layering pants for cold weather

[DestroyMySweater]

So as the cold weather approaches, I wanted to get some advice about layering pants in winter conditions. I feel like I have a good sense and rhythm for the top layers. It's easy enough to switch out a fleece, a jacket, etc., on top, but I can never quite get the right temperature on the bottom half. Either I'm too or too cold, and it's super annoying to try to change out layers on the bottom. I guess my main complaint is that 3 layers (long underwear, polyester hiking pants, soft shell) is too hot and 2 layers (long underwear, soft shell pants) is often too cold. Adding gaiters in the mix is interesting, too, because sometimes then I'm too hot in my calves but too cold above the knees. Same thing with my wool socks -- makes my feet warm but can then be too much insulation for the calves. (And they don't really make thick wool socks that are ankle length...)

Any thoughts on this? Again, I feel like I can regulate temperature on top pretty easily, but I need some help on the bottom layers.

[Jenna N S]

Oh the joys of winter hiking! I have a lot of the same issues in the winter as you are describing. The only thing I have found to be helpful is sticking hand warmers in my pants pockets to help warm my upper legs.

[AndrewLyonsGeibel]

So as the cold weather approaches, I wanted to get some advice about layering pants in winter conditions. I feel like I have a good sense and rhythm for the top layers. It's easy enough to switch out a fleece, a jacket, etc., on top, but I can never quite get the right temperature on the bottom half. Either I'm too or too cold, and it's super annoying to try to change out layers on the bottom. I guess my main complaint is that 3 layers (long underwear, polyester hiking pants, soft shell) is too hot and 2 layers (long underwear, soft shell pants) is often too cold. Adding gaiters in the mix is interesting, too, because sometimes then I'm too hot in my calves but too cold above the knees. Same thing with my wool socks -- makes my feet warm but can then be too much insulation for the calves. (And they don't really make thick wool socks that are ankle length...)

Any thoughts on this? Again, I feel like I can regulate temperature on top pretty easily, but I need some help on the bottom layers.

I switched to high quality thermal running tights as a base layer from long underwear. Seems to give me a wider comfortable temperature range and is very good at moisture management. Pants with full side zips also help a lot. Feet are so individual that you probably can’t get good advice online.

[climbingcue]

I have been pretty lucky for layering for pants. I never wear anything other than just pants. I have a few different softshell pants that are different weights, so I just pick the pair that is warm enough for the day. I do have an emergency gore tex rain pant that I keep in my pack all the time. For that just incase, I have only had to use them twice. It was on days when the wind was over 40 mph, so the wind chill was -25 F or so. As long as I keep my hands, feet, head, and upper body warm. My legs tend to be ok.

[herdbull]

I'll second the running leggings/tights. Very versatile from conditions ranging from +40 to below zero. My next layer if I plan on moving slow or spending time in the cold not doing much to generate body heat is a super lightweight smartwool. Something in the 150 range. Works great for sleeping in as well. I think the key to this is sometimes less is more. The smartwool 150 line is a great base layer for adding warmth but maybe more importantly wicking moisture from the skin. I've worn the 150 long sleeve top while running in -10 air temps as my only layer. Kept me warm and actually had frost form on the outside from body perspiration. Sometimes a little trial and error be in order to dial in what works for you.

https://www.backcountry.com/smartwool-m ... -tEALw_wcB#

[12ersRule]

I've got nothing for you on the leg front because I'm usually a guy who wears shorts down to about 20F. I just make sure the feet are warm, layer up on the socks, thin to thicker.

Your user name has totally gotten an earworm in my head though.

I've had a few of those this week, namely, "Stand" by Sly and the Family Stone and "Stand" by R.E.M.

[Barnold41]

+1 for running tights as a base. Then add a moisture wicking jogger or soft shell over. I almost always layer too warm and then take layers off within the first mile or two

[JacerJack]

Your user name has totally gotten an earworm in my head though.

+1 Thought the same thing...Great username!

I usually only wear softshell pants when cold weather hiking unless it's bitter cold, or excessively windy. In that case, I have three different weights of base layer that I can match with the conditions. Those are Patagonia Capeline Lightweight, Capeline Midweight, and a thick pair of Smartwool Merino 250s. The Capeline Lightweight get by far the most use for mid to high output days (hiking/ski touring), while the Capeline Midweight and Merino 250s are usually only used for resort skiing.

[JQDivide]

Good advice so far. Agree with the others.
base: running/sport leggings/tights
2nd: smartwool or other thermal layer
outer: Softshell pants

That second layer is dependent on temps and windchill.
I tend to go three layers almost all the time. Those bottom layers are hard to take on or off.
So, I try to regulate my body temp with my upper layers, which are much easier to remove/add.

Joel

[SurfNTurf]

I used a similar system to what others have described for a while, but it almost always ended up being too hot. (I run warm in general.) Nowadays I go with a lightweight thermal layer (midweight on super cold days) and a pair of midweight softshell pants. That gets me through 95% of conditions. I do usually carry a pair of full-zip hardshell pants for the worst of days or emergencies. They're easy to take on or off even with mountaineering boots, and the full side zippers make them super customizable.

[benmangelsdorf]

I wore fleece-lined Eddie Bauer Guide pants on every alpine hike I did last winter, and they did well. I kept long underwear in my bag in case I got super cold, but I don't think I ever actually used them. Ideally I would want similar pants but with full side zips, but I'm not sure if those exist, lol.

[angry]

I am a fan of the Outdoor Research Cirque pants. They are available for both men and women. I tend to run cold and rarely have to use a base layer with them as the material seems pretty windproof yet breathable.