The best I've come up with is wicking long underwear, with fleece-lined jeans. Works well- comfortable, tough, warm, but I worry about the cotton outer layer and the cold/wet cotton thing. I see fleece pants at REI, etc., but I don't imagine them to be very rugged. Haven't found wool pants I've liked yet.

For some reason, a search here didn't turn up anything.

Suggestions?

Thanks!

David

i've been using the same thing..waffle long johns with lined jeans.if i'm active,X country skiing,i'll just put on my gore tex rain pants over the waffles.thats worked to 10-20 below.for just walking the dogs i'll pull snow boarding pants over the jeans i'm wearing around the house.those were a good find,light weight and nylon with some sort of poly insulation, they are easy to wear unlike the heavy German military wool pants i was using.gaiters to cover the boot-pants interface are a must unless you have tall snow boots.i have lighter nylon ones i wear with jeans when i ski and it keeps the cotton dry around the cuffs.

If it's about 0F or below, then the general formula is base layer, insulation layer & shell layer. Basically, I'd go with my snowboarding gear. If it's not super cold, I'll skip the base layer on my legs. Also, I don't wear anything cotton. Base and insulation are polyester/fleece. Much trial and error got me to the correct gear that's comfortable for me.

I go with nylon pants. As it cools, add a synthetic layer underneath (capilene tights), followed by a gore-tex shell over all, for still cooler temps. I size everything so there is room for an additional layer of fleece under the shell for real cold. I don't wear jeans for hiking - too heavy, no insulation when damp, and way too restrictive.

Railriders make pretty good nylon pants for outerwear. Under that I wear wool long underwear from either Filson or Smartwool if the temps dictate.

If it was really cold I might consider Men's Lined Yukon Work Pants for the outer layer; I haven't had a need to try those yet.

You might want to check out Rivers West products.

Pete

2-3 layer system

long johns+ wind pants

or long johns+ insulating pants + wind pants/ shell

I carry some ultralight insulation and rain wear, all of it together weighs about 20 ounces and easily fits into a day pack with room to spare.

http://www.amazon.com/Driducks-Rain-Suit-Khaki-sm-Gear/dp/B001C3YJI8

http://www.gearzone.com/Montbell-Thermawrap-Parka-p/165-15710.htm
http://www.gearzone.com/Montbell-Thermawrap-Parka-p/165-15710.htm

That said, I do dress appropriately for the expected conditions and for extreme cold like my Swiss Army surplus wool pants.
http://west.loadup.com/military/surplus/23259.html

Laksen Sika Pants - Really cold.

Craghoppers Bear Grylls Lined Survivor Pants (unlined versions available as well) - Cold.

Montane Terra XT 2.0 Pants - not so cold.

Trousers for keeping warm in camp rather than active wear.

British Army Bivi Pants - Very cold active use.

For temps in the 10-35 degree range I like the military surplus wool pants found at the local surplus store.

The best deal for me has been $10 a pair.

Layering up is a requirment in winter.

This is a great thread and I look to more comments.

Blake
www.outdoorquest.biz