20 Best Winter Pants for Outdoor Work [Men and Women!]
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Working outside during the winter months is always a challenge. While it might be tempting to wrap yourself up in a duvet before heading out, you can’t work with all that fluff immobilizing your limbs, so turn to our best winter pants for outdoor work instead!
While jeans will always have a place in our hearts and our wardrobes, denim doesn’t do much to keep you warm. If the temperature drops below 50℉, my bottom instantly freezes in my favorite jeans. If it starts raining, I feel like I’ve been cryogenically frozen.
What’s Inside:
What Are the Warmest Pants for Winter?
Flannel or fleece-lined waterproof pants are the warmest pants for winter, and the most practical pants for winter on the farm, homestead, or the outdoors.
These pants are designed for intense winter activities, like snow hiking or skiing, and they will keep you warm and dry but still allow you enough freedom to work.
Top 10 Warmest Best Winter Pants For Men
Let’s dive straight in with our top 10 warmest and best winter pants for men, before moving on to the 10 best winter pants for women!
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$42.99Get More InfoWater-resistant and ergonomically designed, these cargo pants give you the best of both worlds - freedom of movement and protection against the elements. The soft polar fleece lining keeps you warm while the zipper pockets stop you from dropping your phone in the snow!
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08/28/2024 04:47 pm GMT -
$49.99$32.00Get More InfoUsing some of the latest technical fabrics, these pants allow for a full range of motion while keeping you warm at temperatures as low as -20℉. Boot gaiters help keep the warmth in and water out while the reinforced hem protects them against wear and tear.
They’re also available in a wide range of colors so you can either brighten your day with some bamboo yellow or stick with the more practical black.
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08/28/2024 06:18 pm GMT -
$36.98Get More InfoUsing a lotus-leaf-inspired waterproofing system, these hi-tech pants can repel all kinds of liquid, whether it comes from the skies or a leaky generator. Beneath the waterproof coating is a nylon surface layer, followed by an inner lining of breathable fleece.
Wear-resistant and ergonomically designed, they’re some of the best insulated pants you can find. While they provide plenty of mobility, however, they are perhaps a little on the tight side for winter sports.
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08/28/2024 02:55 pm GMT -
$62.99Get More InfoThese durable pants not only promise to keep you warm, but they’ll also protect you from the winter sun with their UPF 50+ sun protection.
Made with Flexion two-way stretch fabric, they give you great mobility, while the StormRepel DWR finish means any rain will roll off like water off a duck’s back. The fleece lining keeps icy winds at bay while providing comfort and breathability.
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08/29/2024 08:51 am GMT -
Get More InfoThese wind-resistant pants give you so much room to maneuver, you won’t even notice you’re wearing them. Lightweight yet water-resistant, they give you maximum protection and durability whatever the weather.
The only downside is they don’t have enough pockets to accommodate everything you might need on the farm.
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$53.99$34.99Get More InfoStylish yet functional, these polyester cargo pants can withstand the roughest of treatments. Resistant to water and wind, they come with reinforced knees that are pleated to allow for greater mobility. They’re also machine-washable.
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08/28/2024 11:06 pm GMT -
$37.99Get More InfoMade with a durable, water-repellent shell and breathable lining, these pants are available in both a regular and slim fit. With an adjustable fit and just the right amount of stretch, they’ll keep you warm without restricting your freedom of movement.
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08/29/2024 09:31 am GMT -
$145.56Get More InfoWhen you really don’t want to brave the elements, pop these on over your base layer or work pants, and it’ll feel like a balmy summer’s day.
With their in-built carbon-fiber heating elements and three different heat settings, these pants will keep generating heat for up to 12 hours. They aren’t cheap, but they do come with the battery pack included and a one-year warranty.
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08/05/2024 06:41 am GMT -
$35.70Get More InfoThese fleece-lined cargo pants are comfortable and flexible. Made from 100% cotton, they’re also more environmentally friendly.
The relaxed fit gives you the stretch and flexibility you need to work, while the soft fleece lining will keep you warm and comfortable. Unfortunately, they’re not water-resistant so, they won’t be of much use in the snow.
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08/29/2024 03:26 am GMT -
$29.55Get More InfoIf you can’t stand the thought of working in anything other than jeans, these are amongst the best insulated work pants you can find.
They’re durable and warm with large pockets at the front that prevent your phone and keys from obstructing your movement. Again, they’re not water-resistant, so won't be comfortable in wet weather or snow.
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08/28/2024 12:09 pm GMT
Top 10 Warmest Best Winter Pants for Women
Check out these awesome warm winter pants! You’ll find many different types of pants here, including super comfy fleece-lined jeggings and waterproof styles.
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$43.00$21.50Get More InfoMade with high-tech windproof fabric and lined with soft, breathable fleece, these pants are designed so you can squat and bend down without restriction or discomfort.
Even the zippers are waterproof to prevent any moisture from sneaking in. The slim fit also means there’s no bulky fabric to ruin your homesteading figure.
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08/28/2024 06:51 pm GMT -
Get More InfoWith their stretch-woven fabric and fleece lining, these pants provide complete mobility and excellent insulation. They’re slimline enough that you can wear an extra pair of waterproofs or waders over the top if necessary.
They're also perfect for the multi-tasking homesteader. The price tag reflects their quality, however, making them a little more pricey than some of our other options.
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$48.00$29.99Get More InfoThese pants use Thermalock and Thermatech technology to provide a combination of weather resistance and insulation. They’re lightweight yet reinforced to withstand the challenges of winter homesteading.
They also come with boot gaiters to keep the heat in and the elements outside where they belong.
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08/28/2024 03:38 pm GMT -
$59.99$45.99Get More InfoAffordable yet practical, these fleece-lined hiking pants lock in the heat while keeping your body dry.
The water-repellent coating keeps the rain out, while the ergonomic design gives more flexibility around the knee and less uncomfortable bunching in the groin area.
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08/29/2024 09:11 am GMT -
Get More InfoThe ultimate solution to a cold winter on the homestead, these heated pants not only keep you warm but help reduce muscle stiffness and boost blood circulation.
Heat pads in the abdomen, waist, knee, and leg sections are quick to charge and easily adjustable. They may, according to some reviewers, even make you “feel like a happy polar bear."
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$43.99Get More InfoThese versatile pants are ideal for working, hiking, skiing, or sledding. Waterproof and wind-resistant with a super-soft fleece lining, they’re also suitable for all weather.
The reinforced belt buckle guards against embarrassing incidents, while the front pockets are secured with zippers to keep your valuables safe.
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08/29/2024 12:05 am GMT -
$43.99Get More InfoThese warm winter pants are ideal for those on a tight budget. They come in a range of funky colors and have six pockets for you to fill with valuables, tools, and other odds and ends.
The stretchy fabric and inner fleece lining make them warm and comfortable to work in, while the water-resistant coating keeps you dry.
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08/29/2024 10:45 am GMT -
$39.99Get More InfoFor the denim diehards, these jeans are lined with thick velvet fleece, making them as warm as they are stylish. While they offer some protection against the wind, they aren’t suitable for rainy days or snow.
They’re also snug enough to look stylish without being so tight that they hamper your mobility.
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08/29/2024 07:13 am GMT -
$36.99$25.89Get More InfoWhile a pair of leggings won’t offer much in the way of wind or water resistance, they can keep you warm while giving you complete freedom of movement.
Although designed for yoga enthusiasts, if worn together with a pair of lightweight waterproof pants, these fleecy legging could provide the perfect winter wear. They’ll also minimize chafing and give you a flatter tummy!
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08/29/2024 08:24 am GMT
What to Look for In the Best Winter Work Pants
You need more than just insulation if you’re going to be working outdoors in the winter. The best winter work pants need to deal with rain, icy winds, and snow, not to mention the harsh working environments found on the average farmstead.
The outer shell should be wind-resistant and water repellant. It also needs to be durable enough to withstand the usual perils a homestead will throw at it, from goats’ horns to donkey’s feet.
On the inside, a fleece or cotton flannel lining will keep your body heat without restricting your movement.
Ideally, these should also be contoured to move with your body and allow enough movement around your knees and hips, in particular, that you can work comfortably.
You want to find a good fit when shopping for winter pants. Insulated pants should be snug but not tight-fitting as this will restrict your movement. Wearing something too big will similarly impede your mobility, and the insulation won’t be as effective.
The warmest winter pants take insulation one step further, featuring boot gaiters that secure the bottom of the pants, preventing any heat loss.
Best Winter Pants for Men and Women FAQ
We know that the winter weather is difficult to tolerate – especially when snow-blowing, shoveling snow, removing ice, or hiking on your favorite mountain trail.
That’s why we amassed a lovely list of winter pants FAQs for our cold-weather homesteading adventurers.
May they find you well!
Insulated or fleece-lined pants are the best if you want to stay warm this winter. When you’re out working on the homestead, you also need some level of wind and water resistance, making pants designed for winter sports and cold-weather hikes the most effective.
Sweatpants and thermal base layers are warmer than jeans but don’t provide the water resistance you need when working outdoors. Fleece-lined hiking pants offer a more effective and versatile solution.
Although wool is the warmest material, it’s not ideal for working in a cold, muddy environment. It does have some water resistance but once it’s truly saturated, it takes hours to dry. New, high-tech fabrics, on the other hand, combine weather resistance with warmth and flexibility, making them more practical for the homesteader.
Not all insulated pants are waterproof. Fleece-lined jeans and leggings, for instance, will keep you warm but not dry.
While some men opt for warmth over style and mobility, the most practical pants for the working man combine all three while also being wind and water-resistant. Snow pants might be warm, but they’re too bulky to work in. A pair of lightweight, fleece-lined hiking trousers should offer enough protection against the elements while giving you more mobility.
Some women use layers of clothing to stay warm yet mobile. Some fleece leggings paired with jeans can go a long way to keeping the cold at bay. When the snow blows in, however, something a little more robust is called for which is why we recommend fleece-lined or insulated hiking pants as the best option for working outside this winter.
Final Thoughts
You can stay warm and stylish this winter, whether you opt for some heated pants or stick with a pair of good-old fleece-lined jeans.
High-tech, fleece-lined hiking or cargo pants offer the most versatility when it comes to working outside in below-freezing temperatures. They’re weather-resistant and ergonomically designed so you can move as freely as you do in your birthday suit.
