These Fleece Leggings Are My Winter Travel Essential

“Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” is my favorite Norwegian saying. It means, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” Recently, I put this proverb into practice while chasing the Northern Lights with Hurtigruten along the northern coast of Norway. High above the Arctic Circle, we braved snow, ice, hail, and winds so strong they created 5-meter-tall waves — all in one day.

Fortunately, I packed for the weather we got, not the weather we wanted. Initially, I figured the $600 Fjallraven down jacket and $525 Canada Goose puffer vest I packed would be the warmest pieces in my winter travel wardrobe. They’re both pricey, but they’ve kept me cozy everywhere from Antarctica to my home state of Montana. I was wrong. The first item of clothing I found myself reaching for every day in Norway was this pair of $30 Baleaf fleece-lined leggings at Amazon.

Baleaf Women’s Fleece-lined Leggings

These leggings are made from a comfortable blend of polyester and spandex, providing just the right amount of stretch. However, their cozy fleece lining sets them apart from traditional leggings. They’re the perfect fusion of your favorite sweatpants and leggings, complete with ample pockets.

“You’re not going to wear snow pants over them? What if they get wet?” my 69-year-old dad asked. He was almost in disbelief when he saw me leaving the ship in what he called my “long johns.” Fortunately, in addition to being warm, the Baleaf leggings are also water-resistant. While I wouldn’t wear them in a heavy downpour, they kept me dry during the snow flurries we encountered. As for the gale-force winds? I felt them on my face, but my legs were completely protected.

Baleaf Women’s Fleece-lined Leggings

Baleaf is so confident in the performance of these leggings in chilly weather that it labels them “perfect for cold days under 40 degrees Fahrenheit.” Still, they manage to keep you warm without feeling bulky. I found they layered nicely under my go-to all-season hiking pants. Unlike my dad’s saggy long johns, these leggings are stylish enough to wear on their own. I wore them with my Sorel boots for a five-course dinner in the MS Midnatsol’s private dining room, walked around Christmas markets for miles, and even cozied up in them during our 10-hour transatlantic flight in economy class.

Baleaf’s fleece-lined leggings come in 29 colors and different lengths and styles. I opted for the multi-pocket design, which includes a single stash pocket in the waistband. The two spacious front pockets are great for holding my phone, passport, and a pair of light gloves. Plus, there are three zippered pockets — two on the back and one on the front — that can house smaller items. Even when my pockets are full, these leggings remain super comfortable. I’m also impressed with the quality, especially at such a low price point. I wore mine for seven consecutive days without washing, and they kept their shape perfectly.

Baleaf Women’s Fleece-lined Leggings

Still debating whether to grab these fleece-lined leggings that are less expensive than a casual lunch in Oslo? Consider this: They have over 8,400 perfect ratings at Amazon. One five-star reviewer bought these for a two-week tour of Ireland and “wore them almost every day,” adding that they’re “perfect for travel to cooler climates.” Another shopper noted that they’re “totally squat-proof.”

Of course, they’re also fantastic for lounging at home. Other shoppers highly recommend them for trail running, hiking, and running errands, but I live in the fourth-coldest state, so I’ll be wearing them while walking my dog this winter and trekking to the mailbox. Interestingly, a shopper from the South also loves them for mild Florida winters. They wrote, “Compared to other brands I’ve bought recently, these are 10x better.”

Baleaf Women’s Fleece-lined Leggings

Although I swear by my Baleaf fleece-lined leggings, there are plenty of other highly rated options available at Amazon. Keep reading for more popular picks worth exploring.

More Fleece-lined Leggings to Shop at Amazon:

Campsnail Women’s Fleece-lined Leggings

Fullsoft Women’s Fleece-lined Leggings

Iuga Women’s Fleece-lined Leggings With Pockets

Crz Yoga Women’s Fleece-lined Leggings

Heathyoga Women’s Fleece-lined Leggings With Pockets

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