When it comes to bouldering, it is fundamental to find a good pair of pants or leggings to master the sport. From moves like sitting in, step ups to dyno, you do not want your pants to be in the way of you grabbing for that handhold or crimp. What more, the embarrassment of your pants splitting or being see through given it is not stretchy or elastic enough. So what are the ones that can fufill all these needs and still look good?
What are the Best Women’s Climbing Pants?
Below you’ll find the list of the top 11 Best Women’s Climbing Pants. We compiled this list from women’s climbing pants we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with ladies pants for 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. Arc’teryx Palisade
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: Terratex Nylon Variations of Colors: No |
The Palisade pants were designed to stand up against multi-day rough expeditions and indeed they do. Butt scooting or knee barring sharp limestone should do nothing to these pants that are made from patented Terratex nylon. The moisture-wicking, breathable material allows for optimal comfort on hot days and dries out in a heartbeat.
They fit a little too snug around the butt and crotch areas and might be tight for some that like to wear it baggy. The two front pockets could be a little deeper and the fleece-lined waistband and integrated belt could get in the way of your harness.
Pros
- Breathable
- Quick drying
- Durable
- 5 large pockets
Cons
- Pricey
- Tight around the hips and butt
2. Prana Women’s Halle Pants
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: Nylon and Spandex Fabric Sun Protection: UPF 50+ Sun Protection Variations of Colors: 10 Colours Purpose and Usage: Climbing, Hiking, Everyday Use, |
The prAna Women’s Halle Pants are a flattering and durable pair of pants that will give you the right amount of stretch and flex for climbing in. They are made of water-resistant fabric that will dry quickly and wick sweat away, keeping you cool. The material is also UPF 50, which means not only will your legs be safe from the sun, but these pants will work to keep you cool by acting as a barrier to the sun’s heat. Further, the Halle pants can be easily converted into capri pants by rolling up the bottom of the trouser legs for even more relief on hot days. These are great pants, but we found the sizing a bit odd, and even after trying on a few pairs we still couldn’t get a pair that fit like a dream. Hopefully you will have better luck!
Pros
- Water repellent fabric UPF fabric to keep your skin safe and regulate your temperature Stretchy and soft fabric Can be converted into capri pants
Cons
- Sizing not as accurate as other models
3. Arc’teryx Ravenna Pants
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
Somewhat comparable to the Mammut Nordwand Pro pants in that these are waterproof alpine pants, the Arc’teryx Ravenna pants are most at home on the winter slopes. Streamlined for snowboarding and skiing, the Ravenna pants are designed to fit with heavy snowboarding and ski-boots and are fully water and windproof to ensure that you are warm and comfortable throughout your time in the mountains.
They are constructed from 3 layers of GoreTex fabric to guarantee your protection. Articulated patterning helps to support your movement instead of restricting it. Adjustable vents allow you to moderate airflow and temperature inside the garment, while still protecting the vents from the snow that could otherwise find its way inside.
The simple and stylish design is sure to be the envy of everyone on the slopes. While these pants would protect you in alpine conditions during climbing and hiking expeditions, they are not streamlined for such activities but instead for snowsports, and if you are considering a mountaineering trip, it is best to look for specifically designed products to compliment your activities.
Pros
- Waterproof
- 3 layers of GoreTex fabric
- Wind Proof
- Suited for snowboarding and skiing
- Articulated patterning helps to support your movement
- Adjustable vents allow you to moderate airflow and temperature
Cons
- More suited for snowsports
- Not as many features suited for climbing and hiking expeditions
4. Mammut Camie Climbing Pants
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
The Mammut Camie Climbing pants are made from a mixture of cotton and elastane, designed to stretch in order to help you move when on the wall. The crotch has been gusseted and the knees articulated to maximize flexibility, and the stretchy material is both extremely comfortable and malleable, meaning you will never feel restricted in your movement. The minimalist chino design is also suitable for everyday situations, unlike many other climbing pants which stand out a little too much when worn away from the crag.
The fabrics are Fair Wear and Bluesign certified, making these an ethically positive choice for your climbing pants, both socially and environmentally. While they are not particularly heat-retaining or waterproof, for a pair of casual pants suitable for climbing and daily situations, you can’t go too wrong with the Camie pants.
Pros
- Stretchy material is both extremely comfortable and malleable
- minimalist chino design is also suitable for everyday situations
- Fair Wear and Bluesign certified fabric
- Ethically produced with low environmental impact
Cons
- Not particularly heat-retaining
- Not waterproof
5. Mammut Nordwand Pro Pants
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
The Mammut Nordwand Pro Pants are a premium product for those who are serious about extreme alpinism, ice-climbing and ski touring. No detail has been spared in the design of these pants, and they have taken years of testing and modifying before arriving at the final product.
The pants are made from a mixture of materials, including a new GoreTex Pro Stretch membrane to maximize mobility, GoreTex Pro Most Rugged technology for advanced weather protection and durability, and a dope-dyed hardshell exterior to protect you in extreme conditions.
Much like the Mammut jackets, these pants also come equipped with harness-friendly pockets. Seam edges are reinforced to protect against the weather and against accessories such as crampons. Everything is adjustable to ensure the most protective and comfortable fit. There is a side-ventilation system to help you moderate your temperature and moisture build-up inside the garment. There are also detachable braces to help everything stay in place when using the pants.
While you will have to pay a fair amount to get your hands on these pants, if you are venturing into such hostile environments that demand such features, you should not compromise your health and safety over the price of your equipment. These premium pants are tried and tested by athletes in the field and can be relied upon in the harshest of conditions.
Pros
- Great fit for alpinism, ice-climbing and ski touring
- GoreTex Pro Stretch membrane to maximize mobility
- Dope-dyed hardshell exterior to protect in extreme conditions
- Harness-friendly pockets
- side-ventilation system to help you moderate your temperature
- Detachable braces
Cons
- Premium Pricing
6. Prana Women’s Canyon Sky Pants
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
They cuff the pants’ legs to ensure they don’t wrap around your shoe. With a loose fit around the thighs, you get maximum movement when climbing.
A nice feature is its elastic loop at the rear of the pants. You can attach your chalk bag to it for maximum efficiency. It also features a side-opening cargo pocket with a zipper to ensure your belongings stay safe.
Unfortunately, the other pockets aren’t as efficient. You’ll have trouble storing your phone or purse inside the front pocket. The great thing about this model is it seems to be true to size, which appears to be a rarity with Prana climbing pants.
Pros
- Knit cuffs
- Side zip cargo pocket
- Breathable
Cons
- Small pockets
- No breathable gusset
7. North Face Aphrodite Motion Pants Women’s
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
While there are no comparable Columbia products, it is worth mentioning that The North Face produces many climbing-specific clothing products, and items such as the Aphrodite Motion Pants provide unrestricted leg movement on the wall. They are quick-drying, durable and water-repellent, helping to keep the elements at bay so you can focus on the technical moves on your project.
Pros
- Unrestricted leg movement on the wall
- Quick-drying
- Durable material
- Water-repellent
Cons
8. Arc’teryx Sabria Pants
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
The Arc’teryx Sabria pants are a streamlined hiking product with a gusseted crotch and articulated knees for increased mobility. They are UPF protective for hiking on sunny days, and the casual lightweight design allows a good amount of air circulation to keep you both protected and cool on warmer days.
The material is strong and durable, and able to take a beating from branches and rocks. Furthermore, they are specifically designed to fit comfortably under your backpack with a comfortable waist and pockets for stashing your essentials in.
While not as flexible as the Mammut Camie pants, and not streamlined for climbing and bouldering, these pants are comfortable and flexible enough for trekking, hiking, and everyday use. Beginners to the sport of climbing may also find them flexible enough for basic movements.
Pros
- UPF protective
- Casual lightweight design allows a good amount of air circulation
- Comfortable waist and pockets for stashing your essentials
- Dtrong and durable
- Gusseted crotch and articulated knees for increased mobility
Cons
- Not as stretchy and flexible material
9. Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail II Convertible Pants and Shorts
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: Nylon and Elastane Fabric Sun Protection: UPF 50+ Sun Protection Variations of Colors: 4 Colours Purpose and Usage: Hiking, Everyday use |
The Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail pants are primarily hiking trousers, but perform well as climbing trousers. They are great for climbing in hotter climates as they can easily be converted into shorts by zipping the bottom part of the trouser leg off. They are lightweight and wick moisture quickly, and the material is designed to be extra resistant to stains such as mud. We love the neutral tones these climbing pants are available in, but they’re not the stretchiest trousers and might be a little restrictive for some climbers.
Pros
- Can be converted to shorts Available in a wide range of pleasant neutral tones Made of water and stain-resistant fabric
Cons
- Material is not so stretchable
10. Lululemon Wunder Under Hi-Rise Tights
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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
11. Alo Yoga Women’s High Waist Airbrush Legging
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Material: Nylon and Spandex Fabric Sun Protection: No mentioned sun protection Variations of Colors: 4 Colours Purpose and Usage: Yoga, Workouts, Every Day Use |
The Alo Yoga women’s leggings are wonderfully thick and soft, and the absence of side-seems gives them even more comfort points. The material (a nylon/spandex blend) is smooth to touch and has an attractive sheen, and the high waisted fit is flattering. These are not the best at wicking moisture away – and in some of the colours sweat will show up a bit! They might be best kept for cooler climates because of this.
Pros
- Thick nylon/spandex blend fabric Super thick flexible material No side seams
Cons
- Not particularly good at wicking moisture – sweat shows!
Verdict
Based on all of our experience with ladies pants for climbing, we found that Arc’teryx Palisade is the best women’s climbing pant available today.
Our Premium Option is Arc’teryx Ravenna 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 Prana Women’s Halle Pants as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying women’s climbing pants
Advantages and benefits of rock climbing pants
You may be asking why it’s necessary to buy special pants just for climbing. Couldn’t you wear any athletic pants? Though the downside of climbing pants is that they tend to be a little bit more expensive, that extra cost pays off in the end. Both male and female rock climbing pants have a number of attributes that differentiate them from average pants. They are often stretchier than normal pants, allowing for the flexibility and mobility needed on certain climbs. They are often more durable than other pants, meaning that rough rock won’t cause them to rip.
Additionally, depending on the pants that you choose, they may have certain features, such as cinchable or roll-up ankles, that may not be necessary for everyday life but really come in handy when it comes to climbing. Climbing shorts are also very popular for those who like further breathability and do not mind the risk of getting scratches or bites while climbing.
How to choose the best rock climbing pants
When it comes to choosing the best rock climbing pants, there are a number of considerations that it is important to keep in mind. To begin with, your number one priority is fit. The last thing that you want to be thinking about as you are trying to send your project is that your clothing, in particular pants are uncomfortable, so well-fitting pants are crucial.
You should also keep in mind the type of weather conditions you plan on climbing in when it comes to selecting the length and material of climbing pants. Finally, you want to look for something durable. Climbing tends to put a lot of wear and tear on our clothing, so you want to make sure your pants will stay intact pitch after pitch.
One possible option to counter humidity is to get climbing pants that are also convertible hiking pants. It helps in cooling you down as well as offer that option to wear it casually as climbing shorts. These are some of the key benefits of rock climbing pants you need to look out for.
Most Important Features
As we mentioned before, there is a huge number of outdoor pants available from Columbia, and it can be a little difficult to know where to begin when trying to find the right pair for you. Before buying, you should think about how you want to use your pants, what conditions you will subject them to, and the amount of money you are willing to spend on them. Here are a few pointers to help you think about what is important to you. The most important features of your pants should depend on which activities you will be using them for. If you want a good pair of Columbia hiking pants, ideally weather resistance, comfort, and breathability should be prioritized. Pockets may also be important for storing items you require the quickest access to. If you are looking to go into alpine conditions in your Columbia snow pants, ensure they are tough, completely waterproof, and warm enough to keep you comfortable in such difficult conditions. For climbing, consider flexibility and mobility of the pants, particularly around the crotch and knee areas, as well as breathability so that you do not get distracted by unnecessary sweating. If you would also like a product that can be worn in everyday situations, you may also want to consider how they look, although many people like to have a dedicated pair of pants for outdoor activities, which would make this less important.
Climbing Pants VS Leggings
The climbing scene is becoming more hipster and trendy with time, with people coming here for climbing dates and really dressing up well for climbing. You may see people climbing with leggings often, and at the end of the day it’s a personal choice. Though leggings may add more flexibility and stretchiness, they tend to be less durable than climbing pants and more susceptible to rips or tears.
Whether you choose to climb in pants, good looking yoga shorts with pockets or leggings also depends on the fit of your harness. If your harness sits on the tighter side, leggings might be the more comfortable option, while if you have a looser fitting harness, pants may be the better choice. Another important consideration is zippered pockets, which you can find in climbing pants but leggings almost always lack.
Precautions to Note
Everyone has their own personal preferences when it comes to climbing pants, so this is just a list of guidelines when it comes to purchasing the best pair.
Know yourself and your preferences before deciding to purchase, as you may prioritize comfort over durability or breathability over storage. Pay attention to what you appreciate and what you wish you had in your climbing pants the next time you’re out at the crag. This could help guide your decisions the next time you decide to buy a new pair of climbing pants.
Questions and Answers About women’s climbing pants
How should climbing pants fit?
Unlike popular belief, climbing pants don’t need to be loose-fitting. But they do need to have stretch to them to do the big moves like sitting in and high set ups. Climbing pants without any movement can make it tough to climb.
Should I wear shorts to rock climb?
We generally find that longer shorts are suitable for climbing, while shorter shorts that don’t cover the leg skin under your harness will be pretty uncomfortable – the harness leg loops will bite into the skin. We generally think knee-length shorts are the best option for this reason.
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.
Is wearing jeans for rock climbing advisable?
Some people will turn up to the crag or the gym in normal ‘high street’ jeans. If they are stretchy and don’t inhibit movement, this is fine. But most jeans will be too tight and restrictive to be suitable. Further, denim is notoriously bad for holding moisture rather than wicking it away. It’s not a hard-no, but there are so many great climbing pants on the market that are more suitable!
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