8 Best Climbing Pants: What to look for and How to Buy?
We were on a trip to Goa. Typically people would watch the standard set of spots that are on a Tourist Brochure. What they miss is this particular place that is almost on the border of Karnataka and Goa, Goa side.
During the off-season, the conventional methods of reaching the falls are out of the question. In such a situation, when we as a family were deciding to drive back, a group of youths came to us and offered to give us a ride to the falls and pick us up.
We went sitting behind their bikes amidst the forest, tracks, streams, rocks, and whatnot. When we reached the place, we realized that there is a lot more distance to reach the falls and that we had to hike down to reach the destination.
My normal wear is shorts, but thankfully that day was an exception. The loose pants I wore helped me from thorns, mosquito bites, and shrubs, and I was feeling warm throughout the hike.
This incident is just to bring to your notice that pants are the ultimate essentials for an elevated terrain especially surrounded by thick shrubs and thorns. Be it rock climbing or hiking.
This brings us to a question as to what pants should we wear. And as you expected, the answer is it depends. So, in this article, let us see what pants are available and the best of them so that the climbing will be comfortable.
What pants to wear while climbing?
The pants that we wear while we climb (a big rock or a mountain) is what is known as climbing pant. They are different from regular pants due to the following. Gusset on the seams, curved knees, closable pockets, inbuilt belt, chalk bag loop, buttoned closures, enclosed pockets, light weighted, quickly dryable, and elastic material.
From our experience in traveling, hiking, and climbing, we have understood that these are the most crucial features of a great climbing pant. Above all, being humans, the pants that we purchase should also look good on us.
Do we use the same pants for both hiking and climbing?
Are climbing pants and hiking pants the same?
To get to know the answer to this question, we will first try to understand the difference between the two.
Hiking
Hiking is a walk amidst nature or any given path or trail (you might be looking for these lanterns if you hike overnights). This does not involve much of your limbs. It only requires the person to walk at a normal or a little faster pace. The maximum it might involve is brushing up against the branches of a tree or getting yourself dirty.
Climbing
Climbing is not just a walk or run that everyone can do. It is an art, talent, or hobby that only experienced and interested people get into. It involves climbing a mountain. The grip and the usage of the limbs will be at a different level.
Climbing Pants Vs Hiking Pants
Now that you know the difference between the two, you can easily understand that climbing pant has to be more sophisticated and durable. Well, you can sort of compromise when it comes to hiking pants.
All you should be careful of is the Durability, Dryness, Weather Resistance, Comfortability, Storage, etc. Basically, you will not have to worry too much about the stretchy material, belts, etc.
Are climbing pants worth it?
If you are into serious rock or maintain climbing, then yes. This is a must-have in the list of climbers along with the right pair of shoes. As I said earlier, if you are just into hiking, then you can as well get a simpler version of this that has what is absolutely necessary for hiking.
What should I look for in climbing pants?
We have arrived at the most important part of the article. This is where we are going to decide what should we be looking for in climbing pants. Let us start one by one.
Gusset on the seams
A gusset is a triangular or rhombic piece of extra cloth that is sewn into the garments to decrease the stress of the seams. They act as elastic, decreasing the stress on the seams during a stretch while climbing rocks.
Check out this video to understand gusset better…
The Gusset is introduced especially where the two legs meet, as this is the place that takes a lot of stress and the cloth in the place should not get ripped apart due to the stress. This place is also referred to as a crotch.
Curved knees
The knees are the next most used joint of the lower part of the body when climbing a rock. This feature of getting the knees part of the pant a little curved away makes the legs be bent easily, making it comfortable for the person who is aspiring to climb a rock.
Closable pockets
While you are bound to turn upside down or somewhere very close to that, it is sensible to have your pockets closed. There are zips that close the pockets protecting the stuff inside them.
You of course can’t afford to be lazy to open the zip each time to take anything out of your pocket.
Inbuilt belt
A belt, which is as soft as the cloth makes it comfortable throughout your climbing journey. In addition, this will be more reliable and trustworthy unlike the regular loops and a leather belt that might easily get damaged.
Furthermore, the belt has to hold up your pants. So, elastic waistbands might not serve the purpose when you put excess pressure on them.
Chalk bag loop
You should be able to clip the chalk bag to your pants or belts. This will give you fast and easy access, which is very important when you are in dire need, especially for professional sports and trad climbers.
Buttoned closures
When it comes to secure closures, buttons are the most reliable. Zips can open up or sometimes might get stuck too. Though it might take more time to use the buttons, it does the trick.
Enclosed pockets
The pockets should not disturb the person heading toward an adventure. It is always advisable to have the pockets enclosed. Moreover, there should not be extra pockets spread across the pant. This might be disturbing as well.
Light weighted
The lighter the weight of the pant, the easier it is to climb. The fabric that is used decides the fate of the weight of the pant. Also the stitching thread.
Quickly dryable
Nature is not under our control, (nor is anything)! In such cases when you are atop a rocky mountain and it rains, the pants are supposed to dry out quickly. Being wet most of the time, you are in trouble.
Elastic material
In addition to the Gusseted Crotch, elastic material spread over the whole pant makes it easier to stretch your legs. Keep that in mind before you purchase your climber pants.
We have covered the features of the climber pants based on our experience. Make sure you cover most of them before making your decision in going ahead with the purchase.
Should climbing pants be tight?
Note that climbing pants should never be tight. They have to be loose in the knees, crotch, and thighs. Only when these parts of the legs are comfortable can you make it to an adventure, climbing rocks.
Can you rock climb with jeans?
Rock climbing and Jeans don’t go together. You will get stuck right at the initial stages of your adventure and start cursing the person who suggested this.
There are stretchable jeans too. But we go against this too. It might help you in hiking but definitely not in rock climbing.
Can you wear leggings rock climbing?
Leggings might be the most comfortable things that you have worn. But at the same time, you are not sure about one thing about the leggings. This fabric. Leggings are mostly made for indoors and yoga.
But when you are rock climbing. you are exposing yourself to a lot of rough things that your leggings have never witnessed. So we always suggest against wearing leggings as a substitute for climbing pants.
Let us now start listing out the best of the climbing pants based on the features that we have listed previously.
8 Best Climbing Pants
1. Viodia Women’s
Material
90% Nylon, 10% Spandex
Water Resistant
Yes
Pockets
Side zip pockets
Additional
SUN PROTECTION & WATERPROOF
2. Ucraft – Anti-Gravity Climbing
Material
100% Spandex
Tear Resistant
Yes
Pockets
5 POCKETS (2 ZIPPERED and 1 flapped)
Additional
Reinforcement at the knees, DOUBLE LOOP FOR THE CHALK BAG
3. Ucraft “Xlite Rock Climbing
Material
92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
Tear Resistant
No
Pockets
4 outer pockets (2 zippers), chalk bag & brush loops.
4. VVK Women’s Climbing Pants
Material
88% Nylon, 12% Spandex
Water Resistant
Yes
Pockets
Multi Zippers
Additional
Protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays
5. RIUIYELE Hiking Pants
Material
100% Polyester
Water Resistant
Yes
Pockets
Multi Zippers
Additional
Detachable knee Zippers
6. Kids’ Cargo Pants
Material
100% Nylon
Water Resistant
Yes
Pockets
Multi Zippers
Additional
Stain repellent fabric
7. Postropaky Mens Hiking
Material
94% Nylon, 6% Spandex
Water Resistant
Yes
Pockets
2 open hand pockets, 2 zippered rear straight
Additional
Rip & tear resistant; quick drying; breathe freely
8. Little Donkey Andy Women’s Lightweight
Material
95% Polyster/5%Spandex
Water Resistant
Yes
Pockets
Zipper angled front pockets with pull tabs to store
Additional
Elastic leg-hem