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The Best Men’s Climbing Pants of 2024

After serious testing in a range of conditions and climbing disciplines, we found the best men’s climbing pants for every style and budget.

men's climbing pants
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Whether you’re training in the gym or planning your next multipitch project, we’ve identified the best climbing pants for every budget and adventure.

The best climbing pants are designed with careful consideration of everything climbers need. Solving boulder problems, tackling grueling alpine routes, and redpointing single-pitch sport routes all require capable and durable clothing.

Apparel-related discomfort can limit performance. Climbing pants should offer freedom of movement, protection from the elements, comfort, and thoughtful features.

To help you identify the best climbing pants for your specific needs as a climber, we’ve also included a comprehensive buyer’s guide at the end of our list of recommendations, as well as a detailed specification chart, and an FAQ section to mop up any final queries.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for:

Editor’s Note: We updated our Men’s Climbing Pants guide March 20, 2024 to add the Topo Designs Dirt Pants, a burly pair of trousers that won’t flinch at being stuffed into offwidths, as well as crown the return of the prAna Stretch Zion Pants — now available in their original material.

The Best Climbing Pants of 2024


Best Overall Climbing Pants

prAna Stretch Zion Pant

Specs

  • Weight 13.2 oz.
  • Material Stretch Zion — 97% nylon, 3% elastane
  • Number of pockets Two front hand pockets, two rear, one zippered thigh
  • Special features Roll up pant leg snaps, webbing waist belt, rear pocket flap, vent holes in gusset
  • Fit Relaxed; straight leg
Product Badge The Best Men’s Climbing Pants of 2024

Pros

  • Original Stretch Zion material has perfect blend of give and durability
  • Wide size range available
  • PFAS-free DWR finish
  • Roomy fit doesn't constrict motion

Cons

  • Pants will pill eventually with enough climbing
Best Budget Climbing Pants

Mountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On Pants

Specs

  • Weight 9.5 oz.
  • Material 94% nylon, 6% elastane, PFC-free DWR finish
  • Number of pockets Two front hand pockets, two drop-in back (including one zippered)
  • Special features Elastic waistband, zippered back pocket, drawstring waist
  • Fit Roomy
The Best Men’s Climbing Pants of 2024

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Roomy fit
  • Zippered rear pocket
  • Durable elastic waistband

Cons

  • Rear zippered pocket is difficult to access with a harness on
Best for Ice, Snow, and Cold Weather

Arc’teryx Gamma Pants

Specs

  • Weight 12.5 oz.
  • Material 88% nylon, 12% elastane
  • Number of pockets Two zippered hand pockets, one zippered thigh pocket
  • Special features Zippered thigh pocket, adjustable cuffs, integrated waistbelt
  • Fit Regular fit with straight legs
The Best Men’s Climbing Pants of 2024

Pros

  • Great warmth-to-weight ratio
  • Suitable for cold weather climbing
  • Durable
  • Secure pockets

Cons

  • Expensive
Best Climbing Pants for Bouldering

Black Diamond Notion Pants

Specs

  • Weight 14.5 oz.
  • Materials 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane
  • Number of pockets Two front pockets, two rear
  • Special features Reinforced knees, elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring
  • Fit Standard, jogger
The Best Men’s Climbing Pants of 2024

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Perfect for bouldering
  • Unrestricted mobility

Cons

  • No zippered phone pocket
Most Durable Climbing Pants

Topo Designs Dirt 5-Pocket Pants

Specs

  • Weight Unknown
  • Material 98% organic cotton, 2% spandex
  • Number of pockets Three front pockets, two rear pockets (one hidden zippered pocket)
  • Special features Crag to town look
  • Fit Straight, slim
The Best Men’s Climbing Pants of 2024

Pros

  • Burly work-wear inspired material
  • Hidden zippered pocket locks down things like keys
  • Just the right amount of stretch

Cons

  • No thigh pocket for harness access
  • Lacking cinchable cuffs
Best Climbing Jeans

Coalatree Decaf Denim

Specs

  • Weight 1 lb.
  • Material 89% cotton, 9% "Ice Cafe Nylon" (make from recycled coffee and plastic), 2% spandex
  • Number of pockets Two front pockets, two rear (including one zippered)
  • Special features Hidden zip rear pocket, anti microbial
  • Fit Slim
The Best Men’s Climbing Pants of 2024

Pros

  • Stretchy
  • Breathable
  • Nice looking

Cons

  • Lacks a gusseted crotch
Best of the Rest

Outdoor Research Cirque Lite Pants

Specs

  • Weight 13.6 oz.
  • Material 88% nylon, 12% spandex
  • Number of pockets Two zippered front pockets, zippered thigh pocket
  • Special features Crotch gusset, integrated belt, elastic cuffs, reinforced scuff guards
  • Fit Standard
The Best Men’s Climbing Pants of 2024

Pros

  • Stretchy
  • Plentiful zippered pockets
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Not ideal for hot conditions

Patagonia Terravia Light Alpine Pants

Specs

  • Weight 9.2 oz.
  • Material 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex
  • Number of pockets Two front zippered pockets, right thigh zippered pocket 
  • Special features Right thigh zip pocket, elastic waist with drawstring
  • Fit Slim
The Best Men’s Climbing Pants of 2024

Pros

  • Slim fit yet stretchy and easy to move it
  • Lightweight
  • Ideal for warm weather

Cons

  • Waist elastic wears out over time

Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Trail Pants

Specs

  • Weight 11 oz.
  • Material 88% nylon, 12% elastane
  • Number of pockets Two front hand pockets, one rear zip pocket
  • Special features UPF 50, low profile belt with cinch adjustability, two side hand pockets, secure zip back pocket, seat gusset
  • Fit Standard
The Best Men’s Climbing Pants of 2024

Pros

  • Cinchable waistband and ankles
  • Durable
  • Breathable
  • Zippered phone pocket

Cons

  • Zippered pocket is difficult to access while wearing a harness

Gramicci NN Pants

Specs

  • Weight Unknown
  • Material Stretch cotton twill
  • Number of pockets Two front pockets, two hook-and-loop rear pockets
  • Special features Integrated adjustable belt, crotch gusset
  • Fit Standard
The Best Men’s Climbing Pants of 2024

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Durable
  • Gusseted crotch

Cons

  • No zippered phone pocket

Men’s Climbing Pants Comparison Chart

Men’s Climbing PantsPriceWeightMaterialPocketsFit
prAna Stretch Zion Pant$9513.2 oz.Stretch Zion — 97% nylon, 3% elastaneTwo front hand pockets, two rear, one zippered thighRelaxed; straight leg
Mountain Hardwear
Basin Pull-On Pants
$799.5 oz.94% nylon, 6% elastane with PFC-free DWR finishTwo front hand pockets, two drop-in back (including one zippered)Roomy
Arc’teryx Gamma Pants$20012.5 oz.88% nylon, 12% elastaneTwo zippered hand pockets, one zippered thigh pocketStandard; straight legs
Black Diamond Notion$9514.5 oz.98% cotton, 2% elastaneTwo front pockets, two rearStandard, jogger
Topo Designs Dirt 5-Pocket Pants$109Unavailable98% organic cotton, 2% elastaneThree front pockets, two rear pockets (one hidden zippered pocket)Straight fit; slim
Coalatree Decaf
Denim Jeans
$1091 lb.89% cotton, 9% “Ice Cafe Nylon,” 2% spandexTwo front pockets, two rear (including one zippered) Slim
Outdoor Research
Cirque Lite Pants
$13913.6 oz.88% nylon, 12% spandexTwo zippered front pockets, zippered thigh pocketStandard
Patagonia Terravia
Light Alpine Pants
$1299.2 oz.86% recycled polyester, 14% spandexTwo front zippered pockets, right thigh zippered pocket Slim
Mountain Hardwear
Chockstone Trail Pants
$9911 oz.88% nylon, 12% elastaneTwo front hand pockets, one rear zip pocketStandard
Gramicci NN Pants$110UnknownStretch cotton twillTwo front pockets, two hook-and-loop rear pocketsStandard
the best climbing pants for men
Alpine belaying in the Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Trail pants; (photo/Clayton Herrmann)

How We Tested Climbing Pants

The recommended pants on this list are the result of multiple years of extensive testing. We’ve tested pants in climbing areas across the US, including the Wasatch mountains of Utah, Yosemite National Park, and numerous air-conditioned climbing gyms. We sport climbed, bouldered, and wrestled our way up off-widths on our search for the best climbing pants of 2024.

With every pair that we tried, we assessed durability, versatility, freedom of movement, and fit. While we appreciate stylish pants and nifty features, we focused on one question above all else: are these pants effective while climbing?

There are many disciplines of climbing, so not all climbing pants should have the same materials and technical specs. Bouldering pants need to be stretchy and durable, while alpine climbing pants need to be light and breathable.

On this list, we’ve divided our recommendations into specific categories. These categories are the product of our ongoing testing process. With each new pair of pants we try, we carefully assess their strengths and weaknesses and place them in categories accordingly.

As new climbing pants hit the market, we’ll be sure to test them and compare them against our existing favorites. At any given time, our list will include the best of the best.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Climbing Pants

Though you don’t strictly need climbing-specific pants to climb, they do have many clear advantages. Climbing pants offer helpful and specific features other activewear pants do not — including harness-compatible pockets and crampon-ready durability.

In this handy how-to-choose guide, we’ll cover all of the major considerations for selecting the perfect pair of climbing pants. This article focuses specifically on the best climbing pants for men. If you’re looking for women’s-specific options, check out our article on the Best Climbing Pants for Women.

Climbing Pants and Various Climbing Disciplines

Climbing is an umbrella term that covers many different sub-sports and disciplines. For example, alpine scrambling and indoor bouldering are very different activities. Ideally, your apparel and overall kit should always be tailored to match the demands of the specific activity at hand.

men's climbing pants
Cold-weather alpine climbing pants should protect against the elements; (photo/Clayton Herrmann)

A pair of pants that’s great for one discipline of climbing may not be right for another. On this list, we’ve selected our favorite pair of climbing pants in many categories, including Best for Bouldering, Best for Alpine Climbing, and Most Durable.

Durability vs. Breathability

Climbing pants are guaranteed to make regular contact with rough and abrasive surfaces. For this reason, any pair of climbing pants worth its price tag will be abrasion-resistant and hardy.

In a climbing setting, durability is important. When you’re knee-jamming your way up a wide crack, you’ll want to know your pants won’t be completely shredded by the time you reach the anchor.

While durability is a priority for climbing pants, comfort, stretch, and breathability are important too. It’s not easy to design a pair of pants that is both abrasion-resistant and breathable. As a general rule, the lighter and more breathable pants become, the less durable they’ll be.

On this list, we’ve selected lightweight options like the Patagonia Terravia Light as an ideal choice for warm conditions. While these pants are supremely comfortable on light and fast summertime objectives, they’re also more vulnerable to rips and tears.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Topo Designs Dirt 5-Pocket Pants are incredibly durable. However, they do not breathe well and should be reserved for cool weather.

Materials and Stretch

To maximize mobility, climbing pants need to stretch. Most of the pants on this list are constructed from fabric blends that include stretchy materials such as elastane or spandex.

Pants with two-way stretch will stretch from side to side but not from top to bottom. Four-way stretch pants will stretch side to side and from top to bottom.

On this list, the Mountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On Pant is among the stretchiest styles. Another great option is the CoalaTree Decaf Denim pants, which are the stretchiest climbing jeans we tested. With pants like these, you’ll be able to use your body’s full range of motion with ease.

In addition to elastic material, most climbing pants are made from a blend of cotton and synthetic fabric such as polyester or nylon. In most cases, pants that are mostly cotton will be heavier, less breathable, and more durable.

On our list, the Topo Designs Dirt Pants are a heavy-duty, cotton-based pant that still allows for good mobility. Synthetic-based pants tend to be stretchier, less durable, and ideal for warm weather.

The Mountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On pant, our selection for the most comfortable climbing pant, is 94% nylon.

Bouldering frequently requires high steps — stretchy pants engage! (photo/Austin Beck-Doss)

Features

There are a few key features we feel all good climbing pants should have: secure pockets, an adjustable waistband, and a gusseted crotch. Practical, purpose-built features are the difference between climbing-specific pants and all other options. On this list, we’ve included lots of great pants, and each pair offers a unique set of thoughtful features.

Adjustable Waistband

Wearing a belt with a climbing harness is uncomfortable and inconvenient. Instead, look for a pair of climbing pants that includes an integrated system for adjusting the waistband.

On this list, we’ve included pants with various styles of adjustment systems. Of these, the classic drawstring is probably our least favorite, as these tend to loosen easily on their own. We love the adjustment system of the Arc’teryx Gamma Pant, which use a super-secure piece of low-profile webbing to tighten or loosen the waist.

A Climber Wearing the Outdoor Research Cirque Lite Pants in Joshua Tree National Park Ties in For the Next Pitch
(Photo/Scott Wilson)

Drawstring Ankle Cuffs

Many climbing pants feature drawstring ankle cuffs — a simple feature that adds some extra utility. Tightening the cuffs of your pants can keep any excess material out of the way while climbing and hiking.

As an extra bonus, this feature also functions as a safeguard against mosquitoes and ticks. On this list, the Outdoor Research Cirque Lite are a nice lightweight option with drawstring ankle cuffs.

Harness-Compatible Pockets

While wearing a harness, it can be difficult to access traditional pants pockets. Many climbers bring a phone along on multipitch routes, and it can be nice to have an accessible and secure place to keep it.

Many climbing pants include thoughtfully placed zippered pockets where a phone or other essential items can be kept safe while climbing. On this list, we love the zippered pockets of the Arc’teryx Gamma for their easy-to-access zippered thigh pocket. It’s out of the way of harness leg loops and large enough to hold most modern phones.

men's climbing pants
The Patagonia Terravia Light pants are great for fast and light romps in the mountains; (photo/Austin Beck-Doss)

FAQ

What are the best pants for climbing?

The best pants for climbing are the ones that meet your needs and are enjoyable to wear. On this list, we’ve included many pairs of our favorite climbing pants of 2024. The best bouldering pants will not be the best for ice climbing. Check out our buyer’s guide to figure out what kind of pants will suit you best.

What’s the difference between climbing pants and regular pants?

Climbing pants are just like any other pants, except they’re designed with climbing in mind. Climbing pants tend to have unique features geared toward climbers such as a small pocket for bouldering brush or a zippered thigh pocket to hold a phone while wearing a harness. Additionally, climbing pants are often extra stretchy to allow for increased range of motion and dynamic body movements.

How much do climbing pants cost?

On this list, we’ve included styles that range from $40 to over $150. Excellent options are available throughout this entire range. Higher-end materials and features tend to come with a higher price tag.

What pants should I use for ice climbing?

On this list, we recommend the Arc’teryx Gamma Pant for ice climbing. These durable softshell pants are stretchy, warm, and well-appointed with lots of ice climbing-specific features.

For instance, on the inside of each ankle, these pants have a patch of burly abrasion-resistant fabric to prevent shredding from crampons. Also, these pants easily open up around each ankle to accommodate ice climbing and mountaineering boots.

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