La Sportiva Crimper Pant

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. When comfort and functionality are paramount, the Crimper Pant is the answer."

Quite simply, these climbing pants successfully accomplish La Sportiva's goal, but don't happen to be drastically different than most dedicated climbing pants on the market. 

When it comes to knowing a product will perform reliably, people reach out to a small handful of brands. La Sportiva is certainly one of these elite companies, handcrafting products in northern Italy for outdoor enthusiasts since 1929. Although footwear for climbing and skiing is their expertise, they have excelled in the textile industry as well. 

The product tester is primarily an indoor climber at the beginner/intermediate level, aspiring to become an outdoor climber. These climbing pants have been tested mostly for top rope and lead climbing, with a conservative amount of bouldering.

Specifications

• Gender: Men's (women's model is the Temple)
• Sizing: XS-XXL
• Material: 71% organic cotton, 25% nylon, 4% spandex; Lining/inner face fabric: 100% organic cotton
• Weight: 11oz (men's medium)

Design, Fit, and Comfort

The Crimper Pant feels as a great pair of climbing pants should; you don’t know they are there, allowing the wearer to focus 100 percent on the climb. When focusing on the comfort of the pant, they are supremely soft to the touch. Both the blended fabric and the cotton inner are soft, however have a different texture. Although not quite flannel or silk, they have a pajama-like comfortable feel!

The feature set of these pants keeps the climber unrestricted during movement, and also provides stylish comfort whether belaying or just hanging around. It should be noted to look closely at La Sportiva’s sizing chart, as this 32-inch-waisted tester comfortably fits into a size S pant. Although the sizing chart is spot-on, the European sizing is a bit different than what is normally expected. 

These pants have an athletic fit, without feeling like a pair of tights. 

The elasticized waistband is simple, and very comfortable.

Features and Function

The La Sportiva Crimper Pant has numerous climbing specific features, while remaining a relatively simple product. Both the two front and two rear pockets are accessible while wearing a harness. 

A small fifth pocket, much like those in blue jeans, is located at the top of the right pocket. 

Hidden is a brush pocket.  

Another feature that is specific for bouldering is the chalk bag loop in the rear. 

In addition to the comfort of an elasticized waist, the pants have a unique-style button with a zippered fly.

Rather than a snap, the button has a slotted hook, to prevent from coming undone.

A drawcord helps provide that secure fine-tuned adjustment. 

Articulated knees and a gusseted crotch provide freedom of movement. 

The upper rear of the pant has an interesting elastic stretch panel to provide additional comfort.

The cuffs of the pant have drawstrings with a hidden toggle to adjust the hem. 

After bringing in the cuffs, it was found to be especially difficult to work the drawstring back to its open most position. After approximately ten frustrating minutes, the cordage was successfully worked back out into the widest possible adjustment.  

All features ultimately function as designed, and somehow find a way to look very fashionable. 

Adjustability and Ease of Use

The Crimper Pant is a very straightforward product, despite its list of features. Once the wearer snaps, zips, and ties, it's off to the crag!

Water Resistance, Breathability, and Moisture

Moisture management is "no sweat" with these pants; even with the high cotton count in the build, these pants dry quickly.

The Crimper is highly breathable, however it has no water resistant properties. 

Warmth and Layering

It is possible to comfortably wear a thin insulated layer under these pants, however it would likely reduce the necessary airspace for a comfortable climb. The pants are thin enough that an outer layer could easily be worn, for belaying, etc. 

It is generally accepted that a warmed-up climber shouldn’t have the need, and wouldn’t want to have to wear additional warm clothing during the active process of climbing outdoors. To that end, these pants are not very warm.

Construction and Durability/Abrasion Resistance

Over the course of testing indoors, the Crimper Pant has shown little to no wear, despite dozens of uses. All stitching and thread has held up as if new. No pilling has occurred after approximately eight wash cycles. 

Closeup image of the articulated knee, stretched to its limit

The La Sportiva pant has been constructed using Bluesign approved fabric. The term “bluesign” comes from the name of a Swiss group called bluesign technologies. This group monitors the complex journey of materials from factory to final product. The bluesign team includes experts in chemistry and textile production, as well as specialists who oversee a robust system of factory auditing and certification.The bluesign system is a growing solution for a sustainable textile production: "It eliminates harmful substances right from the beginning of the manufacturing process and sets and controls standards for an environmentally friendly and safe production."

Bluesign approved fabric is being used by more and more companies, and their presence is rapidly growing in the outdoor community.

Additional links regarding La Sportiva's recycle program, and "Green" line:

https://www.lasportiva.com/en/recycle-program

https://www.lasportiva.com/en/la-sportiva-in-collaboration-with-the-samuele-social-cooperative-launches-the-

At the end of the day, the Crimper Pant has shown to be a key quality product for all aspects of recreational climbing. Despite a temperamental hem adjustment, these trousers are worth every penny and will satisfy both the detail-oriented and unassuming wearer!

Conditions

The La Sportiva Crimper Pants have been tested from summer 2018 through winter 2019 in an indoor climbing gym. 

Many thanks to the people at La Sportiva for the opportunity to test the Crimper Pant for the Trailspace Gear Review Corps.

Background

The product tester has been climbing on a beginner to intermediate level for approximately three years. This product has been tested in several indoor climbing gyms from summer to early winter 2018. Types of climbing during testing: bouldering, top rope, sport lead. Hopefully 2019 will offer opportunities for outdoor climbing!