A relaxed-fit climbing pant from Magnus Midtbø’s Rungne label, purpose-built for stretch, style, and hard sessions on vertical stone.
Overview
The Rungne Highballer Climbing Pants blend boulder-friendly mobility with understated Nordic styling and performance materials. Designed for climbers who want room to move, these pants feature a diamond gusset crotch, deep pockets, and a slightly baggy silhouette that prioritizes range of motion without compromising everyday wearability.
If you’re looking for a stylish but functional pant that transitions between gym sessions, outdoor projects, and street wear, the Highballer is a worthy contender in 2025’s crowded climbing apparel market.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane (bi-stretch) |
| Fit | Relaxed, articulated, with integrated belt |
| Construction | Diamond crotch gusset, reinforced stitching |
| Pockets | 2 deep front pockets, 1 rear, 1 thigh utility |
| Waistband | Integrated webbing belt + elastic backing |
| Closure | Zip fly with button |
| Colours | Multiple earth-toned colourways |
| Weight | ~510 g (Men’s Medium) |
| MSRP | £107 / €129 / $125 |
Fabric and Construction
The Highballer is built from a soft yet tough organic cotton-elastane blend, offering both breathability and moderate stretch. The fabric is slightly thicker than the Rungne Harness Pants, giving them a more hardwearing, brush-resistant finish, better suited for outdoor bouldering or gritstone sessions.
Construction highlights include:
- Diamond crotch gusset for unimpeded leg movement during high-steps, drop knees, or mantles
- Flatlock and reinforced seams at stress points for long-term durability
- A slightly brushed finish gives the fabric a broken-in feel straight out of the bag
These are pants built to be worn hard—chalky knees, kneebars, and all.
Fit and Comfort
The Highballer’s relaxed fit is designed for movement. While not baggy in the outdated sense, there’s more thigh and seat room than in most technical pants—ideal for dynamic motion.
- Integrated webbing belt lets you dial in the waist quickly under a harness
- Elastic rear band provides all-day comfort during long belay stints or training
- Tapered leg cuffs rest neatly above climbing shoes, with no need for roll-ups
Even off the wall, they deliver jogger-level comfort for everyday wear.
Pocket Layout
There are four total pockets:
- Two front slash pockets, cut deep enough for hands or large phones
- Rear drop pocket for casual carry
- Zipped thigh pocket, large enough for a topo, chalk ball, or energy bar
None of the pockets interfere with harness leg loops—thanks to smart placement and low bulk fabric design.
Performance on Wall
We tested the Highballer Pants both indoors and outdoors, across granite slabs, overhanging plastic problems, and compression-heavy gym routes.
Performance highlights:
- Mobility: Excellent. The stretch cotton plus gusset combo allows unrestricted movement, even in split-stretch or wide stem positions
- Breathability: Good for moderate temps; slightly warm in humid gyms but never swampy
- Durability: Survived scraping up sandstone, resin volumes, and two wash cycles with no pilling, holes, or thread pulls
These aren’t your alpine softshells—but for bouldering, gym training, or relaxed sport sessions, they absolutely shine.
Versatility and Everyday Use
While designed with climbing first, the Highballer’s muted styling and clean cut make them versatile enough for casual wear.
- Paired easily with hoodies, fleeces, or trainers for pub or travel use
- Better mobility than jeans for bike commuting
- Slim profile and organic materials make them a great flight or vanlife option
If you want a pair of trousers you can live in between sessions, these won’t disappoint.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional mobility with gusseted design
- Comfortable for all-day wear and long sessions
- Durable organic cotton with just enough stretch
- Integrated belt means no extra bulk under harness
- Stylish enough to wear beyond the boulder field
Cons
- Slightly warm in midsummer or hot gyms
- Relaxed fit may feel baggy for slim-fit purists
- No ankle adjustment or cinch cords
- Price sits at the premium end of the market
Compared to Similar Climbing Pants
| Feature | Rungne Highballer | BD Notion Pants | prAna Zion II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit | Relaxed-tapered | Relaxed-jogger | Technical/standard |
| Stretch | Medium (cotton/elastane) | Medium (cotton) | Moderate (nylon blend) |
| Pockets | 4 total, smart layout | 4 total | Cargo + rear layout |
| Belt | Integrated | Elastic + drawcord | Integrated webbing |
| Streetwear friendly | Yes | Yes | Somewhat techy |
The Highballer stands out for its style-forward design and harness compatibility, while the Notion wins on budget and casual comfort.
Final Verdict
The Rungne Highballer Climbing Pants are a well-crafted, movement-friendly pant built with climbers in mind—but styled for broader horizons. With thoughtful pocketing, durable stitching, and a forgiving cut, they excel across bouldering sessions, gym training, and post-climb downtime.
If you’re after a pant that moves with you on plastic, rock, and asphalt, the Highballer offers premium comfort and performance with clean aesthetics to match. Just be ready for a looser fit—and consider sizing down if you’re between sizes.
Check the Rungne Highballer Climbing Pants out at rungne.com
