Best pants for most climbs! - Outdoor Research Wadi Rum Pants - Mens

The Wadi Rum pant does every justice to its venerable namesake in Jordan. Well, as much as a pair of climbing pants can do to such a wonder of desert landscape. Since trying on my first pair about a year ago, I have added several to my drawer. Not that the first pair shows any signs of use whatsoever, even after climbing three or four times a week for months on end. It is just that the best products have a way of disappearing from the line-up by way of some inevitable law. I have bouldered in them out of doors, pulled and rolled in the gym, and worn them trekking up the Alps, all with a shining smile. So what's so great about them? First, the material. Designed for warmer climates, the Wadi Rum is incredibly lightweight for being a cotton blend with added stretch. In my opinion, full synthetic summer garments are seriously over-rated. A marketing campaign that probably started with decent intentions for narrow applications but has since been blown way out of proportion. To my mind, OR has struck a perfect balance. With just enough Cordura added to the mix, the Wadi Rum offer superb durability and reasonable drying time while being very breathable and cotton-comfy next to skin. Never once, rain or shine, have I wished for them to be anything other than what they are. Second, the cut is simply stellar for a climbing oriented pants! They stretch, they harness with ease, and give you good visibility. They are plenty slim to look good on the street while giving you total freedom of movement on the wall. Why companies keep churning out bouldering pants with straight wide ankles is beyond me. I want to see my feet for technical placement and traditional straight cut restricts your line of sight. With Wadi Rums, I simply roll up ankles two-fold and can focus on my footwork when I want (and need) to. Third, perfect fit. Period. Outdoor Research, if you're out there, please continue making Wadi Rum! Don't change a thing. You've made a rock pant that absolutely rocks!