Climbing Shorts Selection Tips

1. Ensure a good fit for comfort.

It’s nice to look good but it is even better if you can feel good while you climb. After all, it is already a strenuous activity. You don’t want to make it harder for yourself just because of your clothing. Make sure that you have something that provides a good fit. The waist should ideally be stretchable or adjustable in some other way. The length of the fabric should be enough to provide coverage but not so long as to get in the way. Some people like to have a lot of room for air to circulate while others prefer a tighter fit.

2. Look for weather-specific features.

If you are only climbing indoors, then you will not have to worry about the weather since the environment inside the gym will always be ideal. This will be far from what you will encounter outdoors where conditions can change from season to season or even from day to day. Climbing in the summer calls for thin breathable clothing, mesh pockets, and loose-fitting gear. Climbing in the colder months call for thicker fabrics, multiple layers, and greater skin coverage. The types of fabrics used for season-specific shorts also differ.

3. Get enough pockets for organization and easy access.

You must make sure that you have everything you need before you climb since it is incredibly difficult to go down every time you have to fetch something that you have forgotten. Climbing with a backpack is not advisable since this can restrict your movement. It would be better to wear shorts with ample pockets to store gear and essentials. Most will have two pockets in front. Others will add two at the back. A few will throw in some side pockets. The vast majority are open although you can find pockets secured via zipper, Velcro, or buttons.

4. Check the UPF rating for sun protection.

Being out in the sun is generally a good thing, especially these days wherein a sedentary lifestyle is the norm. Yet there are also dangers that you should be aware of. If you are going out on a sunny day, then you should be mindful of UV exposure. Anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors must always see to it that they do not get too much ultraviolet light on their skin. Such can cause cancer and other problems. Sunscreen can be applied across the body to minimize risk. Just remember that UV can penetrate regular clothes. Some outdoor clothing have special coatings to reduce penetration.

5. Style should have substance.

You can still be stylish even if you are in the mountains doing hardcore activities. If you really like certain cuts, colors, and patterns, then go ahead and buy the clothes that have these. Just make sure that these items are also function also that you can get the best of both worlds. For example, you should not wear dark clothes if you are going to be climbing on a hot summer day. Black absorbs sunlight so you will only feel hotter. Save these on cold days and use white or other light-colored clothes in the heat.

6. Make sure that you get full range of motion.

The climbing holds in the gym come in all shapes and sizes. They can be close or spaced far apart. Outdoors, the rocks are even more random which make them difficult to navigate. Climbers have to bend, stretch, and contort their bodies just to reach their next target. They need to be able to move freely with a full range of motion. They should be selecting climbing shorts that will help them and not hinder them in this regard. The fabric should be able to stretch without much resistance or getting any damage.

7. Opt for high quality materials and durable construction.

When it comes to climbing gear, sometimes you really have to spend more money to get better results. Those who are just trying out the activity out of curiosity may not have to purchase specialized clothing but those who are serious about their performance have to take all advantages they can get. They don’t mind splurging if this means they will be able to enjoy high quality materials that will make them comfortable and propel them to the top. They will pay for branded items that have proven to be durable. After all, shorts that can remain intact despite brushes with sharp rocks also protects their skin and saves them money in the long run.

Types of Climbing Shorts

1. Traditional

Regular climbing shorts go from the waist to just above the knees, similar to chinos. They are more comfortable than hiking pants since there is less fabric to limit movement and there is better ventilation at the bottom. These are great for summer climbing and trips with short approaches. Once you get to the site, you can start climbing right away. However, they do not offer much protection from the sun or sharp plants along the way. Exposed legs can be prone to wounds and burns. It is possible to wear hiking pants while trekking to the climbing site and then just change to shorts.

2. Convertibles

Some of the shorts used for climbing are actually derived from convertible hiking pants. This design offers users the best of both worlds. They can use the garment in full during long treks and cold weather outings. If it gets warm, then they can ditch the lower half and allow their legs to feel the breeze. The good thing about this setup is that you will only have to bring one piece of garment instead of two. That means less weight and bulk in your backpack. This may not seem much, but every little thing counts.

3. Leggings

Leggings are popular alternatives to regular pants and shorts for climbing. They can be worn by themselves or used as an inner layer on colder days. They come in different lengths from full leg coverage to much shorter options. Capris are highly visible in many gyms. Their ability to stretch is very useful in this type of activity. Women love them because they don’t have to worry about what people might see down below. They can concentrate on the task and perform much better.

Top Climbing Shorts Brands

In the past, even the best climbers would simply wear whatever made them comfortable. No one really made shorts that were dedicated this this type of pursuit. The rise of the sport and the increased competition has since paved the way for better gear. Now climbers of all levels can enjoy better fit, comfort, and features thanks to the products on the market. Among the brands to watch out for are Black Diamond, Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Mountain Hardwear, Columbia, Marmot, and La Sportiva. These brands are known for producing quality outdoor clothing and equipment. Their products are tested by the best athletes in the world so you can be confident in their performance.

Average Pricing

Anyone should be able to find shorts that would fit their budget. The cheapest ones go for around $20. They may not have a lot of bells and whistles but they might be enough for short and easy climbs. The most expensive ones are around $150 and feature plenty of pockets, solid construction, good flexibility, and water resistance. Those in the middle tend to offer the best value for money. If you are not climbing in extreme conditions, then you can save a significant amount of money without making compromises by going for midrange items.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I wear shorts or pants for rock climbing?

It is possible to use either of them. Many prefer shorts because they are more comfortable and less intrusive. However, they also offer little to no protection to the knees and lower legs if they come in contact with rocks. Capris offer a good middle-ground between these two extremes. If pants are chosen, then the wearer must make sure that the edges are not so long that they make footwork problematic. Extra fabric can be folded or cut so that they do not get in the way.

2. What are the best climbing shorts for hot weather?

Heat makes people sweat profusely. Wet shorts will stick to the skin and make it feel uncomfortable. It would be best to look for products with moisture-wicking fabrics from synthetic that help make sweat evaporate faster. These will dry quicker and make climbs more enjoyable. Cotton should be avoided for extended outings, including those that require a long hike to get to the destination.

3. What are the best climbing shorts for women?

The top women in the sport wear different types of garments for their lower half during training and competitions. Some are more comfortable with petite shorts while others go for full or capri leggings. Some even wear pants indoors and outdoors. Most women prefer high-waisted options that stick close to their body, whereas men tend to go for looser pieces.