#5 on this list
Roots Pants
La Sportiva
The La Sportiva Roots Pants are aimed straight at boulderers and crag climbers looking for a durable, casual pant that functions just as well on the wall as it does around town. Constructed from a midweight blend of 97% organic cotton and 3% elastane, the Roots combines natural fiber breathability with just enough mechanical stretch to support deep drop-knees and technical heel-hooks. La Sportiva integrated a soft knit waistband with a drawstring, which eliminates bulky hard points and keeps the waist comfortable beneath a harness or crash pad waist belt. The articulated knees and diamond crotch gusset work together to provide a clean range of motion. Functional details include a dedicated brush pocket on the side, deep front drop-in pockets, and integrated ankle drawstrings that let you taper the cuffs as closely as you like. The organic cotton fabric feels pleasant on the skin and shrugs off standard crag abuse, but it retains moisture if you sweat heavily or get caught in a shower. Furthermore, while the stretch is sufficient for standard climbing movement, it is not quite as forgiving as pure technical softshells. For warm, dry days on sandstone or limestone, it offers dependable construction at an accessible price. **Highlights** - Heavy-wearing 97% organic cotton blend with 3% elastane stretch - Soft, low-profile elastic waistband with integrated adjustment cord - Diamond-gusseted crotch and articulated knee patterning - Dedicated side brush pocket for bouldering sessions - Adjustable hem drawstrings to customize cuff width **Watch-outs** - Cotton blend holds water and dries slowly when wet - Noticeably less elasticity than technical nylon-spandex trousers
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#6 on this list
Flex Waist Outdoor Cargo Pant
Wrangler
The Wrangler Flex Waist Outdoor Cargo Pant is a standout budget workhorse that has gained widespread respect across climbing communities. While not marketed exclusively as climbing gear, its construction—a resilient blend of 96% nylon and 4% spandex—rivals the core specs of pants costing more than double. For climbers who destroy trousers on rough stone and refuse to spend high retail prices on high-end brands, this is the practical answer. The nylon construction provides impressive abrasion resistance against coarse rock, while the 4% spandex content delivers the stretch required for high-stepping and stemming. The comfort-flex waistband moves with your body and stays relatively flat beneath a climbing harness, avoiding the thick, dig-in seams common on traditional work pants. Its low-profile zippered cargo pockets sit flat against the thigh, offering secure gear storage that remains accessible while tied in. The compromises stem from its general-purpose outdoor cut. The leg openings are straight and relatively wide, lacking an integrated cinch cord to pull the cuff tight above your ankle; climbers often need to roll the hems or add their own shock cord to keep their shoes visible. The cut is also slightly boxier through the seat, but for sheer durability-per-dollar, it is unmatched. **Highlights** - Rugged 96% nylon and 4% spandex technical blend - Unbeatable value-to-durability ratio - Comfort-flex waistband that accommodates harness pressure reasonably well - Flat zippered cargo pockets that store essentials securely - Fabric resists snagging and abrasion on coarse crag surfaces **Watch-outs** - Wide ankle openings lack cinch cords and require rolling - Boxier cut with less refined articulation than dedicated climbing trousers
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Roots Pants | Flex Waist Outdoor Cargo Pant |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Blend | 97% organic cotton, 3% elastane | — |
| Published Weight | 8.6 oz | — |
| Waist Design | Elastic knit with interior drawcord | — |
| Cuff Style | Integrated ankle drawstrings | — |
| MSRP | Approximately $89 | — |
| Pocket Layout | Two front, two rear, one brush sleeve | — |
| Material | — | 96% nylon, 4% spandex |
| Weight | — | 12.28 oz (men's medium) |
| Fit Profile | — | Regular straight fit |
| Waist Style | — | Comfort-flex elastic waistband |
| Pockets | — | Dual hand, rear slip, low-profile zip cargo |
| Target Use | — | Cragging, bouldering, rugged approaches |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Roots Pants
- Durable organic cotton fabric withstands repeated rock abrasion
- Soft knit waistband sits comfortably and flat beneath a harness
- Ankle drawstrings keep cuffs securely clear of climbing shoes
- Reasonable sub-$100 price point for dedicated cragging pants
- Cotton weave holds sweat and dries very slowly when wet
- Three percent elastane offers less stretch than technical nylon
Flex Waist Outdoor Cargo Pant
- Unbeatable price-to-durability ratio for rugged outdoor cragging
- 96 percent nylon composition provides proven abrasion resistance against stone
- Comfort-flex waistband sits flat under harness waistbelts without painful pressure
- Flat zippered thigh pockets provide secure, low-profile storage while tied in
- Wide, straight leg hems lack drawcords and can obscure precise foot placements
- Boxier cut lacks climbing-specific knee articulation and a dedicated crotch gusset
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