7 Best Pants for Snowshoeing in 2026

Sharing is caring!

If you’re looking for the best pants for snowshoeing, I’m here to help!

While it doesn’t snow a ton where I live in North Carolina, Tyler and I typically take a few trips out west or up north in the winter so he can ski to his heart’s content.

I like to snowboard and all but only for a couple days so I’ll spend some of my time snowshoeing instead. The right pants make this WAY more enjoyable.

Finding the right snowshoeing pants is all about the right fit, what will keep you warm, and especially what will keep you dry.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going!

7 Best Pants for Snowshoeing

These seven different options are some of the best pants for snowshoeing that you’ll find. They’re great because no matter what adventure you’re headed out on this winter, they’ll work for you.

1. Columbia Bugaboo Omni-Heat Snow Pants

The Columbia Bugaboo Omni-Heat Snow Pants blend comfort, warmth, and functionality perfectly. They have a streamlined fit, providing insulation without bulkiness.

These are my all-time favorite snow pants! I have them in red and love the fit, color, and durability of these pants. I’ve been using them for the past couple of seasons now.

You’ll stay dry all day long, thanks to the waterproof and breathable material that’s seam-sealed for maximum protection. 

Columbia’s revolutionary Omni-Heat technology uses thermal reflection to bounce your own body heat back toward you, keeping you toasty even in the coldest conditions. 

While the pants may be considered entry-level, they’re packed with many of the features you’ll find on more expensive brands.

The good-sized pockets provide ample storage for your essentials, and leg gaiters keep snow out of your boots.

I took these on our trip to Davis, WV and wore them to Blackwater Falls State Park, Timberline Ski Resort, and Canaan Valley State Park.

❄️ Shop Women’s Bugaboo // Shop Men’s Bugaboo ❄️

2. REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Snow Pants

REI always thinks through their products and the Powderbound Insulated Snow Pants are no exception. Designed with both performance and sustainability in mind, the pants are made from bluesign® approved materials, ensuring they’re safe for you and the environment. 

The waterproof and windproof nylon shell keeps you dry and protected from the elements. Best of all, the insulation is just enough to keep you warm without sacrificing mobility. 

REI went the extra mile with inner thigh vents and fleece-lined pockets. With their excellent return policy, this is an easy decision if you’re new to snowshoeing and not sure what to buy.

❄️ Shop Women’s Powderbound // Shop Men’s Powderbound ❄️

3. The North Face Freedom Insulated Snow Pants

Designed for comfort and durability, The North Face Freedom Insulated Snow Pants use Heatseeker™ Eco insulation, ensuring comfort without compromising sustainability.

As a trusted brand in outdoor gear, The North Face has built a product that balances quality and affordability. 

The Freedom Insulated Snow Pants are cut on the roomier side. While some people may like the extra room, others could feel they’re baggy.

However, the adjustable waistband helps personalize the fit. Plus, the inner thigh vents will help you stay cool and comfortable throughout your day. 

❄️ Shop Women’s Freedom Insulated // Shop Men’s Freedom Insulated ❄️

4. Outdoor Research Snowcrew Snow Pants

Made from recycled materials, the Snowcrew Snow Pants are the perfect blend of sustainability, performance, and functionality. And they come with the Outdoor Research guarantee to perform throughout the lifetime of the product. 

With deep pockets to stash your keys, beacons, and anything else you need to keep secure, you’ll have peace of mind as you snowshoe throughout the day. 

Outdoor Research is known for designing high-tech gear that’s also lightweight, and the Snowcrew Snow Pants are no exception.

These will keep you warm and dry without overheating and won’t weigh you down.

❄️ Shop Women’s Snowcrew // Shop Men’s Snowcrew ❄️

5. Marmot Slopestar Snow Pants

Marmot Slopestar Snow Pants are made with a high-performance waterproof and breathable MemBrain® fabric that repels heavy rain and snow for hours. Couple this with taped seams and you’ll stay dry even when you stop for lunch.

Inside, PrimaLoft® Black insulation Eco wicks moisture away from your skin while the leg vents let out additional heat if you start feeling hot. 

Designed with freedom of movement in mind, the stretch-infused hardshell fabric and articulated knees provide unrestricted mobility as you navigate rugged terrain. 

❄️ Shop Women’s Slopestar ❄️

6. Outdoor Research Trailbreaker II

The Trailbreaker II pants from Outdoor Research are soft shell pants with an adjustable waist offering you the best in comfort, mobility, and protection.

The thigh vents are on the outside to provide better cooling on tough climbs. The Trailbreakers are meant for backcountry skiing and provide greater breathability than most other pants on this list.

To help with this, they maximize the waterproofing to the bottom of the legs where you need it most, although the entire pant does have some water resistance protection. 

❄️ Shop Women’s Trailbreaker ❄️

7. Obermeyer Bliss Snow Pants

If you’re not familiar with the brand, Obermeyer is based in Colorado and has been designing ski wear since 1947. The pants are built to withstand cold while providing maximum comfort and flexibility.

Bliss Snow Pants are made with 3M® Thinsulate® to insulate and keep you warm while strategic stretch panels allow for natural body movement, perfect for snowshoeing pants. 

Ankle zippers allow for quick adjustment over boots, inner thigh vents give you breathability and the adjustable waist allows for a perfect fit. They also come in a range of fun colors to match your style. 

❄️ Shop Women’s Bliss ❄️

Alternatives to Snow Pants

Soft Shell Pants/Leggings

While I like to wear waterproof snow pants when snowshoeing, if it’s warm out some people prefer layering a warm base layer with a pair of rain pants.

You can add leggings under your soft shell pants to help wick moisture away from your body and provide additional insulation. 

I like Merino wool leggings as my base layer. They’re comfortable, keep me warm, and wick my sweat away from my body.

This is important because hypothermia is often caused when clothing against your body becomes damp with sweat. 

Waterproof Outer Layer

If you opt to use soft shell pants, add a pair of rain pants as a waterproof outer layer. Super important if you have a habit of falling on the slopes.

These tend to weigh less than snow pants and layering allows you to better control the amount of insulation you need. 

When you’re purchasing a pair of rain pants check to see if they have a vent, or you may find yourself overheating from trapped body heat.

Because they’re not usually made with snow sports in mind, the vents may be on the lower leg. I recommend searching for pants that unzip near the waist or on the upper thigh.

What to Consider When Buying Snowshoeing Pants

Snowshoeing Pants Materials

When you’re snowshoeing, your legs are constantly exposed to snow making it important to choose the right pants. 

First and foremost, you need an outer layer that is waterproof and breathable. These fabrics will prevent moisture from getting in while allowing sweat to escape. Even better is a fabric that repels water. This will keep you dry when you stop for a break or lunch. 

When it comes to insulation, there are a lot of options. You can purchase a pair of snow pants with heavy insulation or barely any.

Your decision depends on the conditions you generally encounter and personal preference. Heavy insulation will keep you warm but may restrict your mobility. 

Durability

It’s essential your snowshoeing pants hold up. You don’t want ripped seams, holes, or anything else that compromises their ability to hold back water and keep you warm.

Most ski pants have gaiters at the bottom of the legs to keep snow out of your boots and scuff pads to prevent your skis or snowshoes from ripping your pants.

Keep in mind that snow pants are an investment. Even the less expensive pants are around $120 to $150. You get what you pay for so look for a good pair of pants from a well-known brand.

But, these are what I wear snowboarding, snowshoeing, or on any other winter adventure so they are versatile.

Weather Conditions

Always check the weather before you head out. If it’s going to be warm and sunny, ski pants may be too much.

In this instance, water-resistant hiking pants and rain pants may be more comfortable. If the weather is cold and rainy, or windy, consider ski pants or a base layer with rain pants. 

Whatever your decision, always bring an extra layer just in case. 

Layering

Your legs don’t tend to get as cold as the rest of your body when moving because they’re doing the bulk of the work. This means you’ll want to focus on keeping them dry and protected from the extreme cold. 

If you tend to sweat a lot or get cold easily, layering is important. A good wicking base layer will not only provide insulation but keep your sweat away from you.

Also, if you choose to open the vents of your snow pants, your base layer will prevent your skin from being exposed to the elements. 

While layering your torso is easy because you can shed layers as you go, it’s more difficult with pants.

Stopping to remove a layer involves taking off your snow pants, then your base layer, then putting the snow pants back on. 

The best way to find the right layers is to start with less. It’s okay to begin your day a little cold. As you move, your body will warm up and you may find you don’t need additional layers.

If you’re still uncomfortably cold after 10 to 15 minutes, add a mid layer like a pair of hiking pants or fleece.  

Ventilation

I’m a fan of ventilation. As you exert energy snowshoeing, you’ll build up a lot of heat.

Even though waterproof fabrics are breathable, it’s limited and often not enough as you continue to work hard throughout the day. Having vents allows the heat to escape, preventing you from overheating. 

There are advantages and disadvantages to inner versus outer thigh vents. You’ll need to determine which works best for you.

Look for pants that have vents in an area you can easily reach and are comfortable for you. 

Wrap Up: Best Pants for Snowshoeing

When looking for a new pair of snowshoeing pants, you’ll want to look for something with the right fit for your body, that will keep you warm but also has vents if you get too hot, and a waterproof exterior to keep you dry.

Keep in mind, you can always add a base layer in really frigid conditions. Make sure you get something that’s durable too – you don’t want them crapping out on you after just one season.

Hope this list helps you find the best pants for snowshoeing on your adventures this winter!