We tested the new Patagonia Caliza Rock Pants. They’re comfortable, technical, and could soon become your go-to crag pant.
The team at Patagonia has been designing, testing, and refining its women’s climbing pant line — and it shows.
Instead of adapting a pair of men’s climbing pants to fit a woman’s body, a team of female designers set out to ask female athletes and customers what they needed and wanted in climbing pants. Every last detail, from the pocket placement to the weight of the fabric, was discussed, designed, and then heavily tested in real-world scenarios.
Deep down, I’m yelling, “Why did it take so long?!” But mostly, I’m just grateful for all the hard work and thought put into these pants. Whether you love spending the afternoon climbing outside, bouldering at your local rock, or doing laps at the gym, these pants will keep you comfortable all day long.
First Look: The Patagonia Caliza Rock Pant
The material is what first caught my attention and piqued my excitement about these pants. The lightweight cotton is soft, stretchy, and durable all at the same time. And the surprisingly soft seams are strategically placed, which helps with comfort during key climbing moves.
After putting them on for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised at how well they molded to my body. Unlike other climbing pants that are either too baggy or too tight in the wrong areas, these felt like the perfect amount of stretch in all the right places.
I put these to the test on a series of different types of climbs at my local rock gym. And I quickly concluded that these may be the best women’s climbing pants ever made.
The high, elastic, stretchy waistband is comfortable and perfectly placed for your harness to fit over. Snaps on the bottom cuffs can be adjusted to fit your ankle. And the pockets — both in the front and the back — are so flat and low-key that I didn’t even know they were there until I looked in the mirror.
The Caliza pants get all the stars when it comes to style, comfort, and functionality. Part jogger, part yoga pant, and part technical climbing pant, the Caliza pants cover the whole spectrum of the most popular and functional women’s pants.
Honestly, while these are technically for climbing, I think you could wear these pants on a hike, to your favorite yoga class, or even out on the town. They retail for $89, which is a very reasonable price for the quality and versatility you get.
Why Every Climber Needs Caliza Pants
At first, I was a bit underwhelmed by the idea of another pair of “women’s-specific climbing pants.” But my mind quickly changed after my first encounter with them. These are exciting in their design and execution.
What may seem like small, boring changes to some will feel noticeably important to climbers. After putting them on and climbing, you will see what I mean. The Patagonia female design team along with their female athletes did some much-needed work on the brand’s women’s line, and it paid off in a big way. I look forward to seeing what they’ll revolutionize next.
The Caliza Rock Pants are available now and retail for $89.
