A stylish, hard-wearing, and versatile climbing pant built for the gym, crag, and café
Overview
The Mountain Hardwear AP Pant has earned a cult following among climbers, hikers, and outdoor commuters thanks to its durable cotton-nylon blend, stylish slim cut, and surprising range of motion. Designed to transition from crag to office to café, the AP Pant blends climber-friendly articulation with urban-ready aesthetics.
Whether you’re scrambling up gritstone, bike commuting, or heading out for post-climb drinks, this pant refuses to compromise style for function.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Mountain Hardwear AP Pant |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 75% cotton, 23% nylon, 2% elastane |
| Weight | ~400g (Men’s Medium) |
| Fit | Slim with articulated knees |
| Waist | Button closure with belt loops |
| Pockets | 2 front, 2 rear (zipped), 1 thigh |
| Ankle | Snap-adjust cuffs for roll-up |
| Best Use | Climbing, commuting, travel |
| RRP | £85 / $90 |
Fabric & Construction
The AP Pant is built from a cotton-nylon canvas blend with a hint of elastane for stretch. The result: a fabric that feels soft against the skin, breathes well, and still offers enough resilience for grippy rock faces or bike saddles.
- Cotton: Comfort + breathability
- Nylon: Abrasion resistance
- Elastane: Subtle stretch for movement
Reinforced stitching at stress points and bar tacking at key seams boost long-term durability. The snap cuffs allow ankle tapering or quick roll-up adjustment—a thoughtful touch for boulderers and cycle commuters alike.
Fit & Mobility
- Fit: Slim athletic cut—not too tight, not baggy
- Crotch gusset + articulated knees: Boost mobility on scrambles or high-steps
- Stretch: Modest but effective—enough for mantles, not yoga
Some users may find the thigh or seat snug, especially with muscular builds. Sizing up or selecting the AP Active Fit version (when available) can alleviate this.
Performance on Rock & Trail
We tested the AP Pant in mixed climbing and travel conditions—from limestone sport routes to travel days and spring hikes.
What We Loved:
- Excellent freedom of movement for smearing and heel hooks
- Fabric resisted abrasions from sharp rock
- Stayed cool and dry even during approach hikes
- Pockets worked well with harness or pack waistband
Limitations:
- No DWR or weather resistance: not ideal for wet conditions
- No vent panels = warm in high heat
- Not packable: cotton blend adds weight and bulk compared to synthetic pants
Features & Storage
| Feature | Functionality |
|---|---|
| Snap cuffs | Roll up or taper legs securely |
| Zippered rear pockets | Secure storage for keys or cards |
| Thigh pocket | Slim cargo ideal for phone or topo map |
| Mesh pocket linings | Breathable + quick-drying feel |
While the AP Pant lacks bells and whistles like convertible legs or abrasion panels, it thrives in its simplicity and clean finish.
Best Use Scenarios
| Use Case | Performance Rating |
|---|---|
| Gym and indoor bouldering | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trad or sport climbing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Hiking & travel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Rainy conditions | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ |
| Office to crag | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
From multi-pitch leads to local walks and city weekends, this is one of the most versatile climbing pants around.
Compared to Similar Pants
| Feature | MH AP Pant | prAna Stretch Zion II | Black Diamond Notion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Cotton/nylon mix | Stretch ReZion nylon | Cotton twill + elastane |
| Water resistance | ❌ No DWR | ✅ DWR finish | ❌ None |
| Stretch | Moderate | High | Medium |
| Weight | Medium (~400g) | Light (~380g) | Heavy (~500g) |
| Style | Urban-ready | Trail-tech look | Relaxed bouldering fit |
Verdict: The AP Pant is most stylish, Zion is most technical, and the Notion is most relaxed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✔️ Durable and abrasion-resistant
- ✔️ Clean, stylish aesthetic
- ✔️ Snap cuffs and articulated knees add versatility
- ✔️ Great for commuting and casual wear
- ✔️ Breathable cotton blend with light stretch
Cons
- ❌ No weather resistance
- ❌ Slim thigh fit may not suit all builds
- ❌ Limited temperature regulation in heat
Final Thoughts
The Mountain Hardwear AP Pant is an ideal hybrid for climbers, commuters, and outdoor explorers who value comfort, durability, and urban utility. It doesn’t try to be overly technical—but its articulation and ruggedness make it more capable than meets the eye. If you’re after a pant that feels just as natural on granite slabs as it does grabbing a beer post-climb, the AP Pant deserves a place on your kit list.
