Bob Myaing and Aaron Gerry contributed to this article.
Rock climbing is an aesthetically pleasing alpine sport, and the modern climber cares about both performing well and looking good (hello Instagram!). Today’s best climbing pants combine form and function, comfort and durability, for the second most important piece of apparel (after your shoes, of course). Want some added protection as you work on your project? Abrasion-resistant fabric will do the trick. Don’t want to be hemmed in on that mighty high step? A diamond-gusseted crotch and stretchy fibers deliver extra fluidity. Heading into town for a drink post-climb? Go straight from crag (or gym) to bar because these pants pull double duty and look damn fine while doing it, too.
Finding the right balance between style, stretch, and strength is key to finding the right rock climbing pant for you. To aid in this search for the best-looking and most technically adept climbing pants, we rounded up the following 15 options from outdoor brands you’re likely already familiar with and more fashion-focused brands from abroad that might be new to you.
(Check out our comprehensive list of the 47 terms every climber should know, while you're here.)
What to Look for in a Climbing Pant
Before we get to our top picks though, let’s dive into the technical side of what makes the best pants for rock climbing. Material is top of the list. Many climbing pants, including several of our favorites below, feature a cotton blend. Cotton gives breathability, flexibility, and durability. Other blends will feature denim or polyester, both of which provide more durability than just a cotton blend. Some brands of jeans cater specifically to rock climbers.
While the quality of the material of your pants is important, you also need to consider how the pants are made, in addition to how they fit—and look—on your body. The following are some of the key features we suggest looking for in climbing pants for men and women.
Climbing Pant Features
Gusseted crotch: A gusset is a piece of fabric, usually shaped like a triangle or diamond, that is sewn into garments to reduce stress on the seams. A gusseted crotch is just what it sounds like: a gusset is inserted right where the two pant legs meet. This is so that the four seams (one from the inside of each pant leg, the front, and the back) don’t all meet at one point. This makes the pants more durable and more comfortable. The crotch area of the pants is strengthened and won’t rip as easily, and they fit more easily around your legs and waist.
Articulated knees: Another common feature that helps movement and comfort in climbing pants is an articulated knee. An articulated knee is when the pant leg is sewn in a slightly bent shape, making it easier to bend your legs while wearing them.
Secure Closures: Button closures will be the most secure way of closing your climbing pants. Zippers or snaps can be undone accidentally if you pull too hard. The same goes for a drawstring; the knot can get worked out by accident.
Zippered pockets: Pockets with zippers will enable you to carry your stuff securely. Climbing obviously requires you to move around a lot, and the last thing you want is to have something important slip out of your pocket while you're halfway through a boulder or a few dozen feet in the air.
Integrated belt or belt loops: An integrated belt can help keep your pants securely around your waist. Belt loops are important for climbing pants. Even if you have an integrated belt, belt loops allow you to clip small things directly to you, giving you more access to them than if you had to get them out of a bag or a pocket. Drawstrings and elastic waistbands are fine for a normal workout pant, but typically don’t hold up well for climbing.
Chalk bag loop: Having quick access to a chalk bag can be really important, especially for high-level sport and trad climbers. Being able to clip the bag straight to your pants or belt will give you fast and easy access and not get in the way of your harness.
Climbing shoes: OK, you’re right, climbing shoes are not part of pants. BUT, they are the most important piece of climbing gear to consider. Check out our picks, plus other important things to have when bouldering and sport climbing here.