Cold Weather Hiking Trousers

When winter draws in you will need some insulated pants to keep you warm. Here are some of the best options.

At the cheaper end of the market are the Columbia Royce Peak pants, a soft-shell pant that will set you back around $60. They’re made with stretch fabric for comfort, and come in a number of different lengths for a customized fit. Water-resistant rather than waterproof, they are best suited to dry, but cold hikes instead of full snow days.

Those with a bit more money to spend would do well to look at the Outdoor Research Cirque pant, made for high-altitude ski touring. The slim cut aids movement and makes them good for hiking too, plus they are great at keeping wind and water out.

Fjallraven’s Keb trousers are made to last thanks to the company’s proprietary G-1000 fabric, which gives great wind and water resistance. There are also lots of pockets for storage and a number of zippered vents to cool you down on warmer days.

For a crossover pant you can wear around town as well as on the trail, try the fleece-lined Mountain Hardwear Yumalino. They look smart, but they are also windproof and incredibly warm.