Best Pants to Climb In?

Hey guys I'm looking to switch things up a little bit on the soft goods side of things. Up to this point I've almost always climbed in either Dickies Classic work pants in the winter and good ol' fashioned medical scrubs in the summer. I love the Dickies for the near bullet proof durability, thermal properties (in the winter), and ability to dry relatively quick. However, they lack quite a bit on the mobility side of things. AKA almost no stretch at all. What I love about climbing in the med scrubs is exactly that, they allow full mobility without a single bit of resistance. These however, wear out rather quickly. We're talking a couple months of heavy use and they're pretty much toast. So what I'm trying to find is a good in between. Something that I can wear pretty much any season, relatively durable, with good movement. Keep in mind all my climbing is either sport or trad climbing in relatively dry conditions. As always, thanks for all of your great (and not so great) input and recs! Cheers!

Saw my lady wearing her ChefWorks chef pants around the house the other day and they look like they could make for some solid climbing pants. Comfy, full range of motion, durable, and they're only like 25$ off amazon.

I've bee really happy with the Mountain Hardwear Piero Pants. Gusseted inseam, articulated and double-front knees, and super durable nylon canvas fabric. Have been climbing 2-3 days a week in my current pair for about a year and a half and some stitching is wearing through, but the fabric is still bomber.

Relatively expensive ($90) but what isn't these days. Pretty ridiculous deal right now 123mountain.com/piero-pant-….

Hey Jeff how are they fit wise? More form fitting like a BD Dawn Patrol pant, kinda baggy like a Verve Bouldering pant? Just curious. I guess I should have mentioned that I'd like a fit kinda in between. Not too form fitting, but not baggy like a snowboard/ski pant. If that makes sense. Hoping to have my cake and eat it too on this front. Lol!

They are somewhat of an alpine fit. Not skinny jeans/leggings tight, but way more fitted than a pair of verve or snow pants. They fit nicely under my harness with non-adjustable leg loops. If you want to try them on, any store that carries MH should have them in stock.

Thanks Jeff, I'll see what I can do about finding a place to try 'em on locally. And the alpine fit sounds like it might be right up my alley!

Element (and many other skate companies) make all types of jeans that stretch. The Owens are 2% lycra and have a drawstring in the waist which I really like in climbing pants. I like a slim tapered fit so I can see my feet.

Prana stretch zion

PS for anything more than bouldering or cragging I'm also wearing MH Piero. Awesome. But for me the fit is a bit baggy.

levis 504 from there skateboard collection they stretch and are made from cordura denim which is extremely durable....

Prana Bronson pants. Hands down my favorite pants to climb in. Gusseted crotch, stretchy and bombproof. Little baggy fit but not too much, and not too heavy.

I'll go out on a limb here and cast a vote for the Piero as well. I've had a few pairs now, and Mountain Hardwear really did a great job with that pant. They can take a beating, breathe relatively well, offer great mobility, and have what I'd call a "relaxed" fit. Oh, and you can wear them out in the "real world," too. I love them for cragging and bouldering.

Kai Larson wrote:Prana stretch zion

This

Of course like most pants youll eventually need to seam grip and tape the holes wirh enough use

;)

Kai Larson wrote:Prana stretch zion

+1. I have two pairs of pants and two pairs of shorts. I probably wear them 75% of the time, regardless of whether I'm climbing or not, and I haven't worn any other pants while climbing in the last 4 or 5 years. Super comfortable, stretchier than I'd ever need them to be, and durable. The only damage any of them have received so far is a pinhole in one pant legs where a camp fire ember burned through them.

+1 for stretch zion. Pretty durable, but grunt up corners and chimneys enough and they'll show wear. They have changed their sizing and I've gone from medium to XS which is f-ing crazy. 5'9" 145 and XS. Surely has nothing to do with obesity epidemic...

Also had good luck with Kuhl's offerings...

Or just get some lycra.

I like Prana stretch zion pants, but only if I can find them on sale & know I won't need semi-technical kneebaring. The inside material is too smooth & will easily slide against the skin in a kneebar. Of course, that same slickness is nice when hiking in them.

Prana strech zions in the summer, Patagonia alpine guide pants in the winter. If you like having some extra warmth, Mammut Alto pants are a great choice too.

I'm a big fan of mountain khaki. Super expensive, but if you look hard enough you'll find them for deep discounts online.

+1 for the Prana Stretch Zion. Ive had two pairs and love them.

Another non-insulated option is the Outdoor Research Ferrosi pant. The Ferrosi is a soft shell material and super durable.They are specifically made for rock and ice climbing; I have two pairs of these also for a good reason: they're badass to climb in (comfortable and durable) and functional.

I liked First ascent guide pants, alot. Relatively inexpensive, middle of the road cut (on the trimmer side, i'd say), LOTS of stretch, zip pockets i could access with a harness on, lightweight enough for summer climbing, but sheds a bit of wind if its chilly. Average durability, I shred a pair a season.

amazon.com/Craghoppers-Mens…

The Craghoppers are real nice. Very athletic fit with drawcords on the pant leg cuff. They also work well in warm and cold weather. I've found them on the Clymb for around $40 a few times.

rei.com/item/843378/rei-end…

The REI Endeavor Hiking Pant also works really great. Pretty much the same cut and fit as the Craghoppers. They don't work as well in warmer temps though.