The ideal bouldering trousers are durable, stretchy, and look good! In the following paragraphs, we will detail our top picks. We tested each pair for ourselves. By bouldering indoors and outdoors we got a complete overview and the following results are what we found.
| Bouldering Trousers | Material | Pockets | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moon Climbing - Hubble X Slim Fit Jean | 93% Cotton; 6% Polyester; 1% Elastane | 3 Front, 2 Back | 96 |
| Ucraft - Xlite Climbing Pant | 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane | 2 Front, 2 Back | 94 |
| Patagonia - Venga Rock Pants | 73% Cotton, 24% Polyester, 3% Elastane | 2 Front, 2 Back | 91 |
| Moon Climbing - Samurai Pant Light | 88% Polyamide, 12% Elastane | 2 Front | 89 |
| Ocun - Hurrikan Jeans | 70% Cotton, 19% Polyester, 10% Viscose, 1% Elastane | 2 Front, 2 Back, 1 Leg | 88 |
As you can see, there are a number of different brands mentioned. Each one brings something different to the table. No matter if you are bouldering indoors or outdoors, this list of top five bouldering trousers will have you covered. See our detailed reviews below.
The Best Bouldering Trousers In Detail: The Top Five Picks
What makes bouldering pants stand out from the rest? Obviously, things like price and availability will influence your decision, but there are other factors you should look out for too.
You want your trousers to be stretchy enough to get into all different types of moves, but also they need to be able to withstand repeated friction against walls or rock. Breathability is also key, as you don’t want to be sweating your gnats off!
Obviously, you also want to look cool bouldering. In the section below, you can find our top five picks. In all honesty, there is not much difference between them all and you will be able to perform in any of them!
1. Moon Climbing – Hubble X Slim Fit Jean
Essential Info
- Gender: Men’s
- Material: 93% Cotton; 6% Polyester; 1% Elastane
- Pockets: 3 Front, 2 Back
- Extras: Belt Loops
- Fabric Feel: Durable
- Size: XS-XL
Our Verdict
The Moon Climbing Hubble X Slim Fit Jeans are a fantastic trouser. They deliver functionality and durability. When you are wearing them, they do not feel like a typical jean and allow a full range of movement. They are also good looking enough to wear around town or to go and grab a drink with mates after the climbing session is over.
We really like the fact that they are understated. There are no massive branding marks, although if you turn the jeans up, the ‘Moon’ print is seen on the inside of the pant leg. It is a great little quirky design. Overall, these trousers deliver in terms of price and performance. A good cut, they can be worn both inside and outside.
Get Moon Climbing – Hubble X Slim Fit Jean!
2. Ucraft – Xlite Climbing Pant
Essential Info
- Gender: Men’s
- Material: 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane
- Pockets: 2 Front, 2 Back
- Extras: Articulated Knees, Adjustable Leg Cuffs, Drawstring Seam, Chalk Bag/Brush Loop
- Fabric Feel: Stretchy
- Size: S-XXL
Our Verdict
A versatile bouldering trouser. They are stretchy and robust. Furthermore, they come with an elastic waist, which means you can adjust to any size. This is also the same for the legs, so you will always be able to make the fit as you need it.
We had a full range of movement from these trousers, this is owing largely to the stretch insert. The pants also come in over four colour styles. Even so, some of the colours are an acquired taste, and you can really tell they are climbing pants! The pockets are very big, and there is also a handy loop for a bouldering brush and chalk bag attachment. Overall, they are top trousers for bouldering.
Get Ucraft – Xlite Climbing Pant!
3. Patagonia – Venga Rock Pants
Essential Info
- Gender: Men’s
- Material: 73% Cotton, 24% Polyester, 3% Elastane
- Pockets: 2 Front, 2 Back
- Extras: Mesh Fabric Venting, Adjustable Waistband
- Fabric Feel: Stretchy
- Size: US28 – US40
Our Verdict
Built with stretchy organic cotton, these trousers are boulderers and climbers dream. They are tailored to fit perfectly. What’s more, the pockets have different sections, for things like a brush or coins, so they are really handy.
Four distinct colour choices give you a wide variety of styles to choose from. You could definitely wear these after your climb if you are going for a bite to eat. Overall, they offer flexibility and range of movement, yet they are also durable enough to withstand kneebars and similar rough use. They have been designed for climbing, but transition easily into bouldering.
Get Patagonia – Venga Rock Pants!
4. Moon Climbing – Samurai Pant Light
Essential Info
- Gender: Men’s
- Material: 88% Polyamide, 12% Elastane
- Pockets: 2 Front
- Extras: Elastic Waistband, Elastic Leg Cuffs
- Fabric Feel: Stretchy
- Size: XS – XL
Our Verdict
Coming in two different colours, the Moon Climbing Samurai Light Pant is as stylish and practical as they come. They are very light and very stretchy. We are not sure how durable they will be, but they stood up to our testing.
The cut is perfect for all sizes, the gusset insert in the crotch really helps provide the full range of motion some trousers restrict. Overall, these bouldering trousers are the perfect ones for warmer weather. What’s more, you can easily wear them around town, or at the wall.
Get the Moon Climbing – Samurai Pant Light!
5. Ocun – Hurrikan Jeans
Essential Info
- Gender: Men’s
- Material: 70% Cotton, 19% Polyester, 10% Viscose, 1% Elastane
- Pockets: 2 Front, 2 Back, 1 Leg
- Extras: Brush Holder, Gusset Insert, Integrated Belt
- Fabric Feel: Stretchy
- Size: S – XXL
Our Verdict
An up and coming trouser. Ocun knows what to offer at a good price. They are very robust and look the part. There are plenty of pockets for those of you who like to have as many as possible! The dedicate brush holder is also a nice touch. What’s more, the integrated belt with buckle is really helpful to get the perfect fit.
They are a bit on the heavier side, at 660g for the ‘M’ size, but that is what you get for the price. The Ocun brand is up and coming in Europe and we are very happy with their products. The trousers fit well and allow the full range of movement. If you are on a budget these are the ones for you!
How to Choose Bouldering Trousers: What We Looked Out For
There are a number of things you need to consider when choosing your preferred bouldering trousers. Namely, the fit, comfort, and material used. You also need to consider your use of the pant. Will you use them inside, outside? Do you want to wear them for things other than bouldering? Such questions must be factored into your decision. Only you can know for sure.
The Fit of the Trouser
For us, freedom of movement is an integral factor when it comes to analysing bouldering trousers. They definitely shouldn’t be too tight. An adjustable waist will also allow you to find the perfect fit in this regard. Furthermore, if the leg has elastic or drawstring to keep it out of the way of your shoe then you are on to a winner.
Stretchiness and Durability – Material Used
Another very important factor is the stretchiness of the material used. Your trousers should be stretchy enough so you can move around unimpeded. Nevertheless, this should not come at the cost of durability. The perfect pant will combine the two effectively. The ones we listed here do.
Pockets and Extra Features
Although this didn’t really affect the overall ranking too much, having extra little things on your pants could really sway your decision. If you want pockets, then make sure you choose some pants with them! Things like brush holders, a loop for a chalk bag, or even an integrated belt can also be beneficial.
Comfort and Style
You have to make sure you enjoy wearing your trousers. If the style is important, and you want to match with your bouldering shoes, then things like colour and how the pants are tapered will affect your choice.
What’s more, they should be breathable and the material should not rub on your legs. At the end of the day, you will be wearing them a lot, so it should be a pleasant experience.
Overall the Best Bouldering Trousers Need to Fit You!
Just like any other type of bouldering gear, the trousers need to fit you and your body type. Yes, we have tested these thoroughly, but you really need to try them for yourself to get a feel for them. Everyone is different, what works for us may not for you.
We’d recommend giving a couple of pairs a chance and seeing which one fits best. Then you will be crushing in no time! We have also provided tips on what to wear bouldering to complete your outfit!
List of Five Best Bouldering Trousers
In the following section, you can find the summarised list of the top five bouldering trousers by category:
- Moon Climbing – Hubble X Slim Fit Jean – Best for Bouldering
- Ucraft – Xlite Climbing Pant – Top Pockets and Features
- Patagonia – Venga Rock Pants – Great Styling
- Moon Climbing – Samurai Pant Light – Very Light
- Ocun – Hurrikan Jeans – Best Price
FAQs
Now we are at the end of this page dedicated to bouldering trousers, we have decided to bring you some of the most frequently asked questions our readers pose. Let us know if we should cover any more topics!
What are the best bouldering trousers?
Finding the best bouldering trousers was not an easy task. Our team of experts highlighted Moon Climbing’s – Hubble X Slim Fit Jean as the stand-out performers. Delivering functionality and durability, there’s not much more you can ask for!
Are bouldering trousers worth it?
Having dedicated bouldering trousers is not necessary to start bouldering, however, we have highlighted a number of factors in which they do benefit you. Protection and durability are their main assets, not to mention the street cred!
Do I need a special kind of trousers to go bouldering or climbing?
No! You can wear what you want. Even so, bouldering trousers have been developed with the sport in mind. Specific material is used to increase stretchiness and durability amongst many other extra qualities normal trousers don’t deliver.
How much do bouldering trousers cost?
They usually range anywhere between £50-100. Obviously, this can be more or less, depending on the quality of the product. All of the trousers we have listed here in detail are on the higher-end of this spectrum.