How to Choose Hiking Pants

Durable and stretchy, the women's mid-rise Black Diamond Dirtbag pants are made for days at the crag with their harness-compatible fit, front and rear drop-in pockets and elasticized waist.
Imported.
View all Black Diamond Women's Hiking Pants| Best Use | Hiking Rock Climbing |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Stretch organic cotton twill (97% organic cotton/3% elastane; 284 g/m2) |
| Pants Rise | Mid |
| Pant Fit | Relaxed |
| Pant Leg Style | Straight |
| Inseam (in.) | 29.5, 30.5 inches |
| Gender | Women's |
| Weight | 1 lb. 3.2 oz. |
| Sustainability | Contains organically grown fibers |
| XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical Size | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | |||||||
| Chest | 31 - 32 | 32.5 - 34 | 34.5 - 36 | 36.5 - 38.5 | 39 - 41.5 | 42 - 45 | ||||||
| Bust | 31 - 32 | 32.5 - 34 | 34.5 - 36 | 36.5 - 38.5 | 39 - 41.5 | 42 - 45 | ||||||
| Sleeve Length | 29.5 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 31 | ||||||
| Waist | 23.5 - 25 | 25.5 - 27 | 27.5 - 29 | 29.5 - 31.5 | 32 - 35 | 35.5 - 39 | 26 - 27 | 27 - 28 | 28 - 29 | 29 - 30 | 30 - 31 | 31 - 32.5 |
| Hip | 32.5 - 34 | 34.5 - 36 | 36.5 - 38 | 38.5 - 40.5 | 41 - 43.5 | 44 - 47.5 | 35 - 36 | 36 - 37 | 37 - 38 | 38 - 39 | 39 - 40 | 40 - 41.5 |
| Inseam | 29.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 30.5 |
HOW TO MEASURE:
Neck: Around the fullest part of the neck, at the base.
Chest: Around the chest, just under the arms and across the shoulder blades.
Sleeve: From the center back of the neck, across the shoulder, and down the arm to the wrist.
Waist: Around the narrowest part of the waist.
Hip: Around the widest point of the hips.
Inseam: From the crotch to the anklebone on the inside of the leg.
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I tried both XS and S, but neither fit quite right—something about the cut just didn’t work for me. The fabric also feels quite heavy, which makes it less suitable for bouldering in my opinion. I can see how these pants might be great for others, but unfortunately, they didn’t work for me—neither as casual wear nor for climbing.
These are amazingly comfortable and so cute. I want them in all the colors!
Not to be dramatic but I think Black Diamond is the only company that actually references a "normal" female body when designing clothes. I have tried countless pants for climbing and these take the cake by a long shot. They are roomy, thick, mid-/high-rise, and length. I'm 5'5" with a 28" waist, 39" hips, and 29" inseam. I purchased a small and they fit loose through the hips/thighs with a bit of room in the waist. I immediately purchased a second pair and hope BD keeps making these in additional colors!
I have been eyeing these for a while. Researched and looked at the size guide and ordered a medium. Well, turns out they’re too big and baggy. And smalls are out of stock. And I already washed them. Soooo, I’ll wear them until smalls come back and then try and sell the mediums or give them away. Hence, maybe order two sizes and return the one the doesn’t fit. I wasn’t even in between sizes. I have a 31” waist and a small would fit better. Unless you like them baggy.
I got both a women's medium and men's small because I like the color options of the men's pants a lot better. The women's pants are less fitted in the legs, but I had no issues climbing in the men's pants. As it turns out, I actually like the fit of the men's pants better, though I'll keep both. Both have a very durable feel. For sizing reference I am 5'8" ~145-150lbs with a ~29" waist and ~40-41" hips. I did try on a men's medium and they were far too loose.
Loose, but makes your butt look *cute*? Yes absolutely. Steamy hot color way? 1000% rock solid. Pockets that you can use and the elastic doesn’t slip down? Well yes, OF COURSE. These pants not only can take on being professional but they will immediately place you top of the professional pack because all of your colleagues will know you do cool stuff too. River tested, dirt rubbed, rock slid, camp approved, and still as socially acceptable as on day one.
I was so excited to finally find a comfortable pair of pants that are perfect for an athletic body type. I have thicker thighs and a smaller waist, so finding pants that comfortably accommodate both has always been a problem, but the wider legs, drawstring waist, and durable yet flexible material makes these the best pants for casual wear, climbing, camp, or even yard work. I'm 5'4" and typically wear a size S. The small fits true to size.
The material and general vibe of these pants is awesome -- they seem like they'll hold up well, they stretch for big moves, and are overall fairly comfortable. But I find that when sitting, the back tends to ride down and the front rides up, which can be uncomfortable. The legs weren't as baggy as I wanted in the size that fit my waist. I'm glad to have them but they weren't the perfect 10/10 go-to pants I was hoping for.
The dirtbag pants are fantastic. I ordered one pair and once they arrived and I tried them on- I immediately ordered another color. The stretch is just right, the interior drawstring is high quality and the pockets are deep enough to carry most items comfortably. 10/5 stars! I will wear these constantly for many activities and I’m sure even so, they will last for years. Would love to see these in a denim wash.
I'm not a rock climber, but rather an average woman of good health who likes comfortable pants and has a hard time finding them. These feel great and look great, too, and are a nice, sturdy fabric that seems like it will wear well. I wear these to work and other events in my life, and have even gotten used to the slightly shorter hem. I think it's a look!