Rock climbing is a sport where you have to wear clothing that will not restrict your movement and these best rock climbing shorts can do just that. You want to be able to climb without any restrictions, whether it be from your clothes or other outside forces like weather or temperature. In the world of rock climbing, there are a number of different options for shorts. In general, you want to get something that is lightweight and stretchy and a good fit whether you are a female or male. There are also some other factors that come into play such as length and durability. We will explore these in more detail below.
What are the Best Climbing Shorts?
Below you’ll find the list of the top 13 Best Climbing Shorts. We compiled this list from rock climbing shorts we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with shorts for rock climbing you can be assured that this article will give you what you’re looking for.
We also wrote a buying guide and answered some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) at the end of this article.
1. Columbia Women’s Anytime Outdoor Capri Hiking Pants
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: 96% nylon, 4% elastane Sun Protection: UPF 50 Variations of Colors: 5 Purpose and Usage: Hiking, climbing, travel, casual wear |
The Anytime Outdoor Capri features the patented Omni-Shield technology, making the fabric water resistant and keeping dust and grime out. Columbia’s Omni-Shade technology offers UPF 50 sun protection while the 2-way stretch gives plenty of freedom of movement, making it ideal for many activities like climbing, bouldering, hiking, or simply wearing around town.
Longer than shorts, these capris drape slightly over the knees without hindering movement and can protect the knees from minor cuts and scrapes. They run true to size so there’s no need to size up to down. One drawback is that they start getting fuzzy after a few washes, and need to be washed with other delicate fabrics.
Pros
- Omni-Shield keeps the pants clean
- 2-way comfort stretch
- Drops below the knee and protects knees from minor scraps
Cons
- Fabric feels thinner after several washes
- Not as long lasting
2. Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Summit Shorts
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: 86% nylon, 14% spandex Sun Protection: No Variations of Colors: 9 Purpose and Usage: Hiking, running, climbing, biking, yoga |
The award-winning Ferrosi collection uses a signature soft shell fabric that is durable, super stretchy, and breathable. The wind and water protection will keep some wind out while continuing to wick moisture away from your body. The internal drawcord around the waist keeps the fit optimal while the single button fly stays out of the way of the harness.
The comfort and breathability of these shorts make them a popular favorite for all outdoor adventurers like canyoneering or mountaineering, especially on hot summer days. Be warned! These Ferrosi shorts are at least one size, or two sizes smaller so be prepared to size yourself up.
Pros
- Super lightweight at 175g
- Stretchy and comfortable
- Water and wind resistant
Cons
- Fits small and needs to be sized up
- Fabric feels thin
3. Arc’teryx Sabria Short Womens Climbing Shorts
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: Fortius DW 1.0 (87% Nylon, 13% Elastane) Sun Protection: UPF 50+ Variations of Colors: 2 Purpose and Usage: Hiking, climbing, running |
With no buttons, waistband, or zippers to get in the way of a harness, the Sabria shorts are ideal for climbing. The Sabria has a streamlined design and a slim fit, so sizing up might be required. The durable, 4-way stretch fabric, and gusseted crotch, allow for maximum stretch and freedom of movement for mountain climbing and vigorous outdoor sports.
The low-profile waist fits comfortably and both side pockets come with flaps for more security. This pair of shorts fit narrowly over the waist and hips and might not suit people with wider hips. With longer legs, sizing up might result in the shorts draping over the knees and hindering movement.
Pros
- No buttons or zipper
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- 4-way stretch allows maximum mobility
Cons
- Long fit, legs might be too long for shorter bodies
- Slim fit and might have to be sized up
4. Fjallraven Keb 72 Women Climbing Shorts
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: G-1000 (60% polyester, 40% cotton) Sun Protection: No Variations of Colors: 2 Purpose and Usage: Climbing, hiking, travel, yoga |
These snug-fitting shorts by Fjallraven offer optimal comfort and fit, with maximum movement capabilities. The back is designed to ride higher, negating the possibility of a plumber’s crack as you crouch or squat. Even though there are no back pockets, there are plenty of hand and side pockets to hold your wallet, phone, and keys without feeling overloaded.
These shorts are made with Fjallraven’s G-1000 fabric, a durable fabric designed for outdoor apparel and built to last. They hold up well in multi-day expeditions and have a reinforced area around the back that can handle even the roughest butt scoots. Priced a little more than most other shorts, this pair is a well-fitting classic from the award-winning Keb product lineup.
Pros
- Reinforced butt area
- Plenty of pockets
- Comfortable
Cons
- Pricey
- Limited colors
5. Columbia Men’s Pants Silver Ridge Convertible
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
Much like the Saturday Trail Convertible Pants, the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants can switch between full-length cargo pants and shorts in a matter of minutes. They are a development of the Silver Ridge Cargo Pants, with all of the same features as their slightly less adjustable brother. Those in search of a specialized hiking garment will prefer the convertible version as this allows for more customizability while on the trail. Those who are looking for a versatile product that can also be used in everyday situations will probably prefer the regular cargo pants version, as it looks more minimalist and aesthetically pleasing.
Pros
- Can be converted into shorts for warm weather hiking. Omni-wick technology keeps skin dry.
- UPF 50 protection
Cons
- The zip above the knee may be aesthetically undesirable in everyday situations
6. Kefitevd Men’s Hiking Quick Dry Shorts
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: 87% nylon, 13% spandex Sun Protection: No Variations of Colors: 6 Purpose and Usage: Hiking, biking, travel, climbing |
This affordable pair of pants from Kefitevd fastens on with an included belt and buckle. 4 zippered pockets provide plenty of room to store keys, wallets and phones while you’re playing outside. Thin and lightweight, these pants are suitable for hot summer days. The fabric is not very breathable and doesn’t wick moisture away, making for a less-than-comfortable experience during the hottest days.
The quality feels cheaper than higher-end hiking pants but fits well and is decently comfortable. Overall, it makes for a cheap pair of pants to wear about town but the lack of breathability in the fabric makes outdoor activities tricky. In addition, the buckle seems to come undone frequently.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- 4 zippered pockets
- Extremely thin and lightweight
Cons
- Feels like low-quality pants
- Adjustable belt keeps unclipping
- Not breathable
7. Mountain Hardwear Men’s Basin Pull-on Hiking Shorts
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: 94% nylon, 6% elastane Sun Protection: No Variations of Colors: 2 Purpose and Usage: Climbing, hiking, running, gym |
The Basin Men’s Shorts by Mountain Hardwear is a versatile, stretchy pair that allows for greater freedom of movement. It’s lightweight, durable material is breathable and keeps you cool on warmer days. The waist is fully elastic with an attached drawstring that won’t get in the way of your harness.
The fabric is finished with PFC-free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) which protects you against moisture and stains. Our only beef was that out of two hand pockets, two side pockets and a rear pocket, only the rear pocket was zippered. In addition, only black and black spruce colors are available. Overall, this reasonably priced pair of shorts will hold up on all your climbing adventures.
Pros
- Stretchy and allows great movement
- Sizing is accurate
- Breathable and quick-dry
Cons
- Limited colors
- Only one zippered pocket
8. Prana Mens Mojo Climbing Shorts
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: 100% recycled polyester Sun Protection: UPF 50+ Variations of Colors: 5 Purpose and Usage: Climbing, hiking, running, travel |
The Mojo climbing shorts by prAna is well-suited for most outdoor activities or casual days out at the beach. The UPF 50+ recycled polyester makes it a sustainable product for the eco-conscious. The elastic waistband makes it comfortable to wear it under a harness with no belt loops or hooks to snag onto the harness.
The fit is looser than previous prAna models and the fabric is reported to trap more moisture than other materials. The stretch could be better, motion was slightly limited during dynamic movements. Since prAna shifted its manufacturing operations from the US to China, its sizes have changed slightly compared to previous models made in the US.
Pros
- Affordable
- Full inseam gusset for optimal movement
- Pull-on closure
Cons
- Not very stretchy
- Not very breathable
9. Arcteryx Palisade Short Mens
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: TerraTex Nylon Sun Protection: None Purpose and Usage: 4 Type: Hiking, trail running, climbing |
The Palisade Men’s Shorts is designed for rough use in the backcountry. The patented TerraTex nylon material is thin and durable, holding up well under repeated abuse. The breathable material makes these shorts perfect for hot days and its moisture-wicking properties will keep even the heaviest sweaters comfortable.
The belt can clunk around in a washing machine or dryer, but this is easily fixed by tucking it into a zippered pocket when doing laundry. The fly is short and these shorts have a snug fit around the hips and crotch area. If you are thicker around the hips, sizing up might be a good idea.
Pros
- Mesh lined pockets for maximum breathability
- Thin, breathable material good for hot days
- Gusseted crotch for optimal stretch and comfort
Cons
- Short in the crotch area
- Belt can get in the way of a harness
10. Prana Mens Stretch Zion Short
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: 97% nylon, 3% spandex Sun Protection: SPF 50+ Variations of Colors: 7 Purpose and Usage: Travel, hiking, running, biking, climbing |
Apparel manufacturer prAna once again scored with this pair of durable shorts. The Zion is made with the stretch Zion performance fabric that keeps moisture out, is quick-drying and durable even after years of rough use. UPF 50+ resistant, all pockets are mesh-lined to improve breathability. It’s a shame those pockets can’t be zipped shut!
These shorts are fitted slightly longer, so those with shorter bodies might have a problem with them hanging too low and impeding leg motion. Despite that, they are one of the most versatile and durable pairs of shorts for all things outdoors and will deliver fantastic performance even after years of use.
Pros
- Abrasion resistant
- Ventilated gusset allows optimal movement
- Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
Cons
- Made longer than most, might prove a problem for short folks
- Pockets have no zips
11. Mountain Hardwear Mens Cargo Shorts
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: Nylon Sun Protection: No Purpose and Usage: Travel, hiking, running |
The Castil line of shorts by Mountain Hardwear was designed for all-day casual use in hot climates. Two cargo pockets can be closed with velcro and there’s a convenient pull tab above each side pocket for easy access. The 100% nylon fabric is finished with DWR, making it water resistant and breathable.
These shorts dry quickly and are durable enough to stand up to the roughest use. The pockets are large and deep and can hold phones and wallets comfortably. They are slightly slim fitting so bumping up a size might be a good idea, especially if you like a looser fit.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quick-dry
- Well-fitted for optimal comfort
Cons
- Limited sizes and colors available
- The model has since discontinued
12. Columbia Anytime Outdoor Long Shorts
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: 96% nylon, 4% elastane Sun Protection: UPF 50 Variations of Colors: 5 Purpose and Usage: Hiking, beach days, travel, climbing |
Made of Summiteer Lite fabric, these shorts are designed for optimal comfort and maximum mobility. They fit snugly against the hips and waist with a low profile. The Omni-Shield makes them water repellent and easy to keep clean, while the Omni-Shade offers sun protection for those blazing days.
WIth 2-way stretch comfort, they will be great for any outdoor activity that requires some dynamic movement. The integrated drawstring ensures optimal fit and can be removed if not needed. A small downside is that they get fuzzy after several washes and loses a bit of its original texture. They are also slightly on the tighter side so size up if you like pants that are slightly baggy.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight and breathable
- Sun and splash repellent
Cons
- Low-waist might not be for everyone
- Fits snug and might need to be sized up
13. Black Diamond M Credo Shorts
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane Sun Protection: No Variations of Colors: 11 Purpose and Usage: Climbing, hiking, travel, running |
The Credo shorts by Black Diamond are built for all-day wear at the crag or simply around town. These lightweight shorts weigh in at a mere 213g and are easily packed for travel. The adjustable waist belt assures optimal fit while two front pockets and a secure side pocket keeps your stuff close.
Everyone will be happy choosing from a large range of sizes and the fit is true to the sizing. These shorts are slightly longer and folks with shorter torsos might find them draping over the knees. The integrated belt also has a tendency to wear through the waistband and has been known to tear out.
Pros
- Light
- Stretchy
- Breathable
Cons
- No cargo pockets, just one side pocket
- Belt not as long lasting
Verdict
Based on all of our experience with shorts for rock climbing, we found that Columbia Women’s Anytime Outdoor Capri Hiking Pants is the best pair of climbing shorts available today.
Our Premium Option is Prana Mens Stretch Zion Short with all the best features and high-quality materials, but that’s only if you have more money to spend.
However, if you are on a slightly tighter budget, you can also consider the Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Summit Shorts as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying rock climbing shorts
Multiple Usages
Leggings or yoga pants are, if anything, versatile. Due to their flexible material, they do not hinder movement, making them ideal choices for sports that require a lot of stretching and flexibility, such as yoga, gymnastics, dancing and pilates, and of course climbing where you need to commit those sit-in moves! They are also great for running and cycling because, unlike baggy or loose fitting climbing pants, they can reduce wind-resistance and increase your speed. Most yoga pants or climbing leggings provide compression benefits too; compression leggings enhance overall circulation and help increase blood flow while reducing energy expenditure and muscle fatigue; an important feature for rock climbing routes that are lengthy and intense. Lastly, legging fabric is usually not too thick and can thus also be worn underneath other pants for more insulation when training or bouldering in colder temperatures.
Material and Climate
It’s easy to overlook attire and focus more on ropes and harnesses when what you’re most worried about is safety. Nevertheless, opting to exercise in a pair of pyjamas is not a very wise choice. Oftentimes, your attire can actually enhance your performance and help you feel a tad bit more comfortable and secure, regardless of whether you’re training at home, in the gym or up on the rock.
When choosing your leggings, keep in mind the material it’s made of. Aside from comfort, mobility is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider, hence the material needs to allow for a full range of motion. It should also be able to take a beating; the ability to withstand rips and tears is important as rock surfaces are often unforgiving. Most rock climbing or bouldering pants feature a durable mix of cotton and elastic material and depending on the activity, durability may be something worthwhile to look into. You can probably get away with a thinner and lighter material for bouldering or workouts at home, but activities such as trad and alpine climbing will require more durable and weather-proofed material.
This brings us to our next point. There are some blends that are more suitable for a particular type of climate. Cotton is better suited for warm and dry conditions and is best avoided in cold and wet weather as it absorbs water and stays wet. If you’re climbing in a colder climate, keeping warm and dry needs to be your focus when picking your clothing gear, which is where base layers as well as waterproof and wind/water resistant jackets come into play. Crucial for cold, rainy, or windy days, such items ensure you don’t fall sick during or after your trip. On the other hand, synthetic blends such as polyester and polypropylene are great for wicking moisture and suitable for hotter climates as they are quick-drying. Material such as micro-polyester is great for climates that are humid but experience frequent rainfall and where monsoons are common, such as in South East-Asia; they do a great job at being wind and water resistant whilst being light-weight and breathable. However, unlike a material like wool, synthetics aren’t great at keeping odors at bay. Merino wool, a breathable and lightweight natural fiber, is one of the best moisture-wicking fabrics on the market today and does not retain odors, perfect for humid and muggy climbing conditions. It is, however, less durable than cotton and other synthetic fabrics.
Last but certainly not least, the fabric needs to be comfortable. Loose fitting items sure are comfortable, but excess bagginess can easily get in the way. While on the wall, it’s important that your clothing works with you, not against you. You can’t go wrong with stretchy material that will allow you to stretch that extra inch without worrying about a tear in the wrong place. Leggings tend to have a high amount of elastic material but are usually made of thin fabric. Since weather conditions can quickly change, it’s wise to be ready for whatever mother nature throws at you. Wearing the proper climbing clothes is crucial for a climber to perform effectively, comfortably and safely.
Questions and Answers About rock climbing shorts
Why is stretchy jeans or pants helpful in climbing?
The stretch and flex of a pair of pants or leggings is probably the most important feature that determines how suitable they are for climbing in. Rock climbing requires a lot of suppleness and flexibility, and pants that inhibit this will actively work to make climbing more difficult. If you can’t execute moves like a high-step, then you have to find an alternative beta that may be more difficult.
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