Best Pants to Climb In?

For the sake of argument, I've found Prana pants lacking in the QC/durability department. I've had several that were OK but not great, and then my last pair had huge holes after two washes and minimal wear. I called them up and they basically said "you're out of luck." I can't see spending money on their stuff when there are companies like Mountain Hardwear and Patagonia in the same price range that'll stand behind their products. I've also found blurr to make some kick-ass climbing pants; they're worth looking into.

NHornick wrote:For the sake of argument, I've found Prana pants lacking in the QC/durability department. I've had several that were OK but not great, and then my last pair had huge holes after two washes and minimal wear. I called them up and they basically said "you're out of luck." I can't see spending money on their stuff when there are companies like Mountain Hardwear and Patagonia in the same price range that'll stand behind their products. I've also found blurr to make some kick-ass climbing pants; they're worth looking into.

That's really unfortunate. I have two pairs (as well as a pair of the shorts) and love them, but if they can't keep up QC and won't stand behind their product, I may have to take my money elsewhere when the pairs I have finally give up.

Some great ideas have been made
For rock the Craghoppers will feel a lot like your trusted Dickies w/stretch
The kitchen work pants come in a herring bone pattern shed water are stretchy and durable.but often have pocket issues
The 501 skater jeans and army surplus have all been standards but again the pockets can suck.
If you don't mind cross dressing maternity wear can offer the scrubs fit with more durability
Scholler wear is the European standard French and Italian ,Austrian and German .and cross into
The winter What you do is what will push your winter choice
another story I always shred my winter pants so I buy used ski wear
Bibs with at least half leg zips I prefer to layer as opposed to insulated , the fit is what is most important to me I often find myself sleeping in what ever I'm wearing
the call of nature is always a hassle again some women's bibs are easy to move in and can allow for that bathroom break .Used clothing stores Salvation Army Good will and pre season ski swap meets are the affordable way to go.

What do y'all find are the burliest jeans with some lycra and a gussetted crotch? i love climbing in thrift-store jeans but they don't last long, and the really good ones (sevens) are too expensive to thrash. I haven't found the Grail here yet but maybe the crowd can source me some wisdom.

Best pair of pants I have ever climbed in: the old Patagonia Hemp jeans. They don't make them anymore but I am still nursing a pair that is 15 years old. Off-width, Rifle, brew pub, cruiser bike rides, 7 months in Central/South America- really thin in the seat and knees now but way too good to be given up. Hopefully they will make them again someday. I have not found a worthy substitute. I will probably be sporting them at the crag this weekend.

davedad wrote:Best pair of pants I have ever climbed in: the old Patagonia Hemp jeans. They don't make them anymore but I am still nursing a pair that is 15 years old. Off-width, Rifle, brew pub, cruiser bike rides, 7 months in Central/South America- really thin in the seat and knees now but way too good to be given up. Hopefully they will make them again someday. I have not found a worthy substitute. I will probably be sporting them at the crag this weekend.

HMmmm... Patagonia Hemp Overstone pants? patagonia.com/us/product/me…

Obviously these are the greatest Pants ever to climb in. And they come in Artichoke!

Pants will be a massive personal pref. I struggle to get behind any pants that have no stretch in them (jeans baffle me). I've been through a fair number of pants over the years and here are my favorites

Cotton Based - Cotton can feel more comfortable at times but I have serious doubts about it being more durable. ANY cotton pants I've had have blown out in the knees much faster than a similar nylon based pair. Even serious pants like Carharts. That and any really burly cotton pants are HEAVY.

Right now my favorite cotton based pants are the Stonemaster made pants. These have stretch and the cut/fit are obviously climber inspired. Not convinced of their durability for the real "Burl" but as a sport climbing pant, I really like them. They've expanded their line a fair amount so it looks like you have options AND can find things on sale.

Nylon Based: I've found stretch "Soft Shell" pants to be my go to for the vast majority of my climbing. The synthetic just seems to hold up better over time. BY FAR my favorite pair over the years is the Mammut CHAMP PANT. Long since discontinued these things have a cult following for good reason. Still can't kill mine. The closest I've seen to replace them are the new and $$ BD BDV pants but my size isn't avail right now so it's on the spring buy list. Patagonia Guide pants are also on my radar as I've read these are similar.

Kai Larson wrote:Prana stretch zion

+1

Has anyone mentioned prana stretch zion?

They are pretty good!Like climbing in PJs.

+1 on Prana Zion. they are awesome.

Another +1 on the REI Endeavor. Where the Prana has roll-up leg snaps, the Endeavor has elastic cord in the cuff so you can man-pri/nicker them.

I have both.

I've been climbing in the same zion pants for a year, put them through hell, and they have held up fine. Initially there was some fuzzing up on the thighs that worried me, but that stopped and they are holding up well. I am always amazed at how well they clean up, they'll be seriously stained looking at the end of a long weekend, but after a wash they look great.

Kühl makes a good pant

Prana stretch zion for anything vert/over vert. low grade chimneys/wide..... blue jeans/carhartt double knee pants..... any slab I know I may fall on...... jeans or carhartt double knees....

Kai Larson wrote:Prana stretch zion

I'll have to second the Prana streth zion pants (and shorts). I have a few pairs and love them.

I also like the Mountain Hardwear piero pants and shorts because they're just a tad bit thicker material.

Both handle the wear and tear of climbing and both are gusseted and have lots of stretch

I really like the Millet Battle Pant, though it looks like it is discontinued now.... Very comfortable, light, and room to move. So far they also seem durable.

Add a cordlock to the waist drawstring though....