Our top pick? The Armorflex Chainsaw Protective Pants by Notch
Although they are often overlooked for the more obvious climbing paraphernalia (ropes, harnesses, helmets and slings etc.), we've found that what is worn under your gear is just as important as these more external items, and finding the right pair of climbing trousers can - and will - improve your experience greatly. The ideal pair combines great mobility, durability and comfortability into one perfect package, to cover your legs and go unnoticed all day long without hinderance or restriction.
Now, we know that climbing experiences and situations are going to vary from person to person and climb to climb, and each scenario poses different requirements that need to be met by the fabric worn on the bottom half of your body. This guide will explore a number of different types of climbing trousers to meet every need, ranging from chainsaw pants, that provide that extra bit of durability and protection, perfect for tree climbers, to insulated trousers for those keen winter climbers that sacrifice some mobility for warmth and comfort, ideal for when the temperatures drop.
We've curated a selection of what we feel are the top picks, to take the difficulty out of choosing for you, so please allow us to guide you through the very best that climbing pants have to offer for every situation and for all budgets. Enjoy!
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#1 — Armorflex Chainsaw Protective Pants by Notch
Our rating: ★★★★★
Price: $$$$
The best chainsaw trousers
What makes it special? Perfectly targeted towards tree climbers, these Armorflex pants are constructed with a 5 layer protective fabric, to provide great protection. Combine that with the 4-way stretch fabric these pants form the perfect blend between durability and mobility, which is essential for all climbers. Abrasion resistant fabrics with Kevlar fibres are used to manufacture the knee protection, giving that bit of extra security for this key area of the trousers.
A common problem with thick, protective pants is overheating, however venting on the rear allows for good air circulation without compromising on protection where it is needed, and although through testing we have found them to still be quite warm in the heat of the summer, they are still an excellent choice, and we really can't recommend them enough!
#2 — Women's Climbing Pants by SMENG
Our rating: ★★★★★
Price: $$$$
Some of the best climbing trousers for women
What makes it special? We've found that although many climbing trousers claim to be unisex, they fail to cater for the female figure, which can lead to decreased mobility and comfort, which is why we felt that it was important to include an option specifically tailored for women in our top picks.
These women's climbing pants are designed for all things outdoors! By opting for a lightweight and breathable fabric, SMENG are able to offer the perfect addition to any climbing outfit, with the combination of spandex and polyester allowing for that extra bit of mobility which, as mentioned, is a crucial feature when choosing the right trousers for climbing. We've found these pants to provide one of the best blends between usability and mobility, and although they are more suited for the warmer months, thermal layers can easily be worn beneath to match the weather conditions. Overall they are a great pair of trousers for any woman trying to find the perfect fit.
#3 — Fleece Lined Soft Shell Outdoor Pants by TBMPOY
Our rating: ★★★★★
Price: $$$$
The best insulated trousers for climbing
What makes it special? For the truly obsessed climbers out there, getting out there onto the rocks can't be confined to just the summer months, so winter climbing is a must!
These trousers offer a happy medium between practicality and warmth, perfect for those chilly days. A soft shell polyester surface provides a windproof, durable layer, and although they claim to be waterproof, we feel it would be better described as water resistant, as we've found that for those torrential downpours, water is likely to seep through, however they are up to the task for light rainfall, and on the inside, a cosy fleece lining will keep you warm throughout.
So whether you're an avid climber or just want some climbing trousers that can double up for hiking or mountaineering, then we really have to suggest these as an option.
#4 — Xlite Climbing Pants by Ucraft
Our rating: ★★★★★
Price: $$$$
The best overall trousers for climbing
What makes it special? Attention to Detail! That is the reason we have chosen Ucraft's Xlite climbing pants as our our favourite overall trousers for climbing, as we really felt that they have been designed by climbers, for climbers. When testing we found a number of really useful features! A thin elastic waistband is used to allow the perfect fit around the waist, without compromising on comfort whilst wearing a harness. Useful loop brush and chalk bag loops, and handy side and back pockets are small additions that really make the difference.
Overall we've been really impressed by all these trousers have to offer, with a great design to meet the mobility, durability and comfortability needs of any climber and with a great range of colours to choose from, we really couldn't look past them as being the best we've found. With a 2 year warranty included, Ucraft clearly believe they'll meet expectations too!
#5 — Xlite ¾ length climbing pants by Ucraft
Our rating: ★★★★★
Price: $$$$
The best ¾ length trousers for climbing
What makes it special? Having been so impressed by the full length climbing pants Ucraft designed, which claimed the top spot on our list, we just had to try their three quarter length version, and we weren't disappointed! Boasting most of the benefits outlined previously, including the lightweight stretchy material, a great selection of colours, brush and chalk bag loops, handy pockets and a thin elastic belt that goes unnoticed beneath a harness. So if you're a climber who favours shorter trousers then these really are the ones for you!
#6 — Men's Cargo Pants by TBMPOY
Our rating: ★★★★★
Price: $$$$
The best value trousers for climbing
What makes it special? Now these aren't the very cheapest of our picks but we feel as though they bring the best value on our list, as they are towards the bottom of the price range, whilst not only offering a great pair of trousers for climbing but being extremely versatile for use during other outdoor pursuits.
They are a very similar design to pick number 4, being just a bit more lightweight, which improves mobility for climbing. The wear resistant 3d cut knee section allows for increased stretching with limited restriction on movement. The only downside we found was that the belt shown in the pictures is not included with the purchase, however they fit true to size for us and are a great addition to any climbers wardrobe.
#7 — Kids Convertible Cargo Pants by Linlon
Our rating: ★★★★★
Price: $$$$
The best climbing trousers for kids
What makes it special? These convertible cargo pants are the perfect choice for any kids with an aptitude for all things outdoors! UPF 50 fabric provides excellent protection against the sun and omni-wick fabric is used to give a cool, lightweight and quick drying feel. We love the convertibility of the trousers, which gives your little ones the freedom to chose between pants or shorts with ease, making them really functional for all occasions.
On a more climbing focused note, The 3D ergonomic cut used, really maximises their mobility and creates a really nice fit for climbing with minimal restriction. So if you're looking for climbing trousers for your children that can be used for so much more than that, then look no further!
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