It’s hard to find climbing pants that can do it all. black diamond sequence pants ($99) came pretty close. There are a lot of options to sort through, and narrowing down the options by discipline is only part of the challenge.
Finding a pair that fits well and moves well is another thing entirely. One of the questions I hear most on Craigslist is, “How do you like those pants?” This means that many of us are still trying to find the perfect match.
The Black Diamond Sequence pants do a lot of things right, and one of their main draws is affordability. I’ve had these pants for over a year and have worn them bouldering, trad, sport, and multipitch climbing. Their casual style, technical fabric, and elastic waistband make them a great choice for a variety of climbing styles, and a pair I’ll keep in regular rotation.
In short: The Black Diamond Sequence Pants are comfortable, affordable climbing pants with a straight leg fit and a soft waistband. They offer enough stretch for everything from casual days on the wall to fun bouldering outings across multiple disciplines. They aren’t the most breathable and lack protection in the pockets, but I like them for their easy movement and everyday style.
Compare the Black Diamond Sequence Pant with others tested in our guides to the best men’s climbing pants and the best women’s climbing pants.
Material
Polyester stretch ripstop with PFAS-free DWR finish
special symptoms
Pull-on elastic waistband, ankle length cut
Pros
- Comfortable, stretchy fabric that moves well
- Soft waistband sits comfortably under the harness
- Casual straight-leg style works on and off the wall
- affordable
Shortcoming
- Odor persists after long days
- Pockets lack zippers
- Long-term durability may be a concern with heavy use
Black Diamond Sequence Pant Review
performance in the field
I bought my first pair of BD Sequence pants when they launched in 2025, and now I have three. I have put these pants through the wringer. They are regulars in my rotation for bouldering and sports routes at my local rocks around Bishop, California.
Straight-leg fit and stretchy polyester fabric allows easy, unrestricted movement. When I take a high step, I never feel something stuck on my knees. On my 5’8″ frame the 27 inch inseam falls just above my ankle. This means I can always see my feet clearly when I climb.
The soft waistband includes a drawstring that keeps the pants secure all day long, which is especially helpful mid-way. There’s nothing worse than making a fuss with your waistband on the wall. Mid-rise sits well under a harness. These pants feel equally at home on the rocks or on a rope.
Compared to older alpine pants, sequence pants seem less protective and less technical. But this tradeoff makes them much easier to wear on everyday runs, gym sessions, and casual climbing days.
Weather resistance and durability
A DWR finish helps wick away light moisture and wick away the technical fabric. This is not enough to withstand a serious storm. However, this is enough to prevent spilled drops from getting wet immediately.
They also block wind to some extent. However, since the ankles are not shrink-wrapped, strong gusts can directly blow off the pant legs.
After relying on these pants for several days on the rock, they are predictably showing signs of wear. My light colored pair has become stained and small holes have started appearing in it. To be honest, I am not comfortable in my work. Luckily, I don’t mind the beaten up look because ultimately the work matters more to me. Still, the holes raise questions about the long-term durability of the pants.
Pockets and storage
Storage is minimal in these semi-technical pants. They have deep pockets in the front that can easily swallow a phone. However, there are no zippers to keep things secure. There is also a back pocket, but without a zipper, I didn’t feel comfortable using it.
If you hike a lot of long routes, you’ll probably need special technical pants. Pants with zipped pockets, including one on the thigh, will better secure items without interfering with your harness. Since sequin pants are casual, they lack dialed-in storage details.
room for improvement
While the BD Sequence pants shine in comfort, affordability, and versatility, I would improve on a few things. Polyester fabric traps odors very easily. I noticed this right away after spending a whole day sweating on the wall in Yosemite.
If you can wash them after a day out then it’s not a big issue. But if you’re packing for an extended road trip with limited laundry facilities or a multi-day climbing adventure, it’s worth considering odor retention.
I also like how deep the front pockets are, but I would add a zipper to make them more useful. Finally, varying inseam lengths would be a welcome addition, especially for shorter climbers.
Black Diamond Sequence Pants: Who Are They For?
Ultimately, I really like these pants. They’re a great compromise between casual and technical. They offer a trendy straight-leg style and good looks that should appeal to many climbers. If you want a pair for days at the gym, boulders, rocks and around town bd sequence pants Make a lot of sense.
If you prioritize maximum breathability, safe storage, or long-term durability, these probably aren’t your best choice. You’ll probably like the softshell pant with secure storage, cinched ankles and tough fabric.
However, sequin pants are a great option for those who want an affordable, versatile option that also looks stylish enough to spend a morning at the local coffee shop. They run well, sit comfortably under the harness, and look good enough to wear before and after climbing.
Just make sure you wash them frequently to keep them fresh. Expect some long-term wear and tear, and don’t keep valuables in unzipped pockets. Despite these shortcomings, I haven’t met any climber who wasn’t excited to own a pair.
