10 Best Down Pants for Winter Adventures (and Relaxing at Home)

A handful of years back, while browsing the impossibly huge (and since shuttered, RIP) flagship shop of Japanese outdoor brand Mont Bell in downtown Portland, Oregon, I came across a rack of down pants. I’d never seen such a thing before. I mean, a puffy jacket, sure, but for your legs? On a whim I purchased a pair, and in the years since they’ve become an essential part of my packlist for backpacking, bikepacking, car camping, day hiking, etc trips around the world. I even wear them around the house with such frequency I’ve begun to wear through the seat insulation from too much desk chair time.

In recent years many North American and European brands have caught on, offering more diversity in the field of down pants than ever before. From American-made and PFC-free to 3/4 length and short variations, the following 10 pairs are our top picks for keeping cozy this winter, both at home and in the elements.

Mont Bell Light Down Pants

Originally introduced to Japan in 2004, then discontinued, and now back again with lighter, more compressible fabric, the Mont Bell Light Down Pants are the most packable on the list and feature an elastic waist and that’s about it. Barebones and better for it.
Women’s: Yes
Down Fill: 800
Weight: 6.6 oz
Price: $209 SHOP NOW

Western Mountaineering Flash Down Pants

The lightest of the bunch, these Canadian-made, minimal basecamp pants weigh less than half a pound and compresses down to half the size of a water bottle. In other words, bring it on every mission and never be disappointed you did.
Women’s: Unisex
Down Fill: 850+
Weight: 6.5 oz
Price: $250 SHOP NOW

Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer Down Pant

Based on the brand’s well loved down jacket of the same name, the Ghost Whisperer Down Pant is newly available with 100% recycled fabric and designed to be worn around camp, while belaying, or under a shell on particularly frigid adventures. Bonus: they pack into their own pocket for easy storage when not in use.
Women’s: Yes
Down Fill: 800
Weight: 9.6 oz
Price: $250 SHOP NOW

Patagonia Nano Puff Pant

Another pant version of a best-selling jacket, the Nano Puff Pant is made with 100% recycled polyester shell fabric with DWR water repellent treatment, and insulated with 55% postconsumer recycled PrimaLoft Gold. With belt loops, a zippered back pocket and reinforced nylon seat, the versatility of these extends beyond many other lightweight pants on our list.
Women’s: Not Really
Down Fill: 60 gram PrimaLoft Gold
Weight: 11.7 oz
Price: $179 SHOP NOW

Feathered Friends Helios Down Pants

Made by hand in Seattle by legendary down outfitter Feathered Friends, these adventure-ready pants feature full-length side zippers and 900+ fill goose down, making them ideal for quickly putting on and taking off without stepping out of your skis or removing boots.
Women’s: Unisex
Down Fill: 900+
Weight: 13oz
Price: $249 SHOP NOW

Rab Argon Pants

Stuffed with 160 grams of the highest quality 800 fill ethically sourced, fluorocarbon free hydrophobic European Goose Down, these down pants from UK-based Rab are designed to be worn over a baselayer around basecamp. A durable Pertex outer material and two-way zipper make these dependable in a range of conditions.
Women’s: No
Down Fill: 800 RDS
Weight: 13.2 oz
Price: $200 SHOP NOW

The North Face Summit L3 Down Pants

With more technology and functionality than any other on our list, the Summit L3 Down Pants are made with ripstop PFC-free DWR treated nylon Pertex with reinforced articulated knees and seat, and feature full-length two-way side zips, a single cargo pocket, and drawcord waist with snap closure.
Women’s: Sorta
Down Fill: 800 RDS
Weight: 14.1
Price: $330 SHOP NOW

Norrona Lyngen Down Knickers

We’re getting into quasi-pant territory now. The Lyngen Down Knickers from Norwegian outfitter Norrona are made with recycled nylon with PFC-free DWR coating and end just below the knee—or, just above the boot if you’re a glass half full type of person. With a full-length side zip these are ideal for tossing on over shell pants to warm up while ski touring. Also likely pretty damn comfy under too.
Women’s: Yes
Down Fill: 850 RDS
Weight: 7 oz
Price: $239 SHOP NOW

Holden Down Short

Designed to be worn on their own, over a base layer, or under a shell, these down shorts from recently re-launched snowboard outerwear brand Holden are perfect for everyday wear. Trackable down eases the soul while a Polartec Power Stretch Pro gusset eases movement.
Women’s: Kinda
Down Fill: 750
Weight: NA
Price: $239 SHOP NOW

Haglöfs L.I.M. Barrier Shorts

Lots of functionality packed into a tiny package, these insulated shorts from Sweden’s Haglöfs feature side zips for easy on and off, recycled and PFC-free DWR materials, and an elastic waist.
Women’s: Sorta
Down Fill: QuadFusion 100% recycled polyester
Weight: 4.9 oz
Price: $130 SHOP NOW