Ultralight fleece pants for backpacking camp-wear and cold-weather layering
The best ultralight fleece pants for backpacking will keep your legs comfortably warm while camping in cool-to-cold weather, and will do so without adding much bulk or weight to your pack.
Compared to merino base layer tights, backpacking fleece pants have a higher warmth-to-weight ratio, and generally deliver a superior performance, especially for static use. If you are expecting evening temps to drop below freezing, we instead recommend down pants. And while you’re here, don’t miss our guides to merino leggings, lightweight fleece jackets, Alpha Direct hoodies, and hiking pants.
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Cover Photo: Outdoor Vitals Highline Thermal Leggings
Quick Picks
Ultralight Fleece Pants
- Editor’s Choice: Alpha Direct Pants, 90gsm
- Top Pick, Lightest: Zpacks Octa Thermal Bottoms
- Top Pick, Pockets: Zpacks Octa Camp Pants
- Top Pick, Leggings: Outdoor Vitals Highline Thermal Leggings
Lightweight Fleece Pants
- Best Performance: Path Projects Benham Hybrid Tights
- Best Value, Pants: REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece Pants
- Best Value, Leggings: Decathlon Quechua MH100 Fleece Tights
- Best Lightweight Leggings: Outdoor Research Vigor Bottoms
Lightweight Fleece Pants Comparison Table
| Model | Price ($) | Weight (oz) | Material |
| Zpacks Octa Thermal Bottoms | 100 | 3.7 | Brushed Octa |
| Outdoor Vitals Highline | 70 | 4.0 | Brushed Fleece |
| FarPointe Alpha Direct Camp | 80 | 4.2 | Alpha Direct |
| Zpacks Octa Camp Pants | 100 | 5.2 | Brushed Octa |
| Outdoor Research Vigor | 89 | 7.6 | Grid Fleece |
| Decathlon Quechua MH100 | 30 | 8.8 | Microfleece |
| Path Projects Benham Hybrid | 148 | 9.7 | Brushed fleece |
| REI Trailmade | 59 | 11.2 | Microfleece |
Best Ultralight Fleece Pants
Alpha Direct Pants, 90 GSM
4.2 oz | $80
Lightly stretchy Polartec Alpha Direct Fabric yields best-in-class breathability, dry time, and warmth-to-weight ratio, at the expense of low wind resistance and low durability. As such, it makes for the best possible ultralight fleece pants. Just about any pair will do since they’re all about the same, but start with the Farpointe and Sambob versions; because those are what we’ve worn most. The fabric story is the main story, because otherwise, they’re completely minimalist, with nothing more than an elasticized waistband. But that saves weight and keeps it simple, so it’s not a problem! It also implicitly acknowledges the fact that, as a material, Alpha Direct is a poor choice for pockets. We highly recommend the 90gsm version which has a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than 60gsm. 120gsm is a good choice for winter or shoulder season.
Zpacks Octa Fleece Thermal Leggings
3.7 oz | $100
Fuzzy, hollow fiber Brushed Octa is one of the two best performing fleece fabrics on the market (alongside Alpha Direct), and the minimalist Zpacks Octa Thermal Bottoms make for a great pair of ultralight fleece pants. Apart from the elastic waistband, this is a featureless design, fully optimized for max warmth-to-weight ratio. Octa is nice in that the external face is more durable than alpha direct, but the downside is that it’s less stretchy.
Zpacks Octa Camp Pants
5.2 oz | $90
Octa is one of the best performing ultralight fleeces available in terms of warmth-to-weight ratio and breathability, so it follows that the Zpacks Octa Camp Pants would be a top performer in the ultralight leg warmth niche. While Polartec Alpha Direct is considered marginally superior to Octa in terms of warmth-to-weight, breathability, and stretchiness, Octa’s exterior face is much more durable, which makes it the superior option for pants. These pants in particular have a nice feature set, including deep pockets and a sturdy drawstring, and are a great choice for cold weather camping in cool temps above those in which down pants are required. Also exceptional for hiking cold temps when warmth and breathability are equally as important.
Outdoor Vitals Highline Thermal Leggings
4.0 oz | $70
Thanks to their exceptionally low total weight and high warmth-to-weight ratio, the four ounce Outdoor Vitals Highline Thermal Leggings have become a preferred summer camp legwear option. The brushed interior surface of these ultralight fleece tights makes them soft, cozy and warm. The TORAY fabric is 100% polyester, which has sufficient stretch and zero elastane to slow down dry time. Their only feature is the gusseted mesh crotch, but that’s fine by us! Note, these run small (especially in the seat), and have a low rise, so size up if in between or you’ve got a big booty. Read more in our full length Outdoor Vitals Highline Thermal Leggings Review.
Best Lightweight Fleece Pants
Path Projects Benham Hybrid Tights
9.7 oz | $148
Designed for cold weather running, but great for backpackers too, the Path Projects Benham Hybrid Tights are advantageous for two primary reasons. Firstly, they are made with Japanese Karuishi fleece. This lightweight, stretchy, quick-drying, soft fabric is flat faced with a brushed interior that increases thickness without adding weight. Secondly, it has zippered hand pockets, which guarantees your valuables won’t fall out. The hybrid fit is like tights from the knee down, and pants from the knee up. Very comfy, very high quality, and yes, pretty expensive.
REI Trailmade Fleece Pants
11.2 oz | $60
Made with 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, you can’t fault the REI Trailmade Fleece Pants which deliver midweight warmth for just $60. The relaxed fit and fuzzy, soft warmth is perfect for hanging out around camp on a crisp fall night. We love the addition of hand pockets, and the minimalist drawcord cinch waist. At 11.2 ounces, they aren’t the lightest, but they’re almost certainly the most affordable.
Decathlon Quechua MH100 Fleece Hiking Tights
8.8 oz | $30
Choose the Decathlon Quechua MH100 because they’re functional, lightweight fleece leggings for just $30. You get a drawstring closure on the men’s and an elastic band on the women’s. Steal of a deal!
Outdoor Research Vigor Bottoms
7.6 oz | $89
For a versatile pair of grid fleece tights, choose the Outdoor Research Vigor Bottoms. These slim fitting tights are comfy to wear around camp or sleep in. But thanks to their exceptional breathability, they do double duty as running attire, or for layering underneath a shell in nasty weather. Did we mention that they’re super stretchy? That’s thanks to the 14% Spandex makeup. They’re also comprised of 46% recycled nylon for quick drying performance. We appreciate the bonded side pocket, which can store a phone. Nice add on!
Best Ultralight Fleece Pants For Backpacking Conclusion
Thanks for reading our guide to lightweight and ultralight fleece pants for backpacking. We hope you’ve found the pair you’re looking for! Fleece pants are a handy garment to have in your legwear quiver, and we highly recommend picking some up for use in spring and fall. Happy camping!
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