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Jack Wolfskin Activate Thermic Pants Review

Jack Wolfskin Activate Thermic Pants

The Jack Wolfskin Activate Thermic Pants are warm pants for cold-weather adventures, whether it’s hiking or snowshoeing. They’re wind and water repellent, and multiple zippered pockets are large enough to hold a phone, snacks, and lightweight gloves.


Activate Thermic Pants Specs

MSRP: $129.95 (on sale for $90.99)

Fabric: Flex Shield Thermic, a warm, breathable, and stretchy softshell fabric created by Jack Wolfskin that’s wind resistant and water repellent.


About the Activate Thermic Pants 

The insulated Activate Thermic pants keep my legs warm and dry when I’m hiking or backpacking, and the fabric breathes so my legs don’t overheat. The snug fit holds my body heat close to my legs and means less dead air to heat. I like the multiple pockets for stashing a phone and snacks. The pants are available in men’s and women’s sizes.


Activate Thermic Features

Comfort: Although the pants are snug they don’t restrict my movement, helped by the articulated knees. The thermal lining is soft against my skin.

Fit: I wear 36-inch waist pants, and the large Thermic are a good fit. I like that the pant legs, stretchy at the bottom, stay pulled down over my 9-inch winter boots, keeping snow that kicks up when I’m snowshoeing or hiking from getting inside my boots.

Water, Wind Resistance: The Flex Shield fabric used in the Activate Thermic pants is a softshell fabric that’s breathable, water resistant, and wind repellent. External moisture didn’t get in while I was outdoors in a snowstorm, and sweat didn’t build up inside.

Pockets: Two front, one rear, and one leg pockets, all with zippers, and all protected by insulation so gear, such as a phone, doesn’t get cold. I use the side hip pockets to stash my phone, while snacks go in the leg pocket

Warmth: I hiked in temperatures down to the mid-20s and my legs stayed warm without adding an insulated layer underneath.

Room for a Belt: Four belt loops hold up the pants if needed. The two front loops are near the zipper, keeping the pants from sagging in the front. The same goes for the two loops in the back that are close together. A metal hook and snap keep the pants fastened in front.

Sustainability: The Activate Thermic get the environmentally friendly Bluesign certification. All Jack Wolfskin clothing is free from PFCs and PVCs, and the company does not use nanotechnology that could produce controversial nanoparticles.

Color: Black


Activate Thermic Pros

Comfort: The Thermic pants hug my legs and waist without restricting movement. The close fit means less dead air that needs to be heated.

Warmth: Plenty warm in the 20s and above.

Four Pockets: All the pockets are insulated, and where you stash gear is personal preference. I put my phone in a side hip pocket because it flopped around in the leg pocket. Snacks go in the leg pocket, and I don’t like carrying anything in the rear pocket.


Activate Thermic Cons

None: I couldn’t find anything I dislike about the pants.


Overall Value

The Activate Thermic pants have what I want in winter pants: they’re soft and warm, wind- and water-resistant, and breathe to lessen sweat buildup. They have four pockets with zippers, all protected by insulation, that hold everything from a phone to snacks to lip balm. And the $129.95 price is on the lower end for comparable insulated pants. I have tested several Jack Wolfskin coats and have found the company’s gear to be high quality for a competitive price.


Similar Insulated Pants

Arc’teryx Gamma Pants

MSRP: $200

Mountain Hardwear Yumalino Pants

MSRP: $89 ($52.98 on sale)

North Face Freedom Insulated Pants

MSRP: $220 (on sale for $154)


This product was donated for purpose of review.

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