What do you look for in a climbing pant?

that guy named seb wrote:

Factually incorrect, nylon actually smells significantly worse than polyester as its oleophillic and hydrophilic so it likes to hold onto and sequester all those lovely oils that you excreet as well as your sweat. Polypropylene similarly reeks when used as a base layer as it absorbs all your oils, it has the benefit in that like polyester it doesn't actually absorb water. 

You might be right about what you stated, but my experience has been that polyester gets nasty and holds smells way worse than nylon. I've been sewing and making gear for 15 years and this is the known general consensus. I still wear polyester sometimes because there are instances where it breathes better or feels better against my skin, but I have had polyester shirts that you cannot wash the smell from, it doesn't matter what you use to wash them. 

Also, there are a bunch of different types of nylon and polyester and they're often blended with other materials. You can't really just compare "nylon" vs "polyester". Plus, the weave and way the fabric was manufactured will have an effect on these things, too. 

Latro wrote:

Can I post in with a slight diversion?  I'm looking for non-stretch nylon pants - for hiking, or just straight loose pants with a reasonably tight weave.  While I have a few stretchy things - nice pants until something happens.... I want more pants with a nonstretch medium wgt nylon.  My google-fu, such as it is, is hopeless.  The inclusion of -stretch or -spandex seems to fill my screen with more of the same.

I burned through 2 such EMS pants in 30 yrs, with some support from even heavier nylon pants from LLBean for skiing.  My North Face stretch nylon shorts got shredded in 4 years.  A pair of cotton shorts barely make it through a summer of gardening.

Thanks.

Try looking for EMT uniform pants. Great pockets, super heavy duty non stretch rip stop nylon. 

Artem Vee wrote:

I stopped paying attention to most things other than cost for rock pants. They’re going to be in tatters no matter what the brand is, so as long as they are stretchy and synthetic, ready to go. RAB made some with tough fabric on the knees that I liked. Zip pockets are needed, obviously (top drop in pockets are also quite nice). 

But honestly, yeah - pants get destroyed in adventure climbing. Nobody has made an offwidth proof pant, and no I’m not wearing jeans or some other heavy jean mimick into the mountains. So, cost. Since I’m replacing them every 365 days, I don’t want to break the bank. The most expensive rock pants I’ve purchased have also lasted the least long. 

For ice pants - what I want is a waterproof shell, form fitting, and light. For those I spend more (like 200-500 a pair), and they last longer. But I get the sense that isn’t what you are asking about. 

I get your point. Climbing pants wear out quickly, no matter how much you pay for them. This is due to the fact that they occur against sun rocks, friction, and other elements.

The integrated belt that zions have is a game changer for me and the main thing I look for in replacements. It’s nice when I can wear the same pair for a few days in a row and just cinch the belt down tighter and tighter.

Zipper pockets somewhere is also big - ideally the thigh but not as big of a deal

How could I be so remiss as to forget my favorite climbing pant: scrubs.

For summer sun protection: classic cotton, upsized for baggy ventilation, chop off the ankles.

For colder temps: poly jogger style with gathered ankles, stretchy fabric.

Zippered pockets are available, as is a plethora of Euro-friendly colors. Easily procured for $10-15 a pair.

If things are going to get rowdy, they pair nicely with thin kneepads. (Pic by someone on this thread).

I look for pants that are stretchy and synthetic. Right now I shill for Wrangler ATGs because they're only 30$ at target but meet those criteria. And they have a version with drawstring ankles and an integrated belt like prana's. 

This thread pretty much proves what I have been doing for the past few decades…you need at least 15- 20 pairs of climbing pants  

You have your various disciplines with different ideal requirements (Cragging, Multipitch, Offwidth, Sport/bouldering, Alpine, Ice, etc) and all those with different rock styles, approach lengths, etc, and then you have about 3 different temperature or weight factors ( winter/cold, summer/hot, and shoulder/decent temps)

All this adds up over the years to be about 30 pairs—given the fact that I can never find the ones I want or need or have forgotten that I have (mainly cuz I have way too much shit) I have had to double up. Lol

Can there ever be a one true pair of climbing pants?

Oh sorry, here it is /s

J L wrote:

Can there ever be a one true pair of climbing pants?

Oh sorry, here it is /s

That's what Locker wears when he goes clubbing.

I've yet to find a pair of pants I really like for climbing. I like older soft shell pants for this time of year into winter, mostly because I think the older pants were slightly more burly and also I like the looser fit. I bought the Atom Lt pants on sale and I really like those, but I think that they are not worth the full price even if they feel good and are actually fairly durable. I look for good fit, durable-ish fabric, pockets where I can actually store stuff, good crotch articulation(giggity), and belt loops. 

I've been climbing in the following:

Boulder Denim jeans "millennial" fit, pretty stretchy, love the pockets, hate the zipper placement. Kids these days don't like "skinny jeans," but they dress like they raided someones closet in the 90s go figure. 

Arc Atom Lt -Great fit, burly, good pockets, but I think they could have been better. Like I wish they had ass pockets and belt loops. Imo a lot of arcteryx's stuff could be slightly better, but so could most outdoor gear. It's splitting hairs to a degree

Arborwear Cedar Flex- Bought these when I did tree work and they are tough, flexible, and pretty stylish. They are heavy and don't breathe super well. 

Prana Zions- This is my "got at a consignment store for $20 and will use it to boulder in the gym or look like a climber while I buy a $5 latte and a scone" pants. Did buy them for $20, no real quips, but they kind of suck.  

Patagonia Synchilla sweatpants from the 90s- Warm, cozy, burly, and great if I don't feel like putting on real pants to look like an adult who has his life together. 

No pants- I don't need the man's crotch shackles to keep me from sending, mannnnn. 

Old lady H wrote:

A climber, usually??

Still hoping ....

I want them stretchy, with a secure pocket for my phone, and room for my other junk.

I usually rock some Prana stretch zions; they're not the cheapest, but man, they last. Plus, the built-in belt is pretty handy when you've got that on-the-go belly size fluctuation.

Tanner James wrote:

I’ve been abusing a single pair of Patagonia terravia alpine pants for years now and love them. I have also been begging Patagonia to make an overall out of that same exact pant fabric and style. Literally just extend the pant up to a bib. Thin soft shell Overalls make by far the most functional sense for climbers with the chest pockets.

Mikey if you’re reading this please for Gods sake get Patagonia to make these overalls!

I would kill for this. Add my name to the petition! Until then it will be various pairs of perpetually-on-sale eddie bauer pants.

As an aside, does anyone have recommendations for a minimalist hardshell pant? Colin Haley talks about some prototype waterproof "judo pants" in his layering system article, and I'm a fan of the idea (baggy, very simple, elasticated cuffs, lightweight). 

Tanner James wrote:

I’ve been abusing a single pair of Patagonia terravia alpine pants for years now and love them. I have also been begging Patagonia to make an overall out of that same exact pant fabric and style. Literally just extend the pant up to a bib. Thin soft shell Overalls make by far the most functional sense for climbers with the chest pockets.

Mikey if you’re reading this please for Gods sake get Patagonia to make these overalls!

Basically my dream pant. I hope it actually would fit like a pant and not the other shit Patagonia does with their pants! oh and not to baggy cuffs as to not get cut by crampons and you might as well add a zip for ski boots

"What do you look for in a climbing pant?"

Well, the obvious answer is "balls"! Two pages in and nobody found it...

pfwein Weinberg wrote:

Hmm, I don't think the purpose of the diamond panel is to last longer, but rather to improve mobility (e.g., when doing something like splits).  

Most recent pants I bought specifically for climbing were from a tip someone else posted on MP:  https://www.target.com/p/wrangler-men-s-atg-side-zip-5-pocket-pants/-/A-54585868?preselect=54497249#lnk=sametab

Haven't had a chance to use them yet, but for the price they seem good to my eye.

Dude these look rad!! Thanks man! I always liked the Zions but those new Zion II’s just got so pilly and fuzzed after very light duty wear and they cost almost twice as much as these Wranglers.

Just wish they had 30x36, 34 inseam just don’t quite cut the mustard haha 

What is the most you would pay for your ideal climbing pants? Most good Italian climbing shoes cost around $200+ a pair, and wear out faster than pants usually do. Defining ideal - perfect combination of fit/function/materials/craftsmanship. Would anyone pay $200 for a perfect pair of climbing pants that would last for multiple years of hard climbing with repairable features to keep them going? 

ROCKMAN2 wrote:

What is the most you would pay for your ideal climbing pants? Most good Italian climbing shoes cost around $200+ a pair, and wear out faster than pants usually do. Defining ideal - perfect combination of fit/function/materials/craftsmanship. Would anyone pay $200 for a perfect pair of climbing pants that would last for multiple years of hard climbing with repairable features to keep them going? 

Winter pants and summer pants.

$100 for summer with a bit more material about the knees and butt. $150 for winter with a thin fleece layer?

I’ve seen patches on many climbing pants.

If they were perfect $200 is possible?