Climbing Pants vs Leggings vs Shorts: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing the right bottoms for your climbing session can make a bigger difference than you think. Whether you're pulling hard on overhangs, smearing on slabs, or just hanging out at the gym, your lower-body wear affects how you move, how you feel, and how long you stay comfortable. Read on to find out what works best for your style of climbing—and how to choose the right fit at the Boulder Planet Showroom.

Key Considerations When Choosing Climbing Bottoms

Before diving into specific types, it helps to understand what matters most:

• Mobility: You need to move freely—high steps, drop knees, heel hooks, and more.
• Breathability: Especially in humid gyms or long sessions, ventilation is crucial.
• Durability: Your pants will rub against holds, walls, and possibly rough flooring.
• Coverage: Depending on your preference, more or less fabric can help with skin protection or temperature regulation.

Climbing Pants: Versatile and Protective

Climbing pants are a go-to for many climbers, both indoor and out. Usually made with durable cotton blends or technical synthetics, they often feature gusseted crotches and articulated knees for better movement.

They offer excellent durability and coverage, making them a good choice for scrappy volumes, kneebars, and cooler gyms. While they can feel warmer, especially in Singapore's weather, the right fit and fabric can help regulate heat.

E9 Rondo pants. Climbing pants provide coverage and durability—ideal for rougher walls or all-day sessions.

Leggings: Lightweight and Flexible

Leggings offer an unmatched freedom of movement. Made with stretchy, moisture-wicking materials, they hug the body without restricting motion, making them popular among climbers who prioritize comfort and flexibility.

The trade-off? Less abrasion resistance and protection. But for indoor climbers, that’s rarely a dealbreaker. Look for high-waisted models that stay in place when you move.

E9 Session AOP Leggings. Leggings allow full mobility—perfect for high steps and gym training.

Shorts: Cool and Casual

For hot days or personal comfort, shorts are a solid option. They keep things breezy and casual, which can be especially nice in a non-air-conditioned gym. However, they offer the least coverage, and you might feel your skin scraping against the wall on certain moves.

Choose a length that doesn’t ride up, and consider fitted models that stay put when you heel hook or drop-knee.

E9 Voort Shorts. Shorts keep things breezy but offer less coverage—pick based on your comfort.

Final Tips for Choosing Your Climbing Bottoms

The best climbing bottoms are the ones that let you move confidently. Try on different styles, do some deep squats or high steps, and see how they feel. Here are a few final pointers:

• Move around in them before buying—comfort in motion is key.
• Check the waistband: does it stay in place when you stretch?
• Look for gussets or panels that allow for full range of motion.
• And if you're unsure? Come down to the Boulder Planet Showroom. Our staff can help you find the right fit, fabric, and style for how you climb.

Conclusion

There’s no single best option—just the one that fits your climbing and your comfort. Whether you go for pants, leggings, or shorts, it pays to try before you buy. Visit the Boulder Planet Showroom to explore your options and find your perfect match.