Reviewing a pair of climbing trousers is an unusual
experience for me. I know what I’m doing when I’m evaluating a new pair of
climbing shoes, and more importantly I know exactly how, if they are good, they
can help my climbing progress. However, climbing trousers don’t work the same
way. Until someone invents ‘low gravity’ trousers or a pair that have jet packs
instead of pockets, what you wear is not going to generate the same type of
hype a new cutting edge pair of climbing shoes does.
However, having said that we all wear trousers (I hope!) and
as a result need them. I also think I am not alone in having preferred trousers
for climbing. Comfortable with enough flexibility to get your foot up high – I
don’t want to just pull on any old pairs of tracksuit bottoms if I am trying to
send something close to my limit.
I have worn Prana trousers for years. Having grown up
watching Chris Sharma’s ground breaking ascents in his latest film, they were
always going to be a popular brand for me. However it is more than that, they
tick all the mobility boxes (it helps that they cater for Yoga as well as
climbing), have an excellent ethical approach to business, as well as their
designs having a certain chic that draws the eye.
I am happy to say that the Zander pant surpassed all my
expectations (well apart from the anti-gravity/jet pack thing!) It is one of
the most lightweight and comfortable pairs of trousers I have worn climbing.
They are made of stretch organic cotton that is both soft and (unsurprisingly)
stretchy. I also like the bright and bold colours that they are being produced
in – great for eye catching photos! I have worn them a couple of times now,
including a session at the weekend where I decided to put them through their
paces by climbing a variety of problem styles on my local southern sandstone
and they just felt great to climb in.
So will the Prana Zander pant give you an extra grade in
your climbing? No, I’m afraid it won’t. However, it will provide you with an
attractive and comfortable fit which means you can keep your mind on what
really matters – the climbing!