Staying warm and comfortable is essential during outdoor adventures, and thermal leggings for outdoor adventures are here to help. From snowy trails to brisk morning hikes or setting up camp in cold weather, the right thermal leggings ensure you stay cozy while maintaining full mobility. These specially designed leggings trap heat, provide breathability and deliver durability for rugged conditions. In this article, we’ll explore the best options available, so you can find the perfect pair to enhance your outdoor experiences. Let’s get started with the National Park Shops team!
Contents
- 1 The benefits of thermal leggings
- 2 Best Overall: Nike Pro Icon Clash Tights ($75 on Amazon)
- 3 Best for Women: Arcteryx Essent Warm High-Rise Legging ($140 on Amazon)
- 4 Best Budget: 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-lined Leggings ($27.99 on Amazon)
- 5 Best for Men: Meriwool Base Layer Merino Wool Thermal Pants ($59.99 on Amazon)
- 6 Best for Extreme Cold: Title Nine Crash 2.0 Polartec Tights ($99 on Amazon)
- 7 TSLA Men’s Thermal Compression Pants ($32.98 on Amazon)
- 8 Under Armour Men’s Armour Heatgear 3/4 Leggings ($24.07 – $29.07 on Amazon)
- 9 Sugoi Women’s Midzero 2 Tights ($101.90 on Amazon)
- 10 Best Fleece Lined: Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Leggings ($37 – $42.43 on Amazon)
- 11 How we tested thermal leggings for outdoor adventures
- 12 Conclusion
The benefits of thermal leggings
Thermal leggings differ from standard workout leggings in that they are specifically designed to keep you warm during exercise in cold weather while wicking sweat away from your skin to help you stay dry, explains dietitian and nutritionist Roger E. Adams, a certified personal trainer and founder of eatrightfitness.com. “These leggings are typically crafted from a blend of natural and synthetic materials, including wool, cotton, and nylon,” Adams notes. He adds that their snug compression not only supports tired muscles but may also help reduce fatigue during workouts and provide additional support throughout the day.
Best Overall: Nike Pro Icon Clash Tights ($75 on Amazon)
- Material: 80% polyester, 20% elastane
- Fit: Mid-rise design
- Length: 7/8 length
The Nike Pro Icon Clash Tights are designed for athletes seeking both performance and style. These tights feature Nike’s Dri-FIT technology, which effectively wicks away sweat to keep the wearer dry and comfortable during intense workouts. Made from a stretchy, brushed fabric, they provide a soft feel against the skin while allowing for a full range of motion. The design includes a high waistband for added support and coverage, making them ideal for various activities, from training sessions to casual wear. The vibrant patterns and colors of the Icon Clash collection add a bold touch, ensuring that wearers not only perform well but also look great while doing so. Overall, these thermal leggings combine functionality with contemporary aesthetics, catering to both serious athletes and fashion-conscious individuals alike.
>> Read More: 8 Best Waterproof Hiking Pants on Amazon for Men & Women
Best for Women: Arcteryx Essent Warm High-Rise Legging ($140 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: Chira Brushed Interlock Tech Fleece 81% Nylon 19% Elastane
- Design: High-rise waistband
- Size: 00-16
Fleece-lined leggings often have a bulkier appearance and feel due to the added layer of insulation, but the Arcteryx leggings manage to maintain a sleek and streamlined profile. Crafted from soft, smooth-to-the-touch fabric, they deliver a compressive fit. (If you prefer a more relaxed fit, consider sizing up.) We tested these thermal leggings during hikes, errands, and casual dog walks, and they consistently offered all-day comfort without any scratching or irritation.
These thermal leggings provided just the right amount of warmth for cooler weather, ideal for temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike some fleece-lined options that can feel too warm indoors, these remained comfortable for extended indoor wear, making them versatile for any activity. The fabric is completely opaque, maintaining excellent coverage, and has shown no signs of pilling or loss of shape even after multiple washes.
A standout feature is the two side pockets, which are unobtrusive yet spacious enough to hold a smartphone comfortably. Considering their durability, warmth, and functionality, we believe these leggings are a great investment for anyone looking to stay cozy and stylish in colder conditions.
Best Budget: 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-lined Leggings ($27.99 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex
- Waistband Height: 4.5 inches
- Size: XS-3XL
If you want to add a splash of color to your wardrobe without spending a fortune, the 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-Lined Leggings are a fantastic choice. Available in over 30 color options and priced under $30 per pair, these leggings deliver style and function at an affordable cost. During our testing, we were impressed by the buttery-soft polyester lining and silky spandex exterior, which offered a balance of compression and flexibility.
While the waistband felt slightly loose around the stomach, the thermal leggings provided a perfect length fit for our legs. Despite the lightweight feel of the fabric, we experienced no issues with opacity, even when performing activities like house cleaning or dog walking. These thermal leggings are breathable, cozy, and versatile, making them an excellent choice for chilly days. With so many color options, they’re a stylish and practical addition to any cold-weather wardrobe.
>> Read More: Thermal Jackets For Outdoor Activities
Best for Men: Meriwool Base Layer Merino Wool Thermal Pants ($59.99 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 100% Merino Wool
- Fit: Next-to-Skin
The Meriwool Base Layer Merino Wool Thermal Pants are designed to provide exceptional warmth and comfort for outdoor activities in colder climates. Made from 100% Merino wool, these thermal pants feature a lightweight yet insulating fabric with a weight of 250g/m², ensuring effective temperature regulation. The wool is sourced directly from Australia, known for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties, allowing for optimal performance during physical activities.
These pants have a next-to-skin fit that minimizes bulk and enhances thermal efficiency, making them easy to layer under other garments. The fabric is also soft against the skin, reducing the risk of irritation. Additionally, they are designed with flatlock seams to prevent chafing and improve overall comfort during movement. The Meriwool thermal pants are available in various sizes to accommodate different body types, ensuring a snug fit that supports freedom of movement.
Best for Extreme Cold: Title Nine Crash 2.0 Polartec Tights ($99 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 89% recycled poly, 11% spandex
- Size: XS-XL
For those living in cities where winter temperatures hover around freezing, the Title Nine Crash 2.0 Polartec Tights are a top-notch choice. These leggings feature a multilayer design with a soft-to-the-touch fleece lining for insulation, while the durable spandex exterior is both abrasion-resistant and wind-blocking. No matter what weather conditions come your way, these thermal leggings will keep your legs warm and protected.
The materials strike the perfect balance, providing enough thickness to ensure they are squat-proof while offering just the right amount of compression – not too tight, not too loose. The mid-rise waistband sits comfortably below the belly button, unlike traditional high-rise leggings. Even after multiple wears and washes, these thermal leggings held up exceptionally well, maintaining their quality and looking as good as new.
>> Read More: 9 Best Snow Boots For Hiking
TSLA Men’s Thermal Compression Pants ($32.98 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 88% Polyester, 12% Elastane
- Care instructions: Machine Wash with low temperature or Hand Wash Recommended
- Size: XS-3XL
The TSLA Men’s Thermal Compression Pants are specifically designed to provide warmth and support during cold-weather activities. Made from a premium fleece fabric, these thermal leggings feature moisture-wicking properties that keep the wearer dry and comfortable throughout workouts. The elastic waistband ensures a secure fit, while the 4-way stretch material allows for unrestricted movement, making them ideal for various sports and exercises.
These thermal leggings are engineered to regulate body temperature, providing optimal insulation without adding bulk. The lightweight design makes them suitable as a base layer for winter gear, and they can easily be worn under other clothing. Additionally, the quick-dry properties enhance comfort by minimizing moisture retention during intense activities. Overall, the TSLA Men’s Thermal Compression Pants combine functionality with comfort, making them an excellent choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Under Armour Men’s Armour Heatgear 3/4 Leggings ($24.07 – $29.07 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 100% Other Fibers
- Care instructions: Machine Wash
- Size: XS-4XL
The Under Armour Men’s Armour HeatGear 3/4 Leggings are engineered for optimal performance and comfort during athletic activities. Made from a blend of 79% Polyester and 21% Elastane, these leggings feature Under Armour’s signature HeatGear fabric, which is lightweight yet provides excellent coverage without adding bulk. The leggings are designed with an ultra-tight, second-skin fit that enhances support and mobility, making them ideal for high-intensity workouts.
These leggings also incorporate strategic mesh panels for increased ventilation, ensuring breathability where it’s needed most. The moisture-wicking material effectively draws sweat away from the body, allowing for quick drying and maintaining comfort during exercise. An ergonomic design minimizes seam placement in high-abrasion areas to enhance durability, while the wide elastic waistband features a wordmark detail for added style. Additionally, the updated gusset design provides extra comfort and support. With an inseam of 21.25 inches and a drop-in Strength Pocket™ on the right side for convenient storage, these leggings are a versatile choice for athletes looking to elevate their training experience.
>> Read More: The 7 Best Climbing Pants for Men & Women
Sugoi Women’s Midzero 2 Tights ($101.90 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: Spandex, fleece
- Care instructions: Machine Wash
- Size: S-XL
Crafted entirely from spandex with a cozy fleece interior, Sugoi Women’s Midzero 2 Tights are exceptionally stretchy and flexible. While thicker than standard activewear, they remain completely unrestrictive, allowing for a full range of motion during activities like walking, hiking, and working out.
These thermal leggings fit true to size, delivering just the right level of compression without feeling overly tight. The wide waistband stayed securely in place without slipping, ensuring a comfortable fit. After more than 10 wears and several washes, the leggings still look as good as new, with no signs of pilling or fading. Perfect for standalone wear in temperatures around the 40s, these leggings can also be layered under pants for extra warmth in colder weather, making them a versatile addition to your winter wardrobe.
Best Fleece Lined: Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Leggings ($37 – $42.43 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane
- Care instructions: Machine Wash
- Size: XS-2XL
Runners looking for lightweight yet cozy cold-weather gear will appreciate Under Armour’s ColdGear Authentic Leggings. While the legs were a bit long, requiring us to roll them up slightly, the fit around the waist and hips was perfect. These thermal leggings slid on easily, offering just the right amount of stretch, and stayed securely in place throughout runs – a significant advantage, given how often workout leggings tend to slip.
The waistband struck a balance between comfort and support, ensuring a snug fit without feeling restrictive. One downside is the lack of pockets, which would have been helpful for carrying essentials like a phone during runs. Despite this, their midrange price and performance make them an excellent choice for runners braving colder weather.
How we tested thermal leggings for outdoor adventures
We put 25 pairs of thermal leggings for outdoor adventures from well-known brands. These leggings were worn during various activities, including running, biking, and hiking in destinations in chilly weather. Over the initial weeks, we assessed their quality, opacity, fit, durability, and performance and plan to continue testing each pair for at least six months.
The highest-quality thermal leggings impressed us with their blend of style and practicality, featuring thick, soft fabrics that were both flattering and functional. To evaluate durability, we washed each pair multiple times to confirm they resisted stretching and pilling. We also tested for opacity by performing squats in front of a mirror, ensuring no see-through mishaps.
The best-fitting thermal leggings for outdoor adventures maintained comfort throughout hours of wear, providing just the right mix of compression and flexibility. Whether we were working out or running errands, these leggings effectively kept our legs warm while offering sufficient breathability to prevent overheating. After completing all testing, prices were revealed and evaluated for fairness relative to the performance ratings in each category, ensuring value aligned with quality.
Conclusion
Choosing the right thermal leggings for outdoor adventures can make all the difference in your comfort and performance. With their ability to provide warmth, flexibility, and durability, these leggings are an essential addition to any adventurer’s wardrobe. It’s time to gear up and embrace the great outdoors without worrying about the cold. Stay warm and explore endlessly! Hope you have a great experience!
