One of the liberating aspects of rock climbing is the freedom to choose your attire. While maybe not anything. Most public gyms have a dress code of tops and bottoms. Climbers can express their individuality with a wide range of clothing, from jeans and plaid shirts to athletic pants and tank tops. The occasional costume even makes an appearance around Halloween. This freedom of choice is a testament to the inclusive nature of the sport.
Although climbers wear a wide variety of clothing, most opt for athletic pants or shorts and t-shirts or tank tops. A few well-known brands are designing climbing-specific or outdoor climbing (more on those brands later). Although clothes from these climbing-specific brands are of excellent quality and are very comfortable, they come with heftier price tags. It wouldn’t be a rock climbing gear article if it didn’t share them and acknowledge their high-quality apparel. But, it’d also be remiss to leave out some budget-friendly brands offering some of the best rock climbing clothes.
Where to Buy the Best Rock Climbing Clothes
The rest of this article breaks down two categories of stores that sell the best rock climbing clothes. The first are the high-quality but more expensive options. These are the brands you’ll see sponsoring professional climbers and mountaineers. The second is the budget-friendly stores with functional pieces. You’ll likely notice other climbers at your local gym wearing clothing from these companies. Depending on your budget, location, and personal preferences, you may find one category more helpful. But that’s why there are options: everyone has different needs and wants!
High-quality, More Expensive Rock Climbing Clothes
1. Acr’teryx
Known for the dinosaur fossil logo and top-of-the-line gear, Arc’teryx offers technical pants, long and short-sleeved shirts, and jackets for all weather conditions. If you enjoy outdoor climbing, this is one of the best places to shop for gear that can keep you warm, dry, and withstand the beating of the rock.
2. Prana
Prana is an excellent option for a mix of athletic and athleisure items. From shorts to tank tops to leggings to sports bras, they have everything you need for comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. Their styles are simple with neutral color offerings, giving a timeless look that pairs well with various other apparel.
3. Patagonia
A staple among climbers and founded by climber Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia has been putting out some of the best climbing clothes since the 1970s. With one of the most versatile apparel offerings, you can find climbing shorts, tees, pants, sports bras, sweatshirts, insulated jackets, socks, hats, and more.
It’s also worth checking out Patagonia’s Worn Wear site. They sell gently used Patagonia gear at discounted prices so that you can get some of the best climbing clothes for a fraction of the retail price. Through Worn Wear, you can also trade in old Patagonia gear you no longer need for store credit toward new gear. If you care about the sustainability of your apparel purchases and the life cycle of the clothing, Patagonia is one of the best stores to shop.
4. Black Diamond
Black Diamond started as a split-off from the Chouinard Equipment company in the 1980s, selling outdoor rock and mountain climbing gear. Over time, they’ve expanded and now offer climbing-specific clothing. Similar to Arc’teryx, their offerings primarily contain the essentials, but each piece is carefully crafted for durability and will keep you warm and dry on your adventures. One of their more popular items is approach shoes, which can be worn for hiking to the crag, to/from the gym, and even for easy climbing.
5. Outdoor Research
Rounding out this first category is Outdoor Research – another company that has been around since the 1980s. Like Patagonia, they offer an extensive variety of apparel suited for both indoor and outdoor climbing. They provide all-inclusive sizing, and their clothes have unique design features (hello, built-in buckle on pants and shorts).
Functional, Budget-friendly Rock Climbing Clothes
If the prices in the first section gave you a bit of a shock, fear not. There are plenty of budget-friendly options that offer great value for your money. Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply prefer not to splurge on your climbing gear, these brands have got you covered.
1. REI
REI is a climber’s heaven. It’s a one-stop shop offering climbing gear, snacks, and apparel. While you’ll find brands like Patagonia, Prana, and Balck Diamond in their stores, they carry an REI line of clothing called REI Co-op. They carry everything from shorts and shirts to jackets and socks. REI also has a good member rewards program that offers additional sales throughout the year and yearly dividends based on purchases.
2. Old Navy
You might not immediately think of Old Navy when you think of rock climbing. However, they are under the same parent company as Athleta (a higher-end athleisure brand), and they have athletic wear options at significantly more
affordable prices. Old Navy runs tons of sales and promotions throughout the year. If you visit a store, you may also find some good finds in the clearance section.
3. Eddie Bauer
Another place under the radar to find climbing clothes is Eddie Bauer. They offer a wide variety of athletic wear at more affordable prices. You’ll find stores at many outlet shops and Eddie Bauer apparel in stores like Sierra, Michael’s, or Burlington at discounted prices.
You can’t go wrong with climbing clothes from any of these eight brands, but if you’re looking for the one suggestion that stands out above the rest, Patagonia takes the cake. They are a time-tested apparel company with quality materials, durable pieces, and a mission to impact the Earth positively. Their Worn-Wear program and trade-in options separate them from their competitors. But, if Patagonia’s options don’t pique your interest, the best rock climbing clothes are the ones you’ll love. So start browsing the offerings and discover your favorites! Feel free to share your favorite rock climbing clothes and brands below!