use this specific packing strategy, they can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carryon only!
Learn how to pack carry-on only for every single trip!
What are your favorite winter pants for traveling in the cold? Share in the comments below!
For more tips on cold-weather packing, please read:
- How to Dress Warm in Cold Weather
- Cold Weather Packing Tips
- Pack for Cold Weather Like a Boss
- Winter Packing List
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I live in a climate that has more warm/hot days than cold, so I don’t have a need for many cold weather items. What are the most versatile pants for cold weather that I could also wear at home, where it’s mostly 35-55 degrees in winter?
Hi Jessica, if you’re worried about buying clothes that you won’t wear again back at home, here are a couple of resources for help with staying warm when traveling in winter:
1. Thermals are the secret to minimal packing with less bulk, they’re amazing!: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-thermal-underwear-for-women/
2. Here are some tips on how to layer them with your clothing to stay warm: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-stay-warm-in-cold-weather/
3. This is a sample packing list for the cold: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-for-cold-weather/ You can use the principles to create your own capsule wardrobe according to your own clothing preferences, not necessarily to pack what is shown in the example.
I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your questions there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their travel advice and recommendations and will be able to help you out.
Hope this helps. Have an awesome time on your travels!
I came here looking for an alternative after the Camii Mia pants didn’t work for me. They’re not bad pants at all, especially for the price, but I found the sizing really odd. For me, they ran small but mostly just in the waist, but also were rather long. I recommend ordering a few pairs so you can try different sizes.
Thank you for sharing your sizing feedback with us, that is really helpful to know! ?
Just wanted to suggest the ELKA thermal pants.
They haven’t produced quite the pant that is in MY imagination, but it’s a legit style and choice, so. yayyyyy.
Hi there, thank you for sharing your recommendation for thermal pants with us! ?
I like Uniqlo Heatech Trousers Leggings pants for non-snowy urban travel. They’re not waterproof but they’re soft, stretchy, comfy and warm =)
Hi Emily, thank you for taking the time to share your recommendation for cold weather pants! They sound fantastic! 🙂