Summer Climbing Pants?

Summer brings a climbing predicament: wear shorts and suffer the bugs/scrapes/cuts/etc, or wear pants and sweat your bits off.

In the words of infomercials everywhere "There HAS to be a better way!"

Has anyone found a full length pant that is light/breathable/flexible but still at least marginally robust? While they're great for most occasions, the Prana Stretch Zion/Brion turn into a hothouse as soon as the sun comes out above 60F. I used to have a super-light pair of EMS-brand climbing pants but they don't make those anymore, so I'm looking for a workalike.

Karpos

The Eddie Bauer first ascent pants are pretty sweet but hard to find on sale sometimes, whatever you get just make sure it’s a light color that reflects light. I’ve put one pair through the wringer and it doesn’t even have any loose threads

OR Ferrosi is pretty good, lighter than the Zion, super quick to dry, good stretch, reasonably durable (pilling and a hole in thigh pocket after 3 seasons)

Usually goes on sale few times a season 

+1 for OR Ferrosi.  That fabric is unmatched.

I too want something cooler to use.  I've almost exclusively climbed in Prana Zion.  Love the fabric (bit on the warm side) and the adjustable waist is key as my stomach/waist seems to change throughout the day.  But my harness always sits right on the edge of the top of them which is uncomfortable...

Any recommendations on cool/breathable and flexible pants with an elastic waist (maybe a higher waist) so they fit almost in noticable under a harness)???

James M wrote:

The Eddie Bauer first ascent pants are pretty sweet but hard to find on sale sometimes, whatever you get just make sure it’s a light color that reflects light. I’ve put one pair through the wringer and it doesn’t even have any loose threads

These are much hotter than Zion... More of a cold weather pant IMO 

Likely more durable as well.  I also found them less flexible than Zion for high steps/etc

The Ferrosi pants are way better than the Zion pants - I’ve had several pairs of both. 

@Soiled 800-fill boxers - you are right.  I've been wearing Prana Zions for 18 years...  Ferrosi's are so much better!  Way cooler and more flexible.  Thank you!

...and if you need a low-profile belt for your Ferrosi (I think the newest have a drawstring, but still wish they had a Zion style belt) - donate to ASCA, get a rope belt
https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/126529624/will-sew-for-bolts-will-ship-you-cool-sewn-goodies-in-exchange-for-your-donation

I love my Zion, but did recently use my "office" Ferrosi for the warmer weather with my rope belt and liked that combo for hot days

Just to throw another option in the mix. I was curious and got some Wrangler pants from Walmart for 20 something bucks. They've been pretty lightweight and held up for a few warm days in the valley this year. The zippers feel cheap, but all the pockets are in the right places and the waistband sits high and is pretty durable. 

Going to test them out for a year or two, but I figure for that price, they've already paid for themselves. 

I've tried Zions, Ferrosis, and Wranglers in hot weather, and they all suck about the same in my experience.  Ferrosis are *maybe* a bit better than the others but not by a lot.  I do wish there was a better option available.

Eric D wrote:

Just to throw another option in the mix. I was curious and got some Wrangler pants from Walmart for 20 something bucks. They've been pretty lightweight and held up for a few warm days in the valley this year. The zippers feel cheap, but all the pockets are in the right places and the waistband sits high and is pretty durable. 

Going to test them out for a year or two, but I figure for that price, they've already paid for themselves. 

I was about to say! Those 20 dollar wranglers have lasted me multiple seasons and seem to hold up equally as good as “high quality” outdoor brands. Material feels even better than prana’s/or’s sometimes 

White painter pants, $20 reflect sun and sturdy for offwidths. Plus you can cosplay as bridwell when you’re in the valley 

I like the Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Slim pants for my hot summer pants and any time its not too cold out.

They are thin and feel cool to me. The Slims are a little more form fitting than the Regulars, which feel too baggy for me. 

ubu wrote:

I've tried Zions, Ferrosis, and Wranglers in hot weather, and they all suck about the same in my experience.  Ferrosis are *maybe* a bit better than the others but not by a lot.  I do wish there was a better option available.

I agree, calling Zions cool when it is hot is crazy. Ferosis are better but I still wouldn't call them that cool either, just better than the Zions.

The best I found, meaning the lightest, coolest summer pant that I have used, by far are the dead bird Konseal. Super light, stretchy and feel like you're wearing nothing, but they cost $160 retail and are definitely not durable, like I should have only used them for sport climbing but tore a hole in the ass butt scootching. 

I still am happy to have them in the quiver for the really hot days. 

https://www.rei.com/product/241213/royal-robbins-active-traveler-zip-n-go-convertible-pants-mens

I used these recently on a trip to RMNP and really liked them. Very similar fit to the Arcteryx Gamma LT’s that I have. Super light weight so I don’t know what the durability will be until I get more miles in them.

Patagonia Terrebone joggers are lighter weight than the ferrosis but their durability is worse. I have a few small holes in mine just from face climbing. They usually go on sale 30-40% a few times a year. 

Mammut Runbold pants in a lighter color are my go-to summer climbing pants. Light, comfortable material, and pretty durable as well.

Ryan Justen wrote:

Any recommendations on cool/breathable and flexible pants with an elastic waist (maybe a higher waist) so they fit almost in noticable under a harness)???

Kuhl Deceptr is what you seek. Roomy crotch with that sweet mom-jeans waist and a tapered leg.