Our Favorites: 11 Best Women’s Rock Climbing Pants for Ultimate Comfort

Look no further — we’ve compiled a list of our favorite women’s climbing pants that combine function and style to help you send at your best. 

What to look for in womens climbing pants: The Basics

While you’re out climbing, the most important quality you want your clothing to have is comfort.

Factors to consider:

• Stretchiness so you can make all those reachy moves. 
• Breathability and moisture wicking so you can work up a sweat and not feel soaked. 
• Durability so you can avoid those scrapes that come from grazing the rock face. 
• High waists are great when you’re climbing with a harness
• Articulated knees allow for full range of motion when you need it. 
• If the pants of your choice aren’t super stretchy, make sure you look for a gusseted or roomy crotch that will give you the ability to high-step with ease. 
• Many women also look for zippered or deep pockets to keep your phone and other essentials safe while climbing.

These 11 rock climbing pants for women, available in a range of budgets, feature many of these qualities and more!

(image from columbia.com)

Columbia’s Women’s Saturday Trail Pants ($59)

The first pants on our list are made to withstand the elements — and be super comfortable and affordable at the same time! With UPF 50+ and rain repelling technology, these stretchy Saturday Trail Pants can keep up with even your most rugged bouldering adventures. They feature articulated knees and a gusseted crotch. Plus, they’re a great fit for those strong alpine thighs. 

(image from alderapparel.com)

Alder’s Open Air Pant  ($148)

First of all, Alder is a brand run by women for women that focuses on sustainability—how great is that? These Open Air pants are made almost entirely of modal, a biodegradable fabric that comes from beech wood. They’re also flattering on any figure, and transition effortlessly from the crag to the town for post-send meals. Try pairing them with this tank top for a cute and comfortable look. 

(image from ucraftclimbing.com)

UCraft “Xlite” Unisex Climbing Pants ($67)

Not only are these rock climbing pants incredibly lightweight and suitable for both indoor and outdoor climbing, but they also come in a bunch of fun colors. They feature a chalk bag and brush loop, articulated knees, stretchy fabric, and even a 2-year warranty. And all of this at an affordable price! 

(image from backcountry.com)

PrAna’s Mantra Joggers  ($89)

This pair of lightweight, relaxed-fit joggers are part of our everyday wardrobe. They are super comfy and roomy in the hips which make both climbing and lounging easy. Made mostly from hemp and recycled polyester, the Mantra joggers feature odor-reducing components and UPF 50+ protection. 

(image from rei.com)

PrAna’s Halle Pants ($64)

For a more durable pair of women’s rock climbing pants, hit the crag in rain or shine with these quick-dry pants that are also water-repellent. With a relaxed fit and stretchy fabric, you can rest assured that you’ll have full flexibility to reach that next foothold. What we love most about this pant are the options! You can choose your inseam length: short, regular, and tall, and plus-size options are available, too. 

(image from boulderdenim.com)

Boulder Denim’s 2.0 Women’s Skinny Fit Jeans ($109)

Boulder Denim was started by two climbers who were searching for pants that were both dynamic and stylish. What they’ve come up with are a whole line of jeans that double as rock climbing pants. These memory-shape skinny jeans with extra-deep pockets are stretchy enough to get you up the rock face, and cute enough to show off your personal style. They also fit 95% of body types! Try throwing on a pair with this climbing shirt on your next adventure. 

(image from blackdiamond.com)

Black Diamond’s Notion Pants ($79)

These relaxed-fit cotton pants for rock climbers are ideal for cooler temperatures at the crag. With lots of different sized pockets for all the essentials, many color options, and heat-retaining comfort, these are ideal rock climbing pants for women who climb in cooler weather. Black Diamond is another brand whose products are made specifically for climbers, with climbers’ needs in mind.

 

(image from shope9.com)

E9’s Onda Story Pants ($106)

Whether you’re starting your climb, topping out a boulder, or meeting friends for dinner, do so in style with these stretchy, loose-fitting urban climbing pants. Since they’re created by a former boulder world champion, you know these unique pants were designed with great climbing in mind. Complete your outfit with a unique climbing tee that expresses your personal style!  

(image from arcteryx.com)

Arc'Teryx's Gamma LT Pants ($189)

Sweating through your dynamite starfish move? These lightweight, breathable pants will keep you comfortable as you climb. With their softshell exterior, they’ll protect you against cuts and scrapes, while articulated knees allow for full flexibility. Gamma pants are definitely an essential! 

(image from mountainhardwear.com)

Mountain Hardwear’s Dynama/2 Pant ($75)

Somehow Mountain Hardwear has managed to make stretchy pants in a flattering shape. These durable rock climbing pants are so professional looking that you could even wear them at work. At the same time, they’re so breathable and flexible that you’ll feel like you’re in your comfiest leggings!

(image from 3rdrockclothing.com)

3rd Rock’s Margo Lightweight Pants ($120)

Show off your funky style with these lightweight, bright pants. Their personality is not the only reason that we chose these as some of the best climbing pants for women, though! They’re designed to allow for full range of motion to help you out during all those reachy moves. As an added bonus, know that your purchase supports 3rd Rock’s sustainable and local sourcing initiatives. What’s not to love?

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Complete your climbing outfit with a fun and expressive climbing top!

Now that you’ve found a pair of climbing pants that fits your budget, style, and body, it’s time to complete the look with a comfortable climbing top.

Shop climbing tank tops for women:

While you have to prioritize stretch and durability when choosing climbing gear, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on expressing your personality!

We hope you’ve found a pair of pants above that’s right for you, and feel your best the next time you head to the crag.