If you work outside in the winter cold, and prefer to wear cargo pants as your work pants, it might be time to buy some insulated cargo pants. In this article let’s take a look at some of the best flannel lined cargo pants and fleece lined cargo pants so you can choose which might be best for you.
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These are my choices for the best flannel & fleece lined cargo pants:
- Wrangler Riggs Workwear Ranger Flannel Lined Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- Wrangler Authentics Fleece Lined Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- Carhartt Ripstop Fleece Lined Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- L.L. Bean Men’s Cresta Hiking Insulated Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- Duluth Trading Co. Relaxed Fire Hose Fleece Lined Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- Free Soldier Men’s Outdoor Softshell Fleece Lined Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- *Big & Tall* Boulder Creek Flannel Lined Winter Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Clothin Women’s Fleece-Lined Insulated Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- *Women’s* L.L. Bean Women’s Stretch Canvas Insulated Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Duluth Trading Co. DuluthFlex Fire Hose Fleece Lined Cargo Pants (click here to view)
This list contains a wide variety of winter cargo pants. Some will be a bit more heavy-duty than others.
I personally own the Wrangler Ranger Pants at the top of the list and I will give you a detailed look at mine later in the article. Here’s what they look like:
In this article we will take a closer look at these fleece and flannel lined cargo pants so you can decide which one might be best for you. First, I want to discuss briefly the difference between flannel lined cargo pants and fleece lined cargo pants.
Flannel vs Fleece Lined Cargo Pants
What’s the difference between fleece-lined pants and flannel-lined pants? Truth is, there isn’t much of a difference. Both types of pants are going to keep you warm and are suitable for outdoor winter jobs.
If you made me give you my opinion on fleece vs flannel lined work pants, I’d say it comes down to this:
- Fleece-Lined Pants – Warmer. Traps in basically all of your body heat. Isn’t very breathable. Can be bulky.
- Flannel-Lined Pants – Warm, but is a bit more breathable than fleece. Not quite as bulky.
Again, that’s just a general definition, and both types of pants are very warm all things considered. I personally like the flannel-lined pants a bit more for active work. Sometimes, even in the cold, I like to have some heat escape and appreciate the breathability.
Some people feel like fleece is bulkier, but I personally don’t notice much of a difference. I own both and wear both, but prefer flannel. Here’s a look at my flannel vs fleece pants:
It’s not hard to sweat yourself right out of a pair of insulated cargo pants if you work an active job. And to me, fleece does an awesome job of trapping in heat, but it can be almost too much if you are active on the job.
Obviously, your climate matters too. Some regions need the warmest, and if you want the warmest cargo pant option, I’d probably lean towards fleece.
And if, for example, you are an equipment operator who sits in the same position all day in sub-freezing temperatures, and you rarely build a sweat, I’d personally go with a pair of fleece-lined pants. Wool is another good options. To see wool options, visit our article about the best wool cargo pants.
Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men’s Ranger Flannel Lined Cargo Pants
Many are familiar with Wrangler jeans, but Wrangler has a specific line of apparel dedicated to work clothing called Wrangler Riggs Workwear. The Wrangler Riggs Men’s Ranger Pants are very popular cargo ripstop pants for work, and they also come in an insualted version.
Here’s what these Wrangler Riggs Men’s Flannel-Lined Ranger Pants look like (multiple colors available):
This is the current price of these Wrangler winter work pants available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these pants:
- Ripstop Fabric – These pants are made with a 100% cotton ripstop fabric to help prevent tears and rips. They also have reinforced knees for long-lasting durability.
- Cargo Pockets – These pants have standard cargo pockets on both legs. They also have very deep front pockets, and have reinforcement on the front right pocket so that it can handle a tape measure clip without wearing out. These also have a hammer loop.
- Roomy Fit – These pants have a relaxed fit that won’t hug tight against your legs. They also have a crotch gusset for easy bending, crouching, and driving.
These are my go-to flannel lined cargo pants. Here’s a look at mine:
Snap button side cargo pockets give me plenty of storage space:
These are double knee work pants, and they also have a knee pocket to take knee pad inserts if needed:
Flannel lining on the inside from top to bottom:
As mentioned earlier, the outer shell fabric is a durable ripstop material, and the back pockets are lined with Cordura to help them last longer:
As expected with flannel lined work pants, these pants do have some weight to them. Overall, I have found the weight not to be too bad all things considered. Here is the weight of my size 32 x 34:
One of the main reasons I turn to these cargo pants is the gusseted crotch. I prefer my work pants and work shorts to have a gusset for extra comfort and freedom of movement. These pants have a standard diamond-shaped gusset:
Overall, these flannel-lined Wrangler Riggs Ranger Pants give me everything I’m looking for in a pair of winter cargo pants. They’re tough, roomy, and have plenty of storage from a brand I trust.
Click here to buy these Wrangler Ranger Pants at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Again, expect a relaxed fit that runs true to size.
Wrangler Authentics Men’s Fleece-Lined Cargo Pants
The first pair of Wrangler cargo pants were flannel lined. These Wrangler cargo pants are fleece-lined. As I mentioned earlier, in my experience, fleece traps in more heat, but has less breathability.
I like to recommend fleece for the coldest environments, and for those who sit and operate machinery. Here’s what these Wrangler Authentics Men’s Fleece-Lined Cargo Pants look like (multiple colors available):
This is the current price of these Wrangler fleece lined work pants available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These pants are 100% cotton and fit loose in the seat and thigh.
If you prefer ripstop cotton in your work pants, you will want to stick with either the first pair of Wrangler Riggs pants, or the Carhartt pants we cover next. These Wrangler Authentics cargo pants use a 100% cotton twill fabric.
Although these are still very reliable and tough enough to use as work pants, if you need something ultra-durable, I’d stick with either the ripstop cotton, or Duluth’s “Fire Hose” cargo pants we discuss later.
These pants have more of a denim feel to them, which is what some people actually prefer in their work pants. Whether or not you need a heavy-duty fabric comes down to personal preference and job requirements.
Click here to buy these Wrangler fleece lined cargo pants at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Again, expect a relaxed, loose fit in the hips and thighs.
Carhartt Men’s Ripstop Cargo Flannel Lined Work Pants
Carhartt is a brand that many workers prefer to wear, and they do have a pair of flannel lined cargo pants that are a great option. These cargo pants use a ripstop fabric so they will be durable enough to handle a job site.
Here’s what these Carhartt Ripstop Cargo Flannel-Lined Work Pants look like (multiple colors available):
This is the current price of these Carhartt winter cargo pants available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Expect these pants to fit true to size.
One specific detail that makes these pants unique in comparison to other pants on this list is these Carhartt pants are knee pad compatible. If you need work pants with knee pad pockets, this is one of the few options on the market that gives you both knee pad pockets, and an insulated lining for warmth.
Most work pants with knee pad pockets are not insulated or lined. If you work outside during the winter cold, but spend much of you day kneeling, these are a great option for you. Of course, you will also knee to buy knee pad inserts to go with these pants.
These Carhartt pants have a reinforced double front for extra protection. These are relaxed fit cargo pants that also have a gusseted crotch to give you additional freedom of movement.
The Wrangler Ranger flannel lined pants we discussed first use a 3.75-ounce flannel lining. These Carhartt pants list the lining as 3.8 ounces. That could just be a rounding issue, but overall, expect the weight of the lining to be basically the same.
Duluth Trading Co. Fleece Cargo Pants
Duluth Trading is a workwear brand established in 1989, but has really gained steam during the recent decade. One thing I personally like about Duluth is they put an emphasis on creating comfortable, easy-to-wear clothing that is still tough and dependable.
I also like that they have a couple different types of fleece-lined cargo pants so that you can choose one that makes sense for you. They have a heavier-duty “Fire Hose” fleece cargo pant, and a quick-drying nylon “Dry on the Fly” fleece lined cargo pant.
Duluth “Fire Hose” pants are made from an ultra-tough cotton canvas – the same type of cotton canvas that at times in the past has been used to line the outside of fire hoses. The “Dry on the Fly” pants are nylon and have quick-drying properties.
- Duluth Trading Co. Relaxed Fire Hose Fleece Lined Cargo Pants – These pants use the heavy-duty “Fire Hose” fabric, but also add in a crotch gusset for a bit more comfort. These pants have 11 total pockets and although they won’t stand up to water as well as the “Dry on the Fly” pants, these pants do have a water-repellent finish. Fleece lined. Also available in a DuluthFlex version. Click here to view these pants.
- Duluth Trading Co. DuluthFlex Relaxed DOTF Fleece Cargo Pants – These “Dry on the Fly” pants are built for wet winter environments. They are made with a nylon/spandex blend, which does give them some flex. They also have a crotch gusset, so these pants will give you freedom of movement. They do have a zipper pocket to store essentials out of rain. Fleece lined. Click here to view these pants.
FREE SOLDIER Men’s Outdoor Softshell Fleece Lined Cargo Pants
These FREE SOLDIER pants are a unique take on winter cargo pants. These are softshell pants – you generally do not see many softshell work pants.
Obviously, most work pants need to be durable enough to stand up to a job site or other type of work, but some of you may actually prefer lightweight, softshell work pants. And yes, these pants do have a fleece lining.
Here’s what these FREE SOLDIER Softshell Fleece Lined Cargo Pants look like:
This is the current price of these FREE SOLDIER fleece lined cargo pants available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These are made with a polyester/spandex softshell fabric blend that also has some stretch to it.
You’ll have to decide if softshell pants will work for your job. These pants are geared more toward hiking, skiing, and general outdoor activities, but they can be used for winter work too. The fabric does block the wind and is water-resistant.
To be fair, it’s also worth noting that despite being a softshell fabric, this fabric is still listed as being a “tear-resistant” fabric. Now, I wouldn’t plan on this fabric holding up like a durable duck cotton canvas fabric, but still, this may give you some peace of mind knowing it has tear-resistant properties.
The main takeaway for these pants will be comfort and flexibility. Not only do these pants have the stretch softshell fabric, they also have an elastic waistband.
These pants do have two side zip pockets in addition to the cargo pockets. This will give you a safe place to store essentials while working. They have a standard zipper fly with button closure.
Click here to buy these softshell FREE SOLDIER fleece lined cargo pants at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Again, expect a comfortable fit with a stretch fabric and an elastic waistband.
Guide Gear Men’s Flannel Lined Cargo Pants
Guide Gear is a brand that makes a wide variety of outdoor gear, including these flannel lined cargo pants that can be used for hiking and for work. Here’s what they look like:
This is the current price of these Guide Gear flannel lined cargo pants available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These are made with 100% cotton.
These are standard cargo pants that have plenty of storage options, including two back snap-flap pockets. These pants also have front pockets that use a 5.2-ounce poly/cotton lining to give you extra warmth.
These are a very classic style of cargo pants, and give you something that is both warm and functional for on the job. Click here to buy these Guide Gear flannel cargo pants at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Women’s Fleece Lined Cargo Pants
Unfortunately, there aren’t as many flannel and fleece lined cargo pants for women as there are for men. One company that does make a lined winter cargo pant for women is Duluth Trading Co.
- Click here to view Duluth’s Women’s DuluthFlex Fire Hose Fleece Lined Cargo Work Pants. These pants use Duluth’s heavy-duty “Fire Hose” cotton fabric, but combine it with a small amount of spandex to give these cargo pants some stretch. The fabric also has a water-repellent finish.
These pants have a curvy fit that sits just below the waist. There are 7 total pockets on these pants, including large front slash pockets. These pants are fleece-lined.
**This article focuses on just cargo pants, to view all types of insulated winter work pants, visit our article about the best winter work pants. We also have an article discussing the best flannel lined jeans, and best winter khaki pants. To read more, visit our article about the best fleece lined carpenter pants.