Best Men’s Climbing Pants of 2023

JUMP TO: PRANA STRETCH ZION II / ARC’TERYX GAMMA AR / BLACK DIAMOND CREDO / OUTDOOR RESEARCH CIRQUE II / OUTDOOR RESEARCH FERROSI / ARC’TERYX ALPHA HYBRID / TOPO DESIGNS BOULDER PANTS / MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR BASIN PULL-ON / BUYING ADVICE

Author: Steve Edgerton

The Short Version

The Long Version

The best climbing pants are designed specifically to help you defy gravity. Not mere hiking pants or workout pants, specialized climbing pants have a unique combination of materials and features to make them an essential piece of gear.

Climbing also takes many forms, each form with its own particular demands. Whether you’re climbing hard at the gym, on boulders, at the crag, or high in the alpine, good climbing pants will mean something different.

We try to reflect that grand spectrum of climbing in our search for the best climbing pants. While we have a few selections we love for their great all-around performance, we paid keen attention to the best options for particular climbing pursuits.

All selections closely evaluate comfort, features, durability, and overall performance. Wherever your climbing takes you, read on to discover the best pants to accompany your adventures.

If you love reading this review of the best men’s climbing pants, then you'll likely love reading some of our other climbing content:

 

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

Want to learn more in your quest for the perfect climbing pants? Don’t miss our buying advice at the bottom of the article, where we cover all of the features and terms to be aware of when hunting for the best purpose-built climbing pants for you.

 

Best Overall: PRANA STRETCH ZION II

MATERIALS: 95% Recycled Nylon, 5% Elastane

WEIGHT: 13.3 oz / 377 g

POCKETS: 1 thigh zip cargo pocket, 2 front, 2 back

PRICE: $$

PROS: Durable, versatile, and comfortable. Excellent climbing and multi-sport pant

CONS: Lack of ventilation

The prAna Stretch Zion II is the latest iteration of a classic climbing pant. With muted colors and an understated design, there is not really anything about them that stands out—and we mean that in a good way. These pants just get the job done. No frills, no excuses.

A nylon and elastane blend and gusseted crotch make for comfortable, stretchy, and durable pants. Roll-up cuffs can be snapped and secured out of place. An integrated belt, DWR finish, and five pockets add to their overall functionality. These pants are a solid choice for both climbing and hiking.

The durable, thick nylon weave means the Zion’s are not the most breathable, and perhaps not the best choice for hot and humid conditions. Otherwise, they are built to last, well-equipped for gym sessions, lazy cragging days, or committing multi-pitches. Our reviewer’s pair have persisted through hundreds of days at the gym and on chossy Rockies limestone pitches, and show no sign of slowing down.

Combining versatility with impressive durability at a reasonable price, the Zion II’s are our go-to “daily driver” climbing pants.

Runner Up Overall: ARC’TERYX GAMMA AR

MATERIALS: Burly™ Double Weave (46% nylon, 46% polyester, 8% elastane)

CLAIMED WEIGHT: 17 oz / 484 g

POCKETS: 2 zip hand, 1 zip thigh

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Well-built, good for everything from sport climbing to mountaineering

CONS: Expensive, slim design not for those who prefer a looser fit

Unlike the quiet confidence of the Zion II pants, our overall runner-ups are full-featured and flashy. The Arc’teryx Gamma AR pants are built for long treks, alpine ascents, and climbs in variable conditions. They simultaneously have enough comfort and articulation to also be your pant-of-choice for more laid-back days at the gym or crag.

Arc’teryx cuts no corners with its apparel design. The Gamma AR pants boast a thoughtful straight-leg fit that is trim but not constraining. They have a gusseted crotch and articulated knees for optimum mobility. Their Burly™ Double Weave fabric blend is breathable and soft on the skin, but with a robust, wind and water-resistant outer shell.

Other features include 2 hand pockets and 1 thigh pocket (all zippered), adjustable pant cuffs, and an integrated belt. The biggest downside of the Gamma AR is its price, at more than double that of the Zion II. If you mostly climb at the gym, these are overkill. But for multidisciplinary climbers who are climbing in the alpine or trekking in the backcountry as often as they are leading sport routes, these versatile, high-performing pants deserve a close look.

Best for Durability: BLACK DIAMOND CREDO

MATERIALS: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane

CLAIMED WEIGHT: 16 oz / 454 g

POCKETS: 2 hand, 2 back

PRICE: $$

PROS: Durable, reinforced knee patches, stylish

CONS: Cotton not appropriate for alpine climbing

Cotton is almost always a no-go for outdoor apparel. It is heavy when wet and takes ages to dry, eliminating it as a reasonable option for most high-aerobic, weather-exposed pursuits.

Climbing pants are perhaps the one exception to the no cotton rule, for despite its drawbacks, cotton is a bombproof option fit to withstand endless abuse from abrasive cliffs and boulders.

The 98 % cotton Black Diamond Credo pants provide that protection and more. A seat gusset, stretchy elastane, and relaxed fit inject some comfort and mobility to complement the durability of their organic cotton build. The reinforced knees will endure countless jams and bars on committing trad lines.

We also love these pants as a durable workhorse for sending projects at the gym. The Credo pants offer unbeatable durability, but we wouldn’t venture out on alpine excursions in cotton pants. A fun variety of colors and a timelessly cool design make them a fine choice for running around town and hitting the pub for post-climb beers, too.

Best for Cold Weather: OUTDOOR RESEARCH CIRQUE II

MATERIALS: 50% nylon, 43% polyester, 7% spandex

CLAIMED WEIGHT: 21.8 oz / 618 g

POCKETS: 2 zip hand, 1 zip thigh, 1 internal avalanche beacon pocket

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Feature-packed, versatile for use in most winter pursuits

CONS: Tight fitting over an insulated base layer, no back pockets

The Cirque II pants from Outdoor Research have long been a favorite for mountaineers, backcountry skiers, and alpinists. Basically, if you’re into winter in the backcountry, you should be getting into a pair of Cirque IIs.

Featuring a nylon, polyester, and spandex blend, these pants are warm, comfortable and weather-resistant, with all of the features that technical winter climbing demands. They have a dedicated avalanche beacon pocket, a DWR coating, scuff guards, articulated knees, a gusseted crotch, and ankle zippers that accommodate any mountaineering, hiking, or ski boot with grace. Zippered hand pockets and one thigh pocket keep essentials dry and accessible, even under a harness. There is an integrated belt and loops if you fancy yourself in some suspenders.

With a trim fit, the Cirque II pants can feel snug, especially when worn over an insulating base layer. They are also expensive, but that comes with the territory for all gear properly equipped to handle cold weather climbing. With these pants, you can at least rest assured that you are making a quality investment.

Best for Cragging: OUTDOOR RESEARCH FERROSI

MATERIALS: 87% ripstop nylon (46% recycled), 14% spandex

CLAIMED WEIGHT: 10.7 oz / 303.3 g

POCKETS: 2 hand, back right zip, back left drop-in, right hip zip

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Lightweight, comfortable, great value

CONS: Thin nylon weave less durable than other pants

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi climbing pants have a nylon/spandex weave that is stretchy, super breathable, and provides UPF 50+ sun protection. They are perfect for staying both comfortable and protected from the elements on those long days at the crag.

The Ferrosi pants are lightweight without sacrificing too much durability. Their 90-D ripstop nylon is wind, water, and abrasion resistant. Five pockets offer loads of secure storage options. Drawcord-adjustable cuffs, belt loops, and an internal drawcord allow you to fine-tune a climbing-friendly fit.

Although not the warmest or the burliest climbing pant out there, that is not the intended appeal of the Ferrosi. They are light, breathable, and quick drying, equally suited for hiking those long crag approaches and sending shady summer sport routes in comfort and style.

Best for Alpine and Ice Climbing: ARC’TERYX ALPHA HYBRID

MATERIALS: 3L GORE-TEX PRO, Burly™ Double Weave (50% nylon, 43% polyester, 7% spandex)

CLAIMED WEIGHT: 16.8 oz / 475 g

POCKETS: 1 zip thigh

PRICE: $$$$

PROS: Breathable, durable, performance-oriented

CONS: Very expensive, only one pocket

For highly technical outdoor pursuits, Arc’teryx apparel often sets the bar. For winter and ice climbing their Alpha Hybrid pants do precisely that.

As the name suggests, these pants have a hybrid construction, combining GORE-TEX PRO fabric with a Burly™ Double Weave soft shell. The result is a rare combination of protection, comfort, and performance. The Alpha Hybrid Pants don’t sacrifice mobility and are durable and resistant to the rigors of alpine and ice climbing. They can withstand bone-chilling winds, kicks from rogue crampon spikes, and wet, icy conditions on frozen waterfall lines.

The hybrid design means that the pants are not fully waterproof, but the added breathability is more than worth it for most scenarios. It prevents overheating and sweating and adds the necessary articulation for athletic ice climbs. Other slick features include removable knee pads, a RECCO® reflector, and ¼ length ankle zips.

These are premium pants, and as expected, they carry a premium price tag. But for the alpine and ice evangelists, the Alpha Hybrids are as good as it gets.

Best for the Gym: TOPO DESIGNS BOULDER PANTS

MATERIALS: 90% nylon, 10% spandex

CLAIMED WEIGHT: N/A

POCKETS: 2 hand, 1 rear zip, 1 rear drop-in

PRICE: $$

PROS: Comfortable, stylish

CONS: Limited in-seam options

These pants let you flaunt some style at the gym, with the performance to back it up. Topo Designs Boulder Pants look good, and they feel even better.

The stretchy nylon and the gusseted crotch are comfortable. A loose fit and hidden cuff adjustments allow for unobstructed airy moves, all without the sloppy look that you get with some relaxed-fit climbing pants.

Though we love these pants in the gym, they also make great do-it-all pants if you want to pack light on your next bouldering trip. They may lack the ruggedness to withstand full seasons of climbing on real rock, but a DWR coating means they are still a respectable option for pebble-wrestling outside and chill hikes on rest days.

The waistband and colorways are undeniably sporty, but with the right button-down and attitude, you can easily dress them up for nights out post-send too.

MATERIALS: 94% nylon, 6% elastane

CLAIMED WEIGHT: 9.5 oz / 269.3 g

POCKETS: 2 hand, 2 back

PRICE: $

PROS: Affordable with solid build quality and a great look

CONS: Lack the durability of more technical climbing pants

Simple, comfortable, and affordable. Sometimes that is all you need climbing pants to be, and that is exactly what the Mountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On Pants provide.

These pants are mostly lightweight nylon and are perfect as an extra layer for chilly crag approaches or as a versatile first pair of climbing pants. They are breathable and offer unobstructed mobility.

A simple drawstring waistband and no cuff adjustments keep things streamlined but limit your ability to tweak the fit. Those limitations are not a huge concern though, as the Basin Pull-Ons fit like your favorite pair of sweats, just with more style. They are the elusive budget-friendly pant that doesn’t sacrifice quality.

New climbers and veterans alike can’t go wrong with these light and comfortable pants that are relatively light on the wallet, too.

BUYING ADVICE FOR CLIMBING PANTS

Nothing says you can’t climb in pants that are not climbing-specific. But there are some definite advantages to apparel designed with low-gravity days as the ultimate goal.

We first have to acknowledge that “climbing” is a rather ambiguous term, used in equal measure to describe high-altitude first ascents in the Himalayas and after-work boulder sessions in your local gym.

Our list features several picks geared to specific climbing disciplines. All are great for climbing, but some are better for certain disciplines and so great for others. The first step is to carefully consider where you climb the most. If it is at the gym or sport crags in the summer, you probably can take a pass on the highly technical, $350 pair of alpine pants—for now at least. As your expertise grows and you branch out into more varied climbing, investing in a few discipline-specific pairs begins to make sense.

But to begin, think about these characteristics in the context of where and how you do the majority of your climbing.

MATERIALS: All good climbing pants will maximize mobility. To do so, they use materials like elastane (also known as Spandex or Lycra) in their fabric blends. Usually, blends include only a small percentage of elastane (2-10%) for its stretchiness, combining it with fabrics that add comfort, durability, and weather resistance.

Nylon and polyester are commonly used in climbing pant blends. They are comfortable, moisture-wicking, relatively weather-resistant, and durable. Most pants for gym climbing and three-season outdoor climbing, like the prAna Zion II, are mostly nylon and polyester.

For things like ice climbing and mountaineering, you need to vent out the heat and moisture these high-aerobic activities generate, but remain protected from extreme weather. Technical pants designed for the unique demands of alpine climbing, like the Arc’teryx Alpha Hybrid, will often add GORE-TEX. GORE-TEX is expensive, but unique in its ability to add durability and weatherproofing without compromising breathability.

 

Nylon and polyester are commonly used in material blends for climbing pants since they are comfortable, moisture-wicking, relatively weather-resistant, and durable.

 

Cotton is also still frequently used in climbing pants, and you can even get jeans made for climbing. They have a small amount of elastane added to the denim for more stretch. Rarely considered an appropriate material for outdoor apparel, cotton still has its place in certain climbing environments.

For demanding sport routes, bouldering, or gym climbing, the durability, comfort, and style that cotton provides keep it in favor with climbers. It is still best to avoid when climbing in the alpine or at crags deep in the backcountry, as cotton performs poorly when wet.

DURABILITY: Climbing pants regularly come into contact with sharp and abrasive rock and need to be built to withstand this. This is why cotton, nylon, and polyester are used alongside stretchy and comfy elastane.

For ice and alpine routes, look for heavier and more durable pants with features like knee reinforcements and scuff guards. If you mostly boulder or sport climb, it makes sense to sacrifice some durability for lighter pants that optimize freedom and flexibility.

BREATHABILITY: As we mentioned, climbing pants need to not only be durable, but breathable, too. The balance between durability and breathability depends on your climbing objectives and your budget.

Lighter fabric blends, as found in the Mountain Hardwear Pull-On and Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants, are great for warmer weather, hiking, and gym climbing. Pants with burlier builds, like the prAna Zion II and Black Diamond Credo, are a little less breathable, but the added durability extends their lifespan.

WEATHER RESISTANCE: If you climb exclusively in the gym, you need not worry about the weather – rock some climbing denim and send in style. If you do climb outdoors, weather resistance becomes a factor. Synthetics will perform better than cotton in wet conditions and highly technical materials like GORE-TEX will make or break your experience in the alpine or on ice. Look for pants with durable water repellent (DWR) coating or sun protection, depending on your climate.

WEIGHT: Weight is not a factor you need to get too hung up on when buying climbing pants. Most pairs come in around 10-18 oz. Lighter generally indicates more breathability and mobility, but fewer features and less durability. The opposite is true for heavier pants. By picking the right materials and design for your climbing discipline, weight generally takes care of itself.

FIT: Climbing pants come in a slim and tapered fit or a more relaxed straight-leg style. Slim-fit pants are streamlined and avoid loose or excessive materials, which can help avoid snagging on rock. Some may find they prefer a relaxed fit that maximizes their range of motion.

Whether tapered or relaxed, all good climbing pants feature a gusseted crotch and articulated knees to not constrain leg mobility.

 

Most climbing pants feature a gusseted crotch and articulated knees to not constrain leg mobility.

 

Features to Consider

ADJUSTABLE CUFFS: Many climbing pants have adjustable ankle cuffs. This simple feature keeps pants out of the way, ensuring precise footwork. Cuffs are usually adjusted with an integrated drawstring. Alternatively, some pants, like the prAna Zion II, have snap buttons to roll up and secure your pant cuffs.

ADJUSTABLE WAISTBAND: Pants with waistband adjustments help perfect your fit while remaining low-profile under a belt. Some of the pants on this list have an integrated belt strap, some have a simple drawstring. Drawstrings have the tendency to loosen on their own, but some climbers prefer their minimal feel compared to an actual belt.

POCKETS: Two hand pockets are fairly standard on most climbing pants. Some will have additional pockets on the back, hip, and thigh, either zippered or unzippered. Having at least one zippered pocket can be nice, especially when climbing outside and you want a secure place to stash your phone or any other essentials.

Pockets are also useless if inaccessible under a harness. This is when back or cargo pockets come in handy.

SCUFF GUARDS: Pants for alpine and ice climbing require a few additional considerations, one being protection from sharp crampons. Kicking yourself clumsily with a crampon is something of an ice climbing rite of passage, and scuff guards help protect your pants from any incidental contact.

ANKLE ZIPS: For climbing pants that are an outer layer or double as ski pants, ankle zips are a handy feature that helps you fit them over technical ski or mountaineer boots, and shed a layer with ease as you heat up or the weather changes on the mountain.

MORE INFORMATION

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