Best Casual Winter Pants

5 Gen
I love these pants! With the cold weather approaching fast, I 've been wearing them almost every day at the crag. They are a great layer to belay in. I usually just throw them on over my leggings, take them off right before I start climbing, and throw them back on once I return to the ground. The stretchdown material is super durable, so I never have to worry about snagging or ripping a hole in them, and the stretch factor is insane! They are the most comfortable puffy pant I 've had thus far. The whole stretchdown line has proven to withstand a sport climbing season in the Red and a bouldering season in Chattanooga, so I do n't expect anything less from these pants. I recommend going up one size so they can fit over your pants/leggings comfortably. I usually wear leggings so going up one size was enough for me.

5 sjakober
This will be my first winter working as an apprentice ski guide in the PNW, and I ca n't wait to have this in my pack for big days and overnights! I ordered a medium- long and love the fit- usually somewhere between 8- 10 in women's pants, but the long inseam is a must and I LOVE that MHW offers this- I will usually look here first for new pants for any season because of this option. The elastic ankles are a little tight but fit well inside of rubber/rain/snow boots well. Thrilled with the pockets- the zippered pocket is big enough for a phone or a wallet and the hand pockets are toasty warm. Also love the integrated belt closure and design of the waist in general- no bunchy or tight elastic but a snug fit if adjusted so. I 've found stretch- down to be very durable, read: sitting on wood rounds, on a rough hut bench, tailgate- not an issue. With the excellent durability and comfortable fit I will be taking this pants with me on several overnights in huts this winter and definitely on any winter- camp/ski trips. Best attempt at down pants I 've seen so far...

5 KellyVentures
I ’ m a backcountry Ski Patroller that teaches Outdoor Emergency Care and Avalanche Classes in the Rocky Mountains. I need my gear to perform both while patrolling and teaching classes, which usually involves temperature extremes and a lot of transitions between high output activities like skinning and digging and rest periods during transitions and lecture/discussion. I also need gear that is durable and can withstand several days in a row of use and abuse. I ’ m usually a small, but have long legs( a 34 ” inseam) so I got the Small Longs and they fit great. I ’ ve been on the hunt for a cozy pair of down pants that I can use for really cold days in the field and as a quick way to warm up after skiing, and the Stretchdown pants have filled this need for me. They are my new go to for after teaching or patrolling because they are both warm( thanks to the down insulation) and incredibly comfortable. I ’ ve worn down pants in the past that were bulky and slippery, but the way these are stitched keeps them relatively low profile and the stretchy fabric is soft and quieter. The full length is great for cozy comfort, and the ankle cuffs are stretchy enough that I can pull them up over my calf so that I can still wear them with ski boots. These pants are great for anyone that needs a warm, down base layer for cold winter missions or winter camping as well as people like me that want something toasty and comfortable to throw on after a day on the slopes. If you are planning on always using them as a layer while skiing, you might want to go with something ¾ length, but for versatility and comfort, these are the move. They ’ ve also become a desert trip staple for during the off- season when I need something warm for hanging by the fire after the sun goes down.

5 Apie
The fit is great, I 'm usually a medium 8/10 and the medium fits perfectly with a little extra room in the butt/thighs for mobility with wool baselayer on. Very glad I did n't size up. The pants run a tad short, probably a 30 inch inseam for the regular. They are n't too puffy and look quite nice for what they are. Toasty warm. Super excited to wear these all winter!

5 Chiwalker
I bought these in November. I teach Tai Chi outdoors year round and always walking on the Maine coast. I needed insulated stretchy pants. Couldn ’ t get the Patagonia nano air pant and when I saw these, had to have them. The price is steep and wasn ’ t sure how they would hold up. Every time I put them on, I am so grateful. They are light, stretchy and warm but not too warm. I ’ ve worn them at 40 degrees down to about 15 so far. Even had a wicked gale wind as we did our slow set and they were perfect. These pants fit slightly loose and I found that a pair of silk long undies take care of any cool breeze. I can move into lower postures in Tai Chi easily and the warmth keeps my knees from aching. They are perfect for long walks in the cold. One complaint might be that they are a little slim for athletic calves and a zipper there might nice. Also, if you don ’ t wear either leggings or long underwear underneath, you might feel some coolness but not cold. Silk is the perfect under layer. I ’ m 5 ’ 7 ” 135 bought a small.