Some may claim there’s no “right” answer to this question, but those who know the truth, know the truth (whatever that may be). Should you wear pants or shorts when you climb?
Pants
Pros
Cons
- protects legs from scratching
- protects legs from sun
- keeps you warm
- protects legs from bugs
- aesthetic
- protects on knee bar
- more pockets
- won’t sag with weight
- may rip/shred
- expensive
- maybe too warm
- can snag on twigs/rocks
- stays wet longer
- takes up room to pack
- might fall down
- might grow out of/change sizes faster
Shorts
Pros
Cons
- keeps you cool
- light
- any broken skin will grow back
- can catch on harness
- fit under sweatpants
- can double as a swimsuit
- legs are unprotected
- might be cold
- will not keep you dry
- less surface area to wipe hands
- can hike up too much
- can’t double as something formal
So, it sort of seems like it’s a tie, but we still have some tips for you. For a shorter day or in the gym, the shorts might be the right call. For a longer day on the wall with more spicy approach, pants work better. So maybe there isn’t a right answer per se, but perhaps there are better situations for both.
What say you?
What
thedihedral.com 
Perhaps the most important question of our time. I appreciate that you chose to throw a bone to both camps for the sake of peace, but we both know which is correct. However, if you are truly climbing in the remote wonderfulness, the correct answer is neither – however, your belayer may (or may not) disagree.
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Good thin alpine OR pants that can be bungied up as shorts when needed, quick dry, moisture resistant, UV and all that jazz. So small and light when packed it is ridiculous. Swim naked, as God intended.
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I bruise a lot worse in shorts.
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Chicks dig scars… Therefore…
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