The pair of pipes you pull over your pins can make a big difference to how you perform and how comfortable you are while out on the rock. But what makes the difference between my joggers, jeans or pyjama pants and a pair of pricey climbing pants? you might ask.
Read on and all shall be revealed in our guide to choosing climbing pants and review of the best climbing pants out there in 2024!
Summary of climbing pants for men in 2024
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| Product | Best for | Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| prAna Stretch Zion Pant | Bouldering, crag climbing and indoor climbing | Stretchy with DWR finish | $ |
| Black Diamond Notion Pants | Bouldering, crag climbing and indoor climbing | Organic cotton, elasticated ankles | $ |
| Patagonia Venga Rock Pant | Bouldering, crag climbing and indoor climbing | Durable and stretchy | $ |
| 3rd Rock Supernova Pants | Bouldering, crag climbing and indoor climbing | Durable with adjustable hem | $$ |
| So Solid Leggings | Bouldering, crag climbing and indoor climbing | Stretchy, tight and colourful! | $ |
| Mountain Hardwear Yumalino Pant | Alpine and winter climbing | Fleece lined and water resistant | $ |
| La Sportiva Talus Rock Climbing Pant | Bouldering, crag climbing and indoor climbing | Comfortable with elasticated wasit | $$ |
| prAna Axiom Jean | Bouldering, crag climbing and indoor climbing | Stretchy and durable | $ |
| Ucraft Xlite Climbing Pants | Bouldering, crag climbing and indoor climbing | Lightweight and roomy | $ |
| Topo Designs Boulder Pants | Bouldering, crag climbing and indoor climbing | Stretchy with DWR finish | $ |
10 best climbing pants for men
Prana Stretch Zion Pants
The Prana Zion are a very well-made, functional and stylish pant that have the goodness necessary to become your go-to attire for just about everything rock-related: bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, trad, alpine and post-climb pints down the pub! The Zion are true all rounders. They’re made with stretchy, abrasion-resistant, quick-drying materials with an excellent water repellent finish, are not too expensive and boast good warmth and breathability. Features-wise, they have a ventilated inseam gusset, a built-in waist belt, five mesh pockets and roll-up leg snaps for extra ventilation and versatility. A true contender for the best rock climbing pants out there!
2023 update: Prana have released an updated versions:the Prana Stretch Zion II Pants. Unfortunately, the quality of the new version leaves a lot to be desired. So it’s worth checking that it’s the original 2015 version you’re buying before you commit.
Pros
- Best for sport and gym climbing, bouldering (but good for just about everything!)
- Durable
- Very good breathability
- Very stretchy
- Reasonably priced for such a high-performing pant
- Built in waist belt
- DWR finish
- Quick drying and abrasion resistant
- Ventilated inseam gusset
Cons
- Eh, we’re still looking… but be wary of the new version!
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
Black Diamond Notion Pants
The Black Diamond name is synonymous with climbing, and you can tell that these Notion pants were designed by climbers for climbers. They have a classic no-frills design, but behind that simplicity is a pair of pants that will move with you and never restrict your movements.
Despite being made for climbing, these Notion Pants won’t look out of place in the gym or your favourite post-crag watering hole. The plain colours aren’t garish or attention-grabbing, but they sure look good!
Made from organically grown cotton, these climbing pants are flexible, naturally breathable, and feature two hip and two rear pockets and a drawstring waist. As we said – simple but perfect for even the most demanding climb.
Pros
- Available in eight colours
- Elasticated ankle cuffs
- Seat gusset for freedom of movement
- Reinforced knees for increased resistance to wear and tear
- Lightweight, classic design
- Fast-drying and breathable
- Well-priced
Cons
- No fastening on the pockets
- Not available in different leg lengths
- Not the most durable material
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Alpine Trek
Patagonia Venga Rock Pant
For a classy-looking pair of pants that’s suitable for wearing down the pub but which feature a host of climbing-specific features, you might not have to look any further than the Patagonia Venga. These pants are fairly pricey, but they’re also very comfortable, durable and made with breathable and stretchy materials. Features-wise, they lack an ankle cinch but come with reinforced pockets, a gusseted crotch, a toothbrush holder and articulated knees. A great choice for boulderers and crag climbers but maybe lacking a little in warmth for those tackling alpine routes.
Pros
- Offer great mobility
- Articulated knees
- Reinforced pockets
- Gusseted crotch
- Nice breathability
- Toothbrush holder
- Durable
- Comfortable
Cons
- No ankle cinch
- Quite expensive
Find the latest price on:
Patagonia | Backcountry | Alpine Trek
3rd Rock Supernova Reinforced Eco Movement Pants
The 3rd Rock Supernova Pants are another organic cotton option, along with the Prana Axiom and Patagonia Venga Pants. They’re very much in the climbing pants camp in terms of style, and don’t cross over to everyday life quite as seamlessly as some of the other pants on our list. However, these durable pants with reinforced bum and knee patches, are very well suited to outdoor climbing of all kinds, so long as it’s dry.
The 2023 season has seen some impressive upgrades from the previous verion. These include more stretch for greater movement on the wall and elasticated ankles to match the already elasticated waist which has an adjustable drawcord.
Pros
- Contains 94% organic cotton
- Excellent stretch, for cotton
- Elasticated ankles
- Very comfortable
- Durable with reinforced knees and bum
- Good movement
Cons
- Style isn’t the best for everyday wear
- Cotton dries slowly
Find the latest price at:
3rd Rock
So Solid Leggings
Pros
- Awesome stretch
- Made with abrasion-resistant materials
- If the law of attraction is to be believed, these pants will find you a lot of very colorful, quirky new friends!
- Gusseted crotch
- Remarkably warm and breathable
- Good for bouldering, crag climbing and indoor climbing
Cons
- Pricey
- Not for wallflowers!
- No pockets
Find the latest price on:
So Solid
Mountain Hardwear Yumalino Pant
For the die-hard who likes to keep climbing all-year round, the Yumalino might just be the pants for you. These cosy winter heavyweights boast a super-soft fleece lining and a water-repellent, durable softshell exterior that make them great for cool-weather climbing. They also have a nicely gusseted crotch area, decent stretch and articulated knees for added durability. The best alpine climbing pants for colder conditions? If money isn’t a big issue, they just might be that!
Pros
- Great for trad and alpine climbing
- Very warm
- Very soft lining
- Durable softshell exterior
- Articulated knees
Cons
- Too heavy and warm for summer crag climbing
- Expensive (even if reasonably priced for winter pants)
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | Mountain Hardwear | REI
La Sportiva Talus Rock Climbing Pant
The awesomely comfortable and cool-looking Talus are pants made with the climber in mind. They boast a wealth of functional features, including articulated knees, a gusseted crotch, an integrated toothbrush sleeve and handy chalk back loop. They’re durable, stretchy, reasonably breathable and very comfortable owing to the elasticated waist and string-tie waist band, which doesn’t dig in as much as belts below your harness. On the downside, these pants are a touch pricey and not made with as high-performing materials as the Venga or Zion (above).
Pros
- Comfort elastic and adjustable waist
- Integrated loop on back part for chalk-bag
- 4 pockets
- Integrated toothbrush pocket
- Articulated knees
- Gusseted crotch
- Great for bouldering, crag climbing and indoor climbing
Cons
- Expensive
- No ankle cinch
Find the latest price on:
La Sportiva | Alpine Trek
Prana Axiom Jean
If you like to squeeze in a climb or two in lunch breaks or without a change of clothes, the Axiom might be the pants you’re looking for. These stylish denim pants look like an ordinary pair of jeans you’d wear out on a Saturday night, but hide a number of handy features and facets that make them equally awesome climbing partners. They’re comfortable, offer a great range of movement and are very durable. You might not want to hit any trad or alpine routes in them, but for quick sessions indoors or at the crag they’re just about the coolest and most practical pants you’ll find!
Pros
- Stylish!
- Very flexible
- Gusseted crotch
- Durable
- Good range of movement
- Very comfortable
- Reasonably prices
- Ideal for cragging and bouldering or quick, lunchtime indoor gym sessions
Cons
- Knees not articulated
- Lack breathability
- No means of length adjustment
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Ucraft Xlite Climbing Pants
For climbers in warmer climates, the Ucraft Xlite offer a super-light, super-stretchy and reasonably high-performing pant at an affordable price. These aren’t the most durable pants out there, but feature an elasticated waist, articulated knees, a handy side pocket and breathable materials. They also integrate a handy chalk bag loop and toothbrush sleeve for added practicality and have ankle drawstrings that allow you to turn them into three-quarter length pants or even shorts when things get a bit sticky. A solid all-rounder that lacks toughness and durability but performs well on any non-alpine climb.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Gusseted crotch
- Integrated chalk bag loop and toothbrush sleeve
- Very stretchy
- Good breathability
- Good value
Cons
- Not warm enough for alpine climbs
- Not the most durable or rugged materials
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
Topo Designs Boulder Pants
With 5 tasteful yet practical colours to choose from and a stylish design, the Topo Designs Boulder Pants are a superb option for those looking for climbing pants that are suitable for everyday wear too. The stretch nylon fabric has a DWR coating for extra protection on the damp days. And, together with the gusseted crotch and elasticated waist, provides a ton of movement and comfort, whatever you choose to do in them.
These simple pants feature drawcord hems, a zippered back pocket, a drawcord at the waist and a zippered fly. They’re also well priced, offering excellent versatility.
Pros
- Best for bouldering and sport climbing
- Stretchy and comfortable
- Good for everyday wear as well as climbing
- Adjustable hems
- Zippered back pocket
- Good value
- DWR coating
Cons
- Sizing can be a little unpredictable
- Hem drawcord can loosen over time
Find the latest price at:
Topo Designs
Things to consider when buying your climbing pants
01Match your pants to your project
The type of climbing you do will determine which pants are best for your pins. To keep things simple and help narrow down your search, we’ve identified two main types of pants with different attributes and features – sport, indoor and bouldering pants and alpine and trad pants.
Sport climbing, bouldering and indoor climbing
The type of moves involved in the above types of climbing tend to be more dynamic and athletic, and so the range of motion required is greater than with alpine or trad climbing pants. For each of them, great flexibility and stretch, a gusseted crotch and uninhibited movement are absolute musts.
Alpine and trad climbing
While flexibility and stretch are important facets in alpine and trad climbing pants, they’re not quite the be-all-and-end-all that they are in sportier climbs, indoors or pebble-wrestling. On longer routes, warmth, comfort and practicality come to the fore. These pants are usually a bit heavier than other models, but include features such as a microfleece lining, a durable water repellent finish, a few closable pockets and superior breathability.
02Materials
The material of your pants will determine various facets and flaws, most notably their flexibility, breathability, durability and comfort. Given that each of these items is pretty much top of the pant-shopping ‘yes please!’ list, the material of your pin and posterior holders is pretty darn important.
Flexibility: climbing in non-flexible pants is kinda like swimming in a chain-mail wetsuit. It just isn’t going to happen, even if you’re Alex Honnold, Chris Sharma or prone to involuntary levitation while on the rock. Flexible materials allow you the best range of movement, particularly on super-stretchy moves or when cutting high-level yoga-type shapes on the rock. You might look cool in a pair of hipster jeans, but when you tumble off your route because those tightly stitched, gusset and stretch-free jeans seams robbed you of a precious centimeter or two, all coolness will go out the window. To ensure you get that centimeter when needed, look for Lycra, Stretch Cordura or similarly stretchy materials.
Breathability: summer climbing can bring a fair bit of stickiness and overheating in the, eh, underparts. That’s all very well if you can pop into the shade between climbs but if you’re stuck on a multi-pitch or testy problem for a few hours at a time, you want to have a little bit of ventilation. Breathable materials will aid you in this regard and help keep things cool when the crag starts cooking.
Durability: back in the day, climbing pants ranged from lightweight but easily rippable linen models to heavy-duty jean-like affairs with very little in between. These days, thankfully, the options available are far more numerous, appealing and high-performing. Lightweight models, however, do tend to be a touch more prone to rippage, whereas heavier, tougher pants can deal with a bit of chafing in a chimney or knee-drag here and there, but obviously lack the nude-like feel of the featherweights. Which is best for you will depend largely on the type of climbing you do and your personal preferences. For trad and alpine routes, we’d recommend heavier and more durable pants; for bouldering and sport routes, lighter pants will give you a bit more ‘feel’ and freedom on particularly dynamic, killer moves.
Comfort: your pants’ comfort levels will depend largely on the three factors mentioned above, as well as some design features such as a gusseted crotch and elasticated waist. That said, some materials (denim, for instance) can chafe on the knees, hips and around the pinch points of your harness if worn for greater lengths of time. Far maximum comfort, stretchier materials scoop the prizes every time.
03Warmth
“Man, this hypothermia was well worth those few hundred grams I saved with my ultralight leg-liners,” said no one, ever. Yes, skimping on weight may be massively in vogue these days but if you’re headed onto high ground, there’s a fine line between canny practicality and downright daftness. For trad and alpine climbers in particular, weight savings can be easily made elsewhere, so skimming a measly hundred grams from your attire (and losing warmth in the process), falls into the downright daftness category. For crag climbers and boulderers, a pair of full length pants with ankle cinches will offer you plenty of versatility when fresher mornings turn into toasty afternoons. For alpine climbers, we’d recommend a pair of heavier pants and even fleece lined pants if your climbing destinations tend to be in the Scottish Highlands more than they are on Mediterranean Islands.
04Features
Pants can have features? Indeed, dear reader, they can. Though not absolute deal-breakers or makers, a handful of handy add-ons can make your pants the perfect climbing partners.
Gusseted crotch
Added material in the crotch area which, for male users, is more anatomically agreeable and accommodating than your standard pant crotch when cutting the more yoga-like moves climbing often entails.
Ankle-cinch
Very handy for adjusting the length of your pants, giving you the option of converting them into shorts on sweaty days or three-quarter length pants on semi-sweaty days.
Toothbrush pocket
Ideal for carrying a brush for impromptu dental-hygiene care in high places or, alternatively, polishing a patch of dusty rock.
Closable pockets
Nice to have for alpine or multi-pitch climbers who don’t want to have to whip off their backpack every time they want a piece of gum or to check their route map.
Chalk bag loop
Mainly for boulders and free climbers, an integrated loop on the rear of the waist belt is ideal for clipping on a chalk bag.
From ultra-stretchy, lithesome leggings for craggers and pebble-wrestlers to high-performing, bomb-proof pants for alpine aficionados, we’ve just about seen it all! Whatever type of climbing you’re getting up to, we’re sure the above list will have something suitable for your rockbound adventures!
Climb on, people!
