Jeans for climbing solves a multitude of problems. Rock climbing exposes clothing to extreme abuse; rough surfaces abound, shredding fabrics from the outside while constant dirt and infrequent washing do the same from the inside. Synthetics have improved longevity and performance compared to the work pants of the past, but life expectancy can still be disappointing, abrasion resistance again falling short for the real cliff dwellers. And tech pants can offend the fashion sensibilities of some when the climbing session bleeds into happy hour.
Denim has been a stalwart answer to some for a long time, being extremely abrasion resistant and placating the fashion sensitive. Climbing-specific designs and fabric formulations have addressed the mobility issues of “civilian” jeans while retaining the desired properties of America’s favorite pant fabric. We tested five versions of jeans for climbing and other outdoor pursuits, all of them faring well in the durability department and performance as long as there wasn’t any precipitation. The jeans were used almost full time during the three month testing period, making the rounds from the climbing gym, Hueco Tanks, Red Rocks, El Potrero Chico, local crags and serving as casual wear, both post climbing and for work.
For sizing reference, I am a 32” waist, 32” inseam, stand six feet tall and weigh 167 pounds.
Best For: Hip Mobility
Moon Climbing Men’s Hubble X Slim Fit Jean
The Moon Climbing Hubble X Slim Fit Jean derived excellent hip mobility from its cut and not so much from the elasticity of the denim. This jean for climbing was the only one with a gusset in the crotch and combined with a generous hip cut, made high stepping, stemming, and other hip flexibility-challenging movements feel extremely free and independent of fabric elasticity. The legs do taper down quite a bit to the ankles, but the knee areas still provided ample mobility thanks to the stretchiness of the fabric.
These jeans for climbing were the heaviest in the test, and the inherent durability didn’t disappoint. From rough sandstone to sharp granite, the fabric showed no signs of weakness regardless of treatment. These jeans also proved the most resistant in the test to punctures from thorny plants and cacti and felt warmer than most of the others in colder climates.
The Hubble X Slim Fit Jean was the “middle of the road” in styling; they did taper to a narrow cut low in the legs, but the five pocket styling, generous hip cut, and old-school leather badge gave the nod to classic denim. A correctly oriented Moon logo that only showed when ankle cuffs were rolled up deserved a kudos to the Moon Climbing marketing department; creatively and tastefully done. The size M fit my 32” waist well but was a little long, requiring a one-inch fold most of the time.
moonclimbing.com | $88 | Available in XS-XL; M size has a 34” inseam
93% Cotton / 6% Polyester / 1% Lycra / 1 pound, 8 ounces size M
Best For: Everyday
Outdoor Research Men’s Goldrush 32” Jeans
The Outdoor Research Goldrush 32” Jean became the go-to when the activities and social/business engagements were unknown. The generous hip cut, roomy straight legs, abundant stretch, and reliable durability made the jeans the most often worn in the test. Both hips and legs were roomy for my slim dimensions and combined with the substantial stretch, made any climbing movement hassle-free. Wide stemming movements did hit the limit of the patterning; the fabric’s stretch noticeable but not limiting.
These jeans for climbing were the only ones I had owned previously, and I can vouch for the longevity. They have survived local guiding, ranch work, endless climbing gym sessions and daily abuse with nothing but tasteful fading.
The classic five pocket styling and straight legs are “anti-hipster,” and thus fit the tastes of my older generation and remain inconspicuous regardless of social or business happenings. The 32” inseam was spot on in length, and the 32” waist felt true to size. The performance, durability and styling attributes of these jeans for climbing guarantee that it will find its way on my body in and in my bag for almost any occasion.
outdoorresearch.com | $99 | Available in 30”-38” waist. Also available in 30” and 34” inseams
Cordura 80.5% cotton / 13.5% nylon / 5% polyester / 1% Lycra / 1 pound, 2 ounce size 32
Best For: Life On The Road
Boulder Denim Men’s Slim Fit
The Boulder Denim Slim Fit’s remarkable stretchiness was immediately apparent. As the most elastic jean in the test, the pant easily followed any movement during any activity. The elasticity was necessary as these were also the slimmest fitting jeans in the test, with a strong taper and leg-hugging fit from hip to ankle. These jeans for climbing also had the “lightest” feeling to the fabric, which made them more desirable when the sun was shining. I went up to a 33” waist in this slim fit style, which worked well for my 32” waist and had to put several rolls in the pant leg for an appropriate length.
What was not so evident was the Nanoshere hydrophobic coating applied to the Boulder Denim fabric. Although the treatment does lend some water repellency, the real value to the dirtbag was the stain and odor resistance. I was doubtful when told it was possible to climb and live in them for weeks at a time before washing; this proved legitimate as I wore them for two weeks non-stop, while training, coaching in a climbing gym, then finally climbing in Mexico. True to their promise, the jeans for climbing and general dirtbaging didn’t stink upon returning home. This quality could be quite valuable during long road trips to remote locations.
Other climber centric touches included the generously deep front pockets, the left one containing a hidden, zipped pocket (fits cell phones) to keep contents secure no matter the orientation.
Durability throughout the testing period was admirable, the fabric warding off abrasions from the sharp limestone of El Potrero Chico.
boulderdenim.com | $148 | Available in 27”-33” waist with 34” inseam and 34”-40” waist with 36” inseam, meant to be hemmed or rolled up
93% Cotton / 5% Polyester / 2% Spandex / 1 pound, 4 ounces size 33
Best For: The Socially and Environmentally Conscious
Patagonia Mens’ Performance Regular Fit Jean
Patagonia stayed the course with the Performance Regular Fit Jean; organic cotton sewed via Certified Fair Trade manufacturing and dyed by water, energy and carbon dioxide sparing processes. The jean had a DWR finish to repel water, stains, and stink (reducing the need for washings), and Coolmax to aid body moisture management.
The Performance Regular Fit Jean had the loosest cut in both the hips and legs which mated well with the fabric, which had a lower amount of stretch compared the other jeans for climbing in the test. Mechanical stretch provided the elasticity, the structure of the fabric yielding stretch instead of spandex. Although the amount of stretch was lower than other jeans for climbing, the longevity could prove to be the best, as elastic fibers can lose their properties over time. The jean never limited mobility in the hips or the knees regardless of gym or sport climbing contortions. The regular length was perfect for my 32” inseam, and the waist felt true to size.
The denim had a light feel and cool touch, making them more favorable as the temperatures rose. The relaxed fit, straight legs, and classic five pocket styling gave an understated look, appropriate for business casual and the older set. Durability was on par with other jeans for climbing in the test, and pricing was roughly in the middle, proving sustainable and socially conscious apparel didn’t have to mean compromises.
patagonia.com | $119 | Available in 28”-40” waists in even sizes. Also available in short and long inseams
71% Organic Cotton / 29% Coolmax T400 Polyester / mechanical stretch / 1 pound, 6 ounces size 32 Regular
Best For: Urban Life
Toad & Co. Mens’ Drover Lean Denim Pant 32” Inseam
The Toad & Co. Drover Lean Denim Pant had an elegant look; the straight legs, dark and deep dye, contrasting stitching, and red double bar tacks prompted comments at both cliffs and coffee shops. This jean was the best choice of the bunch when apres-climb activities included classier establishments in town.
Both the hip and leg cuts straddled the middle compared to the other pants in the test; relaxed cuts but not the most generous and lean but not the skinniest. The lower cuff reveals a gentle taper to the legs that is barely noticeable. These traits, combined with a lower level of elasticity of the fabric, generated some resistance during more aggressive climbing movements. Big stems or extreme high steps required tugging up on the pant legs to deliver slack to minimize constrictions. Both the 32” waist and inseam felt true to size.
The jeans were the second heaviest in the test, and the fabric had a stouter and warmer feel than most other jeans for climbing. Bouldering on granite didn’t faze the material, knee scuffing and butt scooting on downclimbs eliciting no signs of wear. The dark and deep color has also proven resistant to significant fading throughout the testing period.
toadandco.com | $89 | Available in 30”-38” waists, also available in 30” and 34” inseams
71% Organic Cotton / 29% Coolmax T400 Polyester / mechanical stretch / 1 pound, 6 ounces size 32 Regular