Whether or not you’re coaching within the gymnasium or planning your subsequent multipitch mission, we’ve recognized the very best climbing pants for each price range and journey.
The very best climbing pants are designed with cautious consideration of every thing climbers want. Fixing boulder issues, tackling grueling alpine routes, and redpointing single-pitch sport routes all require succesful and sturdy clothes.
Attire-related discomfort can restrict efficiency. Climbing pants ought to supply freedom of motion, safety from the weather, consolation, and considerate options.
That can assist you determine the very best climbing pants on your particular wants as a climber, we’ve additionally included a complete purchaser’s information on the finish of our record of suggestions, in addition to an in depth specification chart, and an FAQ part to mop up any last queries.
Scroll by way of to see all of our beneficial buys or leap to the class you’re on the lookout for:
Editor’s Observe: We up to date our Males’s Climbing Pants information March 20, 2024, so as to add the Topo Designs Grime Pants, a burly pair of trousers that gained’t flinch at being stuffed into offwidths, in addition to crown the return of the prAna Stretch Zion Pants — now accessible of their unique materials.
The Finest Climbing Pants of 2024
Authentic Stretch Zion materials has good mix of give and sturdiness
Extensive dimension vary accessible
PFAS-free DWR end
Roomy match would not constrict movement
Pants will capsule ultimately with sufficient climbing
Austin Beck-Doss
Snug
Roomy match
Zippered rear pocket
Sturdy elastic waistband
Rear zippered pocket is troublesome to entry with a harness on
Austin Beck-Doss
Nice warmth-to-weight ratio
Appropriate for chilly climate climbing
Sturdy
Safe pockets
Austin Beck-Doss
Snug
Good for bouldering
Unrestricted mobility
Austin Beck-Doss
Burly work-wear impressed materials
Hidden zippered pocket locks down issues like keys
Simply the correct amount of stretch
No thigh pocket for harness entry
Missing cinchable cuffs
Austin Beck-Doss
Stretchy
Breathable
Good trying
Austin Beck-Doss
Stretchy
Plentiful zippered pockets
Versatile
Not perfect for warm situations
Austin Beck-Doss
Slim match but stretchy and straightforward to maneuver it
Light-weight
Ultimate for heat climate
Waist elastic wears out over time
Austin Beck-Doss
Cinchable waistband and ankles
Sturdy
Breathable
Zippered cellphone pocket
Zippered pocket is troublesome to entry whereas sporting a harness
Austin Beck-Doss
Fashionable
Sturdy
Gusseted crotch
Austin Beck-Doss
Males’s Climbing Pants Comparability Chart
Males’s Climbing PantsPriceWeightMaterialPocketsFitprAna Stretch Zion Pant$9513.2 ouncesStretch Zion — 97% nylon, 3% elastaneTwo entrance hand pockets, two rear, one zippered thighRelaxed; straight legMountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On Pants$799.5 ounces94% nylon, 6% elastane with PFC-free DWR finishTwo entrance hand pockets, two drop-in again (together with one zippered)RoomyArc’teryx Gamma Pants$20012.5 ounces88% nylon, 12% elastaneTwo zippered hand pockets, one zippered thigh pocketStandard; straight legsBlack Diamond Notion$9514.5 ounces98% cotton, 2% elastaneTwo entrance pockets, two rearStandard, joggerTopo Designs Grime 5-Pocket Pants$109Unavailable98% natural cotton, 2% elastaneThree entrance pockets, two rear pockets (one hidden zippered pocket)Straight match; slimCoalatree Decaf Denim Denims$1091 lb.89% cotton, 9% “Ice Cafe Nylon,” 2% spandexTwo entrance pockets, two rear (together with one zippered) SlimOutdoor Analysis Cirque Lite Pants$13913.6 ounces88% nylon, 12% spandexTwo zippered entrance pockets, zippered thigh pocketStandardPatagonia Terravia Gentle Alpine Pants$1299.2 ounces86% recycled polyester, 14% spandexTwo entrance zippered pockets, proper thigh zippered pocket SlimMountain Hardwear Chockstone Path Pants$9911 ounces88% nylon, 12% elastaneTwo entrance hand pockets, one rear zip pocketStandardGramicci NN Pants$110UnknownStretch cotton twillTwo entrance pockets, two hook-and-loop rear pocketsStandard
Alpine belaying within the Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Path pants; (picture/Clayton Herrmann)
How We Examined Climbing Pants
The beneficial pants on this record are the results of a number of years of intensive testing. We’ve examined pants in climbing areas throughout the US, together with the Wasatch mountains of Utah, Yosemite Nationwide Park, and quite a few air-conditioned climbing gyms. We sport climbed, bouldered, and wrestled our approach up off-widths on our seek for the very best climbing pants of 2024.
With each pair that we tried, we assessed sturdiness, versatility, freedom of motion, and match. Whereas we admire trendy pants and nifty options, we centered on one query above all else: are these pants efficient whereas climbing?
There are a lot of disciplines of climbing, so not all climbing pants ought to have the identical supplies and technical specs. Bouldering pants have to be stretchy and sturdy, whereas alpine climbing pants have to be mild and breathable.
On this record, we’ve divided our suggestions into particular classes. These classes are the product of our ongoing testing course of. With every new pair of pants we strive, we fastidiously assess their strengths and weaknesses and place them in classes accordingly.
As new climbing pants hit the market, we’ll you’ll want to take a look at them and evaluate them towards our present favorites. At any given time, our record will embrace the very best of the very best.
Purchaser’s Information: How one can Select Climbing Pants
Although you don’t strictly want climbing-specific pants to climb, they do have many clear benefits. Climbing pants supply useful and particular options different activewear pants don’t — together with harness-compatible pockets and crampon-ready sturdiness.
On this useful how-to-choose information, we’ll cowl all the main concerns for choosing the proper pair of climbing pants. This text focuses particularly on the very best climbing pants for males. In the event you’re on the lookout for girls’s-specific choices, try our article on the Finest Climbing Pants for Girls.
Climbing Pants and Numerous Climbing Disciplines
Climbing is an umbrella time period that covers many alternative sub-sports and disciplines. For instance, alpine scrambling and indoor bouldering are very completely different actions. Ideally, your attire and total equipment ought to at all times be tailor-made to match the calls for of the precise exercise at hand.
Chilly-weather alpine climbing pants ought to shield towards the weather; (picture/Clayton Herrmann)
A pair of pants that’s nice for one self-discipline of climbing might not be proper for one more. On this record, we’ve chosen our favourite pair of climbing pants in lots of classes, together with Finest for Bouldering, Finest for Alpine Climbing, and Most Sturdy.
Sturdiness vs. Breathability
Climbing pants are assured to make common contact with tough and abrasive surfaces. Because of this, any pair of climbing pants price its price ticket might be abrasion-resistant and hardy.
In a climbing setting, sturdiness is essential. If you’re knee-jamming your approach up a large crack, you’ll need to know your pants gained’t be utterly shredded by the point you attain the anchor.
Whereas sturdiness is a precedence for climbing pants, consolation, stretch, and breathability are essential too. It’s not simple to design a pair of pants that’s each abrasion-resistant and breathable. As a basic rule, the lighter and extra breathable pants grow to be, the much less sturdy they’ll be.
On this record, we’ve chosen light-weight choices just like the Patagonia Terravia Gentle as a perfect alternative for heat situations. Whereas these pants are supremely snug on mild and quick summertime goals, they’re additionally extra susceptible to rips and tears.
On the opposite finish of the spectrum, the Topo Designs Grime 5-Pocket Pants are extremely sturdy. Nevertheless, they don’t breathe properly and ought to be reserved for cool climate.
Supplies and Stretch
To maximise mobility, climbing pants must stretch. A lot of the pants on this record are constructed from cloth blends that embrace stretchy supplies corresponding to elastane or spandex.
Pants with two-way stretch will stretch backward and forward however not from prime to backside. 4-way stretch pants will stretch facet to facet and from prime to backside.
On this record, the Mountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On Pant is among the many stretchiest types. One other nice possibility is the CoalaTree Decaf Denim pants, that are the stretchiest climbing denims we examined. With pants like these, you’ll be capable of use your physique’s full vary of movement with ease.
Along with elastic materials, most climbing pants are comprised of a mix of cotton and artificial cloth corresponding to polyester or nylon. Generally, pants which can be principally cotton might be heavier, much less breathable, and extra sturdy.
On our record, the Topo Designs Grime Pants are a heavy-duty, cotton-based pant that also permits for good mobility. Artificial-based pants are typically stretchier, much less sturdy, and perfect for heat climate.
The Mountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On pant, our choice for probably the most snug climbing pant, is 94% nylon.
Bouldering regularly requires excessive steps — stretchy pants have interaction! (picture/Austin Beck-Doss)
Options
There are a number of key options we really feel all good climbing pants ought to have: safe pockets, an adjustable waistband, and a gusseted crotch. Sensible, purpose-built options are the distinction between climbing-specific pants and all different choices. On this record, we’ve included plenty of nice pants, and every pair gives a novel set of considerate options.
Adjustable Waistband
Sporting a belt with a climbing harness is uncomfortable and inconvenient. As a substitute, search for a pair of climbing pants that features an built-in system for adjusting the waistband. In the event you select a pair of pants that don’t have built-in waist adjustment, there are some nice, low-profile, energetic belts in the marketplace which can be worthy of consideration.
On this record, we’ve included pants with numerous types of adjustment programs. Of those, the traditional drawstring might be our least favourite, as these are likely to loosen simply on their very own. We love the adjustment system of the Arc’teryx Gamma Pant, which use a super-secure piece of low-profile webbing to tighten or loosen the waist.
(Photograph/Scott Wilson)
Drawstring Ankle Cuffs
Many climbing pants characteristic drawstring ankle cuffs — a easy characteristic that provides some additional utility. Tightening the cuffs of your pants can preserve any extra materials out of the way in which whereas climbing and mountaineering.
As an additional bonus, this characteristic additionally features as a safeguard towards mosquitoes and ticks. On this record, the Outside Analysis Cirque Lite are a pleasant light-weight possibility with drawstring ankle cuffs.
Harness-Appropriate Pockets
Whereas sporting a harness, it may be troublesome to entry conventional pants pockets. Many climbers convey a cellphone alongside on multipitch routes, and it may be good to have an accessible and safe place to maintain it.
Many climbing pants embrace thoughtfully positioned zippered pockets the place a cellphone or different important gadgets may be stored protected whereas climbing. On this record, we love the zippered pockets of the Arc’teryx Gamma for his or her easy-to-access zippered thigh pocket. It’s out of the way in which of harness leg loops and enormous sufficient to carry most fashionable telephones.
The Patagonia Terravia Gentle pants are nice for quick and lightweight romps within the mountains; (picture/Austin Beck-Doss)
FAQ
The very best pants for climbing are those that meet your wants and are pleasing to put on. On this record, we’ve included many pairs of our favourite climbing pants of 2024. The very best bouldering pants won’t be the very best for mountaineering. Try our purchaser’s information to determine what sort of pants will go well with you greatest.
Climbing pants are identical to some other pants, besides they’re designed with climbing in thoughts. Climbing pants are likely to have distinctive options geared towards climbers corresponding to a small pocket for bouldering brush or a zippered thigh pocket to carry a cellphone whereas sporting a harness. Moreover, climbing pants are sometimes additional stretchy to permit for elevated vary of movement and dynamic physique actions.
On this record, we’ve included types that vary from $40 to over $150. Wonderful choices can be found all through this complete vary. Increased-end supplies and options have a tendency to come back with the next price ticket.
On this record, we advocate the Arc’teryx Gamma Pant for mountaineering. These sturdy softshell pants are stretchy, heat, and well-appointed with plenty of ice climbing-specific options.
As an illustration, on the within of every ankle, these pants have a patch of burly abrasion-resistant cloth to forestall shredding from crampons. Additionally, these pants simply open up round every ankle to accommodate mountaineering and mountaineering boots.
After months of testing, we discovered the very best girls’s climbing pants for each type and price range. Swimsuit up and climb on.
We discovered the very best climbing harnesses of 2024. Whether or not you’re sport climbing or mountaineering, we have now you coated.
