Best Climbing Pants Reviewed In 2023

Climbers have different tastes when it comes to choosing climbing attire. This is why people encounter a lot of challenges when shopping for the best climbing pants.

You will notice that they are so many choices out there that might get you confused. Always go with the style that fits your body shape.

Women and men will have quite a number of aspects they ought to consider when it comes to choosing their outfit. The waist design, fabric, patterns, and pocket designs are some of the attributes that differentiate men from women wear.

Nevertheless, we all need to give each climbing attire consideration equivalent to its purpose. Sometimes we are keen on other climbing gears like ropes, harnesses, cams, helmets, nuts, slings, shoes, and we forget about the climbing pants. Pants usually cover around half of our body and I feel that they should be given a priority.

Climbing Pants – COMPARISON TABLE

Reviews For The Best Climbing Pants

1. prAna Stretch Zion Climbing Pants

The prAna Zion Rock Climbing Pants are well-made, stylish and functional. I can say, they have what you consider necessary for a climbing pant. They are absolutely great for bouldering, sport, alpine and gym climbing. These are the pants to go for if you are looking for an all-round attire.

The good thing about these Rock Climbing Pants is that they feature a fabric that is stretchy, abrasion resistant, quick drying and waterproof. As you would expect, the prAna Zion pants are also warm and breathable. Besides, they come with a ventilated inseam gusset, a built-in waist belt, five mesh pockets and roll-up leg snaps for extra ventilation and versatility. These are Climbing pants that will give you great value for your money and also enhance your skills.

2. Ucraft Xlite Climbing Pants

These are anatomically cut for comfortable and flexible moves. They are lightweight, elastic, breathable and durable. Being unisex pants, women and men can use them for bouldering, yoga, running or for just indoor relaxation.

The thin elastic belt with the drawstring is comfortable to wear and is not sensitive to weight changes. Additionally, they come with zippered pockets, one on the right side under the harness line and others on the back for all your light carriage needs. The pockets are made with a net insert to reduce the weight and also add ventilation.

The ankle drawstring keeps the pants always in place, makes them fit any inseam and allow any leg movements keeping the pants always in place. I am pretty sure you will like the natural thin elastic band located around the waistline. The fabric combines 92% Polyester and 8% Spandex thus making them light, stretchy, breathable, quick drying and durable.

The Ucraft Xlite are covered with an unconditional 2-year warranty. This caters for normal wear and tear that may damage them within the two year’s period.

3. Kailas Men’s 9A Quick Dry Climbing Pants

The Kailas 9A quick-drying Rock Climbing Pants are slim fit for maximum comfort and free movement. They are multifunctional, meaning that they are ideal for rock climbing, trekking, travel and everyday wear. They come with a belt fitted with a comfortable elastic band and well-articulated knees to increase flexibility and range of motion.

The 3D articulated pattern, Diamond pattern Crotch and Lateral Patterns on each side enhance easy movement. They come with an elastic waist with belt loops, an invisible Velcro buckle with internal bottom closure and a YKK zipper with an articulated lining underneath.

These are made from a 4-Way stretch and breathable fabric that comprises of 95% Nylon and 5%Spandex. The combination assures you of lightweight, durable, and quick drying climbing pants. It also consists of antifouling property to enhance comfort in your daily wearing and climbing.

They are also built with a chalk bag loop, brush holder, two front pockets and a mesh lining. This is convenient to wear in rock climbing and bouldering.

4. prAna Men’s Brion Climbing Pants

These Rock Climbing Pants are made from a wrinkle-resistant Nylon and Spandex mixture in order to enhance comfort and versatility. Honestly, the wrinkle resistance attribute makes these look good when worn straight from the pack. The prAna Brion are designed to dry quickly especially because of the durable water repellent technology.

The Rock Climbing Pants fabric is a mixture of 97% Nylon and 3% Spandex. It’s a single-weave fabric that looks like two layers of fabric stuck together. They are built for rock climbing and other outdoor activities that require ease of movement, high breathability and plenty of stretch.

They are also made using textured yarns to make them feel natural and more breathable. The lightweight fabric makes these suitable for hotter weather and tropical heat.

They are fit slim although they don’t cling towards the ankle so they get a little loose as you go down the ankle area. These tend to expand over the cause of the day hence it’s advisable to wear them with a belt for a good fit all day long.

5. Unitop Men’s Quick Dry Hiking Cargo Climbing Pants

The Unitop Quick Dry Hiking Cargo Rock Climbing Pants are designed for guys who like cragging and bouldering. They are made from a soft lightweight fabric suitable for rock climbing, hiking, and traveling. The breathable and flexible nature of these cargo pants makes them ideal for a wide range of terrain. These provide a better balance from outdoor to indoor casual activities that require versatile wear.

The fabric is 95% Chinlon and 5% Spandex. Has an elastic waistband with a drawstring that you can use to adjust the fit of your pants. Besides, these awesome pants have zipper back pockets and slant side pockets where you can keep your stuff. Besides, the Unitop Climbing Pants feature elastic legs which are very convenient and functional because they prevent the pants from sliding down.

6. Columbia Sportswear Men’s Royce Peak Pants

Columbia Royce Peak Rock Climbing Pants are constructed from a Nylon canvas blended with 4%Elastane. This creates a fabulous stretch for optimum fit and comfort. It also comes with a built-in gusset crotch and well-articulated knees. These are a great companion both indoors and outdoors.

The articulated knees and gusset details enhance your comfort and safety through the crags and boulder. They also feature an advanced Rain-and-Stain Repellent Technology which enables the fabric to keep moisture and stains away. Even when you go through extremely dirty terrain, the Omni-Shield helps to stay clean and dry by resisting the absorption of liquids.

The Omni-shade UPF-50 protects the climber against harmful UV rays and the Omni-Shield technology ensure your fabric dries faster. It goes without saying that the Columbia Royce Peak are a great choice for both winter and summer climbing

7. Gash Hao Men’s Waterproof Softshell Climbing Pants

These are Men’s Ski Waterproof Soft Shell with an outdoor Hiking Fleece-lined Zipper Bottom leg. They have excellent warmth since they are made from the warmest Polyester fleece. This scientific soft wool structure locks the air to keep warm and maintain body heat. Moreover, the pants’ shell is made from breathable high-tech materials that keep you dry during ice climbing.

Amazingly, these Climbing Pants feature a soft pliable material that stretches extensively in all directions and designed with a linear motion flow to maintain warmth during winter. They are lightweight, lighter than many other warm pants.

These Climbing Pants come with a waist elastic band, two-large capacity zip pockets and a hidden zip pocket at the back to ensure that you carry large items and protect valuables.

The other added features of these pair of climbing pants as expounded below make it even more suitable for any given outdoor assignment.

The bottom of the legs has zippers to avoid snow and coldness from going inside the pants during snow climbing or hiking. These zippers are also designed to back up the boots.

These Climbing Pants are good for hiking, snowboard, cycling, skiing, climbing, traveling, camping, mountaineering, hunting, fishing, and many other outdoor sports.

8. Nonwe Men’s Outdoor Quick Dry Climbing Pants

These Rock Climbing Pants are quick drying, lightweight, breathable and water resistant. They feature a partially adjustable waist and all-purpose pockets. They are considered to be suitable for hiking, climbing, trekking and other outdoor sports.

They are also very comfortable even in high humidity and also a fantastic climbing outfit due to their stretchy characteristic that ensures comfort and mobility. The elastic waist is good and the cuffs are wide enough to give a decent cover.

The fabric is 88% Nylon and 12% Spandex which is quick drying, lightweight, breathable and water resistant. They come with a button, a zipper fly closure, side zipper pocket, and Velcro at the back. The fabric is fit for both hand and machine wash.

Womens Climbing Pants

9. prAna Women’s Halle Climbing Pants

The women’s Halle rock climbing pants are the ultimate cross-functional pants. You can literally use them for hiking, climbing and traveling. These climbing pants feature a durable Zion fabric that offers a comfortable 2-way stretch to ensure maximum mobility. Besides, the fabric has been designed to dry quickly due to its excellent and durable water-repellent finish.

It is fitted with a stylish front fly with button, comes with excellent and well-articulated knees, roll-up leg feature, hidden zip stash pocket at upper right leg and a UPF 50 to protect you from harmful effects of direct ultraviolet rays. The prAna Halle are perfect wear for any climber looking for outdoor or indoor climbing adventure.

10. Mountain Hardwear Women’s Dynama Climbing PantsRock Climbing Pants designed with a feminine fit and it is suitable for all indoor and outdoor activities, from trekking on the trail, bouldering to gym climbing.

It’s a mixture of 96% Nylon and 4% Elastane. The super-stretchy and lightweight Nylon-Elastane fabric and the bottom design provides comfort and easy movement. It also comes with a beautiful feministic wide elastic waistband that is soft on the skin and lays flat to slide comfortably under the climbing harness or the hip belt. Besides, it also comes in a DWR finish to keep moisture away and a drawstring at the bottom hem for easy length adjustment and tight fit.

11. Marmot Women’s PreCip Climbing Pants

The Marmot Women’s PreCip Rock Climbing Pants are designed to be worn during wet and chilly days. The Marmot PreCip is definitely one of the best climbing pants for women. As you would expect of any climbing attire, these pants are waterproof, lightweight and wrinkle resistant. Besides, these pants can be easily packed as an alternative fabric during hiking and climbing.

The fabric is NanoPro 100% Nylon Ripstop and 100% seam taped to protect you from both light rain and heavy downpour. The side zip at the ankle makes it easy to pull them on and off with an elastic waist and drawcord to secure them.

In case you are going out in the dark or in deep caves, the Marmot PreCip comes in handy due to their zippered pockets to secure your headlamps and a pocket knife.

They are very comfortable and breathable. They also have an adjustable elastic hem so you can cinch them up if need be. These climbing pants are good in all weather conditions. They will go well with those of us who love the outdoor warm and dry as well as those who will go for the cold, rainy outdoor activities.

12. La Sportiva Men Solution Climbing Pants

La Sportiva Men Solution Rock Climbing Pants creates a mixture of comfort and performance. They are tailored from a durable and comfortable stretch Cordura so as to meet the needs of rock climbers and boulderers. The reinforced, articulated knees and a gusseted crotch deliver an unrestricted range of motion for ultimate freedom. Amazingly, these are lightweight, breathable and waterproof; you can literally use them in various weather conditions. They hold up through strenuous hikes and rough terrain. Besides, these have a comfy cut and streamlined fit that makes them ideal for indoor climbing.

La Sportiva Solution Climbing Pants are made from a mixture of 94% N66 Cordura and 6% Spandex resulting in a comfortable and durable fabric. This fabric is designed to stretch with you as you climb. It delivers maximum mobility, protection and all-day comfort for climbing.

The gusseted crotch and elastic waistband will enable you to perform those high stepping and heel-hooking moves without restriction. Moreover, the well-articulated knees further increase flexibility and a wide range of motion.

It comes with an integrated brush and zippered stash pockets which are perfect for securing small essentials and also helpful during those daring maneuvers.

The lightweight synthetic material is a combination of breathability, water and abrasion resistance thus making the Solution Pants perfect for all weather hiking, scrambling and climbing. The adjustable cuff, on the other hand, enables you to control length for a comfortable fit. This is definitely a great choice for climbers who are looking for an all-purpose outdoor attire.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Climbing Pants

Climbing pants can make a difference in how you perform and how comfortable you are while climbing. It doesn’t matter how good the rock is, if you are uncomfortable you will not enjoy the sport. Anyway, let’s jump straight to the key factors you should consider when shopping for the best.

Weather

As you well know, different weather conditions require you to have the right attire. For instance, if you are planning to climb in the summer, you need a breathable, lightweight and moisture wicking pant. On the other hand, climbing in cold weather requires you to invest in warm and waterproof climbing pants. With this in mind, you will be able to select a suitable climbing outfit especially pants. However, you also need to carry an extra layer or two just in case the weather changes.

Materials

Climbing is a sport that involves a lot of movement which in turn stresses the fabric from within. Abrasive surfaces, on the other hand, scrap the pants from the outside. This can result in a quick breakdown of your pants. As a climber, you need to select a fabric that will hold up longer than anything else.

Some materials absorb sweat and moisture while others don’t, some make you wet and uncomfortable while others are good at their work. Make sure you select a comfortable fabric for yourself. When engaging in activities that require hiking, for example, try to avoid cotton as in these situations, wicking is more considered than durability and stretch. I found out that synthetic Spandex or Wool Spandex combination is the best selection especially because of their great moisture control and stretch.

Start-Up Pant

When choosing, it’s important to think about freedom of movement. Your legs will need to move freely throughout and you don’t want to be stuck in a pant that inhibits your motion in any way. Different pant designs are tailored to fit different people. Some will prefer loose-fitting pants while others will go for tight ones.

Comfort

Just like all your climbing attire, pants should be comfortable enough to enhance your climbing experience. It is always good to go with styles that will fit you snugly to avoid some awkward scenarios. Many climbers prefer loose-fitting while others will go for three-quarter length. If you go for full-length, make sure the legs aren’t so long that they interfere with your movement on the rocks.

Features

The other key factor that is worth considering is the various features that come with climbing pants. You have to ensure that the pants you choose have the features required to improve your climbing experience. Some of these features include ankle cinch, gusseted crotch, chalk bab loop, and closable pockets.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a pair of climbing pants or general outdoor pants, you now have a choice to make from my list. These are the best climbing pants you can get in the market today. I am pretty sure you have spotted people wearing some of these pants out there. Although all my picks are great, make sure you weigh in on your preferences before you make a decision. Apart from your preferences, you ought to consider the factors I highlighted earlier so that you get the most ideal. In case, you are still stuck with the selection process, drop me a message and I’ll definitely get back to you.

Other Climbing Reviews

• Climbing Shorts
• Ice Climbing Gloves
• Climbing Helmets
• Beginner Climbing Shoes
• Climbing Ropes