Climbing Pant Reviews

Sure, you can climb in jeans. But pants specifically cut for climbing usually move better with you on the rock, and they perform better in wet or windy conditions. Climbing's editors field-test many pairs of pants each season, and you'll find the recommendations here.
  • Organic-Climbing-Jean

    Organic Climbing Jean

    “I’ve worn these bouldering at Horsetooth Reservoir in Colorado, in the gym, flying across the country, and out to dinner,” our tester said. These climbing jeans are at home in any situation. A fully gusseted inseam (from crotch to ankle) provides “the mobility of synthetic pants with a fabric like durable denim.”

  • Moving-Comfort-Urban-Gym-Capri

    Moving Comfort Urban Gym Capri

    When you find clothing that is comfortable, versatile, stretchy, and flattering, it’s a winner. The Urban Gym Capri has a wide waistband for a slimming effect, but, more important, it keeps the pants in place. “These never slipped down—with a harness or without,” one tester said.

  • Adidas-Terrex-Swift-Flex-Pant

    Flex Pants

    After a year on the U.S. market, Adidas has been looking to make a splash in climbing apparel, and the German giant just might do it with the Terrex Swift Flex Pants ($95; adidas.com/us/outdoor). Made with stretchy, lightweight, synthetic fabric, this elegant and simple pant has no unnecessary stitching, pockets, or “features” all too common on other climbing pants.

  • Enhance Your Pants

    For rock climbers, finding functional, good-looking threads for your lower half isn’t easy. Ladies have an especially hard time, given the wide range (pun not intended) of our shapes and sizes. The Vertical Girl Signature Knicker ($40; verticalgirl.com) is the answer to our collective prayers. They’re sleek, soft, comfy as hell, and will make your butt look good—nobody will scoff at your butt-shot photos.

  • Ibex Synergy Pant

    Dress for Success

    Do you ever feel like Goldilocks when trying to find the right pair of climbing pants? These are too scratchy. These are too restrictive. These pants are just plain ugly. We scoured the outdoor apparel market to find nine pairs that will give you a “These are just right” moment.