Best climbing pants outdoor gear lab Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, the right pair of climbing shoes is essential. These pants more than earn their space in our closet, van, or carry-on. Sport climbing is rarely performed while wearing bulky pants, so the adjustability of a harness isn't as necessary as it may be for other disciplines. Apr 12, 2025 · Jason has also backpacked the wilds of Iceland, Chile, and Argentina and traversed trails in Nepal, the Alps, eastern Europe, and more. 0 Capris ($60) are perfect for those who don’t want to wear leggings but also don’t want to wear run-of-the-mill climbing pants. As the name implies, these pants are stretchy and allow for great mobility. One strategy is to use sunscreen. Editor's Note: Our belay device review was updated on May 5, 2025, to share some tester experiences using these devices. Especially in the case of waterproof clothing like hardshell jackets or pants, the DWR coating is essential to keep water off the face of the fabric so that it can maintain its breathability. Sharing your experience will support the outdoor community and help others find the best gear. May 3, 2021 · Crack Climbing. Nov 5, 2024 · The Arc'teryx Gamma offers high performance in high-quality pants. Ben Applebaum-Bauch is an avid thru-hiker and has traversed the Long, Pacific Crest, Oregon Coast, and Colorado trails, to name a few. Black Diamond Hydra Ice Tool ($310) Scarpa Phantom Tech HD ($899) Trango Kestrel Ice Tool ($500) Patagonia M10 Hardshell Pants ($279) Petzl Sitta Harness ($175) Blue Ice Harfang Tech Crampons ($230) How to Choose Ice Climbing Gear; How We Test; Meet Our Testers Jan 30, 2013 · No hardshell climbing pant we know of is insulted. May 6, 2025 · Helmets and Harnesses. We look at the best options on the market including full body and sit options. For this metric, we looked at the number and size of ventilation-specific features (e. One tester even jumped into a freezing waterfall to compare water resistance! Apr 4, 2025 · The leg loops and waist belt are super comfortable while climbing, walking around the crag, or belaying your partner on their project. Mar 13, 2015 · The GearLab mission is simple: to create world's best outdoor gear reviews. They feature an 86% 90D stretch ripstop nylon and 14% elastane blend, the airiest-feeling material of any pants we tested, making them great for both hiking and climbing. They lack the breathability of lighter-weight models because of the thickness of the fabric, though they do have a few features to increase ventilation. 5-layer pants still have the same outermost, face fabric with a DWR treatment, minimizing how much water is absorbed to the outside. 5 layer construction look extremely similar to those that feature a three-layer design, with the possible exception of them feeling slightly lighter. Apr 22, 2025 · The Best Sports Bras. As seen in our photos, we used the jackets for rock climbing, downhill skiing, hiking, rock climbing, alpine climbing, biking, and around town. With a slim fit, these pants are made from a comfortable and durable stretch fabric blend (95% nylon, 5% spandex) but could easily pass as a decent pair of slacks that go well with a button-down shirt. If you're traveling in the mountains or by the coast, where sudden chilling winds could drop the temperature quickly, you'll want to have some layers handy, like long underwear or a pair of rain pants. These pants are worth the investment if you are a frequent cool-weather or wet-weather hiker. Where to Start? Ensuring you have the best down sleeping bag for your budget is a game changer. 5 Layer Fabrics. Apr 10, 2025 · The Best Softshell Jackets. Dec 14, 2023 · The Best Climbing Harness for Kids. ” If a pair of pants pinch or restrict you in any way, it will only get worse by the mile. No one tests climbing gear as extensively and thoughtfully as we do, and our review Apr 10, 2025 · We put 13 pairs of hiking pants to the test from Arc'teryx, REI, Patagonia, Prana, Columbia, and more to find the best options for your outdoor excursions. Softshells are great when you need a breathable layer that will help keep some inclement weather at bay. Traditional and Multi-pitch Climbing May 11, 2021 · A Word or Two on Sunscreen. Mar 28, 2024 · The pants are thin, though, making them best suited for summer and warm shoulder season conditions. Aug 29, 2019 · Even the most careful kicker will nick their legs now and then. Sep 8, 2021 · We put 7 of the best climbing pants on the market through their paces. We were intentionally rough on these jackets and scraped them against rocks and brush whenever we had the chance. Climbing puts unique demands on clothing, especially once real rock gets involved. How to Choose The Best Bike Gear. You will need to regulate significant body heat when you exert yourself. And, the ability to add breathability by shedding the outer layer is substantial. The best carabiner for most people is CAMP Photon Wire. Get schooled on the best skis, packs, skins, and beacons. Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. The molded gear loops are easy to clip, and while they won't hold enough gear for most trad climbing, they hold plenty of quickdraws and associated belay and rappelling gear for multi-pitch sport climbing. Apr 14, 2025 · The Best Gloves. Whether you’re hiking in the Sierras, hunting in the Bayou, or fishing in the Pacific, we’ve got the outdoor clothing, outdoor footwear, and outdoor gear you need to perform your best and remove the stress from your adventure plans. To further compare, we walked up the same incline for the same amount of time in each pair to see how long it took to cool down, and we noted on each hike how effective the pants were at keeping us cool in the first place. Their impressive versatility helps. But these aren't meant to be yoga pants, or climbing pants for that matter, though we'd wear them for either activity in a pinch. Here's why. See full list on gearjunkie. Key Considerations. We never feel these pants hold us Apr 22, 2025 · The Best Climbing Shoes for Women. Learn more about Trailspace A climbing helmet is an essential piece of gear for outdoor climbing, whether you’re headed to the mountains or top-roping at the crag. These are pants for the outdoor adventurer who is into cool-weather hiking, climbing, or long-haul travel. The ideal pair will offer the fit and performance that match your climbing style so you can tackle the wall more confidently. Apr 11, 2025 · The Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants are soft, comfy, and feature a UPF 50+ rating to protect you from UV rays and enough water resistance to shake off a splash or two. , mesh, fabric density). It came down to a photo finish, but the prAna Stretch Zion Pant (and the women’s version, the prAna Halle Pant) managed to stay our top pick for the fourth year in a row. Apr 16, 2025 · Fortunately, several shoes meet these basic criteria, so the choice comes down to finding the model that is the best fit for your foot and best suits your climbing goals. We recommend erring on the side of “too loose” rather than “too tight. We tested crack climbing performance on various crags across the country, including Idaho's City of Rocks, Utah's Indian Creek, and the hallowed walls of Yosemite Valley. If it's on the market, we've most surely gotten our mitts on it. Nov 23, 2023 · Editor’s Choice: Outdoor Research Cirque II “A four-season alpine pant with expertly dialed-in features. May 6, 2020 · You do not want your clothing to limit you. 2 ounces and have a packed size similar to a one-liter water bottle. 2. Simply stated, you are going to break a sweat. Mar 28, 2024 · With the top score in the test and an average price tag, these pants offer a good value. Like most outdoor gear, though, they are an investment. 5 days ago · As an outdoor professional with a IFMGA guide certification, Ryan spends 200+ days of the year hiking, either for work or for play, which has cemented the importance of having good quality and reliable gear. Mar 26, 2025 · Discover the best climbing pants for men and women based on fit, comfort, mobility, features, durability, and more. Nov 5, 2024 · The Outdoor Research Ferrosi provides an excellent combination of attributes for many outdoor activities. We did the hard work, adventuring across the USA, tackling all the fun, kid-friendly crags. Trailspace reviewers are outdoor enthusiasts like you: hikers, climbers, paddlers, backcountry skiers, and trail runners who share our experiences with the gear and clothing we rely on to get outside. We bought 22 sports bras and gave them to yoga instructors, CrossFitters, runners, thru-hikers, rock climbers, and wilderness hiking guides. Since our harness ratings are especially heavy on comfort — accounting for 55% of a product's final score if you combine comfort while standing, hanging, and belaying — it is no surprise that the Solution is among the highest-scoring harnesses in our review. May 5, 2025 · Whether you're seeking a fresh pair of climbing shoes, a top-rated climbing harness, or an extra set of climbing cams, our team of seasoned climbers can help you find the right gear. It hits the key marks most climbers seek while presenting a solid value. The fabric is soft and stretchy, and the cut is close and athletic; the pants weigh just 10. Climbing helmets protect your head from both rockfall and side impacts (such as hitting your head during a lead fall We bought 19 of the best ski pants available and tested them in wintery ski climates from Jackson Hole to Lake Tahoe The Best Ski Pants for Women If you're trying to find which pants can go from the resort to the backcountry, keep you dry when the weather turns Nov 13, 2023 · Most manufacturers will use a durable water-repellant (DWR) coating on the outside of many outdoor garments. Our main sun shirt tester and lover of all things high alpine (and high exposure to UV) uses sunscreen as a religion, being a fair-skinned, red-headed half-Viking, who also tragically lost a parent to skin cancer. The proper size and fit will keep you happy and comfortable on your hike. Related: Best Climbing Gear of 2025 Aug 22, 2023 · For outdoor athletic endeavors like hiking, backpacking, or climbing, there is a great advantage to keeping your outer layer separate. Your gear should enhance your experience. They are less expensive than most other hiking pants on the market and perform nearly as well as the best pants for a fraction of the price. If you want a well-rounded pair of hiking pants, these are a great go-to. Most brands source the same or similar fabrics for alpine sports, so the true The Black Diamond Solution is one of the most comfortable harnesses we have ever worn. They are right at home on the trail and in town. Our team has 10 years of experience in testing helmets. Rainier National Parks. Oct 17, 2024 · We buy every pair of hiking pants that we review and wear them for several months while hiking, climbing, and camping. We identified each feature on each harness and tested them conscientiously while out climbing. Apr 2, 2025 · The Outdoor Research Astroman Air Hoodie may have been designed for long days of multi-pitch climbing first. 5-layer fabrics, so they're usually less durable and breathable. Nov 17, 2017 · The REI Co-op Screeline is made out of two different fabrics. Mar 5, 2025 · The Arc'teryx Beta SL stands out as the ideal rain jacket for discerning outdoor professionals and enthusiasts seeking uncompromising weather protection. We primarily tested these pants in late summer, fall, and early winter. Arc'teryx's Beta series has long been the preferred choice for guides, avalanche workers, and search and rescue teams, representing a pinnacle of technical outerwear design. Best Overall Men's Climbing Pants: Black Diamond Alpine Light Pants; Best Budget Men's Climbing Pants: La Sportiva Roots Pants Best Alpine Climbing Pants: Arc'teryx Gamma Pants; Best Sport Climbing Pants: La Sportiva Talus Pant Best Climbing Pants for Bouldering: Mammut Massone Light Pants Apr 10, 2025 · The Best Softshell Jackets for Men. Though heartier mountaineering pairs can be pricey, they protect the more expensive investments of boots and pants and limit time-consuming field repairs of that equipment. The softshell jacket was made to fill this hole. From winter hikes and snow days on the mountain to outdoor chores like early morning commutes, shoveling driveways, and walking the dog, we tried these options in real-world conditions to confirm which ones work and which will leave you shaking out in Oct 5, 2023 · Apparently 2024 is the year of apparel, as most new ice climbing releases this year fell into that category. Although these shoes aren't designed for crack climbing, they're not terrible for some sizes. Feb 20, 2025 · Three-layer hardshell jackets are some of the most technologically advanced and expensive pieces of outdoor clothing on the market. These three experts researched and tested these award-winning products. It is important to consider what activities, conditions, and intentions for the use you have for a base layer. Though these layers won't protect you from the harshest weather, they can be a great layer to keep you moderately protected while allowing moisture from sweat to escape during your high-output adventures like running, climbing, hiking, or backcountry skiing. Over the past decade, our team has tested over 45 of the best climbing shoes for women. Aug 27, 2024 · The North Face Women’s Aphrodite 2. Lucky you, our dedicated team of testers has bought, tested and compared the rest of the mountainista essentials: from mountaineering backpacks , top mountaineering boots and ice axes . The backcountry is the best, but it involves a little more know-how and gear. Still, a shirt that's good for climbing usually works admirably for almost any all-day outdoor adventure, as well as looking good back at the campsite, brewpub, or Sprinter party while swapping stories. In the areas that typically move and require more stretch, like the pelvis, inside of the legs, and back of the hamstrings, these pants feature a blend of 88% nylon and 12% spandex, a higher-than-average stretch blend. Its lightweight, slim-fitting blend of recycled nylon and spandex offers freedom and mobility while also doing a more-than-admirable job of warding off wind and light rain. Ben Applebaum-Bauch has hiked well over 5,000 miles along both coasts of the United States. Sep 2, 2024 · For those diehards, I’ve got great news — the new Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants ($179) are the best ones yet. Water Resistance May 6, 2025 · Our team of climbing experts leverages more than 40 years of combined climbing experience, styling alpine ascents and performing rescues with the Yosemite Search and Rescue. Our adventuring family has researched over 20 of the best kids' climbing harnesses before selecting 9 to test side-by-side. GearLab provides the world's best reviews of outdoors gear based on in-depth side-by-side comparison and written by outdoor professionals. To help kickstart your bike gear quiver, we've provided four important buying considerations, including budget, riding style, and must-have gear. Dec 19, 2023 · Most sport climbing harnesses are designed with fixed elastic leg loops, as they are lighter, have a lower profile, and fit well over thin climbing pants. Some softshell pants, like the Outdoor Research Lodestar, have substantial insulation and others, like the Patagonia Guide Pant, have a lightweight brushed backer that adds considerable warmth. We made a note of whether a whole double rack plus water, a jacket, and shoes could fit in the gear loops, how easy or hard the gear was to clip or unclip from the loops, whether the haul loop was easy to clip and unclip, how easy the buckles adjusted and stayed locked in place, and many Jan 14, 2025 · Our testers hiked for miles in gaiters from Rab, Black Diamond, Outdoor Research, and more to determine which pairs are the best Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch By Ben Applebaum-Bauch ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated January 14, 2025. For difficult finger cracks where you can hardly get Features. Mar 30, 2025 · Whether prioritizing backcountry miles on her splitboard, trail running throughout the Greater Yellowstone backcountry, climbing multi-pitch routes high in the alpine, or simply trying to stay warm in camp, Trish has in-depth experience selecting the best layer for her chosen activity. The 2024 selection of hiking pants for this review. We tested the pants in this article in a range of environments, from the desert southwest to the northern woods of Maine and through the Sierra and Blue Ridge Mountains. Models that use a 2. Uninsulated pants are more versatile and therefore a better value than insulated pants. Mar 24, 2025 · Our Team's Top Men's Climbing Pants Picks. Nov 13, 2023 · We recommend the Patagonia Quandary as an excellent pair of hiking pants for tackling day hikes and backpacking adventures. Jan 28, 2025 · When choosing a base layer that will benefit your specific outdoor passions and lifestyle for years of adventures and everyday use, there's a lot to consider. g. ” 3 days ago · She knows firsthand the importance of having good gear for comfort and success. If you have an unlimited budget, there are better options out there, but if price is important to you, these pants are a solid investment. The primary difference between hardshells and rain jackets is that rain jackets are made from thinner materials and 2- or 2. Venting and Breathability. We believe the world's best gear reviews are based on objective, independent testing of each and every product, with ratings, awards, and expert insights that help you select the right products for your specific needs, budget, and interests. They have a relatively flattering fit, functional pockets, and practical details like a mid-rise waist, fleece-lined waistband, and integrated drawstring that works well under a pack's waist strap. They are pricey, but we found that when the mercury drops or the skies open up, we are glad to have these pants to protect us. Apr 25, 2025 · The Outdoor Research Foray Pant is a compact, light protection layer made with excellent materials and careful attention to detail. Fans of year-round adventure activities like hiking, climbing, running, or skiing are always on the hunt for the unicorn of all layers: breathable weather protection. Nov 5, 2024 · The Prana Brion II looks great and performs well, too. I lived in these pants last spring while skiing and mountaineering deep in Mar 28, 2024 · When we tested them on the yoga mat, we felt its lack of stretch in a few positions. We've worn these brain buckets in all manners of conditions, from multi-pitch trad to single-pitch sport. Especially climbing, where their higher waist, substantial fabric, and endless flexibility shine. At A Glance. Our outstanding testers went on hundreds of adventures in all kinds of weather to help you find the perfect rain, climbing, and hiking pants. Mar 29, 2022 · To aid in this search for the best-looking and most technically adept climbing pants, we rounded up the following 15 options from outdoor brands you’re likely already familiar with and more fashion-focused brands from abroad that might be new to you. (3) They are easier to dry out on a multi-day trip than your wet pants or an integrated one on your boots. As a You need to get equipped before you get outdoors, and that’s where Outdoor Equipped comes in. com Mar 22, 2024 · We tested the best climbing pants for stretch, durability, and style for a full range of motion and worry-free butt scooting. ” Best Budget: Black Diamond Alpine “A versatile, high-quality softshell pant and at a great price point. Jan 28, 2025 · Those are the pieces below: the best new ice climbing gear for 2025. Climbing hundreds of feet of hand cracks in these puppies will probably leave you hobbled for days, but for short stretches of perfect hands, the Solutions don't feel all that bad. And with a price hovering Nov 5, 2024 · We think these pants represent a fantastic value. The change in seasons means not only an update to your outdoor gear kit but also to what you'll be grabbing for everyday wear. Luckily, it was a typical wet fall, and our testing team was given ample time to examine each piece during real-world use - mostly while hiking, backpacking, and climbing in temperate rain forests in Olympic, North Cascade, and Mt. Sep 21, 2019 · 2. Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. It's safe to say that he knows a thing or two about all things gear, especially high-quality outdoor clothing. bai dmaoi djphg hltuek zhkvxov hfzz lfd iuf btcqzed nkukw ehurioew iri jtb uay sxmtp