3rd Rock Strider Climbing Trousers
Climbing clothing comes and goes. Lost forever, wedged in a crack, dropped off mountain tops, torn, ripped and generally destroyed. For us, climbing clothes tend to be only fleetingly owned.
I was at my local climbing wall in Les Houches, Chamonix, resting after a boulder problem, when I happened to look down at my chalk stained 3rd Rock Strider trousers. Trousers that I've had for a year, and have yet to destroy. Impressive.
I have been using them as my go to climbing trousers for every type of climbing imaginable. From indoor sessions, gritstone bouldering, sport climbing, dry tooling and even massive alpine multi-pitches. These have been everywhere with me. Climbing trousers aren’t necessary the most exciting bit of kit to buy. They are a necessity sure, but not as exciting to buy as a new cam or even shoes. However, having something warm, stretchy and reliable on your bottom half is invaluable. Not sure why that sounds dodgy...
For me, the most important thing with trousers is durability…and a stretchy crotch! I have bought many pairs of cheap trousers only to have them rip or tear within a few months. Buying cheap is not a money saver if you have to buy loads of them. The 3rd Rock Strider trousers have caused me no issues. Apart from looking a bit faded (probably from being covered in chalk and never washed) there is no visible sign of wear on them.
The pockets are nice and big, and I like the inclusion of a zipped pocket on the thigh section. This is perfect for stashing valuables during a multi pitch, taking away the fear of dropping your phone halfway up a cliff.
There is an option to wear a belt with the trousers with some strong looking belt loops, but I haven’t felt the need, the Strider sits nicely on my hips. The slim fit continue to the legs which has a non baggy, fit without feeling restrictive. The material is nice and stretchy and allows you to pull off all manner of outrageous heel hooks and stretches.
The trousers are warm too, probably due to a fairly thick fabric. This is kind of a double edged sword for me; although the warmth is good when the weather closes in, I find them a bit too hot when it's sunny or I get sweaty. They aren’t particularly breathable, and the fabric can feel a little heavy. Having said that, I tend to just role them up if it gets too hot, so not a massive problem.
It would be great to have a drawstring on the trouser leg to get the hem out of the way of my climbing shoes. It’s a feature that I have liked on other trousers, and missed on the Strider. Again, it is easy to roll them out of the way, but I would still prefer a drawstring.
I have the older model of the trousers, and the new Strider adds some useful improvements: It has an elastic waist, and re-enforced bottom and knee sections, as well as other features. So I’ve got something to upgrade to when mine eventually die a death. But that's looking like a long way off at the moment. Simply bombproof, high quality trousers.
A big Alpine multi-pitch with the 3rd Rock Strider trousers.
