What leggings should I get for climbing a mountain?

[PoliteSquid]

I’m hiking up Snowdon in April. When I do normal hill walking I wear leggings and I really hate trousers! This morning I am sat under a blanket trying to warm up my poor legs after being out for a couple of hours - my normal walking gear won’t cut it at the top of a mountain 🤣

So, I need warm leggings that are stretchy but not too hot… I have long legs but I’m fat round the middle so rubbish leggings roll down!

Any recommendations?

When I climbed in the Lake District I wore tights as a base layer under trousers. Then waterproof trousers if it was wet or windy. Go to a decent climbing shop and speak to staff as I'm sure technology has moved on.

What leggings do you use now and what about them do you think needs improving on ? You've mentioned being too cold today but not wanting ones that are too hot?

I recently did a similar sized one in Scotland not Ben Nevis, and there was a foot of snow at the top. I wore fleece leggings from m and s and fleece water proof trousers from decathalon. Hiking socks. Decent boots and was lovely and warm. Had several layers on top.

I would probably go with normal leggings and fleece water proof trousers (it can get chilly at the top even if it’s quite warm at the bottom). Water proof trousers can come up/ start with them in your back pack and put them on later. It’s better to be too warm than cold.

I got some walking leggings from decathlon

Won’t you need a wind roof / waterproof layer in case of weather?

I have about 4 pairs of Next exercise leggings. I love them! Super stretchy, high waisted, stay put over my perimenopause wobbly stomach. They’re also more like running tights in terms of thickness.

It was about -2 this morning and very windy. My thighs were ‘burning’ with the cold after about 20 mins. I’m thinking it’ll be chilly high up on Snowdon! But I don’t want them too hot because I don’t cope well with getting overheated - again, thanks hormones!

I have a brilliant coat, loads of types of tops, good socks and boots… it’s just my legs I can’t get right.

Get some waterproof overtrousers to put on over your usual leggings - they'll be windproof and you can take them off if you get too hot. Some makes have ventilation flaps you can open too. At that time of year up a mountain I wouldn't rely on one layer to be able to do everything.

I wear these for hiking all the time, love them. Don’t shift, keep the wind out, very comfy.

www.marksandspencer.com/go-discover-stormwear-high-waisted-leggings/p/clp60727257?color=DARKOLIVE#intid=pid_pg1pip36g4r7c3%7Cprodflag_srp_ts_QP_89

I have merino leggings from Vinted, really thick and warm. Prob not wholly windproof though, not sure. Maybe them + waterproof trousers?

Have a look at Acai. I have their thermal leggings and also waterproof leggings which I wear together in wet condition

Craghopper thermal leggings with a light pair of waterproof overtrousers just in case. I did the three peaks in those.

I’d go for the next leggings and then a pair of the Uniqlo warm stretch over the top.

I'm a regular hiker and same as you prefer legging type material. I recently got a pair of the below and they're great. Wore them for a 12 mile hike in -2 and no issues with cold legs. Super comfy, and have pockets too which I like. Also it's a women owned small business so extra plus for that! I have a pair of their normal leggings (not thermal) too and am looking forward to trying them in summer. Edited to say they're high waisted! Which I love so no rolling down!

https://www.myurbantrail.com/collections/thermal-leggings

This. Snowdon in April could be any of cold, wet, snowy, windy, quite warm, hot and sunny but cooler at the top so you need to be prepared for all eventualities on the day.

I’d stick with leggings your comfortable in but get some over trousers, the last time I was in north wales was a June week and we seemed to get 4 seasons every day and it was pretty breezy on the top of snowdon, t shirt and shirt weather at the bottom but COLD at the top

If you’re attempting Yr Wyddfa in April you will need layers. Gym leggings will not work. The temperature variation, even in the height of summer, can be around 10° or more and in April there is still likely to be snow on top.

You will need a good base layer, a warmer layer and a waterproof layer, as well as good boots & socks.

Currently, it’s well below freezing up there and although all the snow has melted from the lower levels, it’s around 6’ feet deep on the upper levels of the mountains with parts being on avalanche watch. They are advising people not to go without ice gear.

You also need a good weather app - get Mountain Weather as it tells you the conditions on the mountains, not at the base.

And follow Llanberis Mountain Rescue on Fb / socials as they update if there are likely to be dangerous conditions, as well as giving advice on the kit needed at any given time.

Lastly: I know you asked about clothing, but parking needs to be booked ahead of time at Pen y Pass and can be overcrowded in Llanberis itself. DO NOT be tempted to park on the road, it’s causing major issues for all sorts of reasons and the police will tow illegally parked vehicles. -

I've got some Sweaty Betty thermal running leggings that I wear for walking the dogs in all weathers. I can't wear them inside the house as they're too warm. I'm a size 18 with a round tummy and the XXL is a perfect fit, they're snug but don't roll down or move at all.

I have these, they are cheap as anything but work well under my waterproofs.
https://amzn.eu/d/9iKYevi

Gym wear is not appropriate for snowdon in April. Which route are you taking?

Go to a proper outdoors shop or somewhere like Açai.

Acai is definitely your friend here.

If you wear leggings under whatever trousers you bought, would that eliminate the wobbly-not really fitting feeling?

And/or you might be able to buy a pair that are too big and either belt them on or use braces, if it's the constriction round your tummy you don't like?

I wear thermal tights under my leggings this time of year (M&S thermal tights are fab). The thermal properties wick the sweat away so you'll feel warm but not damp. At this time of year I also wear waterproof (so also windproof) over-trousers and that makes a MASSIVE difference. It's the damp plus cold wind that chills your legs so if you can keep the wind off them you'll actually feel much more comfortable and not as sweaty as you expect.

I'm also menopause age, by the way, and a regular hill walker.

Ski salopettes might be an option if you hate trousers because of the waistband.

The only other 'leggings' styled bottoms I can think of that might provide wind resistance is wetsuit bottoms (neoprene) or softshell (which is basically neoprene with a fluffy/thin fleece lining) leggings. I know you can get softshell trousers but they have a waistband...

It's the wind you need to block. If you think about it, for your top half you have a top/fleece/outer (waterproof/windproof) jacket and you say the top half of you is fine so try and find that sort of layering combination for your legs.

Enjoy Snowdon!

Edited to add: actually, I just found these shower proof, softshell leggings from Acai .. Softshell Leggings Twilight Cabernet | ACAI

The only issue with a very snug fitting second layer is if you are overheating and need to peel them off, you can't take them off easily without taking your boots off too.
Over trousers usually have a zip to undo at the bottom so you can slip them off over your boots while standing up, or leaning on a friend!

I would never wear leggings for hiking and I hike all year round. Look at Rohan fleece jeggings.

You definitely need a wider trouser layer to go over the leggings in case it rains (which it almost definitely will) otherwise all the water on your legs will run straight into your boots and socks from the leggings and you'll end up cold wet and miserable.