Last updated on August 23rd, 2022 at 04:00 pm
As with any winter sport, the right wardrobe can make a huge difference. And, if you’re wondering ‘can I wear jeans while snowshoeing?’, we can help clear that up here with suggestions from the experts.
In short, no, you should not wear jeans on most snowshoeing trips. Cotton holds moisture and can freeze leaving you miserable. Plus, if you stray from the trail, cotton clothing becomes dangerous and may lead to frostbite or hypothermia.
Why are Jeans Not Ideal for Snowshoeing
Jeans are fine if you’re snowshoeing on an extremely groomed track and your trip is less than an hour.
However, while many people do in fact wear jeans for snowshoeing, there can be quite a few downsides.
Importantly, for those exploring the wilderness, heading off trail, or are unsure what the trip will bring, read further.
Easily Hold onto Water
In fact, denim has many shortcomings when performing in snow and cold weather.
For instance, cotton easily saturates to hold onto wetness all day, leaving you absolutely freezing through your hike.
Especially during a highly aerobic activity such as snowshoeing. If you’re short, like me, you are painfully aware how frigid wet snow can climb your pant legs.
And, with the numerous occasions where you may fall to your knees or bum while traveling, this is important.
For the sake of avoiding frostbite and chafing to your most delicate skin, steer clear of cotton/denim.
Lack of Flexibilty
Also, consider the lack of mobility in your favorite jeans. For instance, jeans will not perform on difficult hikes with lots of movement. Bending, climbing, high steps and long strides are all stressful on jeans and on the body.
In fact, denim strains knees, back, and hips when worn during a prolonged sport setting.
RELATED: Best Socks for Hiking in Winter
For snowshoeing, you’ll need pants with lots of flexibility and forgiveness when trudging through trails or picking up the knees in deep snow.
Cold Jeans Cause Chafing
In addition, jeans offer little in regards to wind or chill protection. Coupled with dry winter skin, chafing is inevitable. During winter hikes, denim will also cause hot spots which leads to chafing. In fact, chafing occurs particularly on the bum, inner thighs and hips, your trip will become very uncomfortable.
What Pants to Wear Snowshoeing
You may now be wondering ‘what pants do you wear snowshoeing?’
In fact, the best pants for the task may be in your wardrobe if you are a skier or a winter runner.
In a pinch, any pair of fleece-lined or polyester pants will provide the needed water-wicking capability to keep you comfortable.
Because snowshoeing is a highly active sport, we’ve actually found fleece to be a bit too warm and prefer regular active spandex tights. Additionally, polyester is a great go-to winter pant for all occasions.
Overall, the best pants for snowshoeing will be:
- flexible
- water-wicking
- breathable
- wind breaking
In mid to warmer temperatures, a pair of warm leggings or soft shell pants can easily be enough to keep the snow at bay.
For colder temps, layering leggings or thermals beneath soft shell pants is a great idea.
Additionally, we go over how to prepare your wardrobe in more detail with our What to Wear For Snowshoeing post.
What are Soft Shell Pants
Soft shell pants, are several layers of synthetic materials, making them perfect for ski slopes, and most other winter sports. They perform best as the outermost layer. Shell pants form a protective barrier from the elements.
You’ll greatly benefit from a shell layer when sitting, kneeling to adjust your bindings, or sliding down a hill.
RELATED: Best Gaiters for Snowshoeing
Shell pants are:
- quick drying
- wind-breaking
- highly abrasion resistant
- loose fitting
- flexible
- breathable
- water resistant
Thus, they’re the perfect design for a day in snowshoes, we recommend these to anyone heading to winter trails.
How to Keep Snow Out of Boots
Finally, snow gaiters will be a great addition to your winter gear if you’re concerned about cold feet. Especially if you’re thinking of snowshoeing in jeans against your better judgement.
Whether you’re heading out with shell pants or just leggings, gaiters help keep snow out of your boots.
And, more importantly, from saturating your ankles and seeping toward your toes.
Additionally, snow gaiters offer wind protection for the lower legs. Which makes many lightweight pants a completely viable option for the winter cold.
Be sure to get ones listed for snow sports, which you can fin in our Best Gaiters for Snowshoeing post.
Leave the Jeans at Home and Get Moving
While your favorite bootcut jeans won’t save you from the winter wild, there are many great options for snowshoeing pants. Furthermore, the strategy for snowshoers should be layering a couple light, synthetic options to allow a high range of adjustability for temperature.
Remember to bring a pack large enough to carry all or some of these layers, because your trip is sure to have varying levels of cold and damp. As always, have fun, bring good company, and pack well for a successful adventure. We hope you enjoy your trip out!
Image Credit: Sterling College|(source)|Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) — reduced file size and image, edited and cropped