A relaxed-fit climbing pant with stealthy performance and all-day comfort
Overview
The Black Diamond Notion Pants are a long-standing favourite among climbers, boulderers, and gym-goers looking for soft, breathable, and movement-friendly trousers. Made from 98% organic cotton with a touch of stretch, they’re designed to handle everything from indoor warm-ups to techy outdoor problems. The relaxed fit, elastic cuffs, and climbing-specific cut make them a versatile staple for both on-wall action and off-day comfort.
If you’re after a no-nonsense, durable climbing pant that doesn’t scream “techwear,” the Notions deliver quietly and confidently.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Black Diamond Notion Pants |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 98% organic cotton / 2% elastane |
| Weight | ~495g (Men’s Medium) |
| Fit | Relaxed with elastic cuffs |
| Waistband | Elastic with internal drawcord |
| Pockets | 2 front hand, 1 rear welt, 1 thigh zip |
| Sizes Available | S–XL (Men’s and Women’s versions) |
| MSRP | £70 / $85 |
Fabric & Construction
The stretch cotton twill used in the Notion Pants feels broken-in straight from the tag. The 2% elastane provides a subtle stretch—not gymnastic tights level, but enough for high-steps, heel-hooks, or third-class scrambles. The organic cotton is breathable and strong, striking a rare balance between comfort and resilience.
Durability
- Reinforced knees hold up well against rock abrasion
- Minimal pilling or fading after extended use
- Strong stitching with bar-tacked stress points
These aren’t pants you’d wear through in a season. They’re tough without feeling stiff, and wash beautifully with no shrinkage.
Fit & Comfort
Climbers often prioritize comfort over fashion—and here, you don’t have to choose. The Notions run true to size, with a relaxed cut through the thigh and tapered legs that feel modern but not restrictive.
Key Comfort Features:
- Gusseted crotch allows full leg articulation
- Articulated knees support kneebars and high steps
- Elastic waistband doesn’t dig when under a harness
- Elastic cuffs keep the hem out of your way when toeing in
Whether you’re sending or spotting, the Notions are the kind of pants you forget you’re wearing—which is kind of the point.
Practical Details & Features
Despite the simplicity, Black Diamond built utility into every pocket and seam. Let’s break it down:
| Functionality | |
|---|---|
| 2 front hand pockets | Deep enough for a phone or chalk ball |
| 1 rear welt pocket | Minimalist design for slim carry |
| 1 right thigh zip pocket | Ideal for tape, keys, or small tools |
The internal drawcord at the waist is slim and effective. There are no belt loops, which keeps the waist clean under a harness. The elastic cuffs might divide opinion, but they’re perfect for climbing visibility and allow easy rolling up in warm weather.
Performance on Rock & Plastic
Whether you’re bouldering, trad climbing, or gym training, the Notions perform best in these conditions:
- Cool to warm days: not thermal, but breathable in ~10–25°C
- Crag to café versatility: stylish enough for rest days
- Indoor climbing: supreme mobility for dynos and comp-style moves
- Approaches or hike-ins: fine for short hikes, but not water- or windproof
They’re not technical alpine pants—but they don’t claim to be. In their niche, they’re near perfect: unobtrusive, unrestricted, and undemanding.
Long-Term Durability
With ~6 months of gym abuse and outdoor scrambling, our test pair showed:
- Minimal fading despite weekly washes
- Zero seam blowouts even after heel-hook-heavy sessions
- Cuffs held shape, and knees never bagged out
The cotton twill isn’t water-resistant, but it shrugs off dust and light chalk buildup like a champ.
Compared to Similar Climbing Pants
| Feature | Notion Pants | Prana Zion II | Rab Incline Pants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Organic cotton stretch | ReZion™ recycled nylon | Matrix™ softshell |
| Weight | 495g | ~426g | ~350g |
| Weather Resistance | Minimal | Moderate DWR | Light wind resistance |
| Stretch/Mobility | Medium | Medium | High |
| Best Use | Gym/crag | Travel + sport climbing | Alpine/scrambling |
Verdict: The Notions are perfect for indoor climbers, boulderers, and trad heads who want all-day comfort and flexibility—without technical overkill or shiny fabrics.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✔️ Ultra-comfortable fit with stretch
- ✔️ Breathable organic cotton
- ✔️ Reinforced knees and gusseted construction
- ✔️ Secure zip thigh pocket
- ✔️ Clean aesthetics work in and out of the gym
- ✔️ Affordable for premium climbing wear
Cons
- ❌ Not wind- or weather-resistant
- ❌ Elastic waistband may stretch over time
- ❌ No women-specific version with same feature set (in some markets)
- ❌ Cuffs may ride up under ankle boots
Final Thoughts
The Black Diamond Notion Pants are a masterclass in understated performance. Built for climbers, styled for comfort, and tough enough for real-world use, they offer a refreshing antidote to tech-saturated outdoor clothing. Whether you’re flashing problems in the gym, brushing sandstone in Font, or kicking back around the campfire, these pants just work—and they’ll keep on working for seasons to come.
