Updated on February 15, 2024

Your tools are sharpened and your crampons are fitted to your boots. Ice climbing season is upon us! But now you need to dial in your layering system, beginning with a good pair of ice climbing pants. The field of options is vast, but we here at The Adventure Junkies have compiled a list of the ten best ice climbing pants to ensure you are warm and dry while out playing on the vertical ice.

While in warmer weather, having a good pair of weather resistant pants is nice, it is crucial to have weatherproof pants in the winter world and while ice climbing. Getting wet and cold in the frigid conditions while climbing icefalls is not only no fun – it can also be extremely dangerous. But this list of ice climbing pants will not only keep you warm, dry, and happy, but they will last for several seasons, so all you need to focus on is your fancy footwork!

For more of our top ice climbing gear recommendations, check out the Best Ice Climbing Backpacks.

 

Quick Answer - The Best Ice Climbing Pants

  1. Outdoor Research Cirque
  2. Arc’teryx Gamma AR
  3. Outdoor Research Iceline
  4. Mammut Tatramar SO
  5. Black Diamond Alpine
  6. Outdoor Research Skyward II
  7. RAB Kinetic Alpine
  8. Mammut Masao
  9. The North Face Summit L4 FUTURELIGHT

 

Comparison Table - Best Ice Climbing Pants

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NameClosureShellWater RatingPriceRatingReview
Outdoor Research CirqueZipper fly and button with adjustable velcro waistSoftshellWater Resistant$$4.5Read Review
Arc’teryx Gamma ARZipper Fly and Snap with Waist BeltSoftshellWater Resistant$$$4.2Read Review
Outdoor Research IcelineZipper Fly and Snaps with Belt LoopsSoftshellWater Resistant$$$4.3Read Review
Mammut Tatramar SOZipper and Double SnapSoftshellWater Resistant$$4.8Read Review
Black Diamond AlpineZipper Fly and SnapSoftshellWater Resistant$$4.3Read Review
Outdoor Research Skyward IIZipper Fly and Snap with Belt LoopsSoftshellWaterproof$$$4.2Read Review
RAB Kinetic AlpineZipper Fly and Snap with Drawcord WaistSoftshellWaterproof$$4.3Read Review
Mammut MasaoZipper Fly and Snap with Waist BeltHardshellWaterproof$$$4.2Read Review
The North Face Summit L4 FUTURELIGHTZipper and Snap with Built-in BeltSoftshellWater Resistant$$4.4Read Review
NameClosureShellWater RatingPriceRatingReview
Want to learn more about a technical term? Check out our Features Explained section below.

Need buying advice? Take a look at these Things to Consider.

Reviews - The Best Pants for Ice Climbing

Outdoor Research Cirque

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Closure: Zipper fly and button with adjustable velcro waist
  • Water Rating: Water Resistant
  • Shell: Softshell
Features
  • Bootlace Hooks to Keep Pants in Place
  • Movement Mirroring Stretching for Comfort
  • Reinforced Scuff Guard
Outdoor Research Cirque

BEST FOR ALL AROUND USE

Outdoor Research is well known for their clothing and their Cirque pant has been a top contender in the ice climbing world. The waist is a low-profile that includes side velcro tabs for a perfect fit around the waist.  And because of the low-profile, these pants will easily fit under a climbing harness without uncomfortable bunching. 

The zipper pockets are perfect for storing the essentials like maps, snacks, and headlamps and the fact that they zip closed eliminates any worry about your belongings falling out mid-climb. All zippers on the pants are finished with a water repellent treatment, so you won’t experience leakage even if you encounter foul weather.

A scuff guard is incorporated in the bottom inside of  the pants to help prevent crampon snags from ripping the pants. Metal bootlace hooks at the bottom of the pants attach to your boot laces to help keep your pants in place. Furthermore, the drawcord pant cuffs and zipper closures prevent the pants from riding up your boots and getting snow pile-up, eliminating the need for a gaiter.

Arc’teryx Gamma AR

Specs
  • Closure: Zipper Fly and Snap with Waist Belt
  • Water Rating: Water Resistant
  • Shell: Softshell
Features
  • Burly Double Weave Material (eliminating moisture and wind)
  • Gusseted Crotch And Articulated Patterning (for full range of motion)
  • Trim Fit (to fit under a hardshell)
Arc’teryx Gamma AR

BEST FOR VERSATILITY

The Gamma AR pant by Arc’teryx carries a bulkier price tag, but with that comes high-end performance. This wind and water resistant pant is made from a double weave material that is super burly and durable. Not only does this help provide protection from the elements, but it also gives the pant stretch, warmth, and resistance to abrasion from any rocks and ice you may encounter on your climbs, because you will encounter them!

The waist includes a belt for a secure cinch that will fit under a climbing harness or pack, and is low-profile. Pockets are strategically placed throughout the pants, including two hand zipper pockets below the harness line and a zipper thigh pocket for stashing small items like chapstick that you need to access frequently. Equipped with bootlace hooks to attach to bootlaces to prevent your pants from climbing up your leg and adjustable cuffs at the bottom of each leg for a secure fit, you will not need additional gaiters to keep snow and ice out of your boots.

Outdoor Research Iceline

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Closure: Zipper Fly and Snaps with Belt Loops
  • Water Rating: Water Resistant
  • Shell: Softshell
Features
  • Zippered Outer Thigh Vents To Keep You Cool While You Climb
  • Suspender Attachment To Keep Your Pants Up
  • Reinforced Scuff Guards To Prevent Them From Ripping While Wearing Crampons

BEST FOR ALPINE CONDITIONS

Another reliable pant from Outdoor Research, the Iceline Versa brings together all the important features required of an ice climbing pant, as the name suggests. Windproof and water resistant, this pant even includes thigh zipper vents, promoting air flow that will keep you cool and dry both on dry climbs and approaches alike. 

Grommet lace hooks on the bottom of the pant help to keep the pant attached to your boot so you don’t get ice around your ankles while you climb. Additionally, a drawcord cuff at the bottom of the pant ensures a snug fit around your boots and crampons while kicking ice. Scuff guards and durable material allow for minimal abrasions, ensuring this pant lasts more than a season. This pant even offers features to attach your favorite pair of styling suspenders so you never have to worry about them falling down!

Mammut Tatramar SO

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Closure: Zipper and Double Snap
  • Water Rating: Water Resistant
  • Shell: Softshell
Features
  • Fleece Lined for Added Warmth
  • Thigh Zippers for Added Ventilation
  • Built-in Gaiter To Keep Snow And Ice Out Of Your Boots
  • Pre-shaped Knee for Greater Mobility

BEST FOR ADDED WARMTH

A sleek looking pant by Mammut, the Tatramar is a softshell pant that is water resistant and lightweight, but still warm. Designed to be thin, they fit under a climbing harness nicely, but the fleece lining inside will keep you warm, as if you were wearing bulkier pants or multiple layers. Thigh zippers incorporated into the design ensure that you don’t get overheated if the fleece keeps you a little too warm.

With both a built-in gaiter and a velcro cuff, you get a solid fit around your ice climbing boots to prevent them from riding up or allowing snow to get inside your boot. And with a pre-shaped knee design, these pants are easy to move and climb in, so you don’t have to worry about any high stepping on the steep ice!

Black Diamond Alpine

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Closure: Zipper Fly and Snap
  • Water Rating: Water Resistant
  • Shell: Softshell
Features
  • Built-in Waist Belt
  • 2-Way Zipper Fly on Men’s Pants
  • Four-Way Stretch Fabric for Maximum Mobility
Black Diamond Alpine

BEST FOR MILD MISSIONS

The Black Diamond Alpine pant is a solid choice for the more mild ice climbing days.  Made with a durable nylon and elastane blend, this pant is not only weather resistant, but also breathable. Furthermore, the material provides the stretch needed when trying out more technical techniques on the ice. 

With both an adjustable belt loop and drawcord cuff at the bottom of the pant, you will have a secure fit on top and bottom in these pants. Zippered hand pockets will protect your valuables on the route, while the exposed thigh pocket is not only functional but can also ventilate to keep you cool if the day heats up.

Outdoor Research Skyward II

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Closure: Zipper Fly and Snap with Belt Loops
  • Water Rating: Waterproof
  • Shell: Softshell
Features
  • Built-In Inside Gaiter To Keep Snow And Ice Out Of Your Boots
  • Built-In Avalanche Beacon Clip For Extra Safety
  • Zippered Outer Thigh Vents To Keep You Cool While You Push It On The Ice

BEST FOR SNOW CONDITIONS

This Outdoor Research Pant is a softshell that operates like a hardshell, offering protection for any weather – wind, rain, ice, and snow. Although waterproof, these pants are made with Outdoor Research’s patented AscentShell, which allows for breathability yet still keeps you dry. And for added ventilation, the zipper thighs can be opened for airflow when things heat up.

Offering a built-in gaiter, this pant gives you full snow protection without having to carry any extra gear – ideal when you have to posthole your way to a climb in waist-deep snow. And because ice climbing sometimes means venturing out into the backcountry, these pants even have a built-in avalanche beacon clip to keep you extra safe.

RAB Kinetic Alpine

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Closure: Zipper Fly and Snap with Drawcord Waist
  • Water Rating: Waterproof
  • Shell: Softshell
Features
  • Knee Articulation For Ease Of Movement
  • Knit Wicking Lining to Keep you Dry
  • Stuff Sack To Store Pants When Not In Use
RAB Kinetic Alpine

BEST FOR WET WEATHER

RAB Kinetic pants provide a sweat wicking, waterproof softshell design that provides maximum stretching for any movement you need to make while climbing. And all the waterproofing will ensure these pants remain dry and keep you warm while climbing. Zippered ankles allow this pant to be used with any sort of ice climbing boots and the webbing loop allows them to attach directly to the boot to prevent them from shifting.

A drawstring waist incorporated into this pant allows for a secure fit, so you won’t have to worry about them slipping down. And this pant is also lightweight and packable and comes with a small stuff sack to condense them into your pack or clip to your harness when they are no longer needed when the sun comes out!

 

Mammut Masao

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Closure: Zipper Fly and Snap with Waist Belt
  • Water Rating: Waterproof
  • Shell: Hardshell
Features
  • Waterproof Map Pocket
  • 3/4 Side Zipper From Cuff To Hip for Easy Removal
  • Suspender Attachment

BEST FOR HIGH PEAKS 

A Mammut brand of ice climbing pants, the Masao HS is an entirely waterproof hardshell that can withstand anything you might come across searching for ice in the high mountains. Because ventilation is a must,  this pant is outfitted with a 2-way, 3/4 length zipper (from cuff to outer thigh) side ventilation system. This also allows them to be pulled over a pair of softshell pants when the weather turns really foul without having to remove your boots!

The front zipper pockets are placed above the waist, making them climbing harness compatible. There is also a waterproof map pocket on the leg, ensuring you always have access to directions on the more technical climbs. It also has a built-in adjustable gaiter to fit around any ice climbing boots and will prevent snow build-up under the pant, without needing an additional external gaiter.

The North Face Summit L4 FUTURELIGHT

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Closure: Zipper and Snap with Built-in Belt
  • Water Rating: Water Resistant
  • Shell: Softshell
Features
  • Scuff Guards on Cuff of Pants Protect Them From Tearing While Using Crampons
  • Built-in Belt To Keep The Pants In Place
  • Wind Resistant Fabric
  • Slimmer Design for Less Bulk

BEST FOR MOVEMENT

The North Face has a hand in the mix when it comes to ice climbing with the Summit L4 pants. A softshell design is water resistant, keeping you dry and warm while scaling the vertical ice. Furthermore, the material is also wind resistant, so no cold breeze will cut through you. Fully articulated knees make these pants great for showing off your movement skills on ice, allowing your leg to move freely. And a slimmer design overall means less bulk to fit under your harness.

The cuffs of the pants are equipped with a very durable scuff guard, so if you happen to catch a crampon point on them, they are less likely to rip. And with a built-in belt in the low-profile waist, you can keep the pants secure and lightweight.

 

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING ICE CLIMBING PANTS

COST

You are going to want to invest a little more when it comes to ice climbing pants. For one, there is a lot more to them than hiking pants. You have more insulation, better weather resistance, and a lot of rip-stop material. It doesn’t pay to cut corners and then have your pants cut by a crampon. And most importantly, you want to be dry, warm, and create a positive experience with a pair of pants that will last several seasons.

 

SHELL TYPE

There are two shell types that you will see out there – hardshell and softshell. Many ice climbing pants today are softshells that offer the same wind and water resistance as the hardshell, but eliminate the need for two pairs of pants. Hardshells are great for keeping you dry in rain and snow, but if you begin to sweat, that moisture can get trapped, making you wet and uncomfortable. Read more about how to decide between hardshell vs. softshell mountaineering pants.

 

MATERIAL

The same rules for hiking pants apply to the world of ice climbing pants – cotton is rotten. It is important to take into consideration the type of materials and fabric in a pair of ice climbing pants before you make your selection. You want durability, but since you will be climbing, you want stretch too, but furthermore, you want maximum warmth. Learn more about how to choose ice climbing pants through this article by EMS.

 

WEATHER RESISTANCE

It is crucial to look at the weather ratings before buying ice climbing pants, particularly wind and water resistance. Pants that are waterproof are impenetrable to water, but most softshells absorb some water in order to provide breathability. These pants will be categorized as water resistant, meaning they can withstand a certain amount of moisture and not act like a sponge. Hardshells made of material such as Gore-tex are waterproof, meaning no water gets in.

In more mild conditions, water resistant pants will suffice, but on long days in colder and constantly wet conditions, a water resistant pant will stay damp. Having a softshell pant that breathes better than a hardshell will work, but you will also want a thin pair of hardshell pants to throw over top to prevent getting damp and cold.

 

BREATHABILITY

Hardshells and softshells differ greatly when it comes to breathability. The material in hardshells is impenetrable, so moisture will stay in, making your legs damp and cold, which can be dangerous in cold conditions. Softshells allow for some airflow, but still offer a level of water and wind resistance, allowing moisture to evaporate. However, in downpours or endless wet weather, they will get wet. Consider where you’ll be climbing and how wet the environment is before deciding whether to get a softshell or hardshell pant. You can always double up if you need to, too!

 

 

FEATURES EXPLAINED

CUFF

The ankle area of the pant at the bottom that covers the top of the boot.

WAIST PROFILE

This describes how the pants fit around the waist; a lower profile waist is less bulky around the waist which is great if you are wearing a harness or backpack

WATERPROOF

Material that is not penetrable to water.

WATER RESISTANT

Material that repels water but is not completely impenetrable.

READ MORE

For more of our top climbing gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Climbing Harnesses

Climbing Ropes

Carabiners

Climbing Helmets

Climbing Shoes

Approach Shoes

Belay Devices

Bouldering Crash Pads

About The Author

Born in Maryland, Lindsay Rohrbaugh is an avid rock-alpine climber and mountaineer. An urban wildlife biologist by trade, she is also a travel writer and student of Integrative Medicine. When not in school or conducting field work on bats and turtles in Washington, DC, she is out climbing rocks and peaks or scaling high points across the globe. She’s hiked the Lares Trek in Peru and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and climbed various routes in Morocco, Peru, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. She has even tried her skills at deep water soloing! Her weekends are often spent with her husband in their newly self-built cabin in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

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