Which trousers to wear in the mountains in winter? S'portofino guide

Winter trousers for the mountains - why are they so important?

Winter conditions in the mountains are demanding and also changeable. In order to be active safely and comfortably, it is important to have an outfit that can withstand these challenges, provide freedom of movement and not be damaged by contact with crampons or rocks. This is what winter trekking trousers offer.

They provide adequate thermal insulation, protection from the wet and icy wind. At the same time, they are breathable, so there is no fear of getting sweaty and overheated and then freezing. Keeping your body at the optimum temperature and moisture content is not only important for comfortable winter hiking, but more importantly for your health.

What materials should you go for when choosing trousers for the mountains?

Winter trousers for the mountains can be made from a variety of materials. Just like outdoor jackets, trousers can be divided into hardshells and softshells. These types of clothing have a different purpose, so they are made of materials with different properties.

Softshell winter trekking trousers

Softshell clothing, and therefore trousers, were developed to provide maximum comfort during outdoor physical activity in relatively good weather conditions.

Softshell trousers are therefore comfortable to wear, stretchable, warm and breathable at the same time. Waterproofed, they are also resistant to fleeting precipitation. We recommend them for short winter outings to the mountains in good weather.

Softshell winter trousers for the mountains, for example, can be made of fleece fabrics, which are soft on the inside and smooth on the outside. Elasticity is provided by additives, e.g. spandex, and water repellency by DWR impregnation.

Winter hardshell trekking trousers

Hardshell winter trekking trousers provide full waterproof and windproof protection, but this comes at the expense of breathability. Take them on more demanding expeditions, such as multi-day ski touring, where you will be walking in snow or expecting heavy rainfall. You will also appreciate the high wind resistance on the ridge.

Hardshell trousers are generally made of synthetic fabrics with a membrane, which is responsible for water and windproofing. For breathability, these types of trousers have ventilation holes.

Material density of winter trousers for the mountains

If you are looking for warm trousers for winter trips to the mountains, pay particular attention to the fabric density. This is expressed in denier (den). The more deniers, the denser and therefore better insulating the material.

Water resistance and breathability in winter trekking trousers

Water and wind resistance and breathability (vapour permeability) are the most important features of trekking trousers. Water resistance is described in millimetres of water column (mmH2O) and breathability in grams per square metre per day (g/m2/24h). Look for this information in the descriptions of the trousers you are considering buying.

Underwear - don't forget to dress in layers

Your winter outfit in the mountains should be layered. By wearing what is known as a “dressing in layers”, you ensure that you are thermally comfortable, breathable and can quickly adapt your clothes to the weather.

Winter trousers should be worn over thermo-active underwear. Its role is to keep you warm, but also to wick excess moisture away from your body. This prevents perspiration from cooling on your skin, which remains dry and warm regardless of the conditions and level of activity.

Thermal underwear and winter trousers work together to create an air chamber in which heat is retained. This is why it is so important that trousers worn over thermal underwear do not adhere tightly to it.

Winter trousers for the mountains should be matched to the underwear you plan to wear on the expedition. If you don't have thick winter thermal underwear, such as merino wool, opt for insulated trousers to get the right level of insulation. However, if you have a thick base layer, you can go for thinner trousers.

A standard layered outfit worn in the mountains consists of 3 elements: a base layer, an intermediate layer and a top layer. If your trousers do not provide enough weather resistance, you can put on another layer, such as hardshell trousers. On the other hand, if your trousers are resistant to water, wind and mechanical damage, but don't reheat very well, an intermediate layer will come in handy, which is most responsible for keeping your body warm. Additional insulating layers are worth having during ski touring, especially multi-day skits, as well as during demanding high mountain expeditions.

Functionality of winter trousers - what should they have?

Trousers for winter mountain expeditions can enhance your comfort with thoughtful construction and additional features. Here's what to look for in trekking trousers for winter:

• Pockets - the number and positioning of these vary greatly and depend on the model. They allow easy access to many items useful when out in the mountains, but sometimes they also take away some freedom of movement and, when filled, put an extra strain on you.
• Ventilation holes - found in winter hardshell trousers, they allow the degree of air circulation to be quickly adjusted to the intensity of the effort. They are generally located around the knees and thighs and fasten with a zip. Simply unzip it for times of increased exertion and zip it up when the intensity of activity is lower.
• Reinforced zones, generally at the knees and buttocks, increase the trousers' resistance to mechanical damage, abrasion and tears. The use of more flexible and properly shaped materials also increases mobility.
• Hooks in the lower part of the legs are used to hook the trousers to the boots and reduce snow getting into the boots. To some extent, the hooks therefore replace stuput.
• Extra snow legs (also known as snow sleeves or snow cuffs) come in handy when there is a lot of snow or you plan to ski or board.
• UV filters protect against the sun's rays reflected off the snow.

Winter trousers for the mountains - recommended models

Still not sure which winter mountain trousers to choose? Take our hints and choose any of the suggested trouser models for different purposes.

Winter trekking trousers

Feel the pleasant breeze and explore the mountain trails on your own terms. The Mammut Aenergy So Hybrid softshell trousers are ideal for trekking in mild to moderately difficult mountains in stable and not too extreme weather. Partial protection from moisture is provided by the waterproofing. The absence of a membrane makes the trousers highly breathable. Mixtures of elastic fibres, profiled knees and a stretch waist ensure freedom of movement. The high waist warms the sensitive kidney area and keeps the trousers in place.

Winter trousers for high mountains

Looking for trousers for high mountains or ski touring? You need protection from extreme weather conditions and systems for increased safety. The Peak Performance Vislight Gore-TEX 3L C-KNIT™ hardshell trousers will provide it.

The durable and flexible GORE-TEX® 3L C-Knit membrane together with waterproof zippers, taped seams and snow cuffs provide total protection from snow and rain. At the same time, it allows the body to breathe and wick away excess heat and moisture.

Pulling on and putting on these trousers is easy thanks to the zips running along the legs. The practicality of the trousers is increased by the pockets located above the knees. The RECCO® system makes it easier for rescue services to reach you in the event of an avalanche.

Winter trousers for skiing

For skiing, we recommend hardshell trousers with detachable braces: Peak Performance Alpine 3L GORE-TEX®.

The three-layer membrane provides excellent protection against water and wind without blocking the wicking of sweat and excess heat. Laminated zips and taped seams are responsible for waterproofing. Durability and mechanical resistance are thanks to reinforcements made of Cordura® fabric.

Choosing trousers for the mountains - what should you keep in mind?

When choosing trousers for the mountains, take into account how long and intense your expeditions are, as well as the conditions in which they take place. Match your trousers to your other outdoor clothing as they work with the other layers of your onion.

Even the best winter trousers for the mountains won't last long if you don't take proper care of them. Remember to wash and dry them gently, especially if you have trousers with a membrane. Only use detergents designed for outdoor clothing. If you have impregnated softshell trousers, keep an eye on them to see if their water repellency wears off. If so, repeat the waterproofing process.