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If a weekend of adventure has you hitting the crag and bouldering along the rock face, you need pants that are tough enough to withstand the rigors! Check out the best womens climbing pants that are functional AND look good too!
Best Climbing Pants Womens Styles
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When you’re about to hit the next foothold and are pushing up against the boulder face, you want to be wearing mountain climbing pants that allow you to stretch that extra inch without worrying about a split or tear in the wrong places!
Pants for climbing require an active material, similar to hiking pants, but they also need to be comfortable to fit under a harness but not too loose that they get in your way.
We’ve spoken to women who know all about the struggles of finding climbing gear and we’ve tracked down some of the best rock climbing attire that’s fashionable and functional, all at the same time.
Check out our picks for the best pants for rock climbing!
Best Women’s Climbing Pants
Shop Sizes 00-16: Amazon | Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx Gamma LT Pants
When it comes to climbing gear itself, Arcteryx stands out amongst the crowd. These Gamma style Arcteryx climbing pants are great for early spring and late fall as they’re slightly insulated and more weather-resistant.
Lindsey, co-founder of Where You Make It is an avid climber and she rates these pants by sharing, “It’s an excellent pair of pants to climb in since it’s great for flexibility when you need it most. This pair comes in two colors; both of them are high-quality and trim-fitting. It also comes with convenient pockets and a belt for comfort and necessity during your climb.”
And, these pants are also available in short or tall sizes as well!
How do you select an outdoor capsule wardrobe that’s up to the task? Find out more!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon | Prana | Backcountry
prAna Kanab Pants
prAna is a TFG favorite and the perfect mix of fashion and function. We’ve loved these Kanab pants for a while. Believe it or not, they actually make the perfect rock climbing outfit because they stretch, feel comfy, and have a ton of pockets.
Gaby, an experienced mountain guide from Outdoors Generations, shares her love for prAna climbing pants womens styles and says, “Not only do Prana’s products look good, but they’re also sustainably made and Fair Trade certified, so climbers can feel good about what they buy.”
These hiking shorts not only good but their super functionable for your next hike too!
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Amazon
BALEAF Women’s Quick Dry Climbing Pants
These Baleaf climbing pants are functional and built with performance in mind. They have articulated knees to give the perfect fit, UPF 50+ built-in to keep you safe from the sun’s harmful rays, and the comfortable poly/spandex fabric blend provides excellent stretch and comfort. Stay cool, fresh, and comfortable all day with these lightweight, breathable, water-resistant, and quick-dry women’s hiking pants.
One user shares, “I took these with me to the crag and they performed really well. The material is very strong but also feels light which was great when hiking up steep hills. I didn’t feel overheated at all and they offer a lot of protection from the rock and bugs in the brush. Great adventure pant.”
Shop: Eddie Bauer | Moosejaw
Sizes: Regular 0-16 | Petite 0-14 | Tall 6-18 | Plus 18W-24W
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants
Eddie Bauer is another brand that TFG knows and loves, due to their long-lasting and durable apparel that also looks good, and these Eddie Bauer mountain pants are no exception. With DWR finish and zip pockets, plus a two-way stretch, they’re perfect for hiking and climbing.
One Eddie Bauer guide pro pants review shares, “I purchased these pants for hiking trips to Utah. They were very comfortable and fit great. The water repelled great. Lightweight and easy for hiking and packing in a suitcase! Purchased a few pairs in different colors. Will wear them around town in the fall too!”
Eddie Bauer has sizes available for everybody, including regular, petite, plus, and tall options, along with Guide Pro Climbing Capris and Guide Pro Ankle Pants.
Check out our list of top hiking sandals!
Shop Sizes 0-14: Amazon | Moosejaw
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pant
For hiking and climbing in more temperate climates, these Outdoor Research climber pants are great. The light weather protection and a soft shell of ripstop and spandex make them stretchy but tough. They also wick moisture, shed rain, and stop the wind.
One wearer shares, “These have been my main summer alpine climbing trousers for the past three years, so I’ve worn them about 100 days total. Overall, they’re a great pair of pants—comfortable, loose fit, and a good zippered thigh pocket for my phone or snacks.“
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon | Mountain Hardware
Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Rock Tights
A day on the trails and crags is no sweat if you’re wearing these Mountain Hardwear climbing pants. Designed to stay put no matter what is demanded of them, these high waisted hiking climbing pants have a slim fit that is on-trend and four-way stretch for active movement. They also have a zippered thigh pocket, so nothing will fall out when you’re up at a height.
One wearer raves, “I love these leggings. I recently completed a climb of Mount St. Helens while wearing them. They are very breathable and comfortable. They held up to rough volcanic boulders and rocks on the climb and came through without a scratch. After washing them, they look brand new.”
Shop: Amazon | Columbia | Zappos
Sizes: Regular 2-18 | Plus 16-24W
Columbia Saturday Roll-Up Pants
When you’re facing the peaks of the great outdoors, you need a brand that’s tough, these Columbia climbing pants hit the mark! They’re functional as both long pants or roll up capris too. Plus they’re stretchy, stain-repellent, and have UPF 50.
One review of these Columbia pants womens shares, “I put 70+ miles on these in Arizona and thought they were nice enough for restaurant attire. They went through many a stream crossing, campfire sitting, rock scrambling, heat, cold, and wind. They definitely felt and looked great.”
Note, you can also grab these in petite sizes as well!
Find the best waterproof hiking boots for your needs!
Shop Sizes 0-14: Backcountry | REI
Patagonia Caliza Rock Pant
These organic cotton Patagonia rock climbing pants women love hit the mark completely for outdoor adventuring, with comfort-focused durability and stretch, knitted waistband, and cuffed ankles. Plus pockets that still function while wearing a harness.
This is another brand highly rated by Gaby of Outdoors Generations. She says, “Patagonia is a company that quickly comes to mind when thinking about brands that combine fashion and functionality. They consistently offer stylish gear with color combinations that look great while climbing.”
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon | Backcountry | Moosejaw
Black Diamond Notion SP Pants
For bouldering days, these loose-fitting, organically grown cotton Black Diamond climbing pants have a perfect touch of stretch and plenty of pockets for your essentials. The pull on style has an elastic waistband for comfort and adjustable fit, plus stretch cuffs keep the pant legs out of the way of your footwork when you’re reaching for the next foot foothold.
One wearer of these bouldering pants shares, “Material is very soft but seems durable. Good flexibility for climbing. They will stretch out a bit after a full day on the crag but nothing excessive. I will definitely buy more in other colors.”
Shop Sizes 0-26: Athleta
Athleta Sculptek Denim Pants
You’d be forgiven for thinking we’d made a mistake in this article, but jeans are actually great for wearing while climbing. They’re tough and protective against scrapes and scuffs, but normal jeans aren’t really very stretchy and can be stiff around the waist.
But these Athleta Sculptek rock climbing jeans have impressive durability and generous stretch, with fabric that is burly enough to handle the crag but lightweight enough to stay cool. Plus they look good enough to go from the mountainside to town for dinner without changing first!
One wearer gushes, “I am on my 4th pair of these jeans in all colors and love them. I have large thighs compared to waist which usually causes a problem for jeans but these are the perfect amount of stretchy to fit everywhere just right. I use them daily, for all activities but most importantly they are my favorite for rock climbing, where they hold up for at least a season of daily wear and tear.”
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Shop: Eddie Bauer | Moosejaw
Sizes: Regular XS-XXL | Petite S-L | Tall M-XXL | Plus 2X-3X
Eddie Bauer Trail Rock Climbing Tights
For a more fitted look, that is stretchy yet still technical, try the Trail tight climbing leggings. Although designed more for runners, they’re thick enough to keep you warm and protected, come up high enough on your waist for your harness, and updated pockets that are big enough to hold your phone and feature invisible zippers for a sleek overall silhouette.
One wearer says, “These are hands down the best hiking leggings I’ve ever used. I recommend them to everybody. This most recent adaptation of the High Waisted Trail Tight is literally almost perfect. Very comfortable, durable, and great color choices. They fit great and the pockets are big enough for my cell phone.”
Women’s Rock Climbing Pants Comparison Chart
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How to Pack Climbers Pants
If you’re planning an outdoor adventure trip and want to bring your pants for climbing, start with packing cubes, they will seriously change the way you pack! We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything. See more in the video below.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This method has helped many women travel carry-on only!
What do you think are the best rock climbing pants womens brands? Share your picks in the comments!
For more outdoor adventure clothing, please read:
- Feel Dry and Comfy In the Best Hiking Shirts for Women
- 10 Best Hiking Shorts for Women to Explore the Outdoors in the Summer
- 16 Best Hiking Pants for Women That Are Lightweight and Practical
- 15 Best Hiking Socks for Women Who Love Trekking
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This is such a great selection of pants for activities! I love that you were able to include a pair of denim pants.