Just like with any other climbing gear, you need to get the best climbing pants to enjoy the climbing experience. Unfortunately, most climbers overlook this one thing, only to realize that the climbing pants they chose are restricting them to go all out when they are already too far to a different option.
In this article, we will list and review the best men’s climbing pants, all carefully picked after a thorough research, to help you get the best climbing pants that are not only durable but functional as well. But first, let’s go through the men’s climbing pants buying guide and look at the factors to consider when buying one.
Buying Guide
Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Men’s Climbing Pants:
Climbing pants material
What’s the best material for climbing pants and what are the features to consider when buying one?
There are many factors to consider when buying climbing pants for men, but the most important factor is the material. What makes a material good for climbing pants?
Flexibility
You will expect to make super stretchy moves when climbing, and this is only possible if your pants’ material is flexible. Some of the most flexible climbing pants materials include: Elastane, Lycra and the Stick Stretch Cordura.
Breathability and comfort
No matter where or when you’re climbing, you will most definitely sweat and feel warmer. To ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the climb, get well ventilated climbing pants with a breathable material.
Durability
Most climbing pants’ materials are prone to rippage, chafing, or knee-drag. However, this is mostly determined by the type of climbing (alpine, trad, sport, and bouldering climbing etc.). If you’re into alpine routes and trad/traditional climbing, avoid the lightweight models since they are prone to rippage. On the other hand, if you’re into sport and bouldering routes, avoid heavy materials such as the jean-like since even though they are more durable, they are restricting when it comes to flexibility.
Best Climbing Pants Materials / Common Climbing Pants Materials
Nylon
Why Nylon? It is lightweight, very breathable, durable, and also offers great elasticity. Again, nylon dries easily and some are waterproof. However, if not washed correctly, it will start smelling.
Cotton
Compared to nylon, cotton is softer, natural, heavier, also relatively durable, and very breathable.
One major advantage that cotton has over nylon though is that unlike nylon, cotton climbing pants can dry in commercial driers.
Other Important Features To Look For In Climbing Pants For Men
Gusseted crotch
This is just an added material in the pants crotch area, and it comes in handy especially for climbers who do dynamic climbing or yoga moves.
Ankle-cinch / Cuff system
This comes in handy when you want to quickly adjusts your pants length especially when it gets hot and you want to convert them to three-quarter or shorts.
Adjustable waist
Do you want your climbing pants with an integrated belt or a drawstring? These two options make fitting easier, but if you don’t like an adjustable waist, you can get one with a precise fit or trim it with a belt.
Closable pockets
These come in handy when you want to avoid whipping off your backpack from time to time especially for small things like a route map, gum, etc.
Chalk bag loop
This is usually on the rear of your waist belt and it helps you clip a chalk bag. It’s mainly for free climbers and boulders.
Versatility
Apart from climbing, where else can you use the pants?
Best Men´s Climbing Pants in 2020
1) Prana – Men’s Stretch Zion Climbing Pants – BEST PICK
Key Features:
Material: 3% Dwr and Spandex, 97% nylon
Pockets: 1 spacious zip thigh pocket, 2 rear, and 2 hip
Weight: 13.6 oz.
Other: Roll-up leg snaps and an adjustable built-in belt
These Prana climbing pants are the perfect all-rounder pant for men. They look good, and apart from taking them for any type of climbing, you can still rock them in various outdoor events (hiking, biking, walking, etc.)
For climbing purposes, these pants feature a stretchy material that makes them super flexible, thus enabling you to go all-out when climbing. Again, the material is abrasion-resistant, which makes it more durable as well as the best rock climbing pant.
Furthermore, if you want to go climbing in autumn or spring, these pants will be perfect because they dry fast. Again, they are great for both cold and warm air climbing because even though the material is warm, it is also breathable.
When it comes to functionality, the pants have an adjustable built-in belt that allows for perfect fitting, has five pockets and the thigh one has a zip, ventilated inseam gusset for comfort, and roll-up legs. As such, these are by far the most comfortable as well as functional climbing pants for men.
Pros
- Offer the best climbing mobility
- Ideal for all types of climbing
- Light and incredibly durable
- Breathable and comfortable
- Built-in adjustable belt
- Looks great
- Very versatile
Cons
- They are breathable, but not as well as other options such as our number two pick (Ferrosi). Also, they are pricey, but totally worth it.
2) Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi Pant – OFFERS BEST MOBILITY AND BREATHABILITY
Key Features:
Material: 14% Spandex and 86% nylon
Pockets: 1 zip thigh, 2 zip rear, and 2 hip
Weight: 12.2 oz.
Other: Cuff closures w/ drawstrings
These Ferrosi climbing pants for men comes in second in our list. This is because they are made from a light and thin fabric that make them feel ultra-comfortable, which is great for climbers who like to feel like they are climbing almost naked. And, as you’d expect from such a fabric, they are perfectly breathable and offer great mobility.
Again, they are very versatile and you can safely get away with showing up in them in various outdoor events, or even just chilling at home.
But, the most important fact about them is that they have a great abrasion-resistance, very protective and durable. Thus, they will take a great deal of abuse from frequent climbers, giving you a good value for your money.
Lastly, if you want weatherproof climbing pants, look no further! With Ferrosi pants, you can go climbing wherever and whenever because they keep you warm even in colder air and also cooler in warmer air as they are very breathable.
Pros
- Best lightweight climbing pants
- Very durable
- Weatherproof
- Ultra-comfortable
- Reasonably-priced
- Simple, but functional design
Cons
- Have non-adjustable waist, but if need be, you can have a separate belt. Also, they are not so fashionable, but they are great for what they are designed for, climbing.
3) Arc’teryx Gamma AR Climbing Men’s pant
Key Features:
Material: 46% polyester, 46% nylon, and 8% elastane
Pockets: 2 hand pockets and a thigh pocket
Weight: 17.28 oz.
Other: adjustable cuffs, wind resistant, moisture protection, brushed inner to offer thermal comfort
These pants are among the most expensive men’s climbing pants, but they are well worth the amount. First, the fabric blend give them a high abrasion resistance level, making them durable and reliable for all type of climbing.
Second, they offer incomparable comfort as they are wind resistant, they offer great moisture protection, and also provide great temperature regulation for thermal comfort.
Third, they allow perfect movement as the material is stretchy and they have articulated knees to give you total freedom of movement. Again, the trim and adjustable cuffs help in reducing volume while improving visibility.
Lastly, the overall design is simplistic and functional. They are a trim, slim fit with two zippered hand pockets and thigh pocket that has a laminated zip.
Pros
- Adjustable in-built belt
- Gusseted crotch
- Superior abrasion resistant
- Water repellent
- Adjustable cuffs
- Very versatile
- Great mobility
- Very breathable
Cons
- Expensive and also a slim fit, so it might not appeal to every one
4) Mountain Hardwear Men’s AP Pant for Climbing – MOST VERSATILE CLIMBING PANTS
Key Features:
Material: 23% nylon, 75% cotton, and 2% elastane
Pockets: 2 zip rear, 2 hip, and 1 Velcro thigh
Weight: 15.2 oz.
Other: Roll-up cuffs with snaps and the strips are reflective
If you are looking for versatile climbing pants for men, go for these AP pants. Apart from being great for climbing, hiking, and other outdoor activities, these are great casual everyday pants.
They are light but tough, so they wear comfortably and are very durable. If you frequently go for “tough” climbing or hiking, get these because they will withstand all the abuse. Again, despite being light, these climbing pants are still warm, and you can wear them in the snow. And, they have great breathability, making them ideal for summer climbing too.
Also, the general design is very well-thought. First, they are slim fit, so if this is your style, you will love them. Second, they have actually functional pockets so you won’t have a bunch of pockets that can barely fit your essentials. Third, if need be, you can fashionably roll-up the legs then use the snap closure to clip them revealing reflective strips that not only makes them look good, but also makes you more visible when in dim light.
Lastly, these pants offer an excellent stretch, and this makes them perfect for climbing because you will need to take bigger strides from time to time. And, given the fabric combo, nylon and cotton, there is no doubt about their durability.
Pros
- They come in colors
- Quite fashionable and versatile
- Lighter weight material
- Very durable
- Water resistant
- Really functional pockets
- Dries quickly
- Slim fit
Cons
- Might not be the best for thicker thighs
5) Ucraft “Xlite Rock Climbing Bouldering Stretchy Trousers – PERFECT FOR ROCK CLIMBING
Key Features:
Material: 92% Polyester and 8% Spandex
Pockets: 2 zipped side pockets, 1 hip, and 1 back zipped
Other: Ankle drawstrings, a chalk bag loop, thin elastic belt, and a brush loop
The Ucraft “Xlite” Men’s rock climbing pants are the most versatile climbing pants. They have all the necessary features for various outdoor activities. For starters, they are made of light, stretchy, and durable fabric. As such, they are very breathable, flexible for vigorous climbing, and will see you through a good number of climbing without a need to replace them.
Second, they have all the features for comfort and functionality. For example, they have a thin elastic belt that goes unnoticed on against your body. They also have anatomically curved knees that allows you to make various moves with ease. Again, they have both brush loop and chalk bag loop, plus ankle drawstrings to help you adjust the legs as you wish.
Pros
- Versatile climbing pants
- Stretchy fabric
- Incredibly durable
- Adjustable waist belt
- Functional and spacious pockets
- Breathable fabric
Cons
- They might be a little long for not so tall people, but the cinch cord will help you keep them spot on.
Wrapping up
With the best men’s climbing pants you will always look forward to the next adventure. However, with the wrong choice, the highly anticipated adventure can quickly turn into a nightmare. With the list above we are sure that you will get the best climbing pants for men and enjoy conquering heights in them. All the best!
