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Fleece-Lined Hiking Pants: How to Choose for Snow and Cold
What fleece-lined hiking pants are good for, where they fall short, and how to choose by lining weight, shell fabric, water resistance, fit and inseam.
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Quick reference5 facts
| What they are | Softshell pants with a fleece inner face: one layer for cold, mostly dry days |
|---|---|
| Water protection | Water resistant with a DWR finish; less effective in heavy rain or wet conditions (Stio) |
| Fabric to avoid | Cotton, including jeans and sweatpants, which loses its warmth when wet (WTA) |
| Check first | Lining weight, shell fabric, fit over a base layer, inseam and hem |
| One maker's warmth figure | 280 GSM fabric listed for warmth above 32°F (Moosehill SnowVenture M007) |
On this page (5 sections)
Fleece-lined hiking pants pair a stretchy, water-repellent softshell outer with a soft fleece inner, so one layer covers cold, dry days on the trail, in the driveway or on the commute. Most are water resistant, not waterproof. For wet snow, deep powder or severe cold, add a base layer and shell, or choose insulated waterproof snow pants.
Not sure fleece-lined is warm enough for your winter? Our comparison of fleece-lined vs insulated snow pants covers warmth, wind and which pair suits which day. For the rest of your cold-weather plan, start with our winter storm preparedness hub.
What are fleece-lined hiking pants?
Fleece-lined hiking pants are softshell pants with fleece on the inside. The outer face is a stretchy fabric that blocks wind and sheds light moisture. The inner face is brushed fleece, which traps warm air next to the leg.
Stio’s guide to softshell pants describes the fabric as soft and stretchy, with better flexibility and breathability than a hard shell. The trade-off: softshell is water and wind resistant, with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, and less effective in heavy rain or wet conditions. The Washington Trails Association (WTA) adds a rule for any winter pants: skip cotton, which loses its warmth when wet. Fleece-lined jeans are still jeans.
How do you choose fleece-lined hiking pants?
Work through these seven points on the product page. They are in rough order of how much they change the experience.
- Lining weight. Fabric weight is given in GSM, grams per square meter. A heavier fabric is usually warmer and bulkier. Many listings leave it out, so a stated figure (such as Moosehill’s 280 GSM) is useful mainly for comparing pairs from makers that do publish one.
- Shell fabric. Look for a polyester or nylon softshell with some spandex for stretch. Moosehill lists 95% polyester and 5% spandex for the outer of its M007, with a 100% polyester inner. Skip cotton shells for snow.
- Water resistance. Expect “water resistant” or “water repellent” and a DWR finish. If a listing says “waterproof,” look for what backs it up: a waterproof rating, a membrane or taped seams. Without those, assume water resistant.
- Fit over a base layer. Sizing that is comfortable over bare legs can turn tight over long underwear. An elastic waistband with belt loops gives some adjustment either way.
- Inseam. Pants that ride up expose the top of the boot to snow. Some makers sell two lengths per size, which matters more in winter than in summer.
- Pockets. Zippered pockets keep a phone and keys from falling into snow. A thigh pocket stays reachable under a long jacket.
- Hem. Snaps or zippers at the hem let the leg open over a winter boot and close against snow. If the pants have neither, gaiters do the job. WTA says waterproof gaiters help keep feet warm and dry and keep pants dry too.
Articulated or pre-shaped knees are a bonus for climbing, kneeling to clip a snowshoe or shoveling.
Fleece-lined hiking and snow pants
Live prices from Moosehill, updated 2 hours ago
What do those details look like on a real listing?
Moosehill sells fleece-lined softshell pants under the name SnowVenture, and its listings spell out sizes, hems and pockets, so they are a handy example of what to look for. Other makers sell similar pants.
| Model | Sizes Moosehill lists | Leg opening | Other listed details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s SnowVenture M007 | S to XXXL | Not stated | 280 GSM; four pockets, three of them zippered; snap and hook-and-loop closure |
| Men’s SnowVenture M041 | Waist 30 to 40 | Leg zippers that open 25 cm (about 10 inches) | Four zippered pockets including a phone pocket; reinforced knee panels; machine washable |
| Men’s SnowVenture M055 | Waist 30 to 40, in a 30-inch or 32-inch inseam | Not stated | Two inseam lengths per waist size |
| Women’s SnowVenture W003 | XS to XXXL | Tapered leg with a cinched hem | Elastic waistband with belt loops; fabric listed for warmth above 0°C (32°F) |
| Women’s SnowVenture W021 | 4 to 16 | Hem snaps that widen the leg by 7 to 8 cm (about 3 inches) | Flared leg; four zippered pockets with pull tabs |
| Women’s SnowVenture W039 | 4 to 16, in a 29-inch short or 31-inch regular inseam | Hem snaps that widen the leg by 7 to 8 cm | Elastic waistband with belt loops |
Read the water wording with care. Moosehill’s pages use “waterproof,” “water-resistant” and “water-repellent” for the same kind of softshell fabric, and the M041 page cites “grade-4 water resistance” without naming a test. With no membrane or taped seams listed, treat pants like these as water resistant. Temperature claims also vary between models, so plan your layers around the more cautious figure.
How do you wash fleece-lined softshell pants?
Start with the care label, since makers differ. Moosehill, for instance, lists its SnowVenture M041 as machine washable.
Montane’s care page for softshell gives a routine that protects the water-repellent finish:
- Empty the pockets and close all zips and hook-and-loop tabs.
- Wash with a non-biological detergent and no fabric softener.
- Run an extra rinse cycle to clear leftover detergent.
- Line dry, or tumble dry on low heat. Montane says low heat may help reactivate the DWR.
When water stops beading on the surface, Montane suggests spraying the clean, still-wet garment with a DWR re-proofer and drying it as the care label directs.
Are fleece-lined pants a good gift?
Fleece-lined pants are a good gift for someone facing a first real winter, a dog walker or anyone who shovels before work. Sizing is the risk. Check whether the maker sizes by letter, by waist or by numbered size, note the inseam options, and include a gift receipt. Our winter storm gifts guide sorts more practical ideas by the person. Heated layers and snow pants are in the winter clothing section.
Fleece-lined or insulated?Which pants suit a hike, a shovel session or a sled run.
Heated jackets, vests and glovesBattery life by heat setting, fit and battery safety.
Winter car emergency kitWhat to keep in the car, including dry spare clothes.Frequently asked questions
Are fleece-lined hiking pants waterproof?
Usually not. Most are softshell pants with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, which sheds light snow and drizzle. Stio's softshell guide says that kind of fabric is less effective in heavy rain or wet conditions, where waterproof or insulated pants protect better.
How cold can you wear fleece-lined pants?
It depends on the lining weight, the wind and how hard you are working. As one example, Moosehill lists its 280 GSM SnowVenture M007 fabric for warmth above 0°C (32°F). Below freezing or in wind, plan on a base layer underneath.
Can you wear a base layer under fleece-lined pants?
Yes, if the pants have room. The National Weather Service advises layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, so check the size chart with your base layer in mind and avoid a fit that turns tight once you add one.
Are fleece-lined pants good for skiing or snowboarding?
They can work on dry, cold days. For deep snow, wet snow or long chairlift rides, Stio's guide points to waterproof or insulated ski pants, or a waterproof shell worn over the softshell layer.
How do you wash fleece-lined softshell pants?
Follow the care label first. Montane's softshell care advice is to close zips and hook-and-loop tabs, use a non-biological detergent with no fabric softener, run an extra rinse, and line dry or tumble dry on low heat.
Sources
- During Extremely Cold WeatherNational Weather Service
- What to Wear on a Winter HikeWashington Trails Association
- How to Choose the Perfect Pair of Soft Shell Ski PantsStio
- Softshell Product CareMontane
- Men's Snow Ski Hiking Pants: SnowVenture M007Moosehill
- Men's Snow Ski Pants Fleece Lined Waterproof: SnowVenture M041Moosehill
- Men's Snow Ski Fleece Lined Pants: SnowVenture M055Moosehill
- Women's Snow Ski Hiking Pants: SnowVenture W003Moosehill
- Women's Snow Ski Flare Hiking Pants: SnowVenture W021Moosehill
- Women's Snow Ski Pants Fleece Lined Waterproof: SnowVenture W039Moosehill
Filed under Stay warmPart of Winter Clothing: Snow Pants, Fleece-Lined Pants and Heated Gear