La Sportiva Roots Pant Review

La Sportiva Roots Pant ($89) Blur the line between technical apparel and sweats that I’ll happily wear all day. Climbing pants often force a compromise between performance and comfort. Traditional softshells perform excellent on long alpine routes and days with unpredictable weather, but can feel stiff or overbuilt for everyday climbs or gym sessions. Roots takes a simple approach, combining soft organic cotton with a clean fit and enough stretch for climbing.

From late winter to the hottest days of summer, I wore them for 20 climbing days, divided between gym sessions and outdoor climbs at local crags near Salida and Buena Vista, Colo. Their easy-going fabric, harness-friendly waistband, and acceptable price make them a great value for climbers who spend most of their time climbing indoors or outside in dry conditions.

In short: La Sportiva Roots These are exceptionally comfortable climbing pants with an easy-to-move fit and a simple waistband that sits easily under the harness. They are best for gym sessions, bouldering, sport climbing in dry weather and post-climb coffee stops rather than larger alpine objectives. The lack of a fly and secure pockets, along with some initial durability concerns, limit their versatility.

Compare the La Sportiva Roots to others tested in our guide to the best men’s climbing pants And the best women’s climbing pants.

La Sportiva Roots Pant Review

comfort is king

The first thing I noticed when pulling up the roots was how soft the fabric felt. The organic cotton gives these pants a ripped-off-the-rack feel.

Unlike synthetic climbing pants, which can feel heavy, stiff, or even “noisy”, Roots has the comfort of a favorite pair of sweatpants while maintaining a clean climbing fit. They don’t look overly technical, but they also don’t look or move like baggy lounge pants.

That comfort lasts throughout the day of climbing. Whether I was warming up on plastic, projecting at a local rock, or lounging around camp after sunset, these were the pants I could mostly forget I was wearing.

I also found that cotton breathes quite well in moderate temperatures. For spring and fall hikes or sessions in the climate-controlled gym, it kept me comfortable without overheating. However, for hot, humid, tough days or longer runs, I would choose something lighter and more breathable.

Excellent fit without restricting movement

The Roots manage a balance that is surprisingly difficult to achieve. They’re athletic enough to keep excess material off my legs when climbing, but never feel tight in the hips or thighs.

I tried a medium — my usual size — and found the fit spot-on, with enough room through the hips and thighs without feeling loose in the waist. The waistband also remained secure throughout the test.

The high steps, bent knees, heel hooks and stemming all felt unrestricted. The raised knees and small amount of elastane helped the pants move with me without pulling on the knees or seat.

I like climbing pants with a tapered lower leg because it provides a clear line of sight to my legs as well as allows me to distinguish small soles. The roots are not ultra-thin, nor are they baggy. Instead, they hit a comfortable middle ground that should appeal to a wide range of climbers.

Simple Comfort Under Harness

The waist design is simple just the way I like it. There is no interior belt, buttons, snaps, zippers or drawcords. Instead, the Roots feature a wide, vented elastic waistband.

It sat comfortably under my harness, without the awkward bunching or pressure points I’ve experienced with many other climbing pants. Once I had my harness on, I rarely noticed the waistband or needed to adjust it.

That low-profile design works especially well for gym climbing, bouldering, and single-pitch sport climbing. It also contributes to the comfortable feel that made me want to wear the Roots even after the climbing day was over.

from gym to crag

The Roots are at their best in places where comfort matters more than absolute technical performance.

Indoor sessions may be their strongest use case. They work comfortably on mats or ropes for long periods of time without any interruption thereafter. They are equally at home bouldering, where mobility matters more than weather protection. Sitting on a crash pad, walking short distances, and spending an afternoon reflecting on the strength of cotton construction.

On the wall, the slim legs stay out of the way, and the articulated cut handles a wide range of activities without feeling restrictive. Off the cliff, they look comfortable enough for travel days, campground evenings, or take-out meals without screaming technical apparel.

room for improvement

The biggest drawback is the lack of a traditional fly. Bathroom breaks become awkward when wearing a harness and impractical, especially on multipitch routes.

Storage is also limited. The Roots have two deep front pockets and one back pocket, but neither of them have a secure closure. I was hesitant to trust them with my keys, wallet or phone during the climb. A zipped pocket will provide useful protection without adding bulk.

Stability also raised concerns. After a few months of moderate use, the stitches on the inside of both knees started to open up and a small hole opened up in one place. The pants saw very few hard cracks or narrow width climbs, so I have questions about how well they’ll hold up on rough rock.

Organic cotton also keeps them confined to the proper season. During one spring walk, blue skies gave way to snow within about 10 minutes, and pants quickly got wet. For alpine purposes or changeable weather, a synthetic softshell like the Black Diamond Alpine Lite offers superior moisture management and protection.

La Sportiva Roots Climbing Pants: Who Are They For?

The Roots is most useful to climbers who prioritize comfort, mobility, and price over maximum technical performance.

If you want a pair of pants for indoor training, stretching in nice weather, and comfort on relaxed days, this is an excellent choice. However, if your tick list regularly includes long multipitch routes, abrasive cracks, or unpredictable mountain weather, you may want to invest in a dedicated synthetic layer instead. The lack of a fly and secure pocket becomes more noticeable when you’re hundreds of feet above the deck.

La Sportiva Roots Succeed because they don’t try to be everything. Their organic cotton, comfortable fit, and climbing-specific mobility make them easy to wear day-to-day, providing a great value at $89.