The 13 Best Climbing Pants for Snag-Free Ascents
The crag where I learned to rock climb instilled in me a personal, unending mission to find the best climbing pants money can buy. A lot of the rock near me is pebbly, rough, and sharp—it’s great for grabbing a hold of, but not so kind on flimsy leggings or, even worse, bare legs. I figured out pretty quickly that I needed a tough pair of pants (or several) if I wanted to fully enjoy myself outside, and not come home with a bunch of scrapes and holes in my bottoms. Luckily, there’s a whole wide world of rock climbing pants to explore, with options that are tough and protective, yet stretchy and comfortable enough to wear all day.
What kind of pants are best for climbing?
Wherever you like to climb, rocks are, you know, rocks—they’re hard and abrasive, and they can tear pants that are made of thin material. So, generally speaking, you should look for pants that are either on the thicker side or made of abrasion-resistant, ripstop fabric. Items marketed as “hiking pants” come close to fitting the bill, but they usually aren’t as protective as ones explicitly labeled as “climbing pants.”
While your pants of choice should prevent scrapes and tears, they should also allow a full range of motion. Some climbers like to climb in jeans and other denim pants since they’re on the tougher side, but I’ve found that making high steps and other flexible moves are pretty difficult in pants like that, so I tend to gravitate toward bottoms with more give (read “more spandex”).
Finally, how and where you're climbing both play a role: If you enjoy sport climbing, you need pants that you can comfortably wear with a climbing harness. Meanwhile, you don’t have to worry about that if you’re bouldering. Those in colder climates might like something with insulation, while those who climb in balmier temps probably want to prioritize breathability.
Are climbing pants worth it?
If you plan on climbing primarily indoors, your clothes should be comfortable and should move with you (and you shouldn’t mind if they get a little chalky), but they don’t need to be ultra-protective. If you spend a lot of time climbing outside, on the other hand, a pair or two of outdoor-specific pants, with the kind of protective features mentioned above, could provide some welcome peace of mind. And, when they eventually spare your knees from a few bumps and nicks, you just might come to love your climbing pants as much as your favorite climbing shoes, trusty backpack, and the rest of your trail-tested climbing gear.
Even after years of climbing outdoors, I’m still trying out new pairs from beloved outdoor brands like Prana, Patagonia, and the North Face, as well as from budget-friendly retailers like Amazon and Old Navy. Although I’ve found several that I love and wear all the time, there are plenty that I’m still curious about, thanks to their downright glowing reviews from other climbers. Here, I’ve highlighted both, in the hopes that you can find the best climbing pants for your outdoor adventures. Read on to discover my faves as well as the pants at the very top of my to-try list.
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1Patagonia Caliza Rock Pants
These Patagonias feel like protective loungewear, with a supersoft lining, a wide elastic waistband, and a tapered, jogger-style leg. They have plenty of stretch and never feel too warm, which makes them great for long days spent projecting.
Available in sizes 0 to 22.
2prAna Halle Pants II
The Halle pants are made with the same stretchy-yet-tough materials and technical features (roll-up pant legs, low-profile back pockets, inner drawstring waist) as the wildly popular Prana Stretch Zion Pants (which are only available in men’s sizes). The main point where they differ is in their surprisingly flattering boot-cut leg style. My Halles felt downright indestructible, even when squeezing between boulders during approaches. I only say “felt” because, since starting a new lower-body training regimen, my thighs don’t fit in them anymore, so it’s time to get a replacement pair in a comfier size (thanks, squats).
Available in sizes 00 to 22.
3C9 Champion Woven Training Pants
Don’t let their unassuming appearance and lack of outdoor branding fool you—I’ve had my C9 pants the longest out of any pair and they’re still going strong. Made with a quick-drying, moisture-wicking, woven blend of polyester and spandex, they provide total mobility without feeling fragile. They’re surprisingly burly, yet lightweight enough that I often wear them to climb indoors too. This updated version features a handy thigh pocket on top of the two standard drop-in pockets at the waist.
Available in XS to XXL.
4Old Navy High-Waisted Dynamic Fleece Jogger Sweatpants
I tested these pants for SELF’s most recent Activewear Awards, and I’m so glad I did. They’re basically sweatpants with a performance edge (as seen in their zippered pockets, high waist, and four-way stretch), so I had extremely low expectations for them as outdoor gear. Nevertheless, I wore them out one day and they blew my preconceived notions out of the water. Simply put, they let me climb freely and with focus: I high-stepped, knee-scummed, and topped out, all without even worrying about tearing a hole through the knee. They’re especially great for chillier days since they are made of lightweight fleece.
Available in sizes S to 4XL.
5The North Face Tekware Pants
Another SELF Activewear Award–winner, these pants from the North Face added a month and change to my personal climbing season. Before, if the forecast predicted sub-50-degree weather, I would stay home. Now, thanks to these fleece-lined, water-resistant pants, I’m (at least somewhat) more amenable to cold weather climbing. And that’s not where the benefits of the Tekware pants end. As I gushed in my Activewear Awards review, they have a fantastic high-waisted fit with an adjustable drawcord, which keeps them from slipping all day long. They’re flattering, stretchy, and toasty warm—if you couldn’t tell, they’re easily my top pick for wintertime activities.
Available in sizes XS to XXL.
6Adidas Terrex Liteflex Hiking Pants
Borrowed from my boyfriend on a whim, I wore these pants once and then promptly moved them into my dresser. Made with stretchy elastane and featuring a roomy, relaxed pant leg, the LiteFlex pants are a joy to move in. They’re adjustable at the ankles and the waist, which not only features a long inner drawstring but a grippy silicone lining too, so you can trust they’ll stay up. They almost feel like lightweight rain pants thanks to their water-repellent fabric, which gives me the confidence to sit directly on a damp rock or on the ground in between attempts.
Available in sizes S to XL.
7Nike ACG Dri-FIT ADV FlyEase
Nike ACG’s extreme aesthetic appeal comes backed up by plenty of functionality, and I am eager to try these pants (and be seen at the crag in them). These trekking pants have a quick-release webbing belt, mesh-lined pockets that protect valuables, and a smooth, moisture-wicking fabric that’ll keep you cool and dry.
Available in sizes XS to XXL.
8Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pants
Arc’Teryx designed these softshell pants with the elements—and long days outside—in mind. They’re wind-resistant with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, and their nylon-elastane blend holds up against abrasion. Plus, they have a built-in belt and gusseted crotch, so they can fit and move with you securely—as someone who's a stickler for fit, these are the most enticing features to me. I don’t sport climb, but I could see the Gamma pants being very comfortable and compatible with a climbing harness.
Available in sizes 00 to 16.
9Black Diamond Notion Pant
I find these pants intriguing partly because they’re mostly made of organic cotton, instead of sturdier nylon or polyester fabric. They also contain elastane for stretch, and reviewers report they’re comfortable, easy to climb in, and relatively durable. And, for those who want a pair of pants they can wear from the trail straight into town, the Notion pants don’t overtly technical or outdoorsy—they’d fit right in with the rest of my regular athleisure wardrobe.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
10Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pant
The quick-drying Ferrosi pants are a longstanding favorite among climbers for its breathable and lightweight feel, stretchy fit, sturdy construction, and overall comfort level (one reviewer even said she likes to sleep in them on camping trips). They also feature a 50+ UPF rating for reliable sun protection, which makes me eager to try them the next time I book a climbing trip to the desert.
Available in sizes 0 to 24.
11La Sportiva Mantra Pant
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to try these pants because of their appearance. They nail the gorpcore aesthetic with a wide waistband, rope-style drawstring, relaxed pant leg, and outdoorsy colorways. But, seeing as how they’re from La Sportiva, an elite brand when it comes to climbing gear, there’s plenty of technical substance to these pants as well. They have articulated knees and a gusseted crotch for a full range of movement, built-in waistband loops for your brush and chalk bag, and a tough external fabric.
Available in sizes XXS to XL.
12KUHL Klash Pants
I want these pants for my worst days at the crag—the days where I send nothing and fall off everything; the days when I trip down the trail; the days when gravity is fighting against me. And that is because they seem tough as nails. Not only are they tested to be extremely abrasion-resistant and made to stretch with your movements, but they also feature ripstop cuff guards to prevent tearing and fraying. At the risk of sounding dramatic, my worst days might feel a little less terrible if I had these pants.
Available in sizes 2 to 16, in 30 and 32 inseams.
13Mountain Hardwear Dynama High Rise Pant
Mountain Hardwear, first and foremost known for its serious performance gear, didn’t skimp on style with this iteration of the brand’s Dynama pants. They have a secure high-rise waist, ankle-length, and slim fit, which not only look nice but make the pants feel light and less bulky. Made from nylon and elastane, they strike that ideal balance of tough yet flexible, with reviewers writing that they wear them to climb, to work, and even to yoga practice.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
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