#7 on this list
Talus Pant
La Sportiva
The La Sportiva Talus Pant is built explicitly for technical sport climbing where precision movement, durability, and a clean silhouette are paramount. Made using a blend of 94% recycled polyamide (nylon) and 6% elastane, the Talus is tough yet remarkably supple. It provides the cut-and-tear resistance needed when brushing past sharp limestone tufas or coarse granite crystals, all while holding a slim, athletic profile that never catches on gear. Sportiva engineered the Talus with an elastic waist that lays completely flat under a tight harness belt. The articulated knee panels and specialized gusset allow the pant to mirror extreme movement without creeping down your waist or riding up your shins. The lower leg is sharply tapered, eliminating excess fabric around the calves and finishing with a streamlined cuff that leaves foot placements totally unobstructed. At 13.8 ounces, the Talus is a midweight pant that focuses on resilience over ultralight packability. The slim, European-style athletic cut may feel tight for climbers with larger thighs or those who prefer a looser, baggy feel. However, for climbers who want precise, durable trousers that stay out of the way on hard redpoint burns, the Talus delivers exceptional performance. **Highlights** - Tough 94% recycled polyamide fabric with 6% elastane stretch - Highly articulated knees and athletic cut tailored for hard climbing - Tapered lower legs provide perfect sightlines to tiny footholds - Flat, harness-compatible elastic waistband with internal pull-cord - Zippered pockets keep small essentials secure on the wall **Watch-outs** - Trim European cut may be restrictive for climbers with thicker legs - Heavier than lightweight softshells at 13.8 ounces
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#8 on this list
Basin Pull-On Pants
Mountain Hardwear
The Mountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On Pants are an ultralight, minimalist option built for warm-weather cragging, long approaches, and multi-pitch climbing where breathability is critical. Constructed from a lightweight 94% nylon and 6% elastane weave, they weigh in at an impressive 8.64 ounces in a men’s medium. The featherweight fabric allows hot air to escape quickly, preventing that swampy, trapped feeling during midsummer outings. The pull-on design strips away heavy hardware, zips, and thick belt loops. Instead, a broad, flat elastic waistband with an internal drawstring sits flush against your hips, creating zero friction or pressure hot-spots under a loaded harness. The fabric stretches easily in all directions, pairing with a full inseam gusset to ensure you never fight the pant when extending into awkward heel hooks or high stems. Because the fabric is so thin and light, the Basin Pull-On prioritizes breathability over raw durability. Repeated scrapes inside abrasive chimneys, knee-scumming on coarse stone, or heavy off-width climbing will wear through the lightweight nylon much faster than a standard cragging pant. It is an exceptional warm-weather and alpine approach piece, provided you keep it away from grinding friction cracks. **Highlights** - Extremely light 8.64-ounce total weight - Breathable 94% nylon and 6% elastane fabric blend - Broad, flat pull-on waistband that creates zero harness hotspots - Full inseam gusset for uninhibited movement - Deep front hand pockets and secure rear pocket **Watch-outs** - Ultralight fabric is vulnerable to tearing in rough off-widths - Lacks cuff cinches to secure the pant legs above your ankles
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Talus Pant | Basin Pull-On Pants |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Around $119 | — |
| Weight | 13.8 oz (391 g) | — |
| Primary Material | 94% recycled polyamide, 6% elastane | — |
| Cut | Slim / Athletic | — |
| Waist Style | Flat elastic with internal drawcord | — |
| Pockets | Zippered hand and rear pockets | — |
| Fabric Blend | — | 94% nylon, 6% elastane |
| Total Weight | — | 8.64 oz / 245 g (Men's M) |
| Waist Closure | — | Elastic pull-on with internal drawcord |
| Inseam Design | — | Full-length gusseted crotch |
| Pocket Layout | — | Two front slash pockets, one rear pocket |
| Fit Profile | — | Standard straight leg |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Talus Pant
- Clean, tapered lower leg provides an unobstructed view of footholds
- Tough recycled polyamide withstands abrasive granite and limestone
- Low-profile elastic waistband sits completely flush under a harness
- Secure zippered pockets prevent essential items from falling out on route
- Trim European cut runs narrow through the thighs and calves
- At 13.8 ounces, it is heavier than dedicated ultralight alpine pants
- Lacks a traditional zippered fly for easy pit stops
Basin Pull-On Pants
- Featherweight 8.64-ounce construction maximizes packability and warm-weather airflow
- Flat pull-on waistband eliminates hot spots and pressure under climbing harnesses
- Full inseam gusset and four-way stretch deliver uninhibited leg mobility
- Lightweight nylon blend dries quickly and sheds heat during steep approaches
- Thin fabric will wear through quickly during abrasive off-width or chimney climbing
- Lacks integrated ankle cinch cords to secure the cuffs above climbing shoes
- Hand pockets are partially blocked when wearing a climbing harness
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.