Rock climbing requires durable and functional clothing that can withstand the rigors of the sport. Whether you’re bouldering in the gym or tackling alpine routes, having the right pair of climbing pants is essential. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best rock climbing pants for men in 2024, catering to different climbing styles and budgets.
Best Overall Rock Climbing Pants: Arc’teryx Konseal Lightweight Pant
- Weight: 8.8 oz.
- Material: Fortius Air 50 — 84% nylon, 16% elastane, PFC-free DWR finish
- Number of Pockets: Two front hand pockets, two rear, one zippered thigh
- Special Features: Webbing waist belt, hidden thigh pocket, angled pockets
- Fit: Slim
The Arc’teryx Konseal Lightweight Pant is our top pick for the best overall rock climbing pants. Made with four-way stretch Fortius Air 50 material, these pants offer excellent freedom of movement. The slim fit and tapered legs keep the pant legs tight for precise footwork. The pants also feature a low-profile belt design and multiple pockets for storage. However, they may not be the most durable option available.
Best Budget Rock Climbing Pants: Mountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On Pants
- Weight: 9.5 oz.
- Material: 94% nylon, 6% elastane, PFC-free DWR finish
- Number of Pockets: Two front hand pockets, two drop-in back (including one zippered)
- Special Features: Elastic waistband, zippered back pocket, drawstring waist
- Fit: Roomy
For those on a budget, the Mountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On Pants are a great choice. These pants are comfortable and offer a roomy fit. They have an elastic waistband for added comfort and a zippered back pocket for secure storage. However, accessing the rear zippered pocket can be difficult when wearing a harness.
Best Rock Climbing Pants for Ice, Snow, and Cold Weather: Arc’teryx Gamma Pants
- Weight: 12.5 oz.
- Material: 88% nylon, 12% elastane
- Number of Pockets: Two zippered hand pockets, one zippered thigh pocket
- Special Features: Zippered thigh pocket, adjustable cuffs, integrated waistbelt
- Fit: Regular
When climbing in ice, snow, or cold weather, the Arc’teryx Gamma Pants are an excellent choice. These pants offer great warmth-to-weight ratio and are suitable for cold weather climbing. They have durable construction and secure pockets for storage. However, they come at a higher price point.
Best Rock Climbing Pants for Bouldering: Black Diamond Notion Pants
- Weight: 14.5 oz.
- Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane
- Number of Pockets: Two front pockets, two rear
- Special Features: Reinforced knees, elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring
- Fit: Standard; jogger
For bouldering, the Black Diamond Notion Pants are a top choice. Made with organic cotton and elastane, these pants offer comfort and unrestricted mobility. The reinforced knees provide extra durability. However, they lack a zippered phone pocket.
Most Durable Rock Climbing Pants: prAna Kragg
- Weight: Unknown
- Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane
- Number of Pockets: Two front pockets, zippered thigh pocket, two angled rear pockets (one zippered)
- Special Features: Integrated webbing belt, cinchable cuffs, crotch gusset
- Fit: Relaxed
If durability is your top priority, the prAna Kragg is the best choice. These pants are made with organic cotton and have just enough stretch to make moves. They feature an integrated webbing belt, cinchable cuffs, and a crotch gusset for added functionality. However, they may not be the most breathable option.
Best Rock Climbing Jeans: Coalatree Decaf Denim
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Material: 89% cotton, 9% “Ice Cafe Nylon” (made from recycled coffee and plastic), 2% spandex
- Number of Pockets: Two front pockets, two rear (including one zippered)
- Special Features: Hidden zip rear pocket, antimicrobial
- Fit: Slim
For those who prefer jeans for climbing, the Coalatree Decaf Denim is an excellent choice. Made with a blend of cotton, recycled coffee, and plastic, these pants are stretchy, breathable, and environmentally friendly. They have a slim fit and a hidden zip rear pocket for storage. However, they lack a gusseted crotch.
Best of the Rest:
- Outdoor Research Cirque Lite Pants: Stretchy pants with plentiful zippered pockets, ideal for various climbing activities.
- Patagonia Terravia Light Alpine Pants: Slim fit, lightweight pants suitable for warm weather climbing.
- Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Trail Pants: UPF 50 pants with a cinchable waistband and ankles, ideal for versatility.
- Gramicci NN Pants: Stylish and durable pants with a gusseted crotch, perfect for climbing and everyday wear.
Men’s Rock Climbing Pants Comparison Chart
| Pants | Weight | Material | Number of Pockets | Special Features | Fit |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Arc’teryx Konseal Lightweight Pant | 8.8 oz. | Fortius Air 50 (84% nylon, 16% elastane) | Two front hand pockets, two rear, one zippered thigh | Webbing waist belt, hidden thigh pocket, angled pockets | Slim |
| Mountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On Pants | 9.5 oz. | 94% nylon, 6% elastane | Two front hand pockets, two drop-in back (including one zippered) | Elastic waistband, zippered back pocket, drawstring waist | Roomy |
| Arc’teryx Gamma Pants | 12.5 oz. | 88% nylon, 12% elastane | Two zippered hand pockets, one zippered thigh pocket | Zippered thigh pocket, adjustable cuffs, integrated waistbelt | Regular |
| Black Diamond Notion Pants | 14.5 oz. | 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane | Two front pockets, two rear | Reinforced knees, elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring | Standard; jogger |
| prAna Kragg | Unknown | 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane | Two front pockets, zippered thigh pocket, two angled rear pockets (one zippered) | Integrated webbing belt, cinchable cuffs, crotch gusset | Relaxed |
| Coalatree Decaf Denim | 1 lb. | 89% cotton, 9% “Ice Cafe Nylon,” 2% spandex | Two front pockets, two rear (including one zippered) | Hidden zip rear pocket, antimicrobial | Slim |
| Outdoor Research Cirque Lite Pants | 13.6 oz. | 88% nylon, 12% spandex | Two zippered front pockets, zippered thigh pocket | Crotch gusset, integrated belt, elastic cuffs, reinforced scuff guards | Standard |
| Patagonia Terravia Light Alpine Pants | 9.2 oz. | 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex | Two front zippered pockets, right thigh zippered pocket | Right thigh zip pocket, elastic waist with drawstring | Slim |
| Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Trail Pants | 11 oz. | 88% nylon, 12% elastane | Two front hand pockets, one rear zip pocket | UPF 50, low profile belt with cinch adjustability, two side hand pockets, secure zip back pocket, seat gusset | Standard |
| Gramicci NN Pants | Unknown | Stretch cotton twill | Two front pockets, two hook-and-loop rear pockets | Integrated adjustable belt, crotch gusset | Standard |
Why You Should Trust Us
The recommended pants on this list have been extensively tested in various climbing conditions and disciplines. Our team has tested these pants in climbing areas across the US, including the Wasatch mountains of Utah, Yosemite National Park, and numerous climbing gyms. We have evaluated their durability, versatility, freedom of movement, and fit. Our focus has always been on their effectiveness while climbing.
We understand that different climbing disciplines require different types of pants. That’s why we have categorized our recommendations based on specific climbing styles, such as bouldering, alpine climbing, and durability. Our list will always include the best pants available, and we will continue to test new options as they hit the market.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Rock Climbing Pants
While you can technically climb in any pants, rock climbing-specific pants offer advantages that enhance your climbing experience. These pants are designed with features that cater to the needs of climbers, such as harness-compatible pockets and durable materials.
In this buyer’s guide, we will cover the key considerations for choosing the perfect pair of rock climbing pants. It’s important to note that this guide focuses specifically on men’s rock climbing pants. If you’re looking for women’s-specific options, please refer to our article on the Best Rock Climbing Pants for Women.
Rock Climbing Pants and Various Climbing Disciplines
Rock climbing encompasses various sub-sports and disciplines, each with its own unique demands. For example, bouldering and alpine climbing require different types of pants. It’s important to choose pants that are tailored to match the specific demands of your chosen climbing activity.
On this list, we have categorized our recommendations based on different climbing styles. This ensures that you can find the best pants for your specific needs, whether you’re bouldering, alpine climbing, or engaging in other climbing disciplines.
Durability vs. Breathability
Durability is a crucial factor to consider when choosing rock climbing pants. Climbing involves regular contact with rough and abrasive surfaces, so your pants need to be able to withstand this wear and tear. Look for pants that are made from abrasion-resistant and durable materials.
However, comfort, stretch, and breathability are also important considerations. It’s not easy to find pants that are both durable and breathable. Generally, lighter and more breathable pants tend to be less durable.
On our list, we have included lightweight options like the Patagonia Terravia Light pants, which are ideal for warm conditions. These pants are comfortable and breathable, but they may be less durable than heavier options.
On the other hand, the prAna Kragg pants are incredibly durable but may not be as breathable. These pants are best suited for cool weather climbing.
Materials and Stretch
To maximize mobility, rock climbing pants need to have stretch. Most pants on this list are made from fabric blends that include stretchy materials like elastane or spandex. The stretch allows for freedom of movement while climbing.
The pants on our list are made from a variety of materials, including cotton and synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon. Cotton-based pants are typically heavier, less breathable, and more durable. Synthetic-based pants tend to be stretchier, less durable, and more suitable for warm weather.
Features
Good rock climbing pants should have practical features that enhance their functionality. Some key features to look for include:
- Adjustable Waistband: Climbing pants should have an adjustable waistband that eliminates the need for a separate belt. This ensures comfort and convenience while wearing a climbing harness.
- Drawstring Ankle Cuffs: Many climbing pants have drawstring ankle cuffs, which allow you to tighten the cuffs to keep the excess material out of the way while climbing. This feature can also provide protection against insects.
- Harness-Compatible Pockets: When wearing a climbing harness, accessing traditional pants pockets can be challenging. Look for pants with secure, zippered pockets that are designed to be easily accessible while wearing a harness. These pockets can be used to store essential items like a phone.
On our list, we have included pants with a range of thoughtful features, such as adjustable waistbands, drawstring ankle cuffs, and harness-compatible pockets.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pair of rock climbing pants is crucial for comfort, mobility, and durability while climbing. Our list of the best rock climbing pants for men in 2023 covers a range of styles and budgets, ensuring that you can find the perfect pair for your specific needs. Consider the features, materials, and fit of each pair to make an informed decision. Happy climbing!
