12 Greatest Climbing Pants for Backpacking [2025]

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This can be a gear overview about one of the best light-weight climbing pants for backpacking 2025.

Climbing pants must be light-weight, comfy, breathable, hold you cool in scorching climate, and heat when it’s chilly. Additionally they present additional carrying capability, which must be safe and accessible. Additionally included are a few of the finest zip-off convertible pants which additionally work nicely as backpacking pants. However how do you select which of them are finest for you? Preserve studying to search out out.

How We Examined

All of the Light-weight Climbing Pants on this overview have been extensively evaluated and researched by the knowledgeable creator who has a few years of expertise in Through-Climbing, Backpacking, and Climbing. Among the Pants have been bought by the creator and a few have been provided by the producer. They’ve been rigorously examined by the creator in all types of climate. The analysis, testing, and expertise of the creator have mixed to provide you with one of the best climbing pants for 2025. Learn the Assessment Coverage for additional particulars.

Greatest Light-weight Pants for Climbing and Backpacking 2025

The Greatest Light-weight Pants for Climbing and Backpacking 2025 are:

Greatest Climbing Pants 2025

Prana Stretch Zion Pants

Weight: Unknown
Stretch: Sure
Climate Resistant: Sure with DWR
Professionals:
> Stretch cloth
> Ventilated inseam gusset and mesh pockets
> Built-in belt
Cons:
> Hotter than most different pants
> Barely thicker cloth than the opposite pants

The up to date Prana Stretch Zion is made out of lighter recycled nylon. Total, it’s not too totally different from the previous mannequin however a bit lighter.

The Prana Stretch Zion is a good alternative for anybody in search of sturdiness and luxury, and so they look fashionable and informal within the discount. I’ve used these pants for 1000’s of miles of trails and they’re nice for backpacking.

Constituted of Prana’s stretch recycled cloth, which incorporates a sturdy water-repellent layer, they dry rapidly with out sacrificing consolation. They’re additionally UPF 50+ UV resistant for pores and skin security.

Whereas the fabric is thicker than many different pants, the Prana Stretch Zion pants characteristic a ventilated inseam gusset to maintain you cool.

They’ve sufficient stretch and house for strenuous exercise, and they’re extremely abrasion-resistant. These pants have a double-zippered cargo pocket for storage and an built-in belt.

The Girls’s Climbing Pants model is named the prAna Halle Pant ii. The PrAna Halle Pant II is similar to the Zion however options roll-up pant legs.

Total, the Prana Stretch Zion is without doubt one of the finest climbing pants for males who need to go backpacking, and they’re additionally very fashionable backpacking pants.

Greatest Light-weight Climbing Pants

Kuhl Silencr Pants

Weight: 12 oz / 340 grams
Stretch: Sure
Climate Resistant: Sure with DWR
Professionals:
> Good match
> Good climate resistance
> Light-weight
> UPF 50+ UV safety
> Two match choices – whether or not you favor a tapered match or relaxed match. I just like the relaxed match
Cons:
> No Belt
> Not a lot stretch across the waist space.

The very first thing you’ll discover about these pants is the burden. They’re one of many lightest pants on this complete overview.

The Kuhl Silencr climbing trousers are stylish-looking technical pants designed for on a regular basis put on and all the pieces you want on the path. They’re constructed from 100% softshell ripstop polyester. Though they’re light-weight, additionally they have quantity of stretch. They arrive in a alternative of slim match or relaxed match relying on the way you wish to put on your hikin pants, I want the relaxed match, regardless that the slim match is nice too.

They’re water- and UV-resistant, wick moisture away out of your physique, and are designed to maximise freedom of motion. Tailor-made for a full match, additionally they (because the Silencr Rogue) are available a tapered match for extra model and flexibility. 

Total, the Kuhl Silencr makes an ideal pair of light-weight pants for climbing, backpacking, or informal put on. These are my favourite Kuhl backpacking pants.

Greatest Ultralight Climbing Pants

Kuhl Deceptr Pants

Weight: 11oz / 312 grams
Stretch: Sure
Climate Resistant: Sure with DWR
Professionals:
> Ultralight
> Very Stretchy
> Robust
> Good water resistance
Cons:
> The primary impression is the pants have a tough really feel, however over time they really feel significantly better

Greatest Climbing Pants Australia and New Zealand

Macpac Trekker Pants

Weight: 11.6 oz / 330 grams
Stretch: Sure
Climate Resistant: Sure with DWR
Professionals:
> Sturdy
> Good Stretch cloth
> Built-in Belt
> UPF 50+ safety
> Climate resistant
Cons:
> Just one zip pocket
> Solely out there in Australia and New Zealand

Macpac Trekker Pants are a basic for a cause. This New Zealand based mostly firm makes use of its distinctive Pertex Equilibrium stretchy cloth that has a double weave development with an open inside weave that wicks moisture away out of your physique and a decent outer weave for elevated climate safety.

Additionally they characteristic a DWR coating of C6 remedy for extra climate resistance whereas staying breathable and they’re UPF 50+ rated UV safety.

These pants are stretchy and likewise very sturdy climbing pants and appropriate for any outside adventurers. They’re abrasion-resistant and have a gusseted seat for extra toughness. Two hand pockets permit for simple entry, and one zippered safety pocket on the thigh for any extra gadgets you is likely to be carrying.  They arrive in Males’s pants and Girls’s pants.

I’ve been sporting these pants for over 2 years and may attest to their consolation and sturdiness.

Total, these are one of the best climbing pants in Australia and New Zealand.

Greatest Funds Climbing Pants 2025

REI Co-op Activator

Weight: 14.5 oz
Stretch: Sure
Climate Resistant: Sure with DWR
Professionals:
> Windproof
> Nice Zippered pockets
> Adjustable waistband with belt loops
> Moral supplies and manufacture
Cons:
> Not so good in dangerous climate

The REI Co-Op Activator are one other mushy shell cloth design, this time with extra windproofing (good for gusts of as much as 35mph), making them appropriate for these changeable days in spring and early autumn too.

Drawcord-adjustable cuffs enable you to keep away from particles and grime getting in, and are good for preserving your pants dry if you happen to’re fording a stream. These pants additionally conform to Bluesign requirements, which suggests they’re environmentally pleasant and respect employees’ rights. 

They’ve articulated knees and middle gusset to help in freedom of motion and really feel fairly comfy.

Total, the REI Co-Op Activator 3.0 is a stable pair of price range pants for climbing.

Most Snug Climbing Pants

Kuhl Radikl Pants

Weight: 15 oz / 425 grams
Stretch: Sure
Climate Resistant: No
Professionals:
> Tremendous powerful
> Very Snug
> Good match
> Accessible in two types, Klassic Match, and Tapered. I just like the Klassic Match.
Cons:
> Not climate resistant so not good in moist climate
> Heavy

The Kuhl Radikl Males’s Pants are a highly regarded pair of climbing pants. And they’re additionally one of the comfy.

These climbing pants for males are nicely suited on climbing trails, at house, at eating places, and out buying. They’re near the right pair of males’s pants for 2025. The one factor they don’t have is a few type of climate resistance when it rains and a lighter-weight materials. If that they had these issues these could be the right pair of trekking pants.

Constructed from a cotton/nylon/spandex combined cloth mix that effortlessly combines stretch, toughness, and luxury, these are an actual stand-out within the discipline.

Hotter than nylon alternate options however nonetheless breathable and UPF 50+ UV-rated, these pants will carry you thru a variety of climate circumstances. 

Total, these are a few of the most comfy climbing pants in the marketplace and an ideal alternative for touring and backpacking. These are a highly regarded pair of pants for good cause.

finest environmentally pleasant climbing pants

Patagonia Quandary Pants

Weight: 10 oz / 284 grams
Stretch: Sure
Climate Resistant: Sure with DWR
Professionals:
> Excessive quantity of Recycled cloth used 
> Zip-closure hip pocket
> Traditional straight lower
> UPF 50+ UV safety
Cons:
> Greatest for lean-to-medium builds as a result of slim match/basic lower of the pants

One other light-weight softshell possibility, The Patagonia Quandary pants are a basic straight-leg lower made out of a nylon/spandex mix with a sturdy water repellent end. The nylon is 65 % recycled too, making these pants comfy and higher for the setting.

They’re UV-protected to UPF 50+ requirements, have a gusseted crotch and articulated knees for higher freedom of motion, and a zippered thigh pocket for storing your small gadgets. 

Total, the Patagonia Quandary Pants are probably the greatest backpacking pants for somebody who needs to buy a product that does what it will possibly to assist the setting. Additionally they make an ideal pair of on a regular basis pants to put on round city simply as a lot as they’re suited to the path.

Greatest Convertible Pants

Kuhl Renegade Cargo Convertible Pants

Weight: Unknown
Stretch: Sure however not a lot
Climate Resistant: Sure with DWR
Professionals:
> Saggy Cargo Pant match
> Climate resistant DWR coating on pants
> Good match
Cons:
> Not very a lot stretch
> Entrance button can pop open in case your pants are too tight. Could possibly be a tighter match to forestall this

Kuhl Renegade Cargo convertible pants carry two huge advantages to the desk. The power to transform to shorts and again simply is a transparent winner, which means you may retain the advantages of lengthy pants legs but additionally benefit from the cooling impact of shorts.

Made from weather-resistant cloth and coated with a DWR end they will face up to gentle drizzle for a brief time frame.

Kuhl Renegade Cargo pants buff up your carrying capability, they’ve rear pockets, entrance pockets, and cargo pockets. If you happen to’re a hiker who likes to maintain small gear out of their pack, these are what you is likely to be in search of.

Constructed to the best requirements of breathability, sturdiness, and solar safety, the Kuhl Renegade Convertible Pants are an all-around nice alternative.

Total, the Kuhl Renegade Cargo Pants are the finest convertible pants for backpacking and touring. Greatest suited if you would like comfy convertible pants with good climate resistance and many pockets.

Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Climbing Pants

Weight: 10.8 oz / 306 grams
Stretch: No
Climate Resistant: Sure with DWR
Professionals:
> Convertible combo of shorts and pants
> Sturdy
> Fairly priced
> Good Pockets
> UPF 50+ UV safety
Cons:
> Not stretchy

The Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible pants are an ideal utilitarian possibility, supplying you with shorts and pants in a single garment! Simply use the straightforward zips to detach and reattach the decrease legs. Most individuals both love them or hate them. Through the years I’ve used them quite a bit and nonetheless have a pair I exploit usually.

The Columbia Silver Ridge are full-featured convertible pants with zip-off legs which are water resistant, UVA and UVB-protected, and made out of powerful and breathable nylon cloth. They’ve zippered safety hand pockets and hook-and-loop closures for the facet pockets, preserving your pocket gadgets safe while you’re on the path. 

Total, the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants are very versatile pants and probably the greatest convertible pants at a cost-effective value. 

Arc’teryx Gamma Climbing Pants

Weight: 12.5 oz / 355 grams
Stretch: Sure
Climate Resistant: Sure with DWR
Professionals:
> Light-weight
> Breathable
> Three zip pockets
Cons:
> Not appropriate for all climate circumstances – these pants are a bit gentle for chilly climate or heavy rain.
> Extraordinarily costly

The 2024 replace to the Arc’teryx Gamma retains the identical light-weight and stretchy really feel as earlier than however with an up to date cloth.

As a softshell, the Arc’teryx Gamma is finest for climate that isn’t too chilly, so in all probability not the most suitable choice for the depths of winter, however they’re water resistant and breathable. For summer season hikes, these pants are sturdy and light-weight. 

The Arc’teryx Gamma have good zippered hand pockets and a thigh pocket which is nice sufficient to suit your smartphone whereas climbing.

Total, the Arc’teryx Gamma are high quality pants for climbing which are probably the greatest light-weight climbing pants for backpacking however are too costly for most individuals.

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

Weight: 13.4 oz / 380 grams
Stretch: Sure
Climate Resistant: Sure with DWR
Professionals:
> Convertible combo of shorts and pants
> A number of nice pockets
> All-weather suitability with DWR
> UPF 50+ UV safety
Cons:
> Greatest for hotter days

Traditional convertible pants for climbing, backpacking, and journey from REI Co-Op. These up to date pants are water resistant, quick-drying, and UV solar safety making them good for all weathers.

The rear edges of the cuffs on the REI pants are strengthened to forestall them from succumbing to rubbing out of your boots, and the bottoms of the pants unzip to present you another choice in addition to the complete shorts conversion. They’ve a gusseted crotch and are comfy to put on.

Total, the REI Sahara Pants are an ideal pair of sturdy convertible pants at an affordable value.

Out of doors Analysis Ferrosi Pants

Weight: 10.7 oz / 303 grams
Stretch: Sure
Climate Resistant: Sure with DWR
Professionals:
> Light-weight
> Snug
> Sturdy
> UPF 50+ UV safety
Cons:
> No belt

The Out of doors Analysis Ferrosi Pants have been round for some time now and are simply as standard now as ever.

The Out of doors Analysis Ferrosi provides probably the greatest blends of light-weight stretch cloth, breathability, and sturdiness. They’ve extra stretch than most on this overview so if that’s necessary for you then you’ll like this side of the design. Like many different light-weight pants for climbing, they’re superior within the warmth however not so good in chilly windy climate.

Total, the Out of doors Analysis Ferrosi pants are one of the standard climbing pants on this overview and can work nicely for anybody on their subsequent backpacking journey.

But to be examined

• Fjallraven Vidda Professional: The Fjallraven Vidda Professional can be added to the overview once they have been examined

Backpacking Pants Comparability Desk

Materials

There are a few important supplies used within the manufacture of climbing pants, Nylon and Polyester, Spandex / Elastane, and Cotton.

Nylon

Nearly all of the pants on this overview are made out of nylon or nylon mix. Even when the pants don’t use nylon they often have robust nylon stitching.

Polyester

Polyester can be frequent on a few of the high-end climbing pants on this overview. They provide barely extra water resistance than nylon. As with a lot of the materials for climbing pants, they’re often a mix of a number of supplies.

Spandex / Elastane

All the stretch climbing pants have some type of spandex or elastane blended into the fabric or stitched into panels on the pants. This materials just isn’t essentially the most sturdy and usually works nicely blended with nylon which gives energy.

Cotton

Cotton is arguably essentially the most comfy materials in opposition to the pores and skin. However cotton just isn’t one of the best materials for climbing pants as it’s not climate resistant and can soak up water. If climbing in scorching dry desert-type environments cotton generally is a welcome addition to pants, however within the tropics or moist climate, they don’t seem to be advisable.

Options

Built-in belts or some type of waist adjustment, articulated knees, and gussets are all options which have made their means onto climbing pants through the years.

Built-in Belt and Waist Adjustment

A built-in belt is a welcome addition to climbing pants in my view. After a number of days of climbing, we will all lose a pant dimension fairly simply and put that weight again on in a few days. An built-in belt or another type of waist adjustment within the type of belt loops is appreciated.

Sadly, not all pants have waist adjustment both within the type of a belt, drawcord, or adjustable buttons on the waist. For the businesses that don’t have waist changes in-built, they need to think about this a design flaw and goal to work on rectifying this.

Articulated Knee and Gussets

Articulated knees and gussets are options which are appreciated in climbing pant design. The articulated knees permit for a full vary of motion within the leg and knee space because the knee bends. Normally, it’s merely extra materials added to this part of the pants. Gussets are additional room within the crotch space that replaces the conventional means pants are made. Total, the climbing pants suit your physique higher because of these options.

Model and Match

Climbing pants are usually categorized as being Slim Match or Relaxed. Many manufacturers have a proprietary model title for the model however they’re basically the identical.

Slim Match

Slim-fit pants are often lighter than common match and likewise nicely suited to the outside. They often look nicer and likewise work nicely as journey pants that can be utilized for climbing. Pants with a slim match often supply numerous stretch.

Relaxed / Common Match

A relaxed match is my most popular model of climbing pants. They provide somewhat extra room than a slim match and are higher suited to the outside. However there’s a restrict. Some relaxed-fit pants can look very saggy, particularly when you’ve got a skinny construct.

Girls’s Climbing Pants

Nearly all of the manufacturers and types talked about on this overview have a Girls’s particular model. Generally they use a unique title however all of them characteristic the identical traits because the Males’s climbing pants on this overview.

Pockets

You in all probability don’t need to carry an excessive amount of additional weight in your pants, however everybody is aware of that there are some stuff you’d somewhat have at hand than in your again.

If you happen to’re somebody who prefers to hold extra in your pockets, be sure you’re on the lookout for choices like zip closures for safety, and cargo pockets for capability. Additionally, think about the liner of your pockets.

Mesh lining helps to ventilate inside pockets and facilitates drainage, good for any fording. Simply take your cellphone out earlier than you go wading!

Thigh pockets and hand pockets are a very powerful, with rear pockets being a bit ineffective. I don’t know too many individuals who would think about climbing with something of their again pockets.

Weight

You need to hold your pack weight gentle and your legs unencumbered. You’re additionally on the lookout for sturdiness, consolation, and heat. The load of the fabric your climbing pant is fabricated from is a key issue right here.

Out for a multi-day hike with a few pairs in your pack? You may need to carry lighter pants. The identical goes for summer-time hikes, the place additional materials might be extra of a hindrance than a assist.

Nonetheless, a heavier materials might be nice for heading off chilly and wind, and a heavier pair of pants is extra proof against snagging and tears. 

Water Resistant Climbing Pants

Most climbing pants have some extent of water resistance. A common rule of thumb is that water resistance has an inverse relationship with breathability, which is smart. In order for you true water resistant pants, then it’s best to search for Waterproof Rain Pants.

You wouldn’t need to put on a water-resistant jacket on a scorching summer season’s day, and the identical goes in your pants.

You’ll usually see the letters DWR within the options of weather-resistant pants, which stand for sturdy water repellant. Which means they’ve a DWR coating, which allows them to shed water extra simply in gentle rain.

Selecting artificial materials over cotton additionally helps them be extra waterproof, as nylon is way much less absorbent than its natural counterparts. 

When issues get moist it may be annoying. When climbing and backpacking you need to at all times carry pair of light-weight rain pants to maintain your climbing pants dry.

The Breathability of Climbing Pants

You set in numerous effort while you’re climbing, and you realize what effort means; that’s proper, sweat! It is advisable make it possible for the climbing pants you select are breathable. Sweat not having the ability to evaporate retains you from cooling down when that you must essentially the most.

You’ll discover that climbing pants marketed as rain pants are much less breathable, together with softshell pants, whereas light-weight all-weather pants are much more so.

Typically, breathability is highlighted as a characteristic, so if it doesn’t seem on a label or an inventory, be sure you test to see if the pants you’re taking a look at are made for a extra particular operate. 

In addition to the fabric itself, search for air flow. Thick pants just like the Prana Stretch Zion is probably not that breathable in cloth phrases, however they’ve built-in vents to maintain air flowing and assist physique warmth disperse. 

Consolation

A snug pair of climbing pants are one of the best. Normally, they’re breathable, have a least some extent of stretch, are light-weight, sturdy, have good pockets, and have some type of gentle water resistance.

All of the gadgets that make for comfy climbing pants are lined in additional particulars under, hold studying. A part of having comfy pants entails the design that features articulated knees which permit quantity of motion within the knee area of the pants. Not all pants have articulated knees however people who do make for room within the knee space.

Stretch

Most climbing pants include some extent of elasticity of their materials. That is necessary for each your consolation and your freedom of motion. A little bit of added stretch offers you a mix of sturdiness and suppleness.

The very last thing you need to be worrying about when crouching to arrange a tent is the potential of your pants splitting, and if you happen to’re doing any climbing or clambering you’re going to need to have the ability to make these stretches in confidence.

Search for pants with an honest proportion of elastane of their development, or that market themselves as stretchy, just like the Prana Stretch Zion. 

Sturdiness

You need to be assured that your pair of pants goes to be sturdy, and proof against snags, tears, and abrasion. For this reason it’s necessary to consider sturdiness while you’re selecting out a pair.

Totally different weaves and coatings can improve the sturdiness of climbing pants and have a gusseted crotch making for extra strong development. A thicker pair of pants are usually extra sturdy however carries a value by way of weight compared to light-weight cloth utilized in light-weight pants.

Thinner artificial pants are proof against most types of path harm and nonetheless hold you cool. 

When climbing in moist climate and tough areas and also you want additional safety it is likely to be a smart concept to put money into pair of climbing gaiters to cease abrasion and dust from damaging the decrease legs of the pants. I’ve been utilizing gaiters to guard my pants and climbing boots for many of my climbing life however solely in areas with a number of mud or snow.

Heat

All the light-weight pants present good solar safety and heat when wanted. The light-weight softshell cloth and light-weight stretchy supplies present stage of safety from the chilly when wanted. However when issues get chilly and the temperature drops under freezing it’s time to layer up.

When it will get chilly it’s good to know that every one one of the best path pants might be worn with a heat base layer for backpacking and climbing journeys. If you happen to want one other layer to cease the chilly wind then a pair of rain pants can present that too. However when it will get chilly you could want to check out a pair of Winter Climbing Pants that are thicker pants with good wind resistance and insulation. You might also have to improve to a pair of Winter Helloking Boots for higher insulation. And when it will get chilly you could want some down pants that are an ideal possibility for when you’re in camp.

Convertible Climbing Pants

Convertible pants are an possibility that appeals to hikers and backpackers who wish to put on shorts throughout heat climate and climbing pants in colder climate.

Through the years I discover that I’ve had a love-hate relationship with convertible pants. My important dislike is sporting a pair of shorts with an ideal large zip operating round my thighs or knee space. This sense is shared by many who’re turned off for a similar cause. However the positives are excellent.

Like most individuals, I like the flexibleness of getting shorts and pants multi function possibility. In the case of light-weight touring they’re good, on the subject of light-weight backpacking and climbing they’re usually higher than taking a separate pair of climbing shorts and climbing pants. The decrease legs zip off simply and you’ll retailer the pant leg within the backpack till wanted.

Total, I like zip-off convertible pants, they’re versatile pants. They’re right here to remain and are at all times part of most of my gear lists after I go climbing and backpacking. And one of the best convertible pants talked about within the overview above are all superior.

Pants Vs Shorts

Climbing Shorts are lighter, and extra breathable, however don’t present the identical stage of safety as Climbing Pants. In the summertime months, shorts are possibility. Many ultralight hikers don’t put on climbing pants however want to put on shorts solely.

When it will get chilly they put on a pair of climbing base layers beneath the shorts. I’ve tried this technique in temperatures nicely under freezing and it really works nicely. Particularly while you add a pair of Rain Pants to cease the chilly wind.

Worth

There’s a big divide between the pricing of the most costly and essentially the most economical pants on this overview. In some ways, you get what you pay for however generally issues are simply too prohibitively costly. Verify the costs to see whether or not they suit your price range.

Conclusion

Listed below are one of the best pants for backpacking and climbing in the marketplace in 2025:

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

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