How to Wear Snow Pants with Boots?

When it comes to trekking outside in the winter, you want to make sure you have the right gear and you’re wearing it right. That way, you can make sure that you’re going to be warm, dry, and comfortable, no matter how long you plan on being outside. One of the things you might want to consider is getting snow pants and boots to wear. But how do you wear them the right way? And what’s the benefit of wearing them one way over the other?

Snow Pants Over Your Boots

The first option you can choose to go with is wearing your ski or snowboard pants over your boots. If the snow pants you’ve chosen are designed to fit this way, you’ll typically see a rubberized cuff at the bottom. It has snaps to fit over the boot and keep out snow. They clip around the ankle and they’re quite good at making sure nothing gets down into the interior of the boot.

The biggest benefit of this method is that they are generally going to provide you with even more protection against snow and moisture. These snow pants fit over the top of the boot, which means nothing can get down around your ankle. This can keep you feeling more comfortable and dry. Plus, they’re relatively easy to put on because you slip them down over your boots and snap them closed.

The downside to pants is that they feel a little bit bulky and restrict movement and flexibility. This could be a nuisance or even a problem depending on where you’re going. You’ll need to be even more careful about your socks so that your boots aren’t rubbing against your ankles.

Snow Pants Under Your Boots

Snow pants that fit inside your boots are generally stretchy and fit close to the ankle. They tuck down into the boot quite easily but generally don’t have clasps to hold them closed. They use elastic to do this instead so they have a little tighter fit to your leg for added comfort and warmth.

Tucking your pants under your boots can also be comfortable and it’s relatively efficient. You’re going to have pants that fit closer to your legs, which generally feel a little more comfortable against your legs. Not only that but you have another layer on the inside of your boots, which is going to help you get a better fit and make sure that you stay warm with all of those layers. That’s a great way to start your trek.

The downside to these types of pants is that you have a little less protection for snow and moisture that gets into the boots. Because they fit inside, there’s nothing to keep the snow from getting up over the top of the boot and then down inside it. Once inside, that snow will melt, which makes the bottom of your snow pants wet as well as your socks and your feet inside of your boots. That’s going to make it harder for you to stay comfortable.

The Important Features

Overall, you’ll find that most of the features you need for your snowboard or ski pants are available in both pants that fit over the boot and pants that fit under and that’s where the most important part comes in. You want to make sure that you have pants that fit each of the following classifications more than anything and then you can choose what you’re most comfortable with.

1. Durability

Get a pair of pants that is durable and long-lasting. They should be made with nylon or polyester so they can provide protection against the elements. You will feel more comfortable because they are flexible and provide freedom of movement. Plus, you can trust that if you get the right size for you, they’ll be ready when you need them.

2. Waterproofness

Snow pants should be waterproof. This is important because you’re going to wear them in the snow which is basically water. You need them to be resistant to it. In case you fall or you’re walking for a long period of time, you can continue to feel warm. Water-resistant materials usually don’t soak water and they keep you dry and comfortable all day long.

3. Length

You need a pair that is long enough to fit down deep into your boots or over the top of the boots. They should fit all the way down to your ankles no matter which way you wear them. This is going to provide you with the most protection and comfort from snow and cold in general.

4. Breathability

Waterproofing is important but you also want your snow pants to be breathable. This means that you aren’t going to sweat as much and you’re going to be able to stay cool enough while you’re hiking, walking, skiing, or doing whatever else you want to do. If there’s no breathability, you’ll find yourself sweating a lot, which adds moisture and makes you uncomfortable.

5. Thickness

There are different thicknesses that you can choose from. You can choose shell pants that are thin and provide a bit of wind and waterproofing without the insulation. You can also choose stretchy pants that are generally waterproof and insulated. There are also bibs that are a loose fit but have plenty of insulation.

Conclusion

In general, the choice of which way to wear your pants with boots is entirely up to you. You can tuck them inside your boot or you can choose to snap them around the outside. It’s all about what you feel most comfortable with.