Your favorite outdoor climbing pants?

Eddie Bauer outlets (at least the one near me) currently have a pant in stock they're calling the Rainier pant. Near as I can tell, it is a Guide Pro but is on sale for 50% off of $70. I bought two pairs at that price and they're the best pants I've tried for climbing and backpacking.

Arc'teryx gamma rock pants, soooooooooooooooo nice. Lasted years of daily wear as well as cheese grater granite, only issue is finding a replacement pair, not going to be paying any where near retail.

I loved my Stonemaster pants, until 3 seasons in the butt split on me.
They were nice and stretchy, the ankle was snug enough to see my feet.
The cloth didn't have that slippery feel of synthetics against the rock and they also provided an extra layer of protection against the J-T rasp.

If you or a friend has a Costco card, best for my money are Kirkland (store brand) cotton pants. ~$16 and nice durability / flexibility / breath-ability combo. Haven't tried expensive climbing-specific pants (Prana, REI, etc.), but cooler and more comfortable than my Carhart Ducks for sure.

Note they're not always in stock. Spring is lighter weight cords, fall has slightly heavier 'normal' cotton pants. One shipment each in my experience (no restocking - when sizes are out they're out).

You may be out of luck for this season (even online they're pretty out, link below) but if you climb a lot or are hard on pants it might be worth it in fall. After tearing knees and asses out of several lesser (but more-expensive) pants, getting a couple of these in spring + fall is saving me money. Also look decent at work or around town until you trash them, and usually 4 or 5 color options.

costco.com/Kirkland-Signatu…'s-5-Pocket-Brushed-Twill-Pant.product.100281241.html

reboot wrote: That said, I personally can't stand the Prana Stretch Zion for chimney/OW/kneebar as the fabric slides too easily against the skin.

The older they get the more I notice that, and they slip on the outside to the rock a little as well. Seems like the knees are a little "polished" on one pair now. So I'm going to give Carhartt work pants a try and see how they do for chimneys and OW.

Brent Apgar wrote:Khul also has some nice super light weight synthetic pants. They're nice if it's really hot and you still would prefer not to wear shorts.

Renegade is the model that is all synthetic. Great stretch with full mobility and the zip open thigh pockets are great vents when it's really hot. The fabric does a great job blocking wind, but is still incredibly breathable. I've used one pair for almost all of my climbing outdoors, gym climbing, hiking and alpine shenanigans for over two years now. I have two small holes from grinding against the wall on a layback with my phone in my pocket. A tad bit of pilling of fabric. I can't say enough good things about them, one of the few things I will actually go out and pay retail for.

roscoeoutdoor.com/men/washa…

Roscoe is a small Montana company that makes amazingly durable, lightweight, fully mechanical stretch pants. $90 for a better quality pant from a small operation. Can't say enough good things about them. I climb 50+ days a year, and have burned out countless "big brand" pants in ~1-2 years. My first pair of Roscoes are still serving 3+ yrs later. They fit well, have great features, and last and last and last.

Worth a try.

BigB wrote:So, this begs the question.

No, it raises the question.

Patagonia RPS or Rock Pant (the light, climbing specific pant). I've found it durable "enough" and a good choice if they approach/day is in the blazing heat. It's a simple, light pant, which I can use for all summer activities too. Abrasion resistance is "ok", but it's a light pant after all. Sheds water ok too, until you wear off the coating I'm sure. I wrote a gear review on it here if you're curious what I thought earlier in my ownership.

Maybe I need to try prAna again. In the past I found them to be overpriced for the quality - maybe I was buying counterfeits (I was getting them off used gear sites). And I always found their stuff cut really baggy for me. I'll go try the Zion I guess...

hands down ; homedepot.com/p/Dickies-Rel…

Nick Wright wrote:I've been very partial to the Prana Brions, but mine are close to retirement. Looking to maybe try something new

Climbing friend,

Whatever is cheapest at the thrift store. Even with duct-tape knee padding, after a couple months of offwidth, they all end up like this:

My wife laments that every pair of "nice" pants she buys me ends up as climbing pants.

If finances weren't an issue, I'd go for Duluth Trading Company Stretch Fire Hose every time.

For all the former emo kids out there, stretchy girlpants are great for sport climbing. My last pair was bedecked with sparkly sequins on the butt, which enhance chimney friction and bragging rights. "It's casual, dawg; I onsighted that with purple rhinestones on my ass!"

^
If I'm cragging or fair-weather multi-pitching, then I rock whatever stretchy, skinny jeans I can find for less than $10 at the thrift-store. They will all blow out in time - no use in wasting money on pants that won't last. Not that you were looking for lady pants suggestions - but you dudes might be pleasantly surprised to discover the wonders of climbing in super-stretchy, skinny jeans. Srsly. (And you can earn some much-needed style points)

For alpine climbing or climbing in inclement weather - I use the lady version of the Prana Zions - the Halle pant - they last forever (if you don't wear them all the time) & initially they're decently weather-resistant. Great for backpacking/hiking, too.

I DESTROY pants. I can't get Carhartt double fronts to last more than 6 months, a pair of Kuhls lasted not quite a year and some Pranas (possibly fakes) lasted 3 months.
Naturally I now buy the cheapest I can find.

F'n Flea!

I go with boardshorts in the summer. 11" inseam is the minimum size if you want your knees covered.

Sears painters pants...

Water repellent
Gusseted crotch
Reflects heat
Tough as hell
You look bad ass
And only $25.00

sears.com/craftsman-men-s-p…

Cheap, ostentacious and colorful yoga pants from the womens section at any thrift store near you. Who said women should be the only ones to enjoy all that form fitting comfort?