A minimalist climbing pant with maximum mobility, storage, and style

Overview
The Rungne Harness Utility Pants are a refined evolution of the brand’s original Harness Pants—designed by climber and YouTuber Magnus Midtbø. This updated version adds more pockets, a bungee waistband, and subtle tweaks to fit and fabric, making them even more versatile for climbing, training, and everyday wear.
Built from a lightweight polyamide-elastane blend, these pants are engineered for freedom of movement, breathability, and durability—whether you’re hanging from a crux or lounging post-session. With a clean silhouette and thoughtful detailing, they blur the line between technical gear and lifestyle apparel.
Key Specifications
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Fabric | Durable polyamide with elastane stretch |
Fit | Regular with articulated gusset |
Waistband | Elasticated bungee with internal drawcord |
Pockets | Multiple utility pockets (including thigh) |
Weight | Approx. 270–300g (size dependent) |
Sizes | XXS–XXL (unisex fit) |
Colours | Forged Iron, Bungee Cord, Oyster Mushroom |
Price | £107 / $79.99 (Rungne.com) |
Fabric & Construction
The Harness Utility Pants use a lightweight yet abrasion-resistant polyamide fabric with a touch of elastane for stretch. The result is a pant that feels soft and breathable against the skin, but tough enough to withstand rock abrasion and repeated gym sessions.
Key construction features include:
- Reinforced topstitching and bartacks at pocket openings
- Articulated knees and gusseted crotch for unrestricted movement
- Minimal seams to reduce chafing and improve durability
- Quick-drying and chalk-resistant surface
The fabric is unlined and not insulated, making it ideal for indoor training, warm-weather climbing, or layering in cooler conditions.
Fit & Comfort
The fit is athletic but not restrictive. It’s designed to accommodate dynamic movement without excess fabric getting in the way.
- Waistband: The elasticated bungee waistband with internal drawcord provides a secure, adjustable fit without belt loops or bulk under a harness.
- Legs: Tapered but not tight, with enough room in the thigh and seat for squats, heel hooks, and high steps.
- Length: Slightly long for some users under 175 cm, but easily rolled up thanks to the lightweight fabric.
The pants are gender-neutral in sizing, and most users report a true-to-size fit. However, taller climbers or those with longer inseams may prefer to size up for extra length.
Storage & Utility
The “Utility” in the name isn’t just for show. These pants feature a thoughtful pocket layout that balances function and minimalism:
- Two deep hand pockets with reinforced openings
- One zippered thigh pocket for secure storage of keys or tape
- One rear pocket for casual use
- Internal phone sleeve to prevent bounce during movement
The pockets are harness-compatible, meaning they remain accessible and don’t interfere with gear loops or leg loops during climbing.
Performance on Rock & Gym
We tested the Harness Utility Pants across indoor bouldering sessions, outdoor sport routes, and general training days. Here’s how they performed:
- Mobility: Excellent. The gusseted crotch and stretch fabric allow full range of motion without binding or sagging.
- Breathability: High. The fabric vents well during high-output sessions and dries quickly after sweat or light rain.
- Durability: Solid. After multiple gym sessions and a few sandstone scrapes, the fabric showed no pilling or tears.
- Harness Compatibility: Seamless. The waistband sits flat under a harness, and the pockets remain usable.
These are pants you can wear from warm-up to cooldown without needing to change.
Everyday Versatility
While built for climbing, the Harness Utility Pants also shine in casual settings:
- Minimal branding and clean lines make them suitable for travel, errands, or work-from-café days.
- Neutral colourways pair easily with tees, hoodies, or technical layers.
- Lightweight packability makes them a great option for minimalist travel or van life.
They’re not insulated or weatherproof, so they’re best suited for spring through autumn or as a layering piece in winter.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable for all-day wear
- Excellent stretch and mobility for climbing
- Smart pocket layout with secure storage
- Clean, minimalist aesthetic
- Harness-compatible waistband and fit
- Packs small and dries fast
Cons
- No DWR or wind resistance—best for dry conditions
- Slightly long inseam for shorter users
- No zip cuffs or ankle adjustment
- Limited availability outside Rungne’s website
Compared to Similar Pants
Feature | Rungne Harness Utility | prAna Stretch Zion II | Black Diamond Notion |
---|---|---|---|
Fabric | Polyamide/elastane | Recycled nylon blend | Organic cotton blend |
Weight | ~270g | ~400g | ~500g |
Stretch | High | Moderate | Moderate |
Weather Resistance | None | DWR-treated | None |
Best Use | Climbing/training | Hiking/travel/climbing | Gym/bouldering |
The Rungne pants are the lightest and most movement-focused, while the Zion offers better weather resistance and the Notion leans toward comfort and durability.
Final Thoughts
The Rungne Harness Utility Pants are a standout option for climbers and movement athletes who value freedom, function, and minimalist design. With a featherweight build, smart pocketing, and a harness-friendly fit, they’re ideal for indoor sessions, outdoor sends, and everything in between.
They’re not the most weatherproof or abrasion-proof pants on the market, but for dry days and dynamic movement, they’re hard to beat. If you’re looking for a pair of trousers that can keep up with your training—and look good doing it—the Harness Utility Pants are well worth the investment.