Finding the right yoga pants for your yoga or rock climbing workout can be a difficult task. There are so many options in terms of cut, color, and fabric that it is hard to know where to start. They have to be comfortable, adaptable and breathable to cater to the person’s needs. Yoga and climbing lovers need to find what is right for them in order to do their favorite exercises with ease. With so many different types of yoga pants on the market, it can be difficult narrowing down which one would work best for you. Hopefully this guide will make finding your new favorite pair much easier!
What are the Best Climbing Yoga Pants?
Below you’ll find the list of the top 5 Best Climbing Yoga Pants. We compiled this list from climbing yoga pants we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with yoga pants for climbers 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. Lululemon Wunder Under Hi-Rise Tights
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: Lycra Sun Protection: No mentioned sun protection Variations of Colors: 6 Colours Purpose and Usage: Yoga, Pilates, Workouts, Climbing |
These are wonderfully soft and flexible leggings that will allow a full range of movement. Lululemon’s very own Luxtreme fabric is ultra-soft to the touch, wicks moisture incredibly well, and will keep you cool on even the hottest days. The fabric is thick enough that you feel supported, but we don’t know how well these would hold up if they were exposed to sharp rock such as limestone. On the other hand, they look fabulous, so are perfect for looking great in the climbing gym (and beyond!).
Pros
- Incredibly soft, silky texture Super flexible and lightweight Trendy – you could wear these away from the crag! Luxtreme fabric is moisture-wicking
Cons
- Material not as durable as other brands
2. Queenieke Women Workout Leggings
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: 75% Polyester, 25% Spandex (solid colour)87% Polyester, 13% Spandex (space-dye) Sun Protection: No Variations of Colors: 38 Purpose and Usage: Yoga, Running, Gym, Casual |
Unlike many other high waisted leggings, the Queenieke Women Workout Leggings do not roll down when exercising. The polyester blend ensures the leggings do not pill and the spandex offers a stretchy material that allows for a lot of freedom to move. The solid colours are made of more spandex material than the space dye colours, so opt for these for your climbing adventures as they provide more flexibility. Because they are very high-waisted, they sit flush underneath a harness. Moreover, the fabric is not too thin that you’ll feel the harness digging in and not too thick that the material will rub and chafe against it. The leggings come with a hidden back pocket big enough to carry your phone or other small valuables.
A disadvantage of the leggings becomes apparent after a long and intense workout; sweat stains do show up, especially if you generally sweat a lot. Choosing a darker colour can remedy this. The leggings are also quite long, so if you aren’t very tall or don’t like them to bunch up, you’ll have to roll the ends up at the bottom.
The leggings do fit true to size, so we recommend ordering your usual size. However, these just may be the most high-waisted leggings in town. If you’re not a fan of high-waist leggings or have a short torso, then our advice is to skip these, as they come up below the bust, with the waistband measuring in at 5.5″ (14cm).
Pros
- Great colour selection
- No pilling
- True to size
- Great elasticity
- Durable
- High-waisted as advertised
- Hidden pocket to carry gadgets and accessories
- Waistband doesn’t roll down
- Good value for money
Cons
- Lighter colours are see-through
- Not 100% sweat proof
- Elastic waistband can dig into waist/stomach
- Not the most compressive
- Might be too high-waisted for some
- Not extremely soft
- Quite long
3. Phiockat Women’s High Waist Workout Pants with Pockets
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: 77% Polyester, 23% Spandex Sun Protection: No Variations of Colors: 24 Purpose and Usage: Yoga, Fitness & Training, Running, Dance, Work, Casual |
The Phisockat Women’s High Waist Workout Pants with Pockets are made of a mix of polyester and spandex, a common blend used in activewear. The presence of polyester means it is quick-drying, moisture-wicking and breathable, as well as very soft. The spandex ensures retention of its original shape and stretchiness;. the leggings will not stand in the way of undertaking a move that requires flexibility. Additionally, the thicker fabric results in a more durable legging that can withstand the rubs and grinds against rock surfaces. The darker colours are opaque so are suitable for when you’re about to tackle a bridging move, or simply want to get those lunges and squats in at the gym, however, we don’t recommend going for the lighter colours (specifically white), as they are more see-through.
The design includes three sewn-in pockets: two side pockets that are deep enough to house your phone and a snack (for when you’re hungry and have reached a belay station!), as well as a waist pocket for easy storage of your card or key. The pockets are sturdy and don’t pull on the waist when filled. This is a convenient feature for when you want to climb without a bag weighing you down on the shoulders.
A drawback of the leggings is the elastic band sewn into the top of the waistband that can potentially dig into the skin. Additionally, because the Phisockat pants are made of a thicker material, they may not be ideal for warm weather or long climbs under the sun; they also don’t have any sun protecting features. Nonetheless, they are a good pick for crisp spring and fall days.
If you have a smaller build, we recommend sizing down otherwise you may have to constantly pull the pants up. Lastly, despite the great colour selection, the images may not be accurate depictions of the actual colour; keep that in mind when purchasing so you don’t get too disappointed!
Pros
- Very soft
- Stretchy
- Durable
- Mostly opaque
- Vast colour selection
- Three pockets for easy storage of phone or keys
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as high-waisted as advertised
- Elastic in waistband is tight and can dig in
- Thicker material may be better suited for cooler temperatures
- No sun protection
- Runs slightly large
- Not ideal if you prefer seamless leggings
- Material may pill
- Attracts lint/pet hair
- Colours portrayed may be slightly off
4. Crz Yoga Women’s High Waist Workout Pants
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: 71% Polyamide, 29%Spandex Sun Protection: No Variations of Colors: 43 Purpose and Usage: Yoga, Training |
The CRZ Yoga Women’s High Waist Workout Pants are lightweight and designed to keep you cool. They’re a good pick for exploratory days and warm indoor or outdoor climbing sessions. With these pants, you won’t have to sacrifice on stretch; the spandex ensures the pants don’t become loose or baggy and also allow for a full range of motion, from high steps and heel hooks to full extension moves.
The thin material is made of soft and flexible fibres, while the seamless waistband results in zero pinching and added comfort.
Unfortunately, these pants may not be strong enough to withstand exposure to rough surfaces and would fit indoor gym climbing better. They are not made of high quality fabric as the seams come undone quite quickly and despite their stretchiness, the thin material makes them more susceptible to rips or tears. The polyamide material is a great option to wear in warmer temperatures due to the tendency to remain cool when moisture is present, however, this material won’t do too well for colder adventures and isn’t as moisture-wicking as polyester or other fabrics. If you’re looking for a more durable quality legging, check out our picks for the top 10 best women’s rock climbing clothes. Bear in mind that these pants are also see-through, a problem that is likely to intensify with every wash. Another thing to take note of is that despite being seamless, the waistband can roll down every now and again.
The CRZ workout pants are available in many beautiful colours, however, the options displayed are a little misleading as they do not always represent the actual colour.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Soft material
- Stretchy
- Seamless waistband
- Hidden waistband pocket for storage
Cons
- Waistband occasionally rolls down
- See-through
- Pills easily
- Thin material that may not feel compressing enough
5. Maikanong Mens Slim Fit Joggers Tapered Sweatpants
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: 70% Cotton, 30% Polyester Sun Protection: No Variations of Colors: 4 Purpose and Usage: Gym, Leisure, Homewear, Outdoor, Bodybuilding, Yoga, Dancing |
The Maikanong Mens Slim Fit Joggers are made of lightweight material perfect for hot weather. They are stretchy and do not restrict movement, hence are a good choice if your priority is flexibility. Worth mentioning are the functional zipped pockets which will prove advantageous if you don’t want to lug around a backpack; your phone, snacks, or other small valuables are kept secure and you can be sure nothing will fall out when you’re up at a height. The pockets don’t flap out and catch onto carabiners either when clipping items onto gear loops and fancy footwork will not be a problem with the tapered bottom on these joggers. The presence of a drawstring allows you to customize the fit, however, it is not very long so can easily get lost in the waistband.
A more important downside of these joggers is that despite its cotton blend, the quality of the fabric is not very durable. Frequent wear may affect its longevity, especially if scaling up jagged rock surfaces or cheese grating down a slab. Moreover, it’s moisture-wicking abilities likely perform below par; despite its blend with polyester (which is hydrophobic in nature and dries quickly), the 70% cotton is evident. The joggers get saturated easily in sweat and take longer to dry, so if you’re sensitive to heat and humidity and tend to sweat a lot, this may not be the best choice. (Top tip: to avoid the appearance of sweat stains, opt for a dark colour, such as black.) The material also isn’t very breathable for long sun-bearing days on the wall. The fit is quite snug, especially in the thigh area, so we suggest sizing up for comfort.
We recommend washing these on a gentle cycle at a colder temperature. We advise against the use of a dryer.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Light-weight material
- Non-restrictive and stretchy
- Tapered bottom
- Drawstring allows fit to be customized
- Decent sized horizontally zippered pockets
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Thin material is not very durable
- Doesn’t wick away moisture
- Small colour selection
- Short drawstring which can get lost in the waistband
- Instructions recommend hand washing and air-drying
- No back pockets
Verdict
Based on all of our experience with yoga pants for climbers, we found that Lululemon Wunder Under Hi-Rise Tights is the best climbing yoga pant available today.
Our Premium Option is Crz Yoga Women’s High Waist Workout Pants 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 Phiockat Women’s High Waist Workout Pants with Pockets as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying climbing yoga pants
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.
Precautions to note while selecting Climbing Leggings
It’s not always easy finding the best climbing leggings. Not only do they need to allow for movement, they also need to be comfortable, breathable and hard-wearing. And it doesn’t hurt if they look good too!
Your choice of climbing leggings will depend on the type of climbing you intend to do. Outdoor rock climbing will require different specifications to indoor climbing like bouldering, which is why we generally recommend matching your pants to your project. It’s also extremely important to take weather conditions into account and dress accordingly. Ultimately, it comes down to being comfortable whilst ascending and that encompasses numerous things, such as the material and fit of the leggings (think flexibility, durability, breathability and comfort), as well as feeling confident and stylish (yes, aesthetics is important too!) Know yourself and your preferences; the more you climb, the more you’ll realise which key features you prioritise and appreciate!
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 climbing yoga pants
Are wearing climbing leggings good for men?
It’s generally harder to find good quality leggings from good brands for men, as the climbing attire often advertised for them features pants and not leggings. Some may argue that leggings don’t offer as much protection as pants do. Regardless, leggings can be a good alternative to climbing pants, especially if you favor tight-fitting garments and want maximum freedom of movement. Nowadays, many leggings will feature a gusseted crotch rather than a standard pant crotch, which not only provides extra material and is more anatomically agreeable and accommodating, but also enhances flexibility which will prove useful when performing dynamic climbing moves. That said, many men feel that tight fitting clothes like leggings overexpose the crotch area and thus tend to wear them underneath a pair of shorts. The newest (climbing) fashion is geared to solving this problem. There are superior brands out there that incorporate soft moldable crotch cups into their leggings. These crotch cups conceal (the outline of) your goodies and provide better groin support. What’s more, leggings for men come in all sorts of styles and colours too, so you can be sure you’ll look good whilst scaling up that wall!
Are leggings good for climbing?
It goes without saying that flexibility is crucial when it comes to climbing; the last thing you want is a pair of pants that limit your range of motion. If you’re sport climbing or climbing indoors, leggings may be a suitable option, as such activities don’t put a lot of strain on your clothing. Leggings are usually very comfortable to wear and allow for a lot of stretch, making them unrestrictive. Certain climbing forms such as free climbing require you to hold positions that are similar to those carried out by dancers, such as stemming, and thus leggings would be a great choice because you won’t face any resistance. They are also simple garments: frill-free, with no bells and whistles and easily worn under a harness.
Nevertheless, this flexibility often comes at the expense of durability because of the thinner and lighter material they’re made of. They may not be a suitable choice for climbing that may rough your clothing up a bit, such as alpine or trad climbing. In such cases, finding a balance between flexibility and durability is key. Leggings also aren’t as adaptable as climbing pants which can be cinched in, cuffed at the ankles or converted into shorts. Moreover, they aren’t as airy and since they are tight-fitting, you may feel more exposed (especially if they are also see-through when bending over).
In the end, it comes down to personal preference. A lot of new designs on the market now offer flexibility without compromising on durability and vice versa, such as these climbing pants by Prana.
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