The old adage, look good, climb good might as well have been spoken specifically about climbing pants. Climbing pants are more than just an item of clothing; they play a huge role in how a climber feels and moves on the wall and can make or break a send. From bailing due to lack of stretch on a particularly stemmy route to cutting off a pair of double-layer Carhartts when the reinforced knee fabric pinched in an off-width crack, this author is no stranger to pants-related epics, making this a topic that hits close to home.

Sport climbing and cragging pants need to fit well with a harness, while bouldering pants must allow for freedom of movement and look good on and off the wall. Pockets, material, and durability are important factors for all-day climbs. Each pant in our lineup of functional, movement-friendly bottoms is inspired by and designed for the climbing life. Whether you’re living in the dirt and rocking the same pants every day for two months, or sneaking in a gym session after work, we’ve got a pant for it.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CLIMBING PANT

So, what makes a pant a climbing pant? Climbers wear all types of pants - jeans, leggings, shorts, hiking pants, cargo pants, sweatpants, you name it. It’s all about what feels good and what provides freedom of movement to feel good on the wall. Climbing pants don’t necessarily have to be baggy, though many people like having some room to move. Gusseted legs and articulated knee stitching provide some of this extra room without compromising on fit. Harness compatibility is also important to look at when trying out a new pair of climbing pants. A slim fit and well-designed pockets will help minimize extra bulk around the waistbelt of a harness. Zip pockets and reinforcement in high-use areas are essential features for mountain pants, but are less of a concern for sport climbing and bouldering. Below, we will dive into the specific features best suited for each style of climbing.

GYM SESSIONS AND BOULDERING

Bouldering is all about style. There isn’t a huge need for technical fabrics, zip pockets, and other bells and whistles when you’re headed out for a session in the blocs. A comfortable, movement-friendly pant that looks good with a bit of chalk dust is key. The Ethos Pant is a quintessential cotton pant inspired by just that. These soft cotton pants have a hint of stretch and a classic silhouette that looks great in the boulders and on the street. For slightly warmer weather or those who want a bit more of a technical feel, the Sequence Pant is a great choice, with a relaxed fit, simple pockets, and a comfortable elastic waistband. If style is paramount when you are pulling hard, the HEX pants from BDxHEX offer a wide leg fit in a 100% cotton construction.

CRAGGING/ ALL-AROUNDER


A cragging pant needs to be durable yet sleek enough to fit comfortably with a harness. Whether you’re linking an after-work session with a beer in town or on a two-week road trip, the pants found in this section are going to be versatile and comfortable. First is the Rocklock Pant, made for hard-working types. They’re durable, stretchy, and blend seamlessly from the driver’s seat to the sharp end. For a workwear-inspired look that’s equally functional and ideal for late fall trips to the desert or cool-weather cragging, look no further than the Dogma Pant. These pants are made from heavyweight cotton with reinforced knees, because, come on, it looks cool!

SPORT CLIMBING

The name of the game here is durability and movement. Drop knees, high steps, and pogos, sport climbing is all about dynamic movement and athleticism. Thus, sport climbing pants need to be stretchy, breathable, and able to move. From days at the crag spent sitting in the dirt and belaying for hours to a quick after-work burn on your local project, “sport climbing” covers a lot of different situations. The Sequence Pants, though also workable for bouldering, fit the bill here, as do the Alpine Light Pants. The latter has a slightly more technical fit and feel. In summer, climbing in shorts is a regular occurrence. The Sequence Shorts and the Pursuit Shorts are both good options for warm-weather cragging sessions and are made from synthetic materials.

ALPINE/MULTI-PITCH


This category contains features that come to mind when envisioning a traditional climbing pant: synthetic materials, zippered pockets, and a technical fit. In summer alpine climbing or multi-pitch situations, you’re typically out all day, exposed to the elements, trying to move quickly, and spending a lot of time in a harness. A pant that you’ll wear in these kinds of situations must protect you from the elements, so synthetic fabric, ideally with a DWR finish, is key. The Alpine Light Pants are a great option here. They are stretchy and slim-fitting enough for hard climbing, but still provide some extra protection from weather and the occasional off-width crack or other tests of durability you may encounter on a multi-pitch climb. For days in the high alpine in summer or shoulder season, when temperatures can drop, the Alpine Pants provide a bit more warmth, weather protection, and durability.

CONCLUSION

There are so many forms of climbing, each with its own unique set of constraints when it comes to gear and apparel. This article just scratches the surface of nuance when it comes to the differences between disciplines. You can climb in whatever pants feel best - the information here provides a starting point that can be fine-tuned through experience. The bottom line is: synthetic pants for long days in the mountains are more comfortable and provide a buffer of safety when it comes to inclement weather; cotton pants and styles with a relaxed fit work great for bouldering; and shorts and breathable pants are ideal for the gym and warm conditions. We’ve got every discipline covered in our line-up of pants, and each style is designed with movement, breathability, and comfort in mind. And don’t forget, if you look good, you’ll climb good.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Purpose and Fit Matter: Climbing pants aren’t just about style—they impact performance, comfort, and movement. The right fit can make the difference between sending and cruxing off.

• Key Features to Look For: Important design elements include stretch, gusseted legs, articulated knees, harness compatibility, and durable materials. Consider pocket placement and reinforcement zones depending on your specific discipline.

• Bouldering & Gym Pants: Prioritize comfort, flexibility, and style. Cotton pants like the Ethos and Sequence models offer relaxed fits and everyday wear appeal.

• Cragging & Sport Climbing Pants: Durability and mobility are key. Options like the Rocklock and Dogma pants balance toughness and comfort for all-day wear, while the Sequence and Alpine Light pants are suited for the demands of dynamic movement.

• Alpine & Multi-Pitch Pants: Synthetic, weather-resistant materials are essential for long days in harnesses and exposure to the elements. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for zip pockets to store essentials. Our line of Alpine pants is a staple pick.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jane Jackson is a writer and editor based in the Sierra Nevada. She loves granite and being in the mountains, and has spent most of her adult life obsessed with rock climbing in all of its forms.