To keep your pace constant and your strides long and stable you need to choose the right pair of pants for the hike. This is especially critical as the days start to cool or get downright winter cold. These pants are comfortable and will ensure that your days are enjoyable and cozy. Especially when you’re hiking on the roughest terrain and in the midst of the most brutal weather. When the conditions are unpredictable you can always count on your hiking pants. They will always be there for you, to keep you warm and dry. I love this selection of women’s fleece-lined hiking pants and I hope you do too.
Find the right pants for your hike, backpacking, or rock climbing. Wherever you’re planning on going next consider my list of the five best women’s fleece-lined hiking pants. They will keep you warm and not break the bank.
Note: All prices listed are at the time of writing and are subject to change by the manufacturer.
5. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pant
Number 5 on our best women’s fleece-lined hiking pants are the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants. These pants allow for great movement and motion making this piece of hiking kit a woman’s best friend. Their waterproofing and versatility make these pants an obvious choice for colder, harsher weather.
It doesn’t matter if you’re rock climbing or hiking these pants will keep you comfortable and warm in a range of temperatures. They are adaptable and best suited for hikes starting off colder and then warming up throughout the day. For more extreme temperatures (cold) you might be better suited to a pair of snow pants. While these provide a minimal shell they are not waterproof.
Price: Approx $89
Best Use: Hiking
Fabric: 90-denier stretch-woven ripstop 86% nylon (46% recycled)/14% spandex (bluesign®-approved)
Sun-Protective Fabric: Yes
UPF Rating: 50
Quick Drying: Yes
Pants Rise: Mid
Pant Fit: Standard
Pant Leg Style: Straight
Inseam (in.): 29 inches
Weight: 8.9 ounces
4. Columbia Saturday Trail Pant
With both water protection and sun protection, the Columbia Saturday Trail Pants keep you comfortable and stable. They also use Omni-Heat technology which reflects your body heat back towards you. It prevents heat to escape. That coupled with the active fit design, will efficiently keep you warm and comfortable. If you’re not warm enough with just these pants, they allow you to wear an extra pair of leggings underneath. The Omni-Shield technology in these pants repels the water away from you keeping you protected from the elements making these an excellent choice for harsher conditions.
Price: Approx $65
Best Use: Hiking and Travel
Fabric: 96% nylon/4% elastane
Sun-Protective Fabric: Yes
UPF Rating: 50
Pants Rise: Mid
Pant Fit: Standard
Pant Leg Style: Straight
Inseam (in.): 32 inches
Weight: 11.2 ounces
No matter the season you may want to wear any of these pants when hiking these Oregon trails.
3. Patagonia Quandary
Coming in at number three on our best fleece-lined hiking pants are the Patagonia Quandry pants. These pants have a classic look with a relaxed fit which makes them comfortable and easy to move in. They have an internal drawstring which makes it easy to adjust the waist and fit on you, making them more inclusive to different sizes.
The Patagonia Quandary pants are designed for comfort and unrestrained movement although some have commented that the seam is not very comfortable and may rub potentially causing chafing. But overall this pair can suit all different temperatures and terrains – sunny days, rainy days, and cold days it can handle them all.
Price: Approx $60 – $90
Best Use: Hiking
Fabric: 95% nylon (65% recycled)/5% spandex
Sun-Protective Fabric: Yes
UPF Rating: 50
Quick Drying: Yes
Convertible: Yes
Pants Rise: Mid
Pant Fit: Standard
Pant Leg Style: Straight
Inseam (in.): 32 inches
Shorts Inseam (in.): 8 inches
Weight: 10.3 ounces
2. Arctix Women’s Fleece-Lined Softshell Pants
For more lightweight pants, the Arctix Softshell Pants are the one to choose. They are stretchable and have a relaxed fit because it has a breathable inner fit that’s also soft. Don’t forget about wind protection and abrasion resistance. This makes them excellent for skiing. Not to mention it fits well with ski boots and is perfectly matched to those elements – cold and windy.
They suit hiking in the cold and specifically hiking in the snow. However, it’s recommended that if you’d like to wear thermal underwear underneath these pants then you might want to order the size up. This will lead to a larger waist which might work for you but won’t for everyone. So consider whether you need an outdoor belt too.
Price: Approx $60 – $120
Best Use: Skiing or hiking in the snow
Fabric: 95% Polyester, 5% Elastane
Sun-Protective Fabric: N/A
UPF Rating: N/A
Quick Drying: Yes
Convertible: Yes
Pants Rise: Mid-high
Pant Fit: Standard
Pant Leg Style: Straight
Inseam (in.): 32 inches
Weight: 10.3 ounces
These pants aren’t just made for hiking. Put them to the test on your next Glamping activity.
1. REI Co-op Activator V2 Soft-Shell Pants
Last but not least on our best fleece-lined hiking pants are the REI Co-op Activator V2 Soft-Shell Pants. They are breathable and wind-resistant up to 35mph which makes them excellent winter hiking pants. The fabric is not only lightweight but durable. The fabric is treated with durable water-repellant. These pants also have a belted waistband meaning you can adjust it so it fits you perfectly.
If you are looking for a pant that has easy access and useable pockets then look no further. These have easy-to-access pockets which are perfect for clipping tools that suit rock climbing and technical hiking. The pockets on the back are secure and great for looking after your essentials. You can add layers on top or beneath these pants because they are versatile and fit nicely.
Price: Approx $100
Best Use: Hiking
Fabric: 63% nylon/26% polyester/11% spandex (bluesign® approved)
Sun-Protective Fabric: Yes
UPF Rating: 50
Windproof: Yes
Quick Drying: Yes
Pants Rise: Mid
Pant Fit: Standard
Pant Leg Style: Straight
Inseam (in.): 32.5 inches
All of these fleece-lined pants would be great in your winter layering lineup. Find out how to layer now.
Final Fleece-Lined Hiking Pants Thoughts
The right pair of fleece-lined hiking pants is not far away now. With excellent brands like REI and Patagonia adorning this list with their beautiful, well-designed pants it’s much easier to choose. Whatever your choice is, make sure it’s right for you. You will want to make sure they fit correctly (waist and length), and apply to your terrain and weather correctly to suit you best.
These pants and brands will improve your experience. Your comfort is my goal and only job. So trust that you’ll find the right pair for you! No matter your hiking goals this year having a great pair of pants can make the difference. From keeping you dry and protect from the sun to keeping you warm on chilly mornings each of these pants will keep you happy on the trail.
What do you think? Would these five fleece-lined hiking pants make your top list? We would like to hear about your favorites in the comments, on our Facebook, or on Reddit!
