Outdoors Winter Sports The 8 Best Plus-Size Snow Pants of 2022 By Erika Owen Erika Owen Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Erika Owen is a self-proclaimed Professional Iceland Enthusiast, covering everything from boutique hotels to ATV tours. She's also a product reviewer who's tested out everything from airplane pillows to travel adapters for TripSavvy. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 11/02/21 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. A handful of years ago, I found myself searching REI for a pair of plus-size snow pants. I was leaving for an Arctic vacation in less than 24 hours, and I'd successfully put off the task I had been dreading the most: finding weatherproof pants that would keep me warm and comfortable in subzero temperatures. For anyone who wears a straight size (generally anything below a women’s size 14), this shopping trip wouldn’t seem daunting on paper. But, like with most clothing, activewear is still largely made for smaller body types. Snow pants are no exception. Given they’re often necessary for activities that require a lot of movement and flexibility, you want a pair that offers a bit of freedom to bend, stretch, and hop around in, while also offering long-term comfort. First, consider what you need the snow pants for and what your priorities are. Some of the options we pulled together are great for layering when you find yourself in a destination where the temperature varies hour-to-hour, and other snow pants offer a bit more style than the typical workhorse designs. Ahead, you’ll find a mix of snow pants hitting all different kinds of needs, but they all keep that snow away, protect you from winter wind chills, and come in sizes above 16. Here are the best plus-size snow pants available. The Rundown Best Overall: Columbia Women's Plus Size Bugaboo Omni-Heat Pants at Backcountry.com Best Budget: Arctix Essential Insulated Bib Overalls at Amazon Best Adjustable: The North Face Freedom Insulated Bib at Backcountry.com Best for Layering: REI Powderbound Insulated Snow Pants at REI Best for Women: Lands End Women's Plus-Size Squall Snow Pants at Amazon Best for Men: Columbia Bugaboo IV Snow Pants at Columbia.com Best for Skiing: Columbia Women’s Modern Mountain 2.0 Waterproof Pants at Amazon Best Style: Free Country Women's Swift Softshell Ski Pants at Freecountry.com Table of contents Expand Our Picks Final Verdict What to Look For Why Trust Trip Savvy? Best Overall: Columbia Women's Plus Size Bugaboo Omni-Heat Pants Courtesy of Columbia View On Backcountry.com View On Columbia.com View On Moosejaw.com What We Like Minimalist design Not as bulky as other options What We Don't Like Sizing can be inconsistent There are a lot of flashy colors and prints out there, but the Bugaboo snow pants from Columbia are timeless in a way that will send generations to come searching for a similar style. The boot cut is subtle, the button-up waist makes it easy to seamlessly transition these work pants into the chalet for post-ski drinks, and the adjustable waist will keep you comfortable all day long. Basically, these are the workhorse snow pants for someone who wants to feel put together, both on the slopes and passing through the lodge in the search for hot chocolate. They're available in six different colors for a variety of styling options. Best Budget: Arctix Essential Insulated Bib Overalls Courtesy of Arctix View On Amazon View On Cabelas.com What We Like Adjustable sizing Very warm What We Don't Like Lower quality than some other options on the market Bib-style snow pants are great for winter sports enthusiasts who don’t want to be bothered hiking up their pants every so often or deal with uncomfortable waistlines. This bib-style option from Arctix gets the job done without screaming “I’m wearing snow pants!” Available in sizes up to 4X, these outdoor pants are relatively sleek when it comes to sportswear. Adjustable suspenders, boot zippers, and elastic gussets all add extra comfort, making it easy to wear these for an extended amount of time. They also feature 85 grams of insulation so you can wear them down to -20 degrees F, have boot gaiters to lock in heat at your feet, and come in men's sizes. The 11 Best Cold-Weather Boots of 2022 Best Adjustable: The North Face Freedom Insulated Bib Courtesy of Backcountry View On Backcountry.com View On Thenorthface.com View On REI What We Like Adjustable design elements Articulated knee design What We Don't Like Relatively small size range Available in sizes up to 3X and in four colors, these bib-style snow pants are great for those looking for some flexibility. The adjustable suspenders and side-zip entry make it easy to loosen up a bit when you need some space and tighten for extra compression. This design is waterproof and breathable, so skiers and snowboarders won’t have to worry about overheating on the slopes. There is a set of inner thigh vents to keep the temperature just right, now matter what you’re up to. Best for Layering: REI Powderbound Insulated Snow Pants Courtesy of REI View On REI What We Like Windproof and waterproof Articulated knees for easier moving What We Like Leg length runs a bit long The Powderbound snow pants from REI are a great pick if you’re planning on shedding a few layers throughout the day. They come in sizes up to 3X and are certainly roomy—in my experience, they comfortably fit a pair of merino wool leggings and sweatpants underneath. While they are certainly snow-proof, I can also say I didn’t feel a lick of wind as I wore these at night in the subzero temperatures of the Swedish Lapland. They also weigh less than 2 pounds and pack down like a dream, a very important feature when you’re filling a suitcase with cold-weather essentials. And they come in men's sizes, too. Best for Women: Lands End Women's Plus-Size Squall Snow Pants Courtesy of Land's End View On Amazon View On Landsend.com What We Like Waterproof and windproof Machine washable Insulated What We Don't Like Bell-bottom pant shape These snow pants are seriously waterproof, thanks to the sealed seams and a thin layer of lightweight insulation, which will keep you warm for hours. The durability of a pair of pants is always going to be in question, especially if you plan on wearing them often—specifically when it comes to the inner thighs. These snow pants have cordura patches on the inside of each leg, which will extend the life of the pants. Available in sizes 1X through 3X and in three different colors, these snow pants will follow you through seasons of winter fun. The 11 Best Women's Ski Pants of 2022 Best for Men: Columbia Bugaboo IV Snow Pants Courtesy of Columbia View On Columbia.com View On REI What We Like Breathable Waterproof Super insulated What We Don't Like Baggy/bulky design The Bugaboo IV snow pants from Columbia come with an advanced technology called Omni-Heat—a series of silver dots that help retain the heat your body generates through reflection. The pants also offer zippered pockets, internal leg gaiters to keep your boots snow-free, and an adjustable waist. The best part: they come in sizes 1X through 6X, which is one of the larger size ranges offered by activewear companies for snow pants. Best for Skiing: Columbia Women’s Modern Mountain 2.0 Waterproof Pants Courtesy of Columbia View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Columbia.com What We Like Great color options Zippered pockets What We Don't Like Not very adjustable A quality pair of snow pants don’t come cheap, so make sure to consider how often you’re going to be using them. If you plan on regularly hitting the slopes or picking up some sort of cold-weather activity, the Modern Mountain waterproof pants from Columbia are a great affordable option. They’re simple in design—and available in 17 different colors—with a slight boot cut, which gives your ankles just enough freedom for movement once your boots are on. The internal leg gaiters keep the snow out of your boots (and socks!), while the Microtemp insulation will keep you warmer once the sun starts to dip. Best Style: Free Country Women's Swift Softshell Ski Pants Courtesy of Free Country View On Freecountry.com What We Like Material has a bit of stretch Well-insulated What We Don't Like Inconsistent sizing Could use more pockets The great thing about the Softshell Ski Pants from Free Country is that they’re made with a fleece-lined softshell material that moves with your body and is also waterproof. The zippered pockets on each hip also provide easy access with snow- and additional rain-proof protection for anything nestled inside. These pants are available in sizes 1X through 3X, but reviewers have warned that the waist runs a bit large, so make sure to check the sizing chart before deciding on a pair. Final Verdict For a pair of snow pants that will look just as in style now as they will in 15 years, check out the Columbia Plus-Size Bugaboo Omni-Heat Pants (view at Backcountry). Chances are, you’ll remember these from your childhood (in a good way). If color variety is what you’re after, you won’t be disappointed by the Modern Mountain 2.0 Waterproof Pants from Columbia (view at Amazon). What to Look For When Shopping for Snow Pants Material When it comes to snow pants, you need a pair that are both water- and windproof, especially if you’re a winter sport enthusiast. Most commonly, you’ll find nylon or polyester snow pants—two synthetic materials known for resisting moisture and keeping heat in. If you cringe at the thought of dumping a glass of water on your snow pants, chances are they aren’t the right pair for you. You can buy softshell ski pants, and while stretchier and more flexible, they are not as water- or wind-proof as nylon or polyester snow pants. Insulation Most snow pants come with some sort of liner or insulation, usually made of cotton or fleece. Some have built-in bits of fleece or PrimaLoft, which is a synthetic microfiber, as insulation. The best insulation is breathable while trapping in the body heat you need for a comfortable day in the elements. Water Resistance There are varying degrees of water resistance. Snow pants labeled as water resistant may be fine for winter walks through the woods, but a skier wouldn’t be able to get through a full day in water-resistant snow pants. Think of it this way: If you plan on making contact with the snow—more than just walking through a pretty snowfall—opt for something fully waterproof. Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are waterproof and great at regulating temperature, meaning you'll stay dry without overheating or feeling freezing. Make sure the manufacturer states that the snow pants are waterproof before purchasing. There’s nothing worse than a day cut short because you’re soaked. Why Trust Trip Savvy? Erika Owen is a cold-weather enthusiast who is much happier in a pair of snow pants in the Arctic than a swimsuit on the beach. Not only has she done extensive research for a pair of her own snow pants, but she spent additional hours researching each of these picks for quality, water- and wind-proof qualities, and fit. The 10 Best Winter Jackets of 2022 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 8 below.