We put 10 of the best women's climbing pants on the market to the test, and when it came down to ranking, we ranked each one of them according to what they're best at. Climbing has given rise to unique clothing demands, precisely rock climbing.
The pants you wear have to be versatile, mobile, well-designed, and, most importantly, breathable. As a result, the demand for climbing-specific pants is growing, which has resulted in the creation of climbing-specific pants which are related to yet distinct from the typical travel and hiking trousers.
Truth be told, you won't go wrong with most of the women's pants we've reviewed here. Nevertheless, the suitable pair will be determined by your needs and where you'll be climbing.
Here are the best women’s climbing pants.
List of the 10 Best Women's Climbing Pants
#1 Best Leggings for Climbing: Arc'teryx Oriel Legging Women's
Arc'teryx Oriel women's climbing leggings are the way to go if you prefer body-hugging pants. We tested them through various terrains like granite and limestone. They had no tears or pilling after several climbing adventures. In fact, they did not even wear.
What's more, the fabric endured wedged routes while we were trad climbing on sandstone. The narrow seams are made using robust thread, which did not reveal any wear or tear after using them multiple times.
The waistband, made of stretch mesh, has the ideal height to shield you against the harness. Besides, the abrasion-resistant fabric, made using elastane and nylon, dries swiftly. Unfortunately, the pockets did not stretch much, meaning it was difficult to put a phone, camera, or wallet inside it.
This is extremely inconvenient, especially when you don't have anywhere else to put them. However, if you're searching for a pair of durable, high-quality leggings for climbing, this is the way to go.
#2 Best Leggings for Cool Weather: prAna Rockland Matchstick
The prAna Rockland Matchstick leggings are for the climber who prefers tights that will reliably hold up to the climbing surface. They are fortified using double "Chakra" material in most places, meaning that you can go for your adventure without worrying about them.
The flexible waistband remains in position, even on complex moves. Also, the side pocket features a zip for closing to keep your phone or wallet safe. However, if you have a big phone, it might not fit.
Even though these leggings are not ideal for hot weather, they are perfect for those cooler days since the material is rather durable and thick.
#3 Best Gym Tights: Mammut Crashiano Tight
Mammut Crashiano Tights are ideal for climbers looking for a pair of pants that offers a secure and snug fit. We wore them to the gym several times for testing, and we found them to be very comfy and suitable for gym climbing.
Mammut Crashiano Tights do not feature any awkward wet zones regardless of us sweating a lot in the gym. This is due to the open parts in tandem with the moisture-absorbing finish in the fabric. In addition, the flexible elastic waistband has no seams making it very comfortable while climbing.
Also, the waistband is designed for a harness. Irrespective of testing these tights for some time, they did not show any wear or damage. If you are searching for a comfortable pair of pants for your indoor workouts, you should definitely check these out.
#4 Best Hot-Weather and Travel Climbing Pants: Cotopaxi Baja Pants
The Cotopaxi Baja climbing pants are ideal for multiple climbing conditions. On the other hand, they really did perform impressively when it came to hot weather. They are suitable for multi-pitch climbing, hanging out, bouldering and cragging.
During our climbing adventure to test Cotopaxi Baja pair of pants, we went hanging and climbing. The fabric stretches in four different ways, and the twill supporter makes these pants extremely comfy and robust. The waistband is made using spandex, and the disguised pocket is perfect for putting your wallet or passport.
Since it is made using light fabric, it is not suitable for cold weather. Nevertheless, this highly breathable pair of pants will keep you feeling comfy and cool for warm weather. If you are looking for a more free-style climbing pants, you may read our list of the best plus size hiking pants.
#5 Mammut Cammie Pants
The Cammie pants made us feel and look more like joggers, though they offer extra durability. The knee area is pre-shaped, and this, together with stretchable material, this pair of trousers are really comfortable and flexible since they allow for complex moves.
For the past few weeks, we have been using these pants, and they are perfect for even yoga. The waistband is elastic, and it features adjustable cuffs and drawcord for different looks and styles. Besides, they would look really great with a tank top.
#6 Cotopaxi Cerro Travel Tight Women's
Initially, these Cotopaxi tights were not designed for climbing. Instead, they were designed to be general clothes for women. Nonetheless, most women prefer doing almost everything in tights, like running errands, climbing and going to the gym, and so on.
These leggings are so comfortable, making it hard for us to go climbing without them. They are good for outdoor activities and gym climbing. In case you are looking for ice climbing pants, we have selected the top 8 ice climbing pants for the winter.
The recycled polyester and spandex are typically not great for climbing during cold weather. However, the stash pockets, elastic waistband, and flat seams make them excellent for warm outdoor and indoor climbing.
#7 Black Diamond Notion
The Black Diamond Notions have a soft cotton build and a drawstring waist. Unfortunately, they have no zip pockets, and the cuffs are made using basic elastic. The Notions are perfect for indoor use, and the flexible cotton is lovely and moves easily.
These pants are also good enough for doing yoga since they stretch and make complex positions easy to maneuver. The breathability is impressive, and the comfort is unmatched. Also, these pants are rather versatile. That being said, the Black Diamond Notion pants are marginally weather-proof, and they are not steady enough to boot.
Also, the absence of a zip pocket is unfortunate. As a result, they appear more like streamlined pants than climbing-specific pants. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing since they are incredibly comfortable. We found them to be more suitable for indoor climbing or mild outdoor adventures.
Meanwhile, these pants do look like modern do-it-all trousers. They are suitable for stretching, yoga, and cycling. Also, they are ideal for gym bouldering, and the styling is cute.
#8 GoLite ReLite Jogger
There is plenty to love about the GoLite ReLite Jogger pair of climbing pants, like the fact that they are made using recycled bottles. Besides triggering the eco-warrior within us, these pants were among the lightest, water-resistant, UPF-shielded, and most breathable ones in this review.
GoLite ReLite Jogger are great for climbing during the hot weather, when you need to be covered but don't feel like wearing pants with heavy material. The Flex 4 material has more than enough stretch for complex moves, and the pockets will keep your items safe.
#9 prAna Mariel Jegging
The Mariel Jegging is a product of a combination of their Zion fabric and the gratifying and versatile design of a chic legging look. They are great at outdoor and indoor climbing and can also be used as a travel or all-around adventure leggings.
They are a skinny pair of jeans that features narrow cuffs, making them the ideal pair of pants for scrambling to reach the end of your adventure. In addition, the Zion fabric is their best-selling stretch fabric since it is sturdy enough for climbing on all types of rocks. What's more, it allows you to stretch and move in any way you want while climbing.
The prAna Mariel Jegging are easily washable since you simply need to wipe them with a wet rag. The pockets were not built to meet climbers' requirements because they are tricky to utilize when climbing. Nonetheless, they don't sacrifice performance. Also, the waist is designed to make putting a harness on easy.
#10 prAna Kanab Pant
These pants are the perfect blend of stretch, durability, and comfort. prAna Kanab Pant are made using canvas fabric which lasts a long time, and the fortified knees offer additional protection when climbing. Even though they are designed for heavy utilization, they are as well trendy and breathable.
We loved the useable and deep pockets to put our items like phone, wallet, and passport in.
The canvas fabric blended with reinforced knees, comfy waistband, and cuffed bottoms make these pants ideal for plenty of outdoor and indoor activities from hangouts, and hiking, to yoga and climbing and so much more!
How to Choose the Best Women's Climbing Pants
Choosing the right climbing pants can be quite the hustle considering the number of intimidating products on the market. Fortunately, we have included a buying guide for you to check out.
Here it is.
Style, fit, and features
We all have different body types and climbing preferences, thus climbing pants mainly depend on personal taste and climbing style. However, as you weigh your needs, you should as well consider design, fabric, fit, closure, and waistband design.
Some fabrics are usually infused with repellencies to add a barrier against UV radiation, water, and stains. Also, most climbing pants are made using sustainable fibers.
Durability
Durability is yet another thing to consider when buying climbing pants. These adventures will put your pants through a lot, and you need to be sure they'll not wear after your first adventure.
They have to be able to withstand rough climbs involving abrasion and different types of rocks. Also, you might need them to shield rain or UV radiation. Well, there you have it, the best climbing pants for women!
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