When it comes to women’s climbing pants, we want it all. Comfortable, functional, decent-looking, durable and high-performing. These women’s climbing pants will cover your bottom better than most, and won’t stop you from sending your project. In addition to meeting our criteria for best climbing gear, these picks are either sustainability made, or they’re produced by a smaller, innovative brand. We also sought out options that offered a wider range of sizes, something the outdoor industry has been slow to adopt but that seems long overdue. So go ahead and get yer high-step on, these are my top picks for your tush in 2022.
When the Insta Algo gets it right
Coalatree Trailhead Pant
Specs
Gender-neutral sizes: XS-XXL
Recycled materials and Bluesign certified
DWR finish
$89
Where to Buy
Ratings
- Comfort 80%
- Features 80%
- Versatility 98%
- Performance 99%
Review
Sometimes, Instagram is right. When the algorithm dropped these pants on my feed, it was advertising dollars well spent. The Trailhead pant is a jack of all trades that I’ve worn pretty much everywhere I’ve gone over the past year. The fabric is heavier and more snag resistant than other all-arounders I’ve tried, making them great for climbing indoors and outside. And the high-cut waist and cinch-able ankles also add to their climbing suitabilities. They’re slightly fuzzy on the inside, which is nice in cooler temps, and they stretch for days. I liked the adjustable drawstring waist that kept them from sliding down.
The Trailhead Pant is made from recycled materials, dyed in a Bluesign-certified process, and treated with a non-toxic DWR finish. The sizing on these is unique since they’re a gender-neutral pant. There’s a choice of slim or regular fit in XS-XXL. I followed their size guide and landed on a Slim Medium which fit like most of my women’s size small bottoms. I’d love to see a short/regular/tall option added as well, even though these can be tied up short at the ankles I still don’t need the extra few inches of fabric bunching at my feet.
Modern minimalism
Foehn Women’s Brise Jogger
Specs
Flat elastic waistband
Convenient thigh pocket
Sustainable production practices
$119.95
Where to Buy
Ratings
- Comfort 100%
- Features 92%
- Versatility 83%
- Performance 89%
Review
I got to test the Foehn Women’s Brise Jogger, a high-quality pant designed for getting after it in modern, minimalist style. The joggers are thoughtfully designed. A unique waistband made from wide, flat elastic slides smoothly under a harness and doesn’t slip down or dig in during the day. A well-placed zipper pocket on the thigh keeps my phone accessible but out of the way, below my leg loop. And I loved the mid-weight cotton-blend fabric. It felt soft and stretchy and didn’t get scuffed no matter how hard I chuffed it. The cut of these joggers is tapered just right for a trim fit without feeling constricting while climbing.
In addition to nailing that new school look, Foehn is committed to sustainable production. They offset their carbon emissions, and donate 1% for the planet amongst other environmentally conscious efforts to reduce their production impact.
That’s right … Jorts.
Ripton V4 Women’s Jorts
Specs
All the stretch, none of the sag
The holy grail of athletic denim
Hilarious and quirky brand voice, worth signing up for their emails
$84.95
Where to Buy
Ratings
- Comfort 83%
- Features 81%
- Versatility 92%
- Performance 89%
Review
I’ve wanted to enjoy climbing in denim for years, but it wasn’t until these jorts came into my life that I really felt the love. They hit mid-thigh and are as soft and supple as leggings, but with the “I’m ‘bout to send this” swagger of cut-offs. Deep-mesh pockets didn’t dump my stuff and were low profile under a harness. The waistband sat right below my belly button and had enough stretch to move freely but not so much that they sagged after a hot sweaty day at the crag. After a few break-in wears, the legs fit snug, but not tight, just right for bouldering, sport climbing or spraying in the parking lot.
Everyday athleisure
Athleta Trekkie North Jogger
Specs
Sizes 0-24
Recycled ripstop fabric
Durable, versatile joggers
$89
Where to Buy
Ratings
- Comfort 90%
- Features 80%
- Versatility 97%
- Performance 89%
Review
The Trekkie North Jogger looks good enough to wear around town or to work (if that’s still a destination) but has all the technical ability for climbing. The recycled ripstop fabric felt stretchy yet sturdy, and didn’t snag on rock or gym holds. They felt breathable on approaches and have held up to nearly a year of abuse and many trips through the laundry. Three spacious zippered pockets gave plenty of places to securely stash my belongings. I liked the simple drawstring and soft knit waistband that kept the Trekkies riding high without bunching under my harness. These joggers are available in sizes 0-24, making them a great option for women who might not fit well into traditional climbing industry options. Athleta is a Certified B Corporation, meeting specific standards for doing good in the world, not just making money. And the Trekkie North Jogger is made with recycled materials.
Stay tight
Five Ten Climb Tights
Specs
Recycled polyester blend
Supportive, durable leggings
XS-XL
$65
Where to Buy
Ratings
- Comfort 98%
- Features 81%
- Versatility 92%
- Performance 97%
Review
Five Ten is back in the clothing game with some stylie, high quality options. The Climb Tights I tested were thick, durable and snag resistant, a winning combo for climbing. The recycled polyester blend fabric felt far sturdier than your average leggings, giving them a secure, supportive, slightly compressive feel. They sat high on my waist with a wide, tall waistband that was comfortable under a harness and was full coverage for bouldering. At $65, their quality seems to exceed the price point, a steal by today’s standards.
Super casual
Mountain Hardware Women’s Dynama/2™ Ankle
Specs
PFC free DWR
Smooth knit waistband
Cropped ankle length
$75
Where to Buy
Ratings
- Comfort 90%
- Features 80%
- Versatility 92%
- Performance 81%
Review
The Dynama/2 is a versatile, no-fuss pant with a soft, stretchy knit waistband. I loved climbing in the breathable and lightweight fabric. They felt cool in warm spring and summer temps. And the waistband was comfortable under a harness all day. The “ankle” length of these pants makes them a great option for shorter people like myself. I hate having superfluous fabric bunching around my ankles. The styling on these is casual, so they were another great go-anywhere option for post-gym errands without feeling like I was teched out. The zippered thigh pocket held a phone and key securely.
Au natural
Arc’teryx Konseal Pant
Specs
PFC free DWR
Soft organic cotton blend
Gusseted crotch and articulated knees for unrestricted movement
$130
Where to Buy
Ratings
- Comfort 93%
- Features 92%
- Versatility 83%
- Performance 85%
Review
Sometimes nothing can beat the breathability and soft feel of a natural fiber. The Konseal Pant is my favorite stretch cotton pant, made with a midweight, very supple organic cotton blend that has more stretch than my hamstrings. A crotch gusset, shaped knees and relaxed cut through the thighs added even more freedom of movement on the rock. The Konseal Pant sports a well placed outside thigh pocket that kept my phone handy without bungling up my harness. And the “little bit of everything” style waistband has a zipper and snap closure, some internal elastic and a flat webbing drawcord to dial in the fit for all day comfort.
Try 14.99 leggings from Costco. They are in 3 different colors (purple, black and gray), great stretchy material, and now are my favorite long pants for climbing in colder weather.