Climbers can be a curiously picky and particular group when it comes to climbing gear and climbing accessories. While some gear, such as climbing shoes, harness, rope, and other equipment that is directly related and essential for climbing is endlessly researched and meticulously scrutinized before a purchase, more peripheral gear, like climbing pants are often neglected in favor of cheap and convenient alternatives. While these alternatives may suit a large portion of the community, some climbers have to have the right gear for the job and are willing to put in the same amount of research for these “nonessentials’ as they are for vital equipment. In this article, we discuss the best climbing pants and why they are a valuable investment.
By and large, most climbing pants are geared towards bouldering, crag climbing, and indoor climbing. Here we include our recommendations for the best multi-use climbing pants as well as multi-pitch trad and alpine climbing pants. By scouring climbing forums and reading through endless reviews, we can use the collective experiences of the climbing community to find the very best climber-approved climbing pants and share them with you. What is considered the best climbing pants by the community and the best by experts doesn’t always coincide. By comparing and contrasting opinions, we determined which are the best climbing pants on the market.
If you find this post helpful, be sure to also check out our other climbing gear reviews here.
Last update: 2024-04-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Favorites for the Best Climbing Pants
Our Favorites for the Best Climbing PantsWhile many beginning and some experienced climbers wear shorts, we find that after a few good scrapes on the rock we prefer the added protection of a good pair of climbing pants to the freedom of a pair of shorts. When climbing, especially difficult or long routes, climbing pants are especially crucial, as anyone who has attempted a kneebar in shorts can attest. Fortunately, the niche for climbing pants has been filled by many manufacturers, each trying to cater to the exact needs of the climbing community. The result is many excellent brands from which to choose. The result’ natural selection’ has had on the evolution of climbing pants has produced pants that are lightweight, durable, and most importantly, mobile.
prAna Stretch Zion/Halle Pants
In the fierce struggle for dominance in the market for climbing pants, the prAna climbing pants stand head and shoulders above the competition. From a casual survey, it is evident that a large number of climbers wear or have worn one of the many climbing pants produced by prAna. While many of the models are popular, such as the Brions, by far the most popular model and the most popular climbing pants, on the whole, are the prAna Stretch Zion and Halle (same model as Zion but for women).
Made from the original ‘Zion' fabric—97% Nylon and 3% spandex—the prAna Zion is made with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish making them breathable while having enough stretch to keep the all-important mobility necessary for climbing. The breathable fabric allows you to climb hard while staying cool and dry while also having enough protection to keep you warm in cooler mornings and moderate breezes. The abrasion-resistant design allows these pants to take a beating and keep on going. Provided that you’re not scooting down the rock on your behind that is! The addition of a ventilated inseam gusset offers even more breathability.
A thoughtful design addition that comes is more useful in practice than at first glance is the integrated cinch belt. While you can add a belt to other climbing pants, this modest feature means that you don’t have to remember to bring one. You can quickly tighten your waist as needed, and most importantly, it is designed to remain out of the way of your harness, preventing unpleasant pinching.
The Stretch Zion climbing pants feature four standard mesh pockets plus one zippered thigh pocket designed to stay out of the way of the harness loop allowing for easy access during the climb. The dual angled entry enables you to securely manage gear for climbs without fear of accidentally losing items.
One final feature that makes these dynamic climbing pants the favorite out of so many competitors is the easy to use roll-up leg snaps. With this feature, it is a simple matter to adjust the leg length to whatever best fits the situation and snap them securely in place.
While these pants are perfect for most situations, including bouldering, cragging, and indoor climbing, they are not the best suited for more extended climbs in colder weather. In these situations, the breathable fabric lacks the required insulating properties to withstand wind shear and more than moderate cold.e
While these climbing pants cost approximately the same as similar brands form competitors, they can be found on sale frequently, sometimes as much as fifty percent off. Furthermore, the design of the pants themselves means that they look just as comfortable in a bar after a hard day of cragging as they do on the crag. Many climbers report that they wear these pants in their day to day lives, including to work and at home.
As mentioned earlier, many of the prAna brands are popular. Models, such as the Brions are made with the same ‘Zion’ fabric but with differences in style and cut. The Brions, for instance, do not have a cargo pocket or a built-in belt and come in a slimmer fit.
What makes prAna Stretch Zion/Halle Pants Unique:
- Made from original Stretch ‘Zion’ fabric.
- 97% Nylon and 3% spandex resulting in a breathable, stretchy material.
- Treated with a durable water repellent (DWR)
- Quick dry and abrasion-resistant.
- Ventilated inseam gusset
- 5 mesh pockets: 2 rear, 2 front, and one zippered thigh pocket.
- Features an integrated cinch belt and roll-up leg snaps for easy adjustability.
- Style and comfort make these pants wearable on the crag and in everyday life.
- By far the most recommended pant in online forums, this pant also receives praise from both experts and lay-climbers.
Why you Should Choose these Pants:
- Durable and dynamic climbing pants that will meet most climbing needs. Excellent for bouldering, cragging, and indoor climbing.
- Come with several features that add to the overall utility of these pants.
- Can be worn every day and in most situations.
- While they cost the same as similar pants from other brands, they are often found at steep discounts, making these climbing pants great value for money.
- THE EVERYDAY FAVORITE: The cross-functional Halle Pant is made to handle a 25-hour day; Our original Stretch Zion fabric and roll-up leg snaps work well when riding, hiking or mingling with friends
- CASUAL STYLE: Elegant design in neutral colors pairs well with anything; This relaxed-fit pant has articulated knees and a slight boot-leg cut; Features a hidden zip stash pocket at upper right leg
- DURABLE FABRIC: These adventure-ready pants are abrasion-resistant, making them a great choice for climbing, hiking or any outdoor activity
Last update: 2024-04-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
Not nearly as widely recognized and used as the prAna Stretch Zion climbing pants, the OD Ferrosi Pants are a competitive choice when it comes to functionality and overall design. These highly breathable and durable pants are made of a blend of 86% nylon and 14% spandex, resulting in a very mobile and lightweight material. In terms of breathability and protection, these climbing pants edge out the prAna Stretch Zion, giving better protection in the wind and cold while still staying dry and cool in the heat.
Its abrasion-resistant rip-stop weave gives the Ferrosi durability that is difficult to match, and the articulated knees move with you when high-stepping, stretching as far as you can. While the material is very stretchy, some climbers commented that the sizing could be deceptively small and recommend buying one size larger.
The OD Ferrosi climbing pants feature five pockets; two zippered rear pockets, two front jeans-style pockets, and a spacious zippered thigh pocket. Some climbers find the front pockets small and find the lack of zippers disconcerting while climbing. They also come with drawcord cuff closures, which while useful, are not as effective as the closure on the Zion. While they do not come with a belt, they include belt loops set into a high waist to account for a harness.
While these pants focus more on performance than on design, they are still stylish enough to be worn around town without embarrassment and functionable for any activity.
If they don’t offer as many features as some other brands, the OR Ferrosi climbing pants make up for it by being on the cheaper side, if not by that much. However, they can often be found on discount, making them a steal.
Like the prAna Stretch Zion pants, these softshell climbing pants are comfortable with bouldering, cragging and indoor climbing. While not warm enough for alpine climbing or severe cold weather activities, they perform well for long trad multi pitches given their wind-breaking ability. They are also recommended for other outdoor activities, traveling, and for the gym.
What makes Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants Unique:
- Made from a blend of 86% nylon and 14% spandex.
- Very lightweight material that moves effortlessly with you.
- Their rip-stop weave results in remarkable durability and abrasion resistance.
- The articulated knees and movement mirroring stretch allow an extensive range of motion.
- While they do not come with a belt, they include belt loops set into a high waist to account for a harness.
- The drawstring cuff closures enable the sizing of the pant length.
- Feature 5 pockets: 2 zippered rear, 2 jeans-style front, and one zippered thigh pocket.
- While they not widely discussed in online forums, these pants receive great reviews from both experts and everyday climbers.
Why you Should Choose these Pants:
- Made from the lightest material available, these pants excel in performance, durability, breathability, and ability to cut wind shear, allowing them to be worn in many situations. Best for bouldering, cragging, and indoor climbing but will also serve well for long trad multi-pitches.
- Excellent for most outdoor activities as well as traveling. While they are tailored for outdoor activities, they can be worn around town.
- Slightly cheaper than contemporary models, they are frequently found at discount prices.
- Outdoor Research’s’ Infinite Guarantee place these pants under warranty for their lifetime.
- Fabric Performance: Water-Resistant, Wind-Resistant, Lightweight, Breathable, Quick-Drying, Movement-Mirroring Stretch
- Design Features: Jean Style Pockets, Zip Thigh Pocket, Zip Back Pockets, Brushed Tricot-Lined Waistband, Button and Zipper Fly
- Functional Details: Jean Style Pockets, Zip Thigh Pocket, Zip Back Pockets, Brushed Tricot-Lined Waistband, Button and Zipper Fly
Last update: 2024-04-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Runner Ups for the Best Climbing Pants
Our Runner Ups for the Best Climbing Pants While these pants didn’t quite make the cut into the favorite’s position, they are still recommended by many climbers as well as having positive reviews from many experts. While they are good pants and have many positive features, they are not our first recommendation.
Patagonia RPS Rock Pants
You may be wondering what the RPS in the Patagonia RPS Rock pants stands for. According to Patagonia, the ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’ are so named because they ‘better your odds’. While this may be the case, these rock climbing pants found moderate reviews from climbers and better than average reviews from experts. They earn their place on this list due to the many endorsements from climbers on climbing forums.
The lightest climbing pants manufactured by Patagonia, these pants are made of a light and durable fabric composed of 52% nylon and 48% polyester with a DWR finish with what the manufacturer calls a ‘moderate stretch’. What the fabric composition lacks in mobility and stretch, it makes up for in breathability and durability. Rated as one of the most durable climbing pants available, they can take abuse after abuse and keep on performing. While the fabric itself lacks the necessary stretch for climbing, the pants feature a gusseted inseam at the crotch, darted knees, and an articulated pattern to move with your longest stretch.
Lacking a conventional belt and belt loops, the RPS climbing pants feature a unique waist cinch allowing you to customize the fit of your pants. The cuffs are also adjustable with shock-cord closures and cord lock, although some climbers report that this system is inadequate to keep the cuffs secure above the ankles or calves.
These pants feature five 'drop-in' mesh pockets with two located in the front, two in the back and one on the right thigh above the knee and out of the way of the harness loops. Of these pockets, only the zippered thigh pocket has any protection, with some climbers complaining from losing items from their back pockets while in the harness. The back pockets, however, are designed to add a reinforced seat to your pants for added durability.
While these climbing pants are not the most fashionable available, they are by no means unattractive. That being said, they look like what they are; functional pants made for outdoor activity. If that is what you represent, then wearing these pants day-to-day is no problem at all.
While these climbing pants are not the cheapest available, they are not the most expensive and fall into the same price range as many other brands. They are however backed by Patagonia‘s’ commitment to sustainability by offering cheap repair of their gear. This offer allows one pair to be abused year after year and with repair as needed, saving you money in the long run. Some climbers note that the repairs increase the durability and functionality of the pants, increasing their lifetime.
In line with their commitment to sustainability, RPS Rock Pants are made with 48% recycled nylon. This is achieved through Patagonia’s ongoing research for methods to increase their capability in effectively recycling nylon. Furthermore, with their Footprint Chronicles, they allow a transparent view of their labor practices, ensuring that you know where your pants are made and that they are constructed under fair trade and environmentally friendly labor practices.
What makes Patagonia RPS Rock Pants Unique:
- Made from a blend of 52% nylon and 48% polyester.
- Very lightweight material that is also extremely durable.
- Made from 48% recycled nylon.
- While the fabric lacks the stretch of other brands, the pants feature an articulated pattern, darted knees, and a gusseted crotch to give the reach required.
- Lacking an in-built belt or belt loops, the pants feature a unique cinch mechanism in the waist to allow for easy adjustment.
- Features 5 mesh pockets; 2 front, 2 rear, and one zippered thigh pocket.
- Shock-cord closures and cord locks allow you to adjust the cuffs to the desired length easily.
- Represent Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability and fair labor practices by using recycled nylon and showing their transparent manufacturing process.
Why you Should Choose these Pants:
- Made of a lightweight and durable fabric, they are unlikely to need replacement.
- Get the job done. While not the most functional pants, they are far from the worst.
- After purchasing one pair, the repair policy ensures that you can get the most out of your pants for years if needed.
- Represented by a well known and established brand committed to sustainability and fair labor practices.
Last update: 2024-04-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Patagonia Venga Pants
Another climbing pants from Patagonia, these pants were mentioned frequently by many climbers in climbing forums as well as receiving praise from some experts. While not as good as some of the other contenders on the list, these pants exhibit unique features that may convince some to purchase them over other climbing pants.
Woven from a blend of 73% organic cotton, 3% spandex, and 24% channeled hollow fiber polyester and finished with a DWR, these climbing pants are soft and stretchy while staying breathable, durable and able to shed water. For those that don’t like the feel of synthetics, these majority cotton pants have the tactile feel of soft cotton while still performing like synthetic cloth.
In addition to the stretchy fabric, these pants feature an updated fit with an articulated pattern, darted knees, and a gusseted crotch enabling movement and design to work with a harness. These features make the pants excellent for bouldering, cragging, and indoor climbing. However, the material is not sufficient to keep you warm in direct winds such as when climbing multi-pitch or handling the cold in alpine climbing.
Unlike the RPS Rock pants, these pants come equipped with belt loops as well as the unique adjustable waist found on the RPS, allowing for adjustability and dependability.
Like the RPS Rock pants, the Venga comes with five ‘drop-in’ mesh pockets with two located in the front, two in the back and one on the right thigh above the knee and out of the way of the harness loops. These pants lack a cuff cinch and are therefore not adjustable.
Like the RPS Rock pants, the use of organic cotton in the Venga once again represents Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability. Fortunately, these pants don’t suffer for this commitment, making them a perfect pair for those who prefer to wear natural fibers as well as a desire to support sustainable practices.
What makes Patagonia Venga Pants Unique:
- Made from a blend of 73% organic cotton, 24% polyester, and 3% spandex with a DWR finish.
- Very lightweight, comfortable material that is also extremely durable.
- Made from 73% organic cotton, perfect for the eco-conscious and those who prefer wearing natural fibers.
- The channeled hollow fiber polyester allows for increased stretch and breathability.
- The pants feature an articulated pattern, darted knees, and a gusseted crotch to increase mobility.
- The pants feature a unique cinch mechanism in the waist to allow for easy adjustment as well as belt loops.
- Features 5 mesh pockets; 2 front, 2 rear, and one thigh pocket.
- Represent Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability and fair labor practices by using organic cotton and showing their transparent manufacturing process.
Why you Should Choose these Pants:
- Made of a comfortable and durable fabric, they are unlikely to need replacement.
- An excellent choice for the eco-conscious and those who prefer wearing natural fibers.
- After purchasing one pair, the repair policy ensures that you can get the most out of your pants for years if needed.
- Represented by a well known and established brand committed to sustainability and fair labor practices.
Last update: 2024-04-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Value Picks for the Best Climbing Pants
Our Value Picks for the Best Climbing Pants While the rock climbing pants so far have been the best in terms of quality and performance, they all cost about the same. However, many of these pants such as the prAna Stretch Zion can be found at steep discounts making them incredible value for money. Further, including the guarantees offered by some manufacturers, increases the overall value for money. Here we include climbing pants that are always affordable for those who feel cheaper is always better.
Ucraft Xlite Climbing Pants
Designed by climbers, these pants focus on design and functionality above all else. Made from a fabric composed of 92% polyester and 8% spandex, these pants are lightweight, extremely durable, and most importantly, stretch in all the right places. The fabric is tear-resistant and durable, if not as durable as other brands available. While the material is quick-drying, they do not effectively wick away moisture from the climber. Fortunately, this is of little consequence, given their breathability.
Although the fabric is stretchy, they have the addition of articulated knees to give them more mobility giving you the reach you need to tackle the hardest crux.
The pants come with an elastic waistband and thin belt that fits easily and comfortably under a harness. Drawstring cuffs allow you to keep your pants above your ankles or knees.
The pants feature four pockets, two large front pockets, and two zippered back pockets.
While they don’t come with a thigh pocket, they make the addition of an elastic brush holder as well as a chalk loop.
While these pants are designed with climbing in mind are equally comfortable for any number of other outdoor activities as well as yoga and hitting the gym.
While the fabric may not be the most durable available, they come with a two-year warranty, under which they can be returned under normal wear-and-tear conditions.
What makes Ucraft Xlite Climbing Pants Unique:
- Made from a blend of 92% polyester, and8% spandex.
- Very lightweight, stretchy material that is also reasonably durable.
- The pants feature articulated knees to give them extra mobility.
- The pants feature an elastic waist with a thin, built-in belt that fits comfortably under your harness.
- Features 4 pockets; 2 front, 2 rear zippered pockets. Also includes a loop for a chalk bag and an elastic loop for a brush.
Why you Should Choose these Pants:
- Designed by climbers, they have everything you need and nothing you don’t.
- Cheaper than many climbing pants on the market, including the two-year warranty, they are fantastic value for money.
- Great for bouldering, cragging, and indoor climbing but also many other outdoor and indoor activities.
- ★ ANKLE DRAWSTRINGS make them fit any inseam and let you do any leg movements keeping pants always in place; Belt with a natural thin elastic band that feels great under the harness
- ★ AVAILABLE AS PANTS AND KNICKERS for hot and cold environment; We recommend having both; GREAT FOR ANY ACTIVITY like Climbing, Bouldering, Yoga, Running, Tai Chi, Capoeira, Slacklining, Trampolining, Camping etc
- ★ AVAILABLE AS PANTS AND KNICKERS for hot and cold environment; We recommend having both; GREAT FOR ANY ACTIVITY like Climbing, Bouldering, Yoga, Hiking, Running, Tai Chi, Capoeira, Slacklining, Trampolining, Camping etc
Last update: 2024-04-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Any Stretch Jeans
While dedicated climbing pants such as the prAna Stretch Zion receives much love from both experts and the climbing community as a whole, the climbing forums are full of climbers who recommend the use of regular stretch jeans available at many retailers. While these are technically not climbing pants, the sheer amount of climbers who wear them for climbing, impart some climbing status to them. This cavalier opinion reflects the attitude that many climbers hold when it comes to what is considered by many a nonessential; if it can be cheap and replaced, use it.
While stretch jeans are not designed for climbing, they offer some of the same features on a reduced scale. As most are made of a combination of cotton and fabric, they are not as lightweight as synthetic fabric nor as breathable. But they are not excessively heavy and absorb sweat readily. Furthermore, they compare in the most critical aspect of climbing, mobility, and stretch.
These jeans are not weatherproof nor water-resistant, and their durability is somewhat at the mercy of the climber. However, this is in some part the appeal where they can be bought extremely cheaply, even secondhand and so can be replaced as needed.
While there are some climbing jeans on the market, such as the prAna Axiom jeans and Mountain Hardwear Selvedge Denim Climb Pant, these are far more expensive compared to retail jeans.
What makes Any Stretchy Jeans Unique:
- Made from a blend of cotton and spandex.
- Lightweight, stretchy material that is also reasonably durable
- Feature whatever you choose to buy.
Why you Should Choose these Pants:
- For people who prefer to buy cheap, use-and-abuse and then buy another pair.
- Cheaper than many climbing pants on the market.
- Great for bouldering, cragging, and indoor climbing.
- They are styled however you decide.
- Sits at waist
- Extra room through seat and thigh
- The model in the image is 6' 1" and is wearing 32 x 32.
Last update: 2024-04-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Climbing Pants for You
Most climbing pants follow the same basic design, focusing on breathability, mobility, and durability. There are, however, a few significant differences that need to be considered to find the right pants for you.
- Decide on the climbing style: this is the first factor to consider as it will determine the remaining choices. Will you be bouldering, cragging, indoor, alpine, or trad climbing. This factor will determine the material, design, and accessories required.
- Material: depending on the type of climbing, you will be primarily engaged in, certain materials will perform better. Particular preferences should be considered, as well. For example, do you prefer an organic all-natural fabric, a blend of natural and synthetic, or all synthetic blend? This choice will determine durability, warmth, breathability, and most importantly, movability.
- Pockets: for bouldering, cragging and indoor climbing, pockets are not as important as they are for trad or alpine climbing. Determine how many and what type of pockets are needed. Most pants come with four pockets and some with the extra zippered thigh pocket. This pocket can be useful for stashing your phone securely.
- Features: decide on how vital extra features are for you. A built-in belt and cuff closures can be handy, as can design modifications to increase pant breathability and mobility. Brush holders and chalk bag loops are also convenient features.
- Style: the look of the pant is entirely up to you. If you want pants that are stylish but can also be worn around town without making you look like a crag rat, there are many options available.
Key Differentiators for Climbing Pants
The biggest differentiators between climbing pants are based on the type of climbing they are intended to be used. For bouldering, sport climbing, and indoor climbing, most climbing pants are similar in design and function. With these pants, breathability and mobility are key features as these climbs often feature more technical, difficult technique. Here the pants differ in the blends of material used. Furthermore, the importance of added features is diminished as climb rarely exceeds a single pitch, meaning that you do not need to bring up extra gear.
For multi-pitch trad climbing and alpine climbing, a key concern is the warmth of the material and their ability to shed wind and moisture. With these types of climbs, extra features and pockets are more necessary.
A final differentiator is the styling of the pants. Some models appear to be what they are, utilitarian climbing pants. Others are indistinguishable from fashion-forward jeans and slacks.
What to Consider with Durability, Flexibility, Warmth, and Style
Durability: while all climbing pants are intended to be durable, some last longer than others. The durability, for the most part, is down to the material used. Many of the synthetic blends are designed to be abrasion and tear-resistant and show wear on the seams. Organic materials tend to be more susceptible to abrasion and are, therefore, usually thicker to increase durability. When considering durability, consider the abuse the pants will endure and act accordingly. Remember that some brands have guarantees or repair programs.
Flexibility: while some materials have an inherent stretch, many pants are blended with spandex to give the fabric more mobility. Incorporating features such as darted knees and gusseted inseams increase flexibility. Flexibility, which is essential for all types of climbing is especially crucial in bouldering, sport climbing, and indoor climbing.
Warmth: when it comes to staying warm, climbing pants vary greatly. As most designs focus on breathability, they are often inadequate for heat retention and cutting wind shear. Indeed there are pants specifically designed for colder weather made from a closer weave and lined with fleece. They additionally feature increased water resistance. These pants are designed toward trad and alpine climbing. The Arc’teryx Gamma Rock pant and Mountain Hardwear Yumalino pants fall into this category.
Style: the style of the pants vary significantly between brands and models. While some are clearly designed for outdoor activities, others are designed to look like jeans, enabling you to transition from the crag to the bar easily.
Summary of the Best Climbing Pants
To sum up, here are the best climbing pants we looked at today:
Last update: 2024-04-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
While many climbers find that pants specific for climbing are unnecessary, there can be no argument that they do function as intended. The right pair can aid in the scramble skyward. The freedom of movement, breathability, and protection offered are valuable traits, and when combined with durability, purchasing even a single pair is a worthy investment.
When it comes to the best climbing pants available, the climbing community has spoken, holding the prAna Stretch Zion climbing pants to be the pants to beat. These excellent pants offer all that a pair of climbing pants should, and are versatile enough that they to be worn in everyday life. As they are often available at severe discounts, they are also a great value pick. However, if you still feel that climbing pants are an unnecessary luxury, the original climbing pants, jeans, will suit you well.
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