It’s hard to find climbing pants that do it all. The Black Diamond Sequence Pants ($99) come pretty close. There are a lot of options to sort through, and narrowing choices down 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 at the crag is, “How do you like those pants?” This means many of us are still trying to find the perfect pair.
The Black Diamond Sequence Pants do a lot of things right, and one of their main draws is affordability. I’ve owned these pants for over a year and worn them bouldering, trad, sport, and multipitch climbing. Their casual style, technical fabric, and elastic waistband make them a great option for various 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 and fun bouldering outings in multiple disciplines. They aren’t the most breathable and the pockets lack security, but I love them for their easy movement and everyday style.
Compare the Black Diamond Sequence Pants 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 features
Pull-on elasticated waistband, ankle-length cut
Pros
- Comfortable, stretchy fabric moves well
- Soft waistband sits comfortably under a harness
- Casual straight-leg style works on and off the wall
- Affordable
Cons
- Holds odor after long days
- Pockets lack zippers
- Long-term durability may be a concern with heavy use
Black Diamond Sequence Pants Review
Performance in the Field
I bought my first pair of BD Sequence Pants when they launched in 2025, and I now own three. I’ve put these pants through the wringer. They’re regulars in my rotation for bouldering and sport routes at my local crags around Bishop, Calif.
The straight-leg fit and stretchy polyester fabric allow for easy, unrestricted movement. I never feel the material catch on my knees when I pull into a high step. The 27-inch inseam on my 5’8″ frame falls right above my ankle. This means I can always clearly see my feet when I climb.
The soft waistband includes a drawstring that keeps the pants secure all day, which is especially helpful mid-route. There’s nothing worse than fussing with your waistband on the wall. The mid-rise sits nicely under a harness. These pants feel equally at home on boulders or on a rope.
Compared to burlier alpine pants, the Sequence Pants feel less protective and less technical. But that tradeoff makes them far easier to wear for everyday cragging, gym sessions, and casual climbing days.
Weather Resistance and Durability
A DWR finish helps light moisture bead up and roll off the technical fabric. It isn’t enough to weather a serious storm. However, it’s enough to keep scattered drops from soaking in right away.
They also block wind to a certain extent. Since the ankles don’t cinch down, though, strong gusts can blow straight up the pant legs.
After relying on these pants for many days on rock, they are predictably showing signs of wear. My light-colored pair is stained and starting to show small holes. To be fair, I’m not easy on my gear. Fortunately, I don’t mind a beat-up look since function matters more to me in the end. Still, the holes put the pants’ long-term durability into question.
Pockets and Storage
Storage is minimal in these semi-technical pants. They have deep front pockets that can easily swallow a phone. However, there are no zippers to keep things secure. There’s one back pocket as well, but without a zipper, I didn’t feel comfortable using it.
If you do a lot of long routes, you’ll probably want specialized technical pants. Pants with zippered pockets, including one on the thigh, would secure items better without interfering with your harness. Since the Sequence Pants lean casual, they lack those dialed-in storage details.
Room for Improvement
While the BD Sequence Pants shine in comfort, affordability, and versatility, I’d improve a couple of things. The polyester fabric tends to hold odor pretty easily. I noticed this quickly after a sweaty, full day on the wall in Yosemite.
This isn’t a huge issue if you can toss them in the wash after a day out. But if you’re packing for an extended road trip with limited laundry access or a multiday climbing adventure, the odor retention is worth considering.
I also love how deep the front pockets are, but would add zippers to make them more useful. Finally, different inseam lengths, especially for shorter climbers, would be a welcome addition.
Black Diamond Sequence Pants: Who Are They For?
At the end of the day, I really love these pants. They’re a great compromise between casual and technical. They offer a trendy straight-leg style and nice colorways that should appeal to a lot of climbers. If you want one pair for the gym, boulders, crags, and days around town, the BD Sequence Pants make a lot of sense.
If you prioritize maximum breathability, secure storage, or burly long-term durability, these probably aren’t your best choice. You’ll likely prefer a softshell pant with secure storage, a cinched ankle, and tougher fabric.
However, the Sequence Pants are a good choice for folks who want an affordable, versatile option that looks stylish enough for a morning at the local coffee shop. They move well, sit comfortably under a harness, and look good enough to wear before and after climbing.
Just make sure you wash them often to keep them fresh. Anticipate some long-term wear and tear, and don’t stash valuables in the unzippered pockets. Even with these drawbacks, I haven’t met any climbers who aren’t psyched to own a pair.
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