Best Women's Climbing Pants of 2023

JUMP TO: PATAGONIA ALTVIA ALPINE PANTS / ARC’TERYX GAMMA LT / E9 ONDA SLIM2 / BACKCOUNTRY DOUBLE DYNO CLIMB JOGGER / BOULDER DENIM 2.0 WOMEN’S SKINNY FIT JEANS / BLACK DIAMOND NOTION / GRAMICCI PANTS WOMEN’S / OUTDOOR RESEARCH FERROSI LEGGINGS / BUYING ADVICE

Author: Lana Stefanovic

The Short Version

The Long Version

Have you ever wanted a pair of rock climbing pants that stretch, endure even the toughest terrain, feel comfortable like your favorite PJs and don't compromise on fashion?  

If the answer is yes, time to grab yourself a pair of purpose built climbing pants. With the right pair of pants you will be  climbing those verticles like a lizard! 

Rock climbing pants are made with mobility and durability in mind. Wherever you are heading, you want to be able to climb freely and without any restriction. That’s where climbing pants step along, created to move and feel like a second skin. 

To make your search for the perfect pair easier, we have prepared a list of some of the best climbing pants that blend style, function, and durability. You will be sending those projects, looking awesome along the way!

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

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

Seeking some additional help in finding the perfect pair of rock climbing pants? Then check out our buying advice at the bottom of the page. It covers all the main features and terminology used in the current ‘climbing pants world'.

MATERIAL: Body: 86% recycled Polyester / 14% Spandex, Panels: 85% recycled Nylon / 15% recycled Spandex

CLOSURE: Zip Fly & Integrated Adjustable Belt

WEIGHT: 11.4 oz

POCKETS: 2 secure front pockets, 1 zippered thigh, 1 zippered back

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Durable, lightweight, with wear-resistant panels and a PFC-free DWR coating

CONS: They could have a bit more wind protection, not the cheapest pants on the market

Say hello to the Patagonia Altvia Alpine Pants, designed to get you up the big lines with ease! 

These pants have everything you need for both climbing the long technical routes and approaching them. Thanks to the lightweight polyester/spandex blend you will be able to climb freely and without restriction. With reinforcement around the bottom, knees, and inner legs, any inadvertant scratching against the rockface should not result in wear and tear. 

The pockets are strategically designed with a harness in mind, meaning you can easily access them while wearing one. You can also adjust the cuffs via the internal shock cord and cord lock.

They have a PFC-free DWR finish - a durable water repellent coating that doesn’t contain harmful perfluorinated chemicals, which is always commendable. 

While fit is something that varies from person to person, the Patagonia experts did add some useful features to help increase the overall mobility and comfort.  Not willing to compromise in aesthetics, the Patagonia Altvia Alpine pants also have a high-tech alpine look, which will make you appear like a climbing master.

Although boulderers and sport climbers may prefer denim jeans or cotton pants, trad and multipitch addicts will find these ‘Patagonians’ to be perfect for those long struggles above the tree lines.

Best for Long Alpine Routes: ARC’TERYX GAMMA LT

MATERIAL: Fortius DW 2.0 (88% Nylon / 12% Elastane)

CLOSURE: Zip Fly & Built-in Adjustable Belt

WEIGHT: 10.9 oz

POCKETS: 2 zippered hip, 1 zippered thigh

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Durable and light 3-season pants

CONS: Pricey

From the cold misty mornings to the sunny afternoons, the Arc’teryx Gamma LT pants will be there to get you through it all. These lightweight softshell pants are great for those summer alpine missions where you may encounter sun, rain, snow, and everything in between.

The fabric is weather-resistant and durable enough to withstand unpredictable summer alpine conditions. It also breathes well because it’s so light, meaning you will stay cool and comfy even when the temperatures rise.

Like other softshell pants they are not 100% waterproof, but thanks to the DWR coating they do well to resist wetting out. The lightweight material also dries fairly quickly after getting wet. And, if you know that the weather is going to be cold and wet, just add a base layer underneath and you are good to go in relatively unfriendly conditions.

The Arc'teryx Gamma LT pants offer adjustable cuffs and an adjustable waist belt, so you can easily fit the pants to your liking. The gusseted crotch is a nice addition that increases mobility and stretch, however if buying online make sure you can return or exchange them if the fitting isn't ideal.

While the Gamma LT pants aren't designed for those on a tight budget, you do get a high-quality product that is great for many outdoor activities. These pants will have you moving across rock, scrambling over boulders, and wiggling through granite chimneys. What more could you wish for?

Best for Bouldering: E9 ONDA SLIM2

MATERIAL: 97% Organic Cotton, 3% Elastane

CLOSURE: Elastic / Button

WEIGHT: Not specified

POCKETS: 2 front, 1 back

PRICE: $$

PROS: Great looking, stretchy, comfortable urban climbing trousers

CONS: Not great for long approaches, cotton blend not as breathable as some synthetic blends

These Italian imports have it all! Comfort, stretch, and an eye-catching look. Designed for climbers by a climber, they are now available across the US and bring an authentic, fun, and original style you don’t see in many other clothing brands.

The cotton blend found in the Onda Slim2 trousers performs well. It’s soft and stretchy, yet strong enough to survive all the scarping and banging. And don’t forget all the weird wiggles you do when topping out! 

The inside pockets are in printed fabric, which adds to the overall look. You can also cinch in the cuffs when the footholds become microscopic. With brush holders on both sides (to fit the righties and lefties) you’ll always be ready to face the greasy, slippery holds. 

The Onda Slim2 pants are better for cold bouldering sessions as the cotton blend is a bit burly, and doesn’t dry as fast as some synthetic materials do.

E9 has adopted a Zero km concept,  meaning their products are made locally, in Italy. They are also participating in the Single Use Plastics Projects, aiming to produce products that are 100% free of polybags. 

There really is no reason for you not to get these pants. For bouldering and sport climbing (when the approaches are short) the Onda Slim2 trousers are hard to beat.

Best for Versatility: BACKCOUNTRY DOUBLE DYNO CLIMB JOGGER

MATERIAL: 65% Cordura, 30% Nylon, 5% Spandex

CLOSURE: Elastic

WEIGHT: 9.2 oz

POCKETS: 2 front pockets, 1 zippered rear

PRICE: $$

PROS: Durable, abrasion-resistant, and comfortable

CONS: Some climbers might not like the jogger cuffs, no thigh pocket

One pair for all styles, the Double Dyno Climb Jogger pants will take you down any path you want. Backcountry has managed to find the right balance between style, stretch, and strength. 

With a hybrid construction that makes them feel neither too loose nor tight, mobility will not be an issue with this Backcountry masterpiece. The Cordura/Nylon blend makes the Double Dyno Climb Joggers untouchable, so feel free to scrap and wiggle your way up those desert towers. They’ve also added a bit of spandex to the recipe, as well as a gusseted crotch. 

If you are tired of wearing dark-colored pants, then the Double Dyno Climb Jogger pants are the answer. Coming in a selection of bright, cheerful colors, they will surely bring you lots of compliments at the crag.

For those who prefer to have full-length pants the jogger cuffs may not appeal. It would also be helpful if they had a zippered thigh pocket as this type of pocket always comes in handy while climbing.

Whether you’re projecting a hard sport route, tackling some boulder problems, or jamming some rough sandstone cracks, the Double Dyno Climb Jogger pants will be there to get you through both the whippers and sends!

MATERIAL: Memory-Shape Denim

CLOSURE: Zipper & Button

WEIGHT: Unavailable

POCKETS: 2 hand, 2 back, 1 hidden zippered pocket

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Durable, abrasion-resistant, comfortable

CONS: There are no particular flaws, you either love jeans or you don’t

Boulder Denim is a Canadian company founded by two fellow climbers Taz and Brad, whose goal was to make super cool climbing pants that blend both style and functionality. These two know what climbers need, as these are the only pair of jeans you'll be needing at the crag!

The 2.0 Skinny Jeans are durable enough to withstand the sharp granite meccas and rigid desert towers. While jeans are generally not the best choice for long trad routes or cracks, for bouldering and sport climbing they work flawlessly. They are also stain and water-resistant thanks to the nanosphere coating, so if you need to pack lite for a weekend trip at Squamish or Joshua tree, just put these jeans on and you are good to go.

Thanks to the 360-degree diagonal stretch the 2.0 Skinny Jeans will contour to your body, no matter what position you’re in. Just be careful when sizing ‘cause these jeans do stretch a lot.  The pockets are quite deep, which is not often the case with women’s jeans. You can also roll the cuffs up if the material keeps catching at your heel, or if you simply prefer the cropped look.

All of this does not come cheap, but trust me, the price is worth it. And the best part is that you will get a product that is both sustainable and ethically made!

Best for Gym Climbing: BLACK DIAMOND NOTION

MATERIAL: 98% Organic Cotton / 2% Elastane

CLOSURE: Elastic with Drawcord

WEIGHT: 11.4 oz

POCKETS: 2 hand, 2 back

PRICE: $$

PROS: Comfortable go-to pants

CONS: They run a bit large, not as durable as other pants on the list

It’s true that you don’t need ultra durable pants for your gym climbing sessions, but it doesn't hurt to have ones that are both comfy and nice looking. 

The Black Diamond Notion pants meet the requirements, being comfortable and cute. There are a lot of colors to choose from, so whether you are a fan of dark shades or light, you’'re bound to find a pair that suits your liking.

These pants are made from organic cotton, which feels nice on the skin. The stretch cuffs are a great addition, ‘cause you’ll never have to worry about the pant legs interfering with your footwork.  Some might find the Black Diamond Notion pants a bit stiff, but thanks to the added stretch, they do provide a good level of mobility on the wall. 

Durability is not their strongest point, and although you could wear them outside for a day at the local crag, they’re unlikely to survive the sharp rock edges and pointy twigs. 

If you are sensitive to heat and sweat a lot, you should know that cotton breathes well but does not dry quickly. With that said, these pants are great for mild weather conditions.

They do run a bit large, so it might be best to buy a size down.

You can use the Black Diamond Notion Pants for pretty much everything - walking, training, gym climbing, to simply hanging around the house. Whether you climb in them or not, you should definitely add the Black Diamond Notion pants to your closet!

Most Fashionable: GRAMICCI PANTS WOMEN’S

MATERIAL: Twill cotton

CLOSURE: Elastic waistband with integrated belt and buckle

WEIGHT: Unavailable

POCKETS: 2 side seam pockets, 2 back

PRICE: $$

PROS: Comfortable and stylish

CONS: Not quick-drying nor ultra-breathable

It would be a sin not to mention the famous Gramicci pants. The brand was started by the legendary Yosemite Master Mike Graham in the 1980s. His original line of pants, designed specifically for climbers, brought a totally new style to the cliff.

The tapered, straightforward design enables you to climb freely, and without restriction. Stretch cotton twill gives you a soft and comfortable feel, and thanks to the built-in belt you can easily adjust the waistband to your liking. 

These pants are durable, but still not the best choice for bushwalking or crack climbing, ‘cause the soft cotton fabric might get torn. Also, they don’t dry as quickly as some other pants on the list, so you might consider wearing them when the temperatures drop a bit - during the fall or early spring.

The Gramicci pants come with a story and style. They are great all-around cotton pants that are perfect for work to climbing transition. And, when the hard day of projecting is over, you’ll be ready to hit the town straight away! Just pack the gear, wipe out the chalk, and get yourself the ‘recovery’ beer you deserve.

Best for Leggings Lovers: OUTDOOR RESEARCH FERROSI LEGGINGS

MATERIAL: Face Fabric: 86% Nylon / 14% spandex, Knees & Seat: 91% Cordura Nylon / 9% Spandex

CLOSURE: Elastic / Drawstring

WEIGHT: 7.7 oz

POCKETS: 1 Drop-in Thigh, 1 Right Hip Zip Pocket, 1 Waistband

PRICE: $$

PROS: Durable, abrasion resistant, great for outdoor climbing and hiking

CONS: Potential to be too tight around the hips

For those who prefer to do everything in leggings but would like to try something a bit different you can't go past the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Leggings. A pants/leggings hybrid, these are technical leggings built to survive the outdoor challenges. 

With reinforcement around the knees and seat, they will surely stand up to tough terrains. The softshell fabric is water and wind-resistant, so if you get caught in a sudden rain shower, you won’t have to worry about getting soaked.  As these leggings are made of a lightweight fabric, they are quite breathable, and in the case you do get wet, fast to dry.

The Ferrosi Leggings are not the stretchiest pants out there but don’t worry, those high steeps will still be possible.  It can be difficult to pull them over the hips so you could consider sizing up. Once on, they feel very comfy. 

These pants offer an Ultraviolet Protection Factor of 50+, which comes in handy when the weather gets scorching hot. The material is bluesign approved, which is always commendable.

Get the size right and this is a great piece of kit you will absolutely love. Whichever route you want to tackle, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Leggings will be there to bravely get you over those tiny footholds, scary roofs, and narrow chimneys.

BUYING ADVICE FOR WOMEN’S CLIMBING PANTS

Use

Although it can be possible to find one pair of pants that are great for all types of climbing - be it boulder, sport, or trad - you still need to think about where and when you are going climbing.

You wouldn't wear the same pair of pants for your hot desert ascents as for your snowy bouldering sessions! Therefore, when buying a new pair of climbing pants it is important that the context is at the forefront of your mind.

INDOOR CLIMBING: Considering you will not be facing the struggles of real rock, nor fighting with the nasty branch soldiers that guard the holy routes, there should be no problem finding a pair of pants that meet the needs of indoor climbing.

These pants should be breathable, and moisture-wicking - remember, it can get quite sweaty in the gym! In other words, it’s better to find pants that are light and stretchy rather than durable and thick. And of course, they need to be stylish. It is no coincidence old climbers wore those crazy-colored leggings - they climbed with passion and good looks! 

WARM OUTDOOR CLIMBING: We all know the torments that the scorching sun can mercilessly bring upon us! You sweat, you slip and pray for the temperature to drop.

For those summer missions, you need lightweight pants that breathe and wick moisture. It’s best if they have reinforcement on the parts most subject to wear. In that way, you get durability, without adding unwanted weight and warmth. You can also look for convertible pants which come in handy when you need that extra freedom.

COLD OUTDOOR CLIMBING: Rock climbing pants for cold weather are the ones that need to have it all! You want them to be durable, warm, quick-drying, windproof, water-resistant, and also stretchy. However, the more durable and thicker the fabric is, the less breathable it will be.

Luckily for us, manufactures like Arc’teryx, Black Diamond, Patagonia, and many others strive to create a lightweight hybrid that breathes, stretches, and fights the challenging mountain conditions like a true warrior.

Fabrics

Fabric stands at the top of our list as different fabric blends will determine the features found in climbing pants - durability, stretchiness, comfort, breathability, and so on.

The most commonly used materials to make climbing pants include: 

COTTON: Cotton is a natural material. Most climbing pants use an organic cotton blend that is soft, breathable, and most of all comfy. However, it absorbs and retains moisture and due to this, dries very slowly. There are also materials that are a bit more durable than cotton, so if you want to boost up the durability, and still keep the comfort, look for pants that use a mix of cotton and nylon, or cotton and polyester. 

DENIM: Although denim is a by-product fabric of cotton, a pair of denim jeans, and cotton jeans will not look or feel the same. The difference is that denim uses a specific type of weave technique and finish - the twill weave, which differs from the one found in other cotton products. It’s dense and more durable than just a simple cotton blend. If you add a bit of spandex to it, it will probably stretch even better than your leggings do. The downside of denim is the weight, but brands like Boulder Denim and Black Diamond do make jeans that are light enough to help you stay cool and comfy.

NYLON: A synthetic material that is strong, lightweight, dries quickly, and is more abrasion-resistant than polyester. Those who plan to wiggle themselves up the Vedauwoo cracks, or climb, sleep, and eat on the big walls, should consider getting a pair of climbing pants that have a high percentage of nylon in them. 

POLYESTER: Also synthetic, polyester is warmer than nylon, and dries slightly faster than it too. One potential drawback is that polyester absorbs body oils in perspiration more than nylon. That is why polyester garments have the tendency to ‘smell’ more long-term. Nowadays, manufacturers add all sorts of formulas to help control the odor, so you won’t really have to worry about it much.

ELASTANE / SPANDEX / LYCRA: This is the stretchy ingredient in a good deal of outdoor clothing. A higher percentage of this fabric makes for a stretchier garment and will give you more freedom of movement. When climbing, this is highly important, as you need your pants to be stretchy enough for those high steps, heel hooks, and painful splits.

 

Regardless of the type of fabric blend, climbing pants must never sacrifice durability and stretchiness!

 

durability

With the exception of gym climbing, all your outdoor climbing activities will require you to have tough and durable pants.

Don’t think that they only have to withstand the rubs against sandstone and grinds against granite, but also a bunch of tiny twigs and branches that are just waiting to tear your pants apart. Getting a hole in the rear of your climbing pants when you’re hanging up the 200-meter rock is nobodies idea of fun.

Saying that, durability does add a bit of extra weight. To keep your pants as light as possible, look for ones that have reinforcement only on sections most subject to abuse.

Comfort & Fit

STYLE: There are no rules that determine which style of pants will suit a particular body type. It’s of course best if you can try the pants out before buying, or at least be sure you can change or return them when purchasing online. When climbing, your pants shouldn’t feel too tight, otherwise they're likely to interfere with your movement. Also make sure that the fabric feels nice on your skin.

STRETCHINESS: Stretch, fit, and durability are the three magical ingredients that make the perfect climbing pants. But, no matter the comfort or durability, if your freedom of movement is in any way restricted your climbing performance will definitely suffer. Therefore most rock climbing pants have a bit of spandex/elastane/lycra added to them to boost up the stretchiness and ensure nothing gets in the way of your cool ninja moves.

LENGTH: It is important to always check the length. Placing your leg on those tiny footholds is even harder when you have extra material wiggling around your ankles. For this reason, most climbing pants will have some form of tapered, elasticated, or drawstring ankle cuff.

WAISTBAND: Make sure the waistband is compatible with your climbing harness — some pants even have an integrated belt to help keep them securely around the waist.

Overall, there really is no right or wrong when it comes to comfort and fit. Nobody knows your body better than you do, so just follow your personal preferences, and you’ll surely find a model that will fit you perfectly.

 

With the exception of gym climbing, all your outdoor climbing activities will require you to have tough and durable pants.

 

Additional features

POCKETS: Whether you are prone to stashing things away in your pockets or not, you must admit that they do come in handy sometimes. You will usually find pants that have two hip pockets, and two in the rear. Make sure that at least one of them is secured with a zipper. In that way, you won’t have to worry about your stuff suddenly slipping out while you’re a few dozen feet in the air, or while doing a dyno move on a V10 boulder. 

The pocket I personally find to be the most practical is the zip thigh pocket. No matter how many things I stuff into it, It’s still the only one that stays out of the way of my climbing harness and allows me to move freely. 

CLOSURE: Buttons! Those little guys have the best chance of surviving the arduous struggle with the rock. Zippers and snaps tend to get their revenge at the most inconvenient time if you pull too hard on them. A drawcord closure system does make adjusting the waist a bit easier, but if you plan to climb the big lines, or jam yourself inside the wide cracks, be careful that the knot doesn’t get worked out. An elastic waistband is also quite comfy and practical.

GUSSETED CROTCH: A gusseted crotch is a diamond-shaped patch of fabric stitched into the crotch, eliminating four seams coming together, and improving mobility. Almost all men’s climbing pants have a gusseted crotch, but women’s tend to leave this part out sometimes. In those that have a low percentage of spandex/elastane, this extra bit of fabric will improve flexibility and overall comfort. Plus, when hanging in your harness, you are less likely to get a wedgie!

ARTICULATED KNEES: This is a common feature found in almost all rock climbing pants. Knee articulation allows unrestricted movement and gives you a much better feel while climbing. The darts are sewn into the front panel around the knees, giving the pants this little curve that mimics the bend of the leg. You will be dropkneeing with ease!

CUFF SYSTEM: Although it might be cool to climb in wide, colorful hippie pants that wave in the wind and make your every move seem smooth and effortless, we don’t really recommend you to do so. Baggy leg cuffs can make it harder for you to place your feet properly. Therefore, If you don’t like having the excess material pointlessly flapping around your ankles, look for pants that include a cuff system. You can find cuff snaps, cinch systems, and on some pants, you can roll the cuffs up. As long as you are able to see your feet, without the loose fabric getting in the way, you are good to go up those slabs and cracks.

CHALK BAG AND BRUSH LOOP: While not essential, this can come in handy sometimes, especially when bouldering. Some climbing pants have a chalk bag loop on the back of the waistband, and also a pocket or a loop for the brush. It can be cool to have these little climbing-oriented features that will set your pants apart and let everybody know you are here for those power jumps, small crimps, and painful jams!

HIGH WAIST: In my opinion, the higher the waist the better the feel. Still, that does depend on your personal preferences. Whether you like it high or not, make sure you feel comfy around the waist, especially when wearing a harness.

SUN PROTECTION: Some climbing pants have built-in sun protection of UPF 50+ (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). This comes in handy on sunny days and at higher altitudes.

DWR-FINISH: A Durable Water Repellency (DWR) finish is a coating that’s applied to the fabric to prevent it from absorbing water. This is highly important when ascending high alpine peaks where the weather can easily turn into a watery nightmare, or when you’re out for a rainy bouldering session. Also, during the approach, the wet shrubs or light showers will cause you no problem when wearing a pair of climbing pants that have a DWR finish. Besides that, it also protects against stains.

MORE INFORMATION

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

Or check out our Gear Reviews Overview Page for more gear-fiend worthy articles.