How to Choose Hiking Pants

The movement-focused silhouette of these Black Diamond pants is at home in the gym or boulders. Made from a durable, stretch-cotton weave, they get even comfier with time.




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Imported.
View all Black Diamond Men's Hiking Pants| Best Use | Climbing Hiking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 240 g/m² 98% cotton/2% elastane woven |
| Pant Fit | Standard |
| Pant Leg Style | Straight |
| Inseam (in.) | 31.25 inches |
| Gender | Men's |
| Weight | 14.72 ounces |
| Sustainability | Contains organically grown fibers |
| XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest | 34 - 35.5 | 36 - 38 | 38.5 - 41 | 41.5 - 44.5 | 45 - 48.5 | 49 - 52 | 52 -55 | ||||||
| Sleeve Length | 33.5 | 33.5 | 34 | 34 | 34.5 | ||||||||
| Waist | 27 - 28.5 | 29 - 31 | 31.5 - 34 | 34.5 - 37.5 | 38 - 42 | 42.5 - 46 | 46 - 49 | 27 - 28.5 | 29 - 30.5 | 31 - 32.5 | 33 - 34.5 | 35 - 36.5 | 37 - 38.5 |
| Hip | 33.5 - 35 | 35.5 - 37.5 | 38 - 40.5 | 41 - 44 | 44.5 - 48 | 48 - 51 | 51 - 54 | 33.5 - 35 | 35.5 - 37 | 37.5 - 39 | 39.5 - 41 | 41.5 - 43 | 43.5 - 45 |
| Inseam | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 |
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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[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I tested the Ethos Pants over a 30-day period during spring in the southern U.S., using them for both indoor and outdoor climbing — bouldering, sport, and lead — as well as general wear while rebuilding a back deck. Black Diamond provided this product for testing. Fit & Comfort At 5'8", 145 lbs with a 29" waist, I found the size Small to fit snug in the waist — likely more due to the thick, tight elastic than overall sizing. They were a bit difficult to pull on and off, but once on, the fit was excellent: relaxed yet trim, with no restriction. The articulated knees and gusseted crotch added to the all-day comfort, especially during high steps and heel hooks. Fabric & Durability The fabric strikes a great balance — medium-thin but sturdy, with a high-quality feel. It started off slightly stiff but softened up after a few wears and seems like it will only get better with time. The material feels tough enough for moves like knee bars, and I’d trust it for long-term outdoor use. Color-wise, the charcoal is a nice, slightly bluish tone that’s visually appealing. Functionality & Features Mobility is excellent thanks to the cut and stretch. The built-in belt is functional but not strictly necessary due to the tight elastic waistband. Pocket design is well thought out — top-entry hand pockets offer a unique touch, even if they don’t drastically change functionality. Use Cases These pants are best oriented towards outdoor climbing — particularly on cooler mornings or crisp shoulder-season days. Indoors, I preferred lighter polyester options for bouldering, but appreciated the Ethos’s durability and warmth during longer lead sessions. Surprisingly versatile, they also performed well as work pants during a construction project. Final Thoughts The Ethos Pants are a solid pick for anyone prioritizing durability, comfort, and mobility in their climbing kit — especially if your focus leans toward outdoor objectives. They might run snug at the waist, but the overall design is well-executed and built to last.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] These pants are absolutely phenomenal. The size fits me perfectly, just baggy enough to not cause any mobility issues. I’ve used these for indoor and outdoor bouldering and they didn’t disappoint in either. The material is super durable you can scratch the one rocks and they’ll be fine. The have a great fit and look awesome!! I love these pants and will definitely continue to use them throughout all my climbing. Black Diamond gave me this free product to try.
Bought them for my Dad for Christmas and he loves them. Great material and quality.