Missing out on sledding just because you don’t own snow pants is not a great excuse!
Many people often say no to sledding invitations because of the lack of knowledge of proper alternatives. Being out for a whole day in the snow is one of the most exciting activities.
If you don’t have a pair of snow pants, you can easily opt for wind pants, fleece pants, rain pants, fishing waders, or sweatpants.
If your alternative snow gear lacks the waterproof feature, you can carry an additional pair of pairs. Change into the extra pair once you are done with the sledding.
Gone are the days when you had to turn down an exciting sledding session due to lack of snow pants. Try one of these easily available alternatives to go and hit the ice-clad hills.
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Alternatives Of Snow Pants
Imagine walking the whole day wearing freezing and wet clothes. Not only will it freeze you to death, but also feel incredibly uncomfortable.
Snow pants come with a waterproof base that keeps you comfortable and free from moisture. The main purpose behind snow pants is to offer an insulting and waterproof barrier between the snow and your body.
It is essential for everyone to invest in a good pair of snow pants. Snow pants are the ideal option for sledding, but often we forget to buy one. If you don’t have the budget or time to purchase a pair of snow pants, you can opt for alternatives.
However, if you have funds to spare, it is highly recommended to opt for snow pants. They will keep you dry, warm, and comfortable while you are out on your sledding adventure.
If you ever happen to be in a predicament where you don’t own snow pants, or there is no possible way to obtain one at the moment, then opt for these alternatives.
You can find many alternatives that will save you from canceling your sledding plans. However, you must realize that there are no alternatives that can match the effectiveness of snow pants.
These alternatives are great for times when you are desperate for a replacement for snow pants. These pants will keep you warm and dry up to a certain extent.
Rain Pants
Frozen rain takes the form of snowfall. Wearing rain pants as a replacement for snow pants makes complete sense. If you are wondering about the material and existence of rain pants, then here’s all you need.
Rain pants have quite similar features to snow pants. However, they are more water-resistant and can offer great comfort while sledding.
They are made of lightweight polyester fabric that is incredibly water-resistant. They have a baggier design and are ideal for layering. You can wear any warm fabric or insulating material underneath.
You can also tuck these rain pants into your snow boots or socks for optimum comfort. You can get affordable rain pants on Amazon at about 11-12 dollars, but they may not give off the best look.
You can opt for better designs at higher prices. There are also many options for women’s rain pants on Amazon, but they come with a higher price tag.
These pants are more affordable than snow pants, but they don’t have the same designs. Rain pants are also thin, with almost no insulating layers to keep you warm. You need to pair it with a warm pair of leggings to keep yourself warm and comfortable during the sledding session.
Fleece Pants
Most people don’t own a pair of fleece pants, but they are incredibly comfortable. If you want a warm alternative to snow pants, then fleece pants can be your best option.
They have an outer fabric with a fleece covering on the inside. You can also opt for straight patterned fleece pants.
Fleece pants are a great replacement for snow pants as they are not built of cotton fabric. They can be your ideal sledding partner, but they are not 100% waterproof.
However, fleece pants won’t soak up excessive amounts of water. They can keep you warm and well-insulated. The warm fabric is essential for a comfortable and fun sledding session. Often you can easily find pajamas with a fleece lining that are more cost-effective than pants.
Fleece pants are usually higher in the price range. If you live in REI, Columbia, or Patagonia, you will need to spare some extra money. If you are on a tight budget, then fleece pants won’t be the ideal choice for you.
Fleece pants come in various styles, colors, and patterns. You can even find fleece pants that have a similar design as leggings.
You can find some affordable men’s fleece pants for around $30-$35. However, if you want a more stylish pair, you need to have a budget of at least $60.
You can also find women’s fleece pants on various online shopping sites at the same price range.
Wind Pants
If you are well-acquainted with the dressing pattern of the ’90s boy band groups, you will find similarities with the wind pants.
They are one of the best alternatives to snow pants. Wind pants are usually used for exercising and hiking. They are made out of nylon materials or lightweight polyester fabric.
Wind pants are generally windbreakers for your body and legs. These pants are comfortable to move around and are water-resistant.
These pants are quite breathable as they are made out of thin fabric. You must wear warm layers underneath to keep yourself cozy and comfortable.
You can either opt for sweatpants, leggings, or warm long underwear to provide an insulating base to your legs. It will offer an additional layer of warm protection while you are out on the ice-cold hills.
You can find many cool pieces of wind pants online. Amazon has a huge collection of stylish yet affordable wind pants. You can find men’s winds pants at low as a price of 16 dollars.
You can also find women’s wind pants on Amazon and other online sites. However, they are a bit expensive than the men’s wind pants.
Fishing Waders
If you thought fishing waders are only useful while taking a quick stroll in a river, you are wrong. They are an easy alternative for snow pants.
Fishing waders may seem a bit funky for your sledding session, but they are an incredible substitute.
Fishing waders are completely waterproof, which makes them a perfect option for sledding. They are usually made out of a PVC constructed fabric or rubber materials.
They can 100% effective in repelling water and will keep you completely dry.
The greatest part about fishing waders is that they will cover up to your chest and keep you incredibly warm. It will protect your body from the cold, wet snow.
You can also wear a warm layer of outfits underneath your fishing waders for some extra protection and warmth. You can take off once you are done with the sledding activity.
Fishing waders also come in a plethora of price ranges. You can find plenty of styles starting from $15. The price of fishing waders can go up to about $200.
Many online sites are offering affordable and decent pairs of fishing waders.
Tights/Leggings
This option is great for women. Your pair of stylish leggings can also be your ideal sledding partner. However, the effectiveness of leggings as a snow pant alternative depends on its fabric and quality.
Some leggings are thick with subsequent water-resistant features. Such leggings will help you to carry on with your sledding activity.
Leggings and tights work well for sledding purposes as they are extremely comfortable, cozy, and flexible. You can also wear them underneath a water-resistant pair of pants to get some extra warmth.
However, most leggings available in the market are made of thin, cotton fabric. If you wish to use it for your sledding session, make sure to buy one with some water-resistance features.
You may also need to layer some clothes as leggings or tights are generally thin fabrics. You can buy an affordable pair of winter leggings for about $20. The price range for such thick winter leggings or tights can go up to $100.
Check multiple online sites or local stores to locate a good pair of warm and thick leggings. However, this option does not apply to men looking for an alternative to snow pants.
Sweatpants
Everyone owns a pair of lounge sweatpants or workout sweatpants. If you are short on funds and desperately looking for a substitute for snow pants, then you can opt for sweatpants.
However, sweatpants are generally made out of cotton fabric and tend to get wet very quickly. They have insulating properties and may feel comfortable in the beginning.
Sweatpants are the best available alternative to snow pants as they will feel uncomfortable after a while. If you choose to go with a pair of sweatpants, remember to carry an alternative pair of clothes with you.
You need to change into some dry clothes once you are done with the sledding activity. You can also wear two layers of sweatpants to get some additional level of warmth.
You can easily get some cheap and affordable sweatpants. They usually start from the $6-$7 price range and are great for people who are not willing to spend much.
Jeans
Jeans are the last option as an alternative to snow pants. If you don’t own as of the above substituted for snow pants, jeans are the only option you have.
You need to create multiple layers of clothing pieces underneath to keep yourself warm and fuzzy.
You can wear leggings, sweatpants, or long underwear underneath. Building up layers will help to keep you dry enough.
However, you must also carry a pair of extra clothes to change into once you are done enjoying your sledding session.
Create Your Personalized Pair of Snow Pants
You need the following things to make your own pair of snow pants –
- A pair of scissors
- Duct tape
- Black garbage bag
There are many online videos available to guide you through the entire DIY process. You can follow any such reliable videos to get started with the process of crafting your personalized pair of snow pants.
You may not look all stylish and eddy, but it is the cheapest available alternative. It won’t cost you any money if you have the three items available at your home.
Final Thoughts
While there are multiple alternatives for snow pants, nothing can outdo the efficiency of the real thing. You may even end up freezing on the ice-cold hills.
If you wish to opt for cheaper alternatives to snow pants, make sure to opt for a non-cotton fabric. You must always layer up and carry an extra pair of clothes.
If the weather outside is too cold, it is recommended to opt for a snow pant instead of the alternatives.
