What Should I Wear For Rock Climbing? (Updated 2024)

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Rock Climbing is an outdoor recreational activity that involves that the participants climb/scales up, down or across natural rock structures or artificial walls of rock. Rock climbing is a sport that is physically and mentally demanding, which usually serves to access the strength of the climbers, their endurance, agility, and balance in conjunction with their mental control.

NameProduct
MEN’S
CQR Tactical PantsPantsPRICING
Outdoor Research Echo Quarter ZipShirtsPRICING
Outdoor Research EquinoxShortsPRICING
Darn Tough No-ShowSocksPRICING
WOMEN’S
Columbia Saturday Trail StretchPantsPRICING
Under Armour HeatGear AlphaShirtsPRICING
Ucraft XliteShortsPRICING
RANDY SUN Outdoor SportsSocksPRICING

Because of the dangerous nature of the sport, it is expedient to have the knowledge of the appropriate climbing techniques and specialized climbing equipment handling which is crucial for the safe accomplishment of climbing. Rock climbing is a sports activity that you will find interesting when you are equipped with the right kits during the process. Baffled with the choice of what to wear for your next rock-climbing exercise? Check out the list of some of the essentials below:

1. Pants:

Pants are one of the basic items you need for climbing. Getting a perfect pair of pants for your rock-climbing exercise is not always easy. A good pant is required to provide you with many pocket spaces, which can be easily accessed and highly durable. Moreover, tactical pants should also provide you with a full range of motion in order to enable you to move freely as much as you can.

MEN’S: CQR Men’s Tactical Pants Lightweight EDC Assault Cargo

CQR Tactical Gear comes to be the best-fitted pants that characterize one of the first choices of many rock climbers. These pants are equipped with performance design Duratex and serve as the best option for those that crave to experience a perfect combination of comfort and performance. This quality Duratex fabric makes the pants durable, also makes it repellant to liquids, dirt, muds and other contaminants that can become across during the climbing exercise. This makes the pant to be easily cleaned.

The CQR Men’s Pants also come with an elastic action waistband, high-density metal alloy snap button, and zipper, D-Ring & Non-flap pocket which allows for easy hook-on installation of tactical equipment or tools, and coated ripstop fabric. These pants are also made available in several color options.

The stitching of the CQR Men’s Pants fabric and the materials that is made of (rip-stop design) helps to keep the pants away from tearing at the nastiest possible moment. It has a lot of storage space, which aids you to take along all that you need on the go. It has a lot of storage pockets, which include the large front pockets, slash pocket, flap pocket, and more. Because it is versatile, it performs well when in use for activities, ranging from work to hiking to hunting and lots more.

Pros:

  • Made of a Duratex Fabric
  • Protection and easy access
  • It is very versatile
  • It has a fabric that is resistant to rip

Cons:

  • Limited D-Ring Options
  • It is not a great fit for users with short arms because of the pant’s large, deep front pockets which will be harder for them to reach into

WOMEN’S: Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Stretch Pant

The Columbia Saturday trail is constructed with the Omni-Shade UPF 50 fabric and Omni-shield technology which maximizes protection against the sun and improves the stain and water repellency so as to keep you dry and cool respectively. The pant is built with two side-zip security pockets plus mesh pocket bags.

The makeup of this pant is 96% nylon and 4% elastane. This fabric makes it stretch and quite comfortable to wear and it also fits for easy movement. It’s stylish and comfortable pants to use for hiking.

Pros:

  • Super comfortable and attractive
  • Fits perfectly if you picked the right size
  • It is easy to clean
  • It has a light fabric complementing its price

Cons:

  • Low supply
  • Not ideal for all weather conditions
  • It lacks a usable pocket

2. Shirts:

A lightweight, durable and breathable shirt is the most suitable choice to make for an awesome rock-climbing experience. These kinds of shirts are excellent, especially for climbing during seasons such as summers.

MEN’S: Outdoor Research Men’s Echo Quarter Zip

This is a product of the Outdoor Research company. The Outdoor Research men’s Echo Quarter Zip is a resourceful clothing piece which enables you to keep away from the sun, combat odor and wick out moisture. It also functions as an ultra-lightweight clothing piece. The long-sleeve shirt is built up with a moisture-managing air vent polyester. It has high breathability, and it effectively dries away sweat and dries very fast when it becomes wet.

It provides the users with a UPF 15 sun protection feature and has an active fresh treatment feature for odor control. It is comfortable and fits well; enhanced by the flat seam construction and its Regan sleeves. It is built with a thumb loop that enables you to extend the sleeve coverage during cool temperatures. It is manufactured in different sizes and color options.

Pros:

  • Comfortable
  • The zipper improves the versatility of the shirt by allowing increased ventilation
  • Wicks away sweat keeps you cool and protected
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Breathable
  • It is perfect for warm weather and high-exertion activities

Cons:

  • Quite fragile

WOMEN’S: Under Armour Women’s HeatGear Alpha Long Sleeve Shirt

The Under Armour women’s HeatGear is a signature moisture transportation system that draws up the sweat and keeps the wearer dry and light. Its lightweight aids mobility and maintains body shape. It also comes with an anti-microbial technology that sustains the gears’ freshness and makes it last longer. It is made up of 92% polyester and 8% elastane. It is a perfect casual shirt.

When the weather is warm or somewhat hot, the Under Armour HeatGear will serve well for a hike. It will ensure you are light and constantly aerated under through improved breathability. It comes with a design which ensures you are kept dry even when the weather gets wet.

Pros:

  • Perfect for a hike on a warm hot day
  • Very light and breathable
  • It also has a perfect body fit if the right size is being chosen
  • Superior moisture transportation system
  • Its comfy feel fits perfectly with the price

Cons:

  • Could get stinky easily

3. Shorts:

Rock climbing is most suitably done in shorts.  Although shorts may not really protect the legs as pants or knickers will, they will make a cooler option for climbing during summer months. This will make a huge difference if you are climbing for hours. The rock-climbing shorts for the women should have the comfort and functionality feature. It should also possess flexibility, durability, and great compatibility for the users.

MEN’S: Outdoor Research Men’s Equinox Shorts

The Outdoor Research men’s Equinox Shorts are great options for hot days on trial when it seems that the sun is overhead and won’t take a break. The short is manufactured from DWR-treated nylon and stretch woven spandex. The shorts have been designed to keep the users comfortable, moisture free and cool all day long. It is lightweight and dries quickly when it becomes wet; as it is built to give room for quick evaporation of perspiration.

The fabric of the short is equipped to tolerate abrasions, wear & tears, and punctures that are possible to occur when things get rough. Also, the movement-mirroring stretch fit of the fabric gives room for an enhanced range of movement when it comes to high-intensity activities. It’s also produced with a zippered fly with a snap button closure which makes easy access possible, enhanced breathability brought by a gusseted crotch, and also has plenty of storage spaces because of the front, back and thigh pockets of the short. It has a front jean-style pocket and a built-in removable belt.

Pros:

  • Lightweight fabric
  • Comfortable
  • Dries quickly if wet
  • Highly breathable
  • It is made of high-quality material and stitching

Cons:

  • Irregular fit

WOMEN’S: Ucraft Xlite Women’s Rock Climbing Shorts

This is a climbing gear that is designed by both climbers and customer it is a maximum performance product that comes light weighted and durable in characteristic. It also stretches it is adjustable and has 4 outer pockets,2 zipped, brush and chalk bag loops.

It has an awesome fabric that protects against scratches that is a combination of 92% polyester and 8% spandex which makes it light, stretching and durable. It’s an awesome gear for climbing, running and also camping.

Pros:

  • Sufficiently comfortability
  • Comes with convenient pockets
  • Incredibly lightweight
  • Durable

Cons:

  • Might get easily oversized

4. Socks:

Socks enable you to walk, run or climb comfortably and safely. Your consideration for obtaining a pair of socks should be ones that are thick, with knee-high compression worn inside a perfectly fitted shoe, so as to limit the tendons swinging and boost the flow of blood to your feet. Wearing a wrong pair of socks can result in you having blisters, plantar fasciitis, foot and ankle discomfort, and so on. So, the right choice of running socks is inevitable.

MEN’S: Darn Tough Men’s No-Show Light Cushion Athletic Socks

This sock is one of the toughest and long-lasting socks that you will ever come across. It is light and strong combined with a thin layer of cushioning along the base of the foot. The socks have the most versatile construction. The great fit of the socks makes it safe and comfortable to wear; no slipping, bunching or blisters. It is built to repel bacteria and odor due to its breathability and fast moisture-wicking action.

You can put on the same pair for some days without washing them because of its sweat and odor absorbing ability. It is crafted with merino wool, nylon, and lycra spandex; and it has a high stitch density which provides an extra cushioning, durability and a foot-hugging fit. The construction of the socks is factored against wear and tear or holes development.

Pros:

  • Breathable and comfortable
  • It has a great fit
  • It’s of great quality, fits nice and tight
  • Saves money in the long run
  • Extremely durable

Cons:

  • It doesn’t come in many conservative colors

WOMEN’S: RANDY SUN Outdoor Sports Unisex Socks

This sock has a build-up of 61% highly waterproof nylon, 32% polyester, 7% elastane on the outer layer. The inner layer is a high-performance lightweight of a waterproof and breathable membrane, Lining is made up of 66% CoolMax 30% polyester, 4% elastane.

Randy Sun is a specially designed sock for those that love sleek and high-quality product and it comes at a reasonable price. These socks are seamless to use due to the three-layer knitting construction technique of the socks, which makes the socks highly waterproof and breathable. The socks also possess an ultra-light cushion sole feature which provides awesome comfort and fit for the feet, keeping it cool and dry at all moments. It also has moisture and perspiration wicking ability; in case the feet get sweaty thus ensuring a dry foot at all times.

Pros:

  • Highly comfortable
  • 100% waterproof and highly breathable
  • Made from a high-quality fabric
  • It is also sand proof
  • Very durable
  • Easy to clean on the outside

Cons:

  • Not sealed at the top, so becomes penetrable by water at some depths

Conclusion

Out of many options of what can be worn for rock climbing both for men and women, the best been discussed above. You can consider them a must-have before you head to the mountains. Making the best of your rock climbing starts from your gears and you can’t afford to step out without being fully kitted up. Nevertheless, it is important to say that the choice of your kit must be guided basically by comfortability, functionality, and durability. Rock climbing is made a good experience with the right clothes and kit.

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