Everyone knows you need climbing shoes, hiking shoes, harnesses, and other technical gear to conquer a rock wall (unless you’re a free soloist like Alex Honnold or Alain Robert, but that’s an entirely different story).
However, beyond the essential climbing gear, the clothing you wear also has a big impact on your success, safety, and comfort. A quality pair of climbing pants not only keeps you warm in cooler weather but also shields your legs from abrasions and sunburn. They offer storage for small essentials while minimizing any restriction to your movement.
Let’s dive into the best climbing pants throughout this article with nationalparkshops’s team!
Contents
- 1 What are climbing pants?
- 2 Best Overall: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants ($98.95 on Amazon)
- 3 Best for Climbing: Prana Stretch Zion II Pants ($64.80 on Amazon)
- 4 Best Weather Resistance: Arc’teryx Gamma Pant ($140 on Amazon)
- 5 prAna Stretch Zion Pant ($95 on Amazon)
- 6 Best Budget: Mountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On Pants ($71.10 on Amazon)
- 7 Black Diamond Alpine Pants ($69.73 on Amazon)
- 8 Most Durable: Topo Designs Dirt 5-Pocket Pants ($68.67 on Amazon)
- 9 How we test climbing pants
- 10 How to choose climbing pants?
- 11 FAQs
What are climbing pants?
Climbing pants are, of course, designed for climbing (naturally!). But “climbing” can range from casual bouldering at the gym to tackling a 2,000-foot alpine face over several days in a remote mountain range. What makes the perfect pair of climbing pants depends on the type of climbing you’re doing.
For most of us, though, the best climbing pants are versatile, able to handle a range of activities:
- Lightweight enough for long days at the crag.
- Durable enough to withstand a few seasons of wear, endure bushwhacking through undergrowth, and hold up against rough rock during off-width climbing.
- Flexible enough to let you move freely, especially when you’re pushing hard on your project.
- Breathable enough to keep you comfortable in hot weather.
- Stylish and comfortable enough to wear around town after your climbing session.
Above all, climbing pants should never restrict your movement. Climbing is a highly gymnastic activity, requiring you to step high, stem wide, hook with your toes and heels, and move your legs and hips into all sorts of unusual positions. The last thing you want is pants that limit your footwork or leg movement.
Best Overall: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants ($98.95 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 100% Nylon
- Origin: Imported
- Closure type: Drawstring
- Inseam: 32 Inches
The Outdoor Research climbing pants are exceptionally comfortable, offering excellent mobility and keeping you cool even in rising temperatures. Made from durable ripstop fabric with a generous 14% spandex, they’re stretchy and non-restrictive, providing great flexibility for activities like hiking, running, yoga, and rock scrambling. Lightweight, thin, and highly breathable, they also feature drawcord cuffs that allow you to easily adjust them higher on your calves – perfect for hot weather.
While these climbing pants excel in dry heat, they aren’t ideal for cold conditions, as their thin material offers little insulation. Additionally, if you wear them for multiple days without washing (we’ve all been there), the waistband tends to stretch out. There is an internal drawstring, but for longer hikes, you might prefer to wear a belt.
Best for Climbing: Prana Stretch Zion II Pants ($64.80 on Amazon)
- Care instructions: Machine Wash
- Origin: Imported
- Closure type: Button
- Inseam: 34 Inches
The Prana Stretch Zion II Pants are both durable and versatile. We appreciate the small yet practical integrated waist tightener, allowing these climbing pants to stay up without the need for a belt. The cargo pockets with zippers on both sides are a handy feature, making it easy to access your phone or a topo map while sitting at a belay. With some of the softest and most comfortable fabrics of all the models reviewed, it’s no surprise that these climbing pants are among our favorites.
While they excel in climbing, they do have some drawbacks. The fabric is a bit heavy and densely woven, which makes them less suitable for hiking in hot weather; they perform better when temperatures are cooler. Additionally, they aren’t as water-resistant as many other options, so if rain is in the forecast, you may want to consider alternatives. However, if comfort and flexibility are your top priorities, we highly recommend trying on this pair.
Best Weather Resistance: Arc’teryx Gamma Pant ($140 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 88% Nylon 12% Elastane bluesign Approved Material
- Origin: Imported
- Closure type: Button
- Care instructions: Machine Wash
The Arc’teryx Gamma pants are comfortable, lightweight, and suitable for a range of activities. Their water and wind resistance make them an excellent choice for cool, wet-weather hikes. They also feature a drawstring at the cuff, allowing you to pull them up and secure them in place if the sun comes out and temperatures rise, keeping your legs cool. We appreciate the integrated belt, and the thoughtfully designed features, combined with the stretchy fabric, ensure they won’t hinder your movement while scrambling.
The main drawback is this climbing pants price; you could easily find a different model for less without noticing much of a difference. Additionally, we find it unusual that they lack rear pockets. Despite these considerations, our testers love this model and plan to wear it on future adventures, especially in forecasted inclement weather. There aren’t many alternatives that match these pants in terms of weight and weather resistance.
prAna Stretch Zion Pant ($95 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 97% Nylon, 3% Elastane
- Origin: Imported
- Closure type: Button
- Care instructions: Machine Wash
They’re back! After receiving rave reviews from climbers for nearly 20 years, the prAna Stretch Zion climbing pants have returned to their original fabric, following a brief period with the less breathable ‘ReZion’ material.
You don’t need to be a long-time fan to appreciate the Stretch Zions; these pants excel in nearly every aspect we seek in the best climbing pants. The signature Stretch Zion material features a 97% nylon and 3% elastane blend, effectively balancing breathability and durability. They are generously cut to provide ample room for movement.
The pocket layout is nearly perfect, featuring two deep drop side pockets lined with mesh for added ventilation. There are also two rear pockets, one of which has a flap to secure essentials during inverted climbs, and a thigh pocket accessible via two zippers—one horizontal and one vertical – making it easy to reach while wearing a harness. These pants are excellent for anyone climbing outdoors across various rock types and climates.
Best Budget: Mountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On Pants ($71.10 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 100% Synthetic
- Origin: Imported
- Closure type: Zipper
- Care instructions: Machine Wash
The Basin Pull-On Pants from Mountain Hardwear are the most comfortable rock climbing pants we tested. We highly recommend them to any climber in search of a reliable pair for various types of fair-weather climbing.
Unlike many other pants on this list, the Basin features a straight-leg fit, providing extra room in the legs for unrestricted movement. The stretchy blend of nylon and elastane offers excellent breathability, ensuring we never overheated, even with the black pair we tested.
Two square-cut, drop-in front pockets help keep your belongings secure while climbing, and a zippered back pocket provides a safe place for your phone during multi pitch routes, although it can be a bit challenging to access while hanging in a harness.
After multiple uses, the elastic waistband maintained its shape without digging into our skin, and the additional drawstring allows for a customizable fit. However, these pants do not have a fly, which can complicate bathroom breaks in certain climbing situations.
Black Diamond Alpine Pants ($69.73 on Amazon)
- Material: Four-way stretch-woven with PFC-Free DWR finish
- Weight: 14.1 oz.
- Number of pockets: 3 (2 zippered hand pockets, 1 zippered side pocket)
- Special features: Webbing Belt, adjustable hems
Black Diamond Alpine Pants strike the perfect balance, not too tight and not too baggy. The combination of 4-way stretch fabric, a gusseted crotch, and articulated knees allows for complete freedom of movement. If you can’t high-step to your shoulder, it might be time to stretch, as these pants won’t limit your mobility. However, those with larger legs from extensive climbing might find them a bit snug.
The BD Alpine Pants come with three zippered pockets, two hand pockets, and one side pocket to keep essentials like gels and lip balm secure, while the hand pockets are strategically positioned to avoid interference with leg loops. Although there’s no back pocket, that space isn’t essential for most climbers. Additional features include a low-profile adjustable belt and adjustable hems, with the built-in belt providing more comfort when paired with a harness than a regular one.
These climbing pants are designed for fair-weather alpine conditions, making them ideal for long traverses in places like the Wind River Range or the High Sierra. They dry quickly and feature a DWR treatment that helps prevent soaking through in light rain. However, they are thin, so you’ll want to layer with warm base layers in colder weather.
Most Durable: Topo Designs Dirt 5-Pocket Pants ($68.67 on Amazon)
- Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% spandex
- Fit: Straight, slim
- Number of pockets: Three front pockets, two rear pockets (one hidden zippered pocket)
- Special features: Crag to town look
From the moment we put on the Topo Designs Dirt 5-Pocket Pants, it was clear they were a winner. They fit perfectly, felt great, and after a quick glance in the mirror, we confirmed they looked sharp, too. A trifecta of comfort, style, and function.
The Dirt climbing pants are made from a tightly woven cotton blend that feels soft against the skin, while the exterior is impressively resistant to abrasions and stains. After more than 20 days of climbing, house chores, hiking, and running errands, they still looked brand new, with no pilling, fraying, or signs of wear.
Fit-wise, these pants are slim and snug but not restrictive, allowing for full mobility during hikes or climbs. The fabric includes just a hint of spandex, providing enough stretch for active movement. However, with a composition of 98% cotton, these pants are more akin to durable workwear than high-tech alpine pants.
In terms of design, the Dirt climbing pants stick to the classic 5, pocket layout—two deep front pockets, a small coin pocket, and two back pockets. Hidden in the right back pocket is a zipper, perfect for keeping a wallet, phone, or topo map secure while climbing. If you’re hanging upside down on a challenging route, you won’t have to worry about your belongings falling out.
However, none of the pockets are easily accessible with a harness on, and the waist fit is only adjustable with a traditional belt – something we prefer to avoid while climbing.
How we test climbing pants
Our testing process starts with in-depth research to identify the best climbing pants on the market. We purchase the top choices at full retail cost and put them to the test on hikes, camping trips, climbing and a mix of outdoor adventures across diverse terrains.
We evaluate each pair based on comfort, mobility, and protection from the elements, seeing if they keep us dry enough during rain, cool in summer’s damp heat, and resilient against wind. We even go as far as soaking them to measure drying time. Beyond outdoor excursions, we wear these pants during everyday activities to see how they hold up to regular wear.
Our ratings are based on five key performance metrics:
- Comfort and Mobility (35% of the total score)
- Venting and Breathability (20% of the total score)
- Weather Resistance (15% of the total score)
- Features (15% of the total score)
- Versatility (15% of the total score)
How to choose climbing pants?
While climbing-specific pants aren’t necessary, they offer distinct advantages like harness-compatible pockets and durability for crampon use.
Climbing encompasses various sub-disciplines, each requiring different gear. For instance, alpine scrambling and indoor bouldering have different demands. That’s why your climbing kit, including pants, should suit the specific activity. A pair of pants great for one type of climbing might not work for another. We’ve chosen the best pants for categories.
Durability is crucial since climbing often involves contact with rough surfaces. While durable pants resist abrasion, they also need comfort, stretch, and breathability. Lighter pants like the Black Diamond Alpine Pant are perfect for warm conditions but more prone to tears.
Climbing pants need stretch for mobility. Most use fabric blends with elastane or spandex, offering either two-way or four-way stretch. Typically, pants with more cotton are heavier and less breathable but more durable.
Key features to look for in climbing pants include secure pockets, an adjustable waistband, and a gusseted crotch. Each pair in our list offers practical, purpose-built features that set them apart from regular activewear.
FAQs
What’s the difference between climbing pants and regular pants?
Climbing pants may look like regular pants, but they’re specifically designed for climbers. They come with unique features like a small pocket for a bouldering brush or a zippered thigh pocket for holding a phone while wearing a harness. They’re also extra stretchy to provide a better range of motion and support dynamic movements during climbs.
How much do climbing pants cost?
This list includes styles ranging from $40 to over $150, with great options at every price point. Generally, higher-end materials and features come with a higher cost.
What pants should I use for ice climbing?
We recommend the Arc’teryx Gamma Pant for ice climbing. These durable softshell pants are stretchy, warm, and packed with ice climbing-specific features. They have abrasion-resistant patches inside each ankle to protect against crampon damage, and they easily expand at the ankles to fit ice climbing or mountaineering boots.
