Trad climbing can be a fairly full body contact sport. Unlike a crimpy face route where your fingertips and toes are the only body parts actually interfacing with the rock, an offwidth trad climb often means elbows, shoulders, knees and toes (at least) are being pressed against or jammed into the rock. Anyone who has climbed an offwidth in shorts and a tank top knows that the discomfort of the bare skin on rock is sometimes the crux of the route. At the risk of sounding dramatic, sometimes clothes really can make or break your send.

After a summer of climbing in shorts and scraped knees, we have suddenly arrived at that time of year when we need to dig out some warmer gear. If your usual pants are a little more threadbare than you remembered, now would be a good time to consider The North Face Summit Series Off Width Pants – perfect for those days when any old pair of pants just won’t cut it.

The Off Width Pants are designed for anyone looking for comfort, full mobility, and warmth in a lightweight, durable package. They are wind-resistant thanks to Windwall fabric, and they have a Non-PFC DWR finish which allows them to be water repellent. While they are super durable and tear resistant, gusset features and stretch-woven fabric mean that the pants will never restrict your movement on the wall. The body fabric is made of 89% recycled nylon.

The Off Width has an adjustable belt and a cinch-cord around the ankles – different days out climbing require different fits, making these features highly valuable. I also really like the two secure zip pockets – there is one on the thigh and one back pocket. The articulated knees, gusseted crotch, and unique material combination makes these pants really comfortable to wear and climb in all day. They don’t restrict my movement (like many cotton pants do) and so far, they haven’t threatened to tear (even on granite).

While these pants perform great on rock, it’s important to note that they look like technical wear. Unlike some climbing pants on the market, the Off Width do not really pass as casual clothing, so they might not be appropriate for running errands in the city, depending on your style. The North Face and Summit Series logos stand out, creating a less casual feel for this piece of kit.

So if you’re on the market for a new workhorse that can keep a chilly wind or light rain at bay, the Summit Series Off Width Pants are for you. They are offered in both men’s and women’s fits, both of which come in black. The men’s version also come in grey.

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