Winter hiking leggings are different from your regular tights and yoga pants.
A lot of them are designed to protect you from the elements, weather, bugs, sweat, and moisture. Some of these leggings also act as a base layer if needed.
With dedicated pockets for maps and hiking essentials, they make the activity more convenient.
Here is the list of 10 such best hiking leggings for cold weather.
In a hurry? Our picks for the best warm leggings for hiking in 2020
- Best thermal leggings for hiking: BALEAF Women’s Fleece Lined Leggings
- Best hiking leggings for cold weather: MERIWOOL Women’s Merino 250 Base Layer bottom
- Warmest legging for hiking for men: Under Armour Men’s ColdGear® Compression
- Cheapest winter leggings for women: BALEAF Women’s Fleece Lined Leggings
- Best winter leggings with pockets: Naviskin Women’s Fleece Lined Thermal Tights
Comparison table
Warmest leggings for hiking
| Warm rating | Material | Pockets | Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  |
BALEAF Women’s Thermal High-Rise Fleece-Lined Winter hiking leggings |
|
87% Polyester, 13% Spandex | Two side pockets, one hidden pocket | $ | Buy |
  |
Duofold Women’s Heavy-Weight Double-Layer Thermal Leggings |
|
96% ring spun polyester, 4% spandex | No Pockets | $$ | Buy |
  |
UNDER ARMOUR Women’s ColdGear® Authentic Warm walking leggings |
|
87% Polyester,13% Elastane | No Pockets | $$$ | Buy |
  |
Under Armour Men’s ColdGear Armour Compression Leggings |
|
87% Polyester,13% Elastane | No pockets | $$$ | Buy |
  |
Naviskin Fleece lined leggings with zip pocket |
|
90% Polyester, 10% Spandex | One back zipper pocket | $ | Buy |
  |
MERIWOOL Women’s Merino 250 Base Layer thermal pants |
|
100% all-natural, superfine 18.5-micron | No pockets | $$$$ | Buy |
  |
MERIWOOL Mens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Thermal Pants |
|
100% all-natural, superfine 18.5-micron | No pockets | $$$$ | Buy |
  |
90 Degree By Reflex High-Waist Fleece Lined Leggings |
|
90% Polyester, 10% Spandex | Optional open pockets | $ | Buy |
  |
Columbia Women’s Glacial Fleece Printed Legging |
|
100% polyester microfleece | No pockets | $$ – $$$ (print-dependant) | Buy |
  |
CRZ YOGA Women’s Winter Thick Fleece Lined Legging |
|
87% Polyamide,13% Spandex | Back zipper pocket | $$ | Buy |
Warmest leggings for hiking
BALEAF Women’s Thermal High-Rise Fleece-Lined Winter hiking leggings
Key Features
- Fabric Composition: 87% Polyester, 13% Spandex
- Pull-on closure
- Four-way stretch
- Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric
- High-waist contouring fit
- Two side pockets, one hidden pocket
- Gusseted crotch
- Softer fleece inside offers extra comfort
- Camel toe free
- Controls tummy
- Offers complete freedom of movement
- Easily holds smartphones, keys, and other essentials
- The hidden pocket is perfect for credit cards
- Thin built makes them a cozy base layer
- Available in seven different colors
- When used indoors, the fabric might attract pet fur and pill.
Warm rating
Super-soft at the touch, lighter, and warmer than traditional wool, the fleece lining ensures cold-weather comfort by trapping heat and keeping you fuzzy.
However, it is not typically water-resistant and might need a top layer on snowy and rainy days.
Conclusion
In addition to being indefinitely comfortable, these thermal leggings for hiking sport a stylish look with a V shape waistband.
Their versatile design is perfect for the athletic woman who likes to hike, exercise, cycles, skies, runs, skates, or/and does yoga.
Check prices and availability:
Amazon
Duofold Women’s Heavy-Weight Double-Layer Thermal Leggings
Key Features
- Fabric Composition: 96% ring spun polyester, 4% spandex
- Expedition weight: 266 grams
- 360-degree stretch
- Drawstring closure
- Flatlock seaming at the waist
- Double-layer insulation technology
- Lightweight fabric
- C Vapor Technology for quick-drying moisture control
- Allows drawcord custom fit
- Flatlock seams prevent chafing and ensure durability
- No pockets
- No gusseted crotch
Warm rating
While not as warm as fleece or wool, polyester offers decent insulation, making the leggings a functional base layer.
The fabric also boasts water resistance, thus becoming a useful option on cold, rainy, and snowy days.
Conclusion
These thermal leggings for hiking use two layers of ring-spun polyester for insulation.
They trap warm air inside, dry quickly, and wick sweat away from the skin for complete ease.
They are also lightweight, thin, and perfect to wear as yoga pants at home or as a base layer when outdoors.
Check prices and availability:
Amazon
UNDER ARMOUR Women’s ColdGear® Authentic Warm walking leggings
Key Features
- Fabric Composition: 87% Polyester,13% Elastane
- Dual-Layer Fabric: Warm interior and a fast-drying exterior
- Welded seams
- Super-minimal encased elastic closure
- Streamlined, contouring silhouette
- Comfy brushed interior, smooth exterior
- Moisture- and sweat-wicking ability
- Dries quickly
- Seams prevent chafing
- A snug fit retains warmth and allows full freedom of movement
- Might cause camel toe
- No pockets
Warm rating
Polyester, being water-resistant and easy-drying, offers and retains heat to keep you warm in the cold temperature.
Made with this fabric, these winter leggings for women double as a comfy gear on cold days and a second layer when the temperatures are freezing.
Conclusion
Sporting a thin build, these thermal leggings for hiking are non-bulky yet warm.
Their quality proves to be on par with the pricier counterparts, thus ensuring value.
Snug but not too much, these warm walking leggings are excellent for both, indoor and outdoor workouts.
Check prices and availability:
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Under Armour Men’s ColdGear® Compression warm walking Leggings
Key Features
- Fabric Composition: 87% Polyester,13% Elastane
- Dual-Layer Fabric: Warm interior and a fast-drying exterior
- Flatlock seam construction
- Elastic waistband
- Anti-odor technology
- Four-way stretch
- Stretch-mesh gusset
- Inseam panels
- Brushed interior
- Fast-drying fabric
- Sweat-wicking properties
- Mesh and seams for ventilation
- Chafe-free welded seams to keep skin irritation at bay
- Allows free movement
- Keeps odor and odor-causing microbes at bay
- Seams prevent chafing
- Steep price tag
Warmth rate
Made with durable polyester fabric, the warm walking leggings offer cold-weather comfort.
Spandex and elastic waistband offer freedom of movement in every direction.
The dual-layer constructions keep the inside warm and soft while keeping the outer layer smooth and sleek.
Conclusion
What makes the pair one of the warmest leggings for hiking for men is their cozy fabric composition mixed with odor-preventive technology and fast-drying abilities.
Whether used as a single layer or base layer, they ensure greater comfort.
Designed for longevity too, the pair justifies its price tag by being long-lasting.
Check prices and availability:
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Naviskin Fleece lined leggings with zip pocket
Key Features
- Fabric Composition: 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex
- Multiple pockets with space to fit 4″, 4.7″, 5″ and 5.5″ smartphones
- One back zipper pocket
- Elastic waistband
- Drawcord closure
- Reflective details
- Machine washable
- Breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft-brushed fabric
- Lightweight
- Pockets hold and secure personal essentials
- Adjustable closure allows a custom-fit
- Reflective details keep on the radar in low visibility
- May not be true to size
- Might be best used as a second layer on colder days
Warmth Rating
The breathable combination of polyester and spandex makes these fleece-lined leggings an excellent pick for winter outdoor expeditions.
Besides being the go-to warm hiking leggings on mildly-cold days, these are slim enough to be a top pick as a base layer when the temperatures lower further.
In the mood to stay home? Wear these leggings as comfortable yoga pants or loungers.
Conclusion
For the semi-athletic women looking for inexpensive, versatile hiking leggings for cold weather, the Naviskin pair can be the ideal pick.
Check prices and availability:
Amazon
MERIWOOL Women’s Merino 250 Base Layer bottom, hiking leggings for cold weather
Key Features
- Fabric Composition: 100% all-natural, superfine 18.5-micron
- 250 grams lightweight winter leggings for women
- Interlock-knit, quick-drying Merino wool
- Pure breathable Merino fabric
- Anti-bacterial, odor-resistant properties
- Environmentally friendly
- Available in all size between XS to 3XL
- 1-year manufacturer warranty
- 90-day return policy
- Not cheap
- Might feel too thin
- Can feel itchy for sensitive skin
Warmth Rating
These are one of the warmest leggings for hiking that use pure Merino wool to keep you protected from the cold weather.
The fabric features a natural loft that traps and retains heat between the fibers.
Conclusion
Not only the best leggings for winter trekking but also comfortable yoga pants, this pair is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe.
While expensive, the leggings offer a hassle-free return policy and warranty to make the purchase convenient.
Check prices and availability:
Amazon
MERIWOOL Men’s merino 250 base layer bottom, best thermal leggings for winter
Key features
- Fabric Composition: 100% all-natural, superfine 18.5-micron
- 250 grams lightweight winter leggings for men
- Interlock-knit, quick-drying Merino wool
- Pure breathable Merino fabric
- Anti-bacterial, odor-resistant properties
- Environmentally friendly
- Available in all sizes between XS to 3XL
- 1-year manufacturer warranty
- 90-day return policy
- Not cheap
- Might come off short for taller men
Warmth Rating
Simple, comfortable, and thin in build – these are the best warm leggings for winter if what you are looking for is a formfitting, soft, and warm base layer.
They will keep you warm during freezing-cold temperatures without adding bulk or restricting your movement.
Conclusion
Apart from being warm and lightweight, these best thermal leggings for winter are also well-priced.
You can take them in a backpack on hiking trips as well as camps, or wear them alone when inside home.
You can also wear them outdoors on a mildly-cold day because the leggings are not that hot to wear as a single layer when the sun comes out.
Check prices and availability:
Amazon
90 Degree By Reflex High-Waist Fleece Lined Leggings
Key Features
- Fabric Composition: 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex
- High-rise, elastic waistband
- Plush fleece lining
- Gusset crotch
- Interlock stitching
- Optional open pockets
- Elastic waistband offers custom fit
- Pockets or no pockets: you can decide
- Interlock stitching offers more durability
- Squat-proof gusset crotch
- Machine washable
- 30-day, full-refund guarantee
- Uses polar fleece instead of real wool
Warmth Rating
Plush and warm inside, they offer blanket-like cold-weather comfort. Their thin build keeps you fuzzy without feeling bulky.
While the polyester protects from moisture and retains heat, fleece offers its softness and generates more warmth to keep you comfy throughout.
Conclusion
Inexpensive and functional, these leggings fit your body shape as well as the budget.
What truly makes them unique among this list of best cold weather leggings for hiking is the option for pockets.
Check prices and availability:
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Columbia Women’s Glacial® Fleece Printed Leggings
Key Features
- Fabric Composition: 100% polyester microfleece
- Mid-rise, contoured waistband
- Regular stretch
- Warm with a formfitting fit
- True to size
- Super-soft fabric
- Machine washable
- No pockets
- No adjustable closure
Warmth Rating
These are not fleece-lined, instead they are fully-made of fleece, which translates to soft touch, coziness, warmth, and comfort.
Conclusion
For women whose biggest concern is that some tights are just too tight for their preference, these leggings come with a more comfortable, regular fit.
Yet, the tapered legs and contoured waistband make them perfect for casual hiking, a light workout, yoga, layering, and lounging.
Despite being one of the best thermal leggings for winter, they also double as comfy PJs to wear at home or in the nearby market.
Check prices and availability:
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CRZ YOGA Women’s Winter Thick Fleece Lined Legging Mid-Rise Sports Warm Pants with Zip Pocket-28 Inches
Key Features
- Fabric Composition: 87% Polyamide,13% Spandex
- Smooth and soft hand feel fabric
- 28” inseam and technical stitching
- Fleece lining
- Back zipper pocket
- Drawcord closure
- Four-way stretch fabric
- Anti-drop and NO Muffin top
- Durable fabric composition
- Soft and warm interior
- Back pocket to secure essentials like cards and phone
- Adjustable closure for a custom fit
- Stretchable fabric for free movement
- Moisture-wicking, quick-drying material
- Prevents chafing and friction
- The waistband might irritate
Warmth Rating
Polyester with fleece lining makes the perfect moisture-wicking, easy-drying, warm combo one would want from winter leggings.
They are compressed for a great fit that traps heat and keeps you cozy for long. Lightweight and breath-ability are the icings on the cake.
Truly one of the best leggings for hiking in winter.
Conclusion
Hiking or heavy yoga, these women’s hiking leggings prove to be excellent gear for all kinds of winter workouts.
Thick inseam and technical stitching keep the pair hard-wearing, while the soft fleece lining makes it comfy to wear.
With the back pocket, they become convenient too.
Whether you are looking for compression, warmth, elasticity, or fuzzy cold-weather comfort, you will find it all in this pair of best winter leggings for women.
Check prices and availability:
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Which Are the Best Leggings for Winter?
When looking for the best winter walking leggings, it is a must to know what makes them the ideal pick. Besides comfort and price, it is important to know what makes the tights worth your money.
Functional winter hiking tights will trap the heat in without feeling bulky. While the standard notion is to buy a thick pair to feel warm, you don’t need thicker leggings to keep warm.
Thinner ones are more versatile. They are not only cozy but also make a comfortable base layer inside jeans, ski pants, and trousers.
The trick is to choose the right material.
The best ones are fleece-lined leggings or those made with insulating fabric like Merino wool or velvet.
Make sure they use spandex or/and elastane to retain the heat by sticking closer to the skin.
A snug-fit will also offer complete freedom of movement.
Conclusion
Hiking in cold weather can sound harsh and repelling if you do not have the right pair of leggings to go with the activity as well as the weather.
In this guide of the best winter hiking leggings, you could read about nine functional and comfortable options for cold-weather gear. With them in your wardrobe, you will not have to worry about sweating, bulky outfit, temperature, or comfort. They are all designed to offer it all.
Whatever your prime concern may be, you will be able to find your go-to winter hiking leggings in this guide. What’s more? Enjoy the outdoors.
