Many who enjoy the activity of snowshoeing such as yourself and I typically ask the question/s, what pants should I be wearing when I go snowshoeing? Or, what are the best pants to be worn when snowshoeing… Given that you are here, I’m assuming you’ve been wondering one of the above, or related questions like this for yourself?
Well, to be honest, I’ve kind of wondered the same for myself. You see, I have spent some time in the backcountry hiking in the snow. However, I often experienced problems along the way such as overheating, which leads to sweating, which later leads to freezing once I take a break…Ect. You see, with the wrong clothing you can run into some major issues along the way, that can make an enjoyable outdoor activity turn into a possible life-threatening event. Which we definitely do not want.
Now, I don’t mean to sound gloomy and all but I do believe that the proper clothing can make the experience drastically more enjoyable as well as safer. Especially, when it comes to the pants you choose to wear.
That is why, I have set out to find the absolute most ideal pants or pant set up to wear, whether it be layering, or and all in one pant option. Not only for myself, but for you as well!
First off, let’s get the elephant in the room taking care of: What pants do you wear snowshoeing? The big question that we all wonder at some point or another.
This depends heavily on the overall climate. However, most who enjoy snowshoeing typically opt for a layered pant system. This includes first a moisture-wicking layer, second an Insulating layer, and third a weathering layer. We will be diving deeper into this idea later but first, let’s take a look at what you’ll want to look for in terms of an ideal snow pant system.
What To Look For When Selecting Snowshoeing Pants
When selecting a Snowshoeing pant system it is best that you go with a layered system. As layering your clothing will allow you to hit many or all of the desired pro’s as listed below: You want the following out of your snowshoe pant system.
Comfortable - Compact
- Durable
- Breathable
- Warm
- Wickable
- Weather Proof (Wind, & Water Resistant / Proof)
- Adjustable (To compensate fluctuating body temp and climate temp) (Only achieved with a layered system)
In most cases, you don’t necessarily have to get too technical about it. Just a simple pair of snow pants, with a wicking layer underneath, can do just fine for many. However, if you intend to do extensive snowshoeing you may want to look into opting for a multi layered approach as we discussed above.
You see, this will give you much more versatility in terms of the warmth your body requires. As well as, provide you with a multitude of options. This now leads us into the next question as to whether or not you should use layers:
Layering For Optimum Comfort & Choice
Well, In my opinion, I think layering provides the most versatility, and comfort. Most people like to go with a layering system mainly for the fact that they can easily adjust insulating factors on the trail.
For example, say you were snowshoeing along enjoying yourself with a couple of friends. But after a short period of time you begin to realize that you wore too warm of pants and you are
Well, given that for the sake of this example you are wearing an “all in one” snow pant option that many typically wear when they go skiing or snowboarding you’re unable to simply take off a layer or two in order to cool yourself back to a comfortable temperature.
Well, you are basically in the exact same situation but in our case, it is in terms of snow pants. You see when you wear an all in one kind of snow pant you run into a problem being unable to adjust for your current body temperature. Which is a big factor when it comes to snowshoeing given the fact that you were exerting a lot of energy at some points, and less at others. The overall nature of snowshoeing causes your body to vary in temperature greatly, and if you are unable to adjust your clothing to those changes, you could end up either overheating and sweating. Or, the opposite and you end up freezing.
But that’s not to say that an all-in-one snow pant option isn’t completely out of the picture. there are definitely those who make it work. But for the most part, it can be quite difficult given the fact that you don’t have much for options if you begin to undergo either of the two bodily experiences (Overheating, or Freezing).
3 Layers to consider
- 1st: Moisture Wicking Layer
- 2nd: Warm / Insulative Layer
- 3rd: Weathering / Water & Wind Resistant Layer
Lets dive deeper into each layer and the idea behind each:
1st) Wicking Layer:
First, you will have your wicking layer this is basically like underwear, or undergarment that will go on first. Typically the wicking layer is very thin and is made up of a synthetic material. The wicking layer is specifically synthetic so that it pulls any moisture away from your body to help you stay dry.
It will begin to do its job as you start to sweat. However, it can only do it to a certain extent as the more you begin to sweat the moister your clothing will become. And as we all know you do not want to be sweating heavily especially in a cold environment such as you will likely be in. Given the fact that you will begin to freeze once you stop hiking.
Recommended Wicking Layer:
| Men’s Wicking Layer (Amazon) | Women’s Wicking Layer (Amazon) |
2nd) Insulative Layer:
The insulative layer is just that, it is there to provide you with the necessary insulation in order to keep yourself warm. Now the brilliant part about using a layered system is the fact that you can swap out layers as your body temp adjust.
For example, say you have been snowshoeing quite consistently for the past 2 hours, and the sun has just come out. Now the overall atmospheric temperature has began to rise which in turn causes your overall body temp to go up as well. You begin to sweat quite extensively at this point.
In this example it would be right as you begin to start sweating when it would be optimal for you to swap out your insulative layer for a thinner / less as insulative layer, or just completely remove your insulative layer. Now yes in order to achieve this versatility with the layered system you may need to carry along extra layers in your pack but to be honest it doesn’t take up a
But to be clear, if you intended to adjust layers on the trail I’d only advise you I just the insulative layer. Both the weathering layer and the wicking layer shouldn’t require any changing. As they are already quite thin too begin with.
One thing to quickly note is that the Mid layer / Insulative layer can be made up of multiple layers in order to
Recommended Insulative Layer:
| Men’s Insulative Layer (Amazon) | Women’s Insulative Layer (Amazon) |
3rd) Weather Layer:
The weathering layer will be your final layer. It will consist of a lightweight, waterproof and wind-resistant material. Ideally, if you can get hold of something that is waterproof and windproof this will probably work in your favor. As it will keep any falling or melting snow from seeping through your pants. However, it is somewhat ideal to have your pants slightly breathable.
Recommended Weather Layer:
| Men’s Weather Layer (Amazon) | Women’s Weather Layer (Amazon) |
Pant Layer Material Selection
Wicking Material Worth Considering (1st Layer)
Like we discussed above the wicking layer is comprised of a synthetic based material, designed to pull moisture away from the body. Below are a few materials that do well in terms of wicking moisture.
- Merino Wool
- Nylon (Synthetic)
- Polyester (Synthetic)
- Polypropylene (Synthetic)
- Silk / Synthetic Combo
I prefer to use thermals as my wicking layer. plus they keep me quite warm with a thin insulating layer. Here is a link to Amazon of the thermals I currently use.
Warm / Insulative Material Worth Considering (2nd Layer)
In general, Fleece is typically always a good option to go with when selecting an insulating layer. However, Fleece is kind of a generic term. As Polyester or Polyurethane fleece is more specific. Nonetheless, there are many material options that can be incorporated into fleece in order to achieve a desired effect such as:
- Cotton
- Wool
- Hemp
Rayon
Probably the best way to go in terms of fleece specific material, is to go for a high percentage, polyester based Fleece as it does a great job at keeping you warm but also wicks moisture away so you don’t have to deal with a soggy mid layer if you begin to sweat extensively for a period of time.
Weathering Materials Worth Considering (3rd & Final Layer)
I know to most it sounds strange to have a pant that is breathable. Especially given the fact that you’re trying to remove any possibility of wind flowing through your clothing, or water seeping through. But in most cases, breathability doesn’t necessarily mean that is not waterproof, but rather it allows your body to ventilate so your clothing stays dry.
If you wear a weathering layer that is not breathable you could end up with moisture trapped under your weathering layer and inside your insulating layer.
Now, Waterproof, or Water resistant & Wind-resistant materials typically consist of a natural and / or a synthetic material that has either been laminated, coated, or woven with a waterproofing material such as:
- Polyester
- polyurethane
- Polyvinyl Chloride
- Silicone Elastomer
- Fluoropolymers
- Rubber
- Wax
Snow Pant Accessories You Should Definitely Consider
Gaiters!
Gaiters Are probably the number 1 Snow pant / Boot accessory I would suggest anyone and everyone who snowshoes get! Literally these things are amazing. If your not sure what Gaiters are: they are basically a solution to the problem of snow getting inside your boots while you hike through the snow. Now, if you have quite long snow pants you may not necessarily need gaiters. However, either way you should definitely consider them.
Gaiters basically synch up around your upper to mid calf and run down around the cuff of your pants where they can also be synched. At the cuff they provide a strap that warps down and around the bottom of your boot ( in the arch of the boot).
From my experience, they offer me peace at mind when I’m trekking through the snow. Because for the most part they don’t let any snow in my boots! Which is definitely something to boast about! If you’d like to check them out they are listed Here at Amazon.
Conclusion
In final, the pants you wear snowshoeing depends heavily upon your intended activity level as you snowshoe. For example if you intend to be running rather than just simply hiking you would want to opt for a more lightweight layer such as a spandex or something a like.
Nonetheless, if you intend to just simply hike which is what most prefer to do you will likely want to opt for the three layered system which includes wicking, warming, & weathering layers. But outside of just simply your activity level you will also want to take into account the overall weather conditions and climate changes.
For example, if you are headed into a high altitude, high wind, with deep lightweight snow you will probably want to go with something more along the lines of the three layered system as well. However, you will want to bulk it up a bit with the insulating layer. As conditions are likely to be colder.
All in all, you should prepare for the conditions ahead. I know it’s extremely hard to do exactly that however it is best if you can estimate it based on expected local weather conditions, as well as the fact that typically when you go up in elevation temperature drops.
Probably the biggest thing to note in terms of pants selection, is the fact that you want to find that sweet spot between too hot and too cold. The problem most people run into when they do, really any outdoor snow activity is the fact that they think they need to bundle up extremely well. However, this isn’t always the case as if you wear too much insulation you’ll end up
I know we only covered the proper snow pants to wear when snowshoeing. But if you’d like a full rundown on all the clothing to wear snowshoeing? Then be sure to check out my latest post that covers: What clothing to wear snowshoeing & Why.
Otherwise, I hope you were able to find some value here. If you have any other questions regarding snowshoeing, then be sure to check out the Outdoor Luxuriez Snowshoeing Lounge for more info regarding snowshoeing!
This Is Colt Signing Off!