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?

I bought some fleece lined leggings recently, kept me lovely and warm when out walking!

Some excellent advice from MedievalNun.
For a proper pair of good quality trekking leggings try the Sherpa Dolma, or the Sherpa Kalpana. I wear the Dolma in winter, Kalpana in summer but always make sure to carry a pair of waterproof overtrousers to keep the wind/rain off if needed.
https://www.sherpaadventuregear.com/en-gb/products/womens-dolma-softshell-tight-black

It’s not about the thickness, it’s what they’re made of that will make a difference. High street fashion retailer running tights are not going to cut it as outdoor hiking wear if you don’t want to put any technology over them. If cost is an issue start at somewhere like Decathlon for advice.

Rohan have a sale - I would wear fleece waterproofswww.rohan.co.uk/womens-sale-clothing/?network=g&campaign=739903636&adgroup=139807708703&keyword=rohan%20waterproof%20trousers&match=edevice%3Dm&creative=787489386464&campaignname=&campaigntype=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&klar_source=google&klar_cpid=739903636&klar_adid=787489386464&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=739903636&gbraid=0AAAAADQd7Hnv_L5TgdHjMlZspJPA8JyJb&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsY3LBhCwARIsAF6O6XgSNTsZ91Eniev2xZQeuq8ZUjUsuqqEhpd9XWesBa3suSkrUqdUvZEaAsa5EALw_wcB

go to mountain warehouse or similar and buy thermal leggings then waterproof over trousers, rain is far more likely than being cold!

This is incredibly helpful! Thank you. I’m a seasoned Lake District hiker, but not mountains!!

Another vote for the max stretch thermal trousers
https://acaioutdoorwear.com/collections/black-friday-2025-deals

Waterproof leggings?! They sound perfect - I cannot stand rustley waterproof trousers like my DH wears!

I like açai- although I have to size up for the waist. Also recommend my urban trail thermal leggings - super soft and stretchy and they do a tall length.

What are the sizing like on these please? I’m kind of between sizes and don’t know if to go up or down? Don’t want them to fall down though!

Another vote for Acai, although I have the thermal trousers rather than the leggings. They are fabulous and I have worn them up Ben Nevis in April when there was still snow.

Lots of good advice on here. Just to add my two-penneth - I KNOW the lightweight waterproof pants are not what you want to wear (or hear) and you might not need them, but when you need them, you REALLY do want to be wearing them, and you really should take them - and if necessary, wear them, even if it means stopping to put them on 20 minutes earlier than you feel you need to put them on. I feel absolutely the same about every bit of this sort of kit that I think I don't need, wish to soldier on, it is only a spot of sleet etc...then realise I do need them, "you are better off looking at them, than for them". Most times you don't need them, and all is fine. x

Another thought, I love my leggings also and on a nice day, they definitely seem the most comfortable thing. However, I was climbing a munro in Skye in summer, slid on my arse on a scree slope and my trusty SweatyBetty Powers were sliced clean open on my arse, definitely less than 1/4 of the way down!!!!

So now I’m on the hunt for something toughened fabric! Agree Acai for warmer days but in winter not much beats high waisted fleece lined Craghoppers walking trousers!

Hi @PoliteSquid sorry I just wanted to come back with another tip (I’m local so). Make sure you research your route ahead of time. There are several, including some which although popular will involve some scrambling. The parking points for each are different.

Fairly easy - the Llanberis route, starts in town, is actually paved for about 1/2 a mile. Gets steep in parts, has a slippery bit midway. Runs parallel to the railway line.

Schools favourite: the Rhyd Ddu path. Longer but easier, especially on little legs.

Watkin, Miners and Pen y Pass: PyP is shorter as you’re starting part way up, but is steep and gets busy. Parking is a big issue. Watkin & Miners both have sections of scrambling and the same parking issues. For these three and first route, make use of the park and ride buses; there’s also the sherpas that run.

Bear in mind too that when dark falls, it is really dark. Take a head torch with you just in case.

Hope this helps.

I wear these from Amazon. Kept my legs warm on dog walk when it was -2 last week. They stay up even with a phone in the pocket.

IUGA Fleece Lined Leggings for... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08GFGNLGD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I'd say they are true to size. As they're legging type material they've definitely got some stretch in them too if you're between sizes and go for the smaller size.

April could be snow and ice or balmy weather!

I came to recommend Acai, as several others have. They do a legging/trouser hybrid that is at least showerproof. Would still recommend packing waterproof over trousers though.

Acai thermal leggings or trousers are fab. So comfortable and high waisted too. They’ve got a good sale on at the moment too. And another 15% off on top of you have blue light card.

I'm old school, and like a pair of gaiters over my boots/leggings. Keeps the mud and snow out most of the time, until you give in, and declare that the waterproof bottoms have got to go on. I like canvas ones, more comfy than the waterproof plasticy ones.

Thank you!

Ohh can you combine the sale BLD?

@DisappointedD yes you can! Bargain!

Also agree with @Ramblingaway about gaiters.

Really you want layers that you can remove. I’ve often started a hill walk in blazing sun to find snow and freezing temps at the top. I wear Açai thermal leggings in this weather. Under armour cold weather leggings are also very good.

Look at Rab, (they are mountain gear specialists) or a brand that is for women ACAI.
Not cheap- both around £100 for decent ones.

You can get fleece lined leggings and ones that are windproof.

If it's very cold you can also get a larger size of leggings and wear thermal leggings underneath.