Finding the best climbing pants can be a pain. Women’s climbing pants need to allow full movement, keep you covered, endure heavy use, and let’s be honest — look good, too!
After spending months researching, testing, analyzing, and geeking out on everything from the seams to the range of motion, we finally narrowed down the best women’s climbing pants of 2023.
Whether you’re planning an epic climbing trip in the backcountry or working on a project at your local climbing gym, we have the pants for you.
For those wondering if climbing-specific pants are warranted, check out our Buyer’s Guide and FAQ for the lowdown on why these pants are specially constructed for the vertical world. Also, take a look at our comparison chart to help steer your decision-making.
The Best Women’s Climbing Pants of 2023
Best Overall Women’s Climbing Pants
-
Weight
12 oz. -
Material
93% cotton, 7% spandex -
Number of pockets
Four -
Special features
Large, comfortable waistband -
Fit
Standard
-
Impressive stretch -
High durability for long-lasting use -
Snap ankle closures for zero interference -
Comfortable enough to wear all day
-
Front pockets don’t close -
Pockets are too shallow
Best Budget Women’s Climbing Pants
-
Weight
Unavailable -
Material
95% nylon, 5% elastane -
Number of pockets
Three -
Special features
Invisible-zip inside drop-in front pocket -
Fit
Standard; straight leg
-
Invisible inside zip pocket -
Deep front pockets -
UPF 40+ -
Flattering design -
Drawstring cord
-
Restrictive waistband -
Inadequate water resistance -
Prone to snagging and pilling
Best Style Women’s Climbing Pants
-
Weight
12 oz. -
Material
90% nylon, 10% spandex -
Number of pockets
Four -
Special features
DWR Finish, ankle drawcord -
Fit
Relaxed
-
Four-way stretch nylon provides great mobility -
Good weather resistance -
Bold colors and cute style -
Comfortable elastic waistband
-
Only one zip pocket in the back
Best Comfort Women’s Climbing Pants
-
Weight
8.4 oz. -
Material
94% nylon, 6% elastane -
Number of pockets
Four -
Special features
Secure zip pocket on the left thigh -
Fit
Standard; tapered leg
-
Pocket that zipped for added security -
Incredibly lightweight -
Feminine look -
UPF 50
-
Pockets unable to carry heavy items
Best Technical Women’s Climbing Pants
-
Weight
11.4 oz. -
Material
86% recycled polyester in body, 14% spandex panels -
Number of pockets
Four -
Special features
Reinforced paneling in high-stressed areas for added durability -
Fit
Slim
-
Has a built-in belt -
Great amount of stretch for mobility -
Cuffs adjust with shock cord and cord lock -
Secure, functional pockets that lie flat.
-
The inseam may be too long for shorter legs -
Expensive
Best Travel and Hot-Weather Women’s Climbing Pants
-
Weight
7.9 oz. -
Material
87% recycled polyester, 13% spandex -
Number of pockets
Five -
Special features
DWR coating to shed light precipitation -
Fit
Slim; tapered leg
-
Contoured waistband that adds comfort and functionality -
Perfect for staying cool while climbing -
Adjustable cuffs
-
Pricier than others -
Drop-in pockets not useful
Best of the Rest
-
Weight
Unavailable -
Material
95% recycled nylon, 5% elastane -
Number of pockets
Five -
Special features
Gusseted crotch for ventilation -
Fit
Standard; straight leg
-
Phone pocket on mid-thigh -
Cross-functional design for various activities -
Durable water repellent -
UPF 50
-
No drawstring ankle ties or snaps -
Tendency to bunch up in the front -
Pricey
-
Weight
7.9 oz. -
Material
79% recycled polyester, 21% spandex -
Number of pockets
Five -
Special features
Offers Polygiene to prevent odor -
Fit
Form-fitting
-
Insanely comfortable -
Flattering design and pattern -
Plenty of stash pockets -
A go-to pant for everyday errands and activities
-
Lower end of durability -
Not ideal for cold weather
-
Weight
Unavailable -
Material
62% organic cotton, 36% nylon, 2% spandex -
Number of pockets
Five -
Special features
Reinforced fabric at knees adds extra protection and durability -
Fit
Standard; jogger
-
Abrasion resistance for durability -
Cuffed legs that are flattering and won’t get in the way -
Plenty of pockets
-
Lacks waist drawstring for staying power
Women’s Climbing Pants Comparison Chart
Women’s Climbing Pants | Weight | Material | Pockets | Special Features | Fit |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patagonia Caliza Rock Pant | 12 oz. | 93% cotton, 7% spandex | Four | Large, comfortable waistband | Standard |
The North Face Women’s Aphrodite 2.0 Capris |
Unavailable | 95% nylon, 5% elastane | Three | Invisible-zip inside drop-in front pocket | Standard; straight leg |
Topo Designs Boulder Pants | 12 oz. | 90% nylon, 10% spandex | Four | DWR Finish, ankle drawcord | Relaxed |
Mountain Hardware Women’s Dynama/2 Ankle |
8.4 oz. | 94% nylon, 6% elastane | Four | Secure zip pocket on the left thigh | Standard; tapered leg |
Patagonia Altvia Alpine Pants |
11.4 oz. | 86% polyester, 14% spandex | Four | Reinforced paneling in high-stressed areas for added durability | Slim |
Arc’teryx Gamma Pants | 10.4 oz. | 88% nylon, 12% elastane | Three | All-zip pockets, gusseted crotch, DWR finish | Slim; straight leg |
Patagonia Chambeau Rock Pants |
7.9 oz. | 87% polyester, 13% spandex | Five | DWR coating to shed light precipitation | Slim; tapered leg |
prAna Halle Straight Pant II | Unavailable | 95% nylon, 5% elastane | Five | Gusseted crotch for ventilation | Standard; straight leg |
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants |
8.9 oz. | 86% nylon, 14% spandex | Five | UPF 50+ rating | Standard; straight leg |
Mammut Camie Pants | 12 oz. | 95% cotton, 5% spandex | Three | Crotch gusset allows for extra mobility | Relaxed, athletic |
Cotopaxi Cerro Travel Tight |
7.9 oz. | 79% polyester, 21% spandex | Five | Offers Polygiene to prevent odor | Form-fitting |
prAna Kanab Pants | Unavailable | 62% cotton, 36% nylon, 2% spandex | Five | Reinforced fabric at knees adds extra protection and durability | Standard; jogger |
Black Diamond Notion | 11.4 oz. | 98% cotton, 2% elastane | Four | Go to pant beyond climbing. | Standard; jogger |
Why You Should Trust Us
The team at GearJunkie are outdoor experts and enthusiasts. Our ranks include alpinists, mountaineers, crag rats, purely indoor climbers, and everything in between. On a rolling basis, we put climbing pants to the test, specifically looking at functionality, durability, and comfort to narrow down the best climbing pants available today.
Contributor Katie Griffith goes through climbing pants like it’s her job, and it is. As a professional rock climbing guide, she is always searching for the best fit, most durable and breathable fabrics, and essential features to make up her daily uniform. From desert cragging to alpine climbing to garage-wall bouldering, Katie pursues all types of climbing, all year round.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Climbing Pants
First, take a few moments to imagine your climbing habits. Do you plan to mostly use these pants climbing indoors or in the elements? If outside, will it normally be hot and muggy or cool and breezy? Do you prefer body-hugging clothing or a bit more room?
There’s no right or wrong answer, but having a clear idea of how you’ll use these pants will help determine the best option. For more guidance on choosing the best climbing pants for your needs, keep reading to understand the functions that differentiate them from non-climbing pants.
Climbing Pant Materials
Climbing pants are often a blend of synthetics, sometimes cotton, and typically elastane (sometimes called spandex). The higher percentage of elastane, the more stretch the pants will have.
The added stretch will also result in a more skintight feel, much like the Cotopaxi Cerro Tight with its impressive stretch capabilities (21% elastane).
It’s not only the amount of elastane that makes climbing pants outperform regular pants. Other essential factors include breathability, reinforced areas that add durability, and design that allows fluid mobility, like the Patagonia Altvia Alpine Pants. A decent amount of stretch allows climbers to high-step, stem, and heel hook without restriction.
Other factors, like moisture-wicking properties, sun protection, and the ability to dry quickly, are not vital for indoor climbing. However, they are necessary for long, strenuous alpine or multi-pitch climbs.
Fit
There are a few things to consider when finding the right fit for climbing pants. A loose-fitting pant provides a comfortable, relaxed feel designed for maximum movement. However, the material often tends to be heavier.
If the pants are too loose and flowy, they can obscure your vision for when you need to hone in on technical footwork. On the other hand, tight-fitting pants like leggings and tights allow total freedom without feeling weighed down.
The downside to a tight fit is less durability against abrasions. Tight, thin leggings don’t provide as much buffer between your skin and the rock.
Pockets
Insufficient pockets, or the complete lack thereof, tend to make it on our cons list more than other features on climbing pants. The pockets that tend to work the best are ones that don’t interfere with a harness, are deep enough to be useful, and provide a zipper to ensure that your stuff stays in place while you’re climbing.
A standout in our line of pants is the Patagonia Altvia Alpine Pants. These pants offer zipped flat pockets that don’t interfere with a harness. We also love that the Arc’teryx Gamma Pants only feature zip pockets, ideal for getting high off the ground. If you find yourself climbing indoors or at a local single-pitch crag, you’ll be able to get away with climbing pants that offer a more basic pocket design.
Weight
Generally speaking, the more technical the pant, the more they will weigh because of features that allow them to withstand various elements and terrain. The Patagonia Caliza Rock Pant, for instance, weighs 12 ounces and has several features that make it a durable pant for everyday climbing.
The known lightest on our list is the Patagonia Chambeau Rock Pants, weighing only 7.9 ounces. This pant is breathable and lightweight — perfect for warm-weather excursions.
Weather Protection
Some climbing pants are treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. This water-resistant coating helps you stay dry by preventing light precipitation from saturating the fabric. While the DWR won’t protect you from a heavy downpour, it will keep light rain beading off the pants and allow them to dry quickly.
Several pants in our lineup have a DWR finish, including the Topo Designs Boulder Pants and the Arc’teryx Gamma Pants. This feature is specifically helpful for those conducting long alpine ascents and who may find themselves in unpredictable weather.
It’s important to note special instructions to care for your DWR-treated pants to make the coating last longer. Dirt and oils can impede the coating’s moisture-repelling ability, and frequent washing can help maintain its water-repellency.
Thickness and Durability
Beyond choosing a silhouette that complements one’s ergonomics, an important component of a pair of pants are that they are durable. They’ll need to withstand walks through abrasive brush, scrambles up and down steep spur trails, grinding against granite, and rubbing against rough sandstone.
For long-lasting pants, look for thicker fabric, an anti-abrasive or abrasive-resistant overlay or material, and reinforced high-wear areas like the knees.
Climbing pants that received our high praise for durability are the Patagonia Caliza Rock Pants and the Arc’teryx Gamma Pants. They withstood beatings against rock and off-trail travel. Although pants designed for rugged use tend to be warmer, so keep that in mind if you climb in hot temperatures.
Articulated Knees and Gussets
A climbing pant’s ability to stretch extensively makes them different from slacks and most everyday jeans. Beyond elastane material, climbing pants are designed to extend the range of motion by having articulated knees and gussets. The gusseted crotch and four-way stretch of the Topo Designs Boulder Pants makes high stepping a breeze.
Pants with articulated knees will provide the same natural range of motion as a knee while walking and bending. These features are helpful, especially on pants with less elastane that need a boost in flexibility. As for gussets, the diamond-shaped piece of extra fabric sewn in the crotch area make pants more breathable and allows more freedom to move.
FAQ
The best climbing pants are the ones that make you feel comfortable and allow you to move freely. Our best overall pant is the Patagonia Caliza Pant because they are not overly loose or too tight. They also have a wide elastic waist that’s perfect for a harness and adjustable ankles that can go higher or lower based on preference. Comfort, style, and practicality make these pants excellent for climbing.
It depends. If you are brand new to climbing and testing the sport out for the first time, consider using what you already own — attire you would typically wear to work out. Once you have established that climbing is something you wish to pursue, investing in climbing pants can provide you with unique benefits.
Pant attributes like wide elastic waistbands designed for harnesses, pockets placed for easy access, cuffs that cinch above climbing shoes, and extra material stretch for movement are great assets when climbing regularly.
Most climbing pants offer a range of features that make them multipurpose pants — ideal for walking, hiking, and backpacking. Elements of climbing pants that can apply to hiking are sun protection, DWR, abrasion-resistant material, and functional pockets.
A favorite of ours is the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants; their breathable fabric and high UPF rating makes them a great option for hiking. You’ll find us wearing most of the pants on this list beyond rock climbing at the gym and crag.
This can depend on the style of climbing and rock type. When climbing on coarse granite, like the rock found in Joshua Tree or Vedavoo, many climbers prefer to wear pants over shorts, even when it’s hot out. If the style of climbing requires sticking your legs in wide cracks or chimney moves, pants will protect you from scraping your knees.
For sport climbing or bouldering that requires less full-body contact with the rock, shorts can be fine in hot weather. Ultimately this is a personal preference, and you’ll figure out what you like the more you climb in different areas and conditions.