Mountain Project Logo

Climbing pants for tall skinny dudes

Original Post
Eli B · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2019 · Points: 0

I wanted to get some feedback from other tall climbers who successfully found affordable and durable climbing pants they really like. I am looking for pants that can withstand thorny approaches while maintaining some flexibility for high stepping and other basic climbing movements. Here's the kicker...I am a tall and skinny dude (6'4" around a 32x35 or 32x36 pant size). A lot of the popular climbing pants I've found on the web (Prana Stretch Zion's, Wrangler ATG's, etc.) don't go past a 34 inch inseam. I've been able to fit into some 32x34 Kuhl pants that are just at the edge of being too short, but I don't know if I want to gamble and have to return pants over and over for other brands. Have you had any success finding climbing pants that run a little longer for tall and skinny climbers? Thanks!

Ross Goldberg · · El Segundo · Joined Oct 2017 · Points: 203

I am 6'2" and skinny (165lbs) and I wear the Prana Stretch Zions. I honestly dont care about the pant length that much because I always have them rolled up to the leg buttons  90% of the time; and that 10% when they are down I like that the leg ends high up so I can see my footwork easier.

David House · · Boulder, CO · Joined Nov 2001 · Points: 468

I love Prana Brions (not Zions) more of a five pocket jeans style. Not cheap but a 32/36 in charcoal is currently on sale on their web site for fifty bucks

Bryan L · · VA · Joined Dec 2017 · Points: 231

I've got a couple of pairs of the Kuhl Renegade pants that I absolutely love. I've had them for a few years using them for climbing and fly fishing on small mountain stream and they still look brand new. Once they finally wear out, I won't hesitate to buy more of them.

Kevin N. · · Wenatchee · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 1,286

I’m 6’ 4”. I have a few pairs on cotton canvas climbing pants that I really liked but ended up being too short for around town…(probably fine for climbing since I usually roll up the pant leg anyway) since I really liked the fit overall I decided to simply extend the leg length to make them more versatile.

I found a seamstress in town that added a jogger style hem that I liked in similar material and color for $25. Seemed like a great deal for the quality of work, and now dig the pants even more and use em not just for climbing.

Might be a good option since you seem to have an inseam length that’s harder to find? 

Jay Anderson · · Cupertino, CA · Joined May 2018 · Points: 0

Arcteryx gamma LT medium tall (32x35).  Yes, they are expensive, but awesome and last forever.

ZT G · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2020 · Points: 50

I’m like a 30x33 and the Sportiva roots pant in a medium has been good to climb in and actually fits both ways, not bulletproof tho, cotton, and usually sold out on their site. 

Jake Jones · · Richmond, VA · Joined Jun 2021 · Points: 170
Jay Anderson wrote:

Arcteryx gamma LT medium tall (32x35).  Yes, they are expensive, but awesome and last forever.

I just got two of these discounted (because I'm not a millionaire and can't afford the shit) and they are the most comfortable and functional pants I've ever climbed in.  The only gripe I really have is that the hooked tightening belt (which is built in and 10X more durable than the Prana system on the Stretch Zions) can come loose if you're really rubbing up against stuff.  I wish I had 2 pair in every color, but I can eat for a year on that $$.  Best pants I've ever worn, great features and adjustability.  I'm 6'2" and hefty as hell right now at about 190 and have long legs and these things fit me like a dream.  My waist is probably 33 to 34" right now and my "normal" inseam is 34".  The Medium Tall "M/T" in these pants fit like they used me to design them.  If they weren't so expensive, I'd run out and get more like yesterday.  Can't speak to the durability because I haven't worn them on much outdoors stuff, but they seem like they're going to do fine, At LEAST as good as the Pranas, not that they're that durable to begin with.

Marc-Olivier Chabot · · Gatineau, QC · Joined Sep 2016 · Points: 440

I'm only 5.9" so I can't tell by experiences if it will fit you but the Ucraft pants are much longer than usual pants. The fit is narrow and price affordable. Those are the pants I recommended for tall and skinny climbers. 

B G · · New England · Joined May 2018 · Points: 41

There are so many companies making synthetic pants for cheap. I think the real answer is going cheap, unless the pants have a feature that you really want. I don't know if they're still the same but several years ago I bought a ton of pairs of Old Navy "Go Dry" pants for like $10 or $15 each. The even have a gusseted crotch. I know I've seen recommendation around here for synthetic ?wranglers? at wallmart. It's a little more searching, but I think you can find fancy climbing pants at bargain stores.

bearded sam · · Crested Butte, CO · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 145
Jake Jones wrote:

I just got two of these discounted (because I'm not a millionaire and can't afford the shit) and they are the most comfortable and functional pants I've ever climbed in.  The only gripe I really have is that the hooked tightening belt (which is built in and 10X more durable than the Prana system on the Stretch Zions) can come loose if you're really rubbing up against stuff.  I wish I had 2 pair in every color, but I can eat for a year on that $$.  Best pants I've ever worn, great features and adjustability.  I'm 6'2" and hefty as hell right now at about 190 and have long legs and these things fit me like a dream.  My waist is probably 33 to 34" right now and my "normal" inseam is 34".  The Medium Tall "M/T" in these pants fit like they used me to design them.  If they weren't so expensive, I'd run out and get more like yesterday.  Can't speak to the durability because I haven't worn them on much outdoors stuff, but they seem like they're going to do fine, At LEAST as good as the Pranas, not that they're that durable to begin with.

I am 6'3 and 165lbs and bought a pair of Medium/Tall Gamma rock pants 7-8 years ago now. Still going strong and still the best fitting pants I have. As Jake said, if I made more money, I would buy more pairs. 

Matt Heinen · · Arizona · Joined Jun 2019 · Points: 111

Tall skinny here, recently discovered the OR Voodoo, best pants I've worn. Good fit, streeetchyyy, water repel, long enough, though I wouldn't recommend in offwidth. Sounds similar to the Zion pants

Terry Owens · · Reno · Joined Feb 2019 · Points: 5

https://www.wrangler.com/shop/mens-wrangler-flex-waist-outdoor-cargo-pant-NW780.html

I'm 5'10" and wear a 32x32 and find the inseam to be a little longer than most brands on the Wranglers. It would be extremely easy to drop the hem one fold and gain an inch (I'm wearing a pair right now and the hem is rolled into itself again to hide the cut edge of the fabric). You'd just need to restitch the hem, which could be done by hand easily.

They're the most durable and comfortable pants I've ever worn, for everything from construction to climbing. They dry a lot faster than pants with higher lycra/spandex/elastane content, and the cargo pockets are easily accessible from below my leg loops. 

Paul L · · Portland, OR · Joined Dec 2016 · Points: 341

Have you tried on any pants from Eastern Mountain Sports?  I'm 6'2" and wear a 34" in pretty much everything, and I feel like EMS pants run long/big.  

I like the Fencemender as an all-around pant, and have had a couple other pairs of theirs over the years.  I think they are plenty durable, and comfortable.  Fencemender in particular wouldn't be the greatest option for hot weather, but they may have an option that would work.

Jon Browher · · Wolfeboro, NH · Joined Jul 2018 · Points: 370

Marmot Scree in Long sizes

Jay Anderson · · Cupertino, CA · Joined May 2018 · Points: 0
Terry Owens wrote: I'm 5'10" and wear a 32x32

OP said tall and skinny.  Opinions of 32x32 people not relevant.  They make lots of clothes for people like you :-)

Erik Strand · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2019 · Points: 0

E9 pants seems to be exclusively made for tall skinny people. My mediums are 31/34 I think. I’d be screwed without the cinches for my ankles, since my legs are around 30/31 inseam. Awesome pants! I suggest finding them at a deal, though.

Eddie Bauer has a boat load of pant size options but I’ve never owned any to testify to their durability or anything.

Jon Browher · · Wolfeboro, NH · Joined Jul 2018 · Points: 370
Erik Strand wrote:

...Eddie Bauer has a boat load of pant size options but I’ve never owned any to testify to their durability or anything.

I own a number of Guide Pros. The regular version is appropriately sized at 32-34. Quality is just OK but I love the comfort and performance of the fabric. If the stitches fail as can happen, just bring into an EDB store and they'll refund you. The Guide Pro Work Pants are a little more but worth it. Very durable and versatile. Just don't buy unless Eddie Bauer is at least 40pct off

tallguy · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 0

There is another similar thread in the archives here for more detail.  I wear 32*36, and have a bunch of Eddie Bauer for the tall fits.  Not too durable though, but cheap enough.  For my durable pair, I bought some arborwear pants, which are expensive, but durable. 

bearded sam · · Crested Butte, CO · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 145

Another option as a tall skinny guy is Boulder denim. Multiple fit options, stretch and look good for all the potential ’partners’ for other activities outside of climbing. 

Tommy B · · Lunenburg · Joined Apr 2018 · Points: 5

Wrangler outdoor, cheap and awesome.

Spend you money on gear, not pants.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Climbing Gear Discussion
Post a Reply to "Climbing pants for tall skinny dudes"

Log In to Reply
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.