Climbing Pants

Featured review by Mackaym

Very comfortable hiking pants, highly recommended!

I purchased a pair of the prAna Stretch Zion Convertible pants in the spring of 2016 (see my review of those pants here). After a year of loving those pants, I wanted to get another great pair of comfortable hiking pants. This time, I decided to give the regular (non-convertible) Stretch Zion Pant a try, and purchased these in the spring of 2017.   Being the bargain-hunter that I am, I searched the internet until I was able to buy a prior year closeout deal for only $40 for a pair of dark olive green pants.   Because I had put on a few pounds at the time I purchased them, I bought the 33-waist, 32-length (the prior convertible pants are size 32x34).

Read more: prAna Stretch Zion Pant reviews (8)

Reviewed by CO_forester

I really like these pants. They are durable and comfortable, and they aren’t restrictive when you’re trying to move around over rocks or downed trees or whatever other obstacles you might encounter in the wilderness. They’re pricey, but I think they’re worth the investment.

Fit & Comfort: These pants have a pretty standard fit—not very tight and not especially relaxed. Definitely not baggy. The pants have some stretch to them, which, combined with the not-too-tight fit, make them flexible enough for hiking and climbing. The pants are made from a nylon-polyester blend, which makes them softer than other hiking pants that are often made from 100% nylon. I’ve worn these in dry heat and muggy monsoons. When I worked for the Forest Service in Arizona last summer, I wore them every day and washed them at most once a week (gross, I know, but we were working outside and smelled bad anyway).

Read more: Patagonia RPS Rock Pants review (1)

Reviewed by Jeff Zuptich

Wow, these things are comfy and if you cover up the waistband they will pass for nice linen dress pants.

I found these on sale at a major retailer and I had just discovered how comfortable prAna pants were. In fact I had vowed to wear nothing but prAna pants ever again and so I needed another pair of prAna something. I put them on as soon as I got home and was thrilled at how soft they were. But, it was 30 degrees outside and I don't turn my heater up very high so I put midweight wool long underwear bottoms on under. I was comfy in a 65-degree house then.  I haven't climbed in them and I probably won't climb in them unless I'm at a gym. They are so thin and soft that even though hemp is very tough I would be worried that they would get holes from the rock. I've done some yoga in them and they are not constraining in any way. 

Read more: prAna Vaha Pant review (1)

Featured review by Lester M

A stylish and versatile product, when introduced. How has the passage of time impacted that reputation? They're still pretty good...but what is their primary function?

I bought my first pair of Gramiccis from REI, in Fremont, around 2005. They still made them, without a zipper, in Oxnard, Calf. The gusseted crotch was innovative and allowed climbers room to bend and stretch, in ways that slimmer fitting cotton pants couldn't provide. Waist adjustment was via a partially concealed webbing belt: maximum simplicity, with little to break or degrade. In the intervening years, Gramicci have outsourced their sewing operations, added a zipper, and now offer two further fashion options, for those who value a figure flattering silhouette, over scrambling utility.

Read more: Gramicci Original G-Pants reviews (3)

Reviewed by Jake W

The Boulder Denim jeans are aimed at the office to outdoor crowd—those people who are looking for a pair of pants to go from the job to the crag without having to change in between. These are as close to perfect a pair of casual pants as I’ve ever worn and highly recommend them for anyone looking for a pair of jeans to run the gauntlet from business casual to the climbing granite runway.

PREAMBLE There are two types of people in this world—there are the good beer drinkers and the Coors light crowd, the overhand or the underhand on the toilet paper roll AND the climb in jeans or not climb in jeans crowd. The first two answers are pretty black and white. There’s a right answer—craft beer, overhand, and a wrong answer—you must be borderline psycho to go underhand. The third answer? Well the lines are becoming blurred… (what a weirdly ominous way to get you to continue reading a review about jeans.) FIT AND COMFORT For the longest time I haven’t been able to climb in jeans for a couple reasons.

Read more: Boulder Denim Athletic Fit Jeans review (1)

Reviewed by Sean Van Cleve

Toughest pants ever owned! Super abrasion resistant, still look great after several years of serious abuse!!! 32 Long fits great for 5'10"/160lbs.

I simply cannot wear these pants out! I think it was 4+ years ago I bought these, and the stitching is still holding tight everywhere! I like climbing gear for backpacking due to its abrasion resistance, and this pair of pants is the single reason I support Mountain Hardwear products. I would estimate these pants have been worn a hundred times, and gone on several dozen backcountry trips and day hikes. I realistically expect these pants to last another 4+ years before they start getting ratty.

Read more: Mountain Hardwear Piero Pant review (1)

Reviewed by Sean Van Cleve

The La Sportiva Crimper is a durable and lightweight men's climbing pant that has a little stretch, yet provides comfort in a cotton-blend, eco-friendly construction. The women's model is the La Sportiva Temple. This quick-dry pant is ideal for any kind of recreational climber, whether enjoying the gym or conquering grueling multi-pitch routes on the mountain.

Searching for a great pair of climbing pants can be a tedious matter. Finding a durable product that is also flexible can be the crux of one’s search. The Crimper Pant is without question one of these products, with its female counterpart being the La Sportiva Temple Pant. La Sportiva states "The Crimper Pant is one of the most innovative rock climbing pants on the market. Articulated knees and gusseted crotch ensure ultimate freedom of movement, while the integrated stretch panel zone on the back provides added range of motion.

Read more: La Sportiva Crimper Pant review (1)

Featured review by Brent Mills

Very comfortable for daily use or yoga.

I currently own two pairs of PrAna's Sutra Pants. These pants are extremely comfortable, but do come with a few drawbacks. COMFORT: The comfort of the Sutra Pants is precisely why I now own two pairs. These things are like wearing pajamas around all day. They are by far the most comfortable pants I own. They have proven themselves to be good pants for hiking, general use, and fishing (they flex with you and dry quickly when wet) as well as for yoga workouts at home or at a gym (again, they flex with you, allowing you to reach even more advanced poses without any issues).

Read more: prAna Sutra Pant reviews (2)