3rd Rock stands out as a brand deeply rooted in the climbing community, crafting apparel specifically for climbers. Unlike lifestyle brands that merely dabble in climbing-inspired fashion, 3rd Rock focuses solely on creating gear that meets the rigorous demands of climbing. Their Ramblas pants are a testament to this commitment, designed to excel in climbing environments. This review delves into the performance, features, and overall experience of the 3rd Rock Ramblas, highlighting why they are a solid choice for climbers seeking dedicated climbing apparel.
3rd Rock Ramblas climbing pants in action, showcasing flexibility during a climb.
Ramblas Fit and Climbing Performance
When it comes to performance, the Ramblas climbing pants truly shine. They are built to handle the dynamic movements inherent in climbing. The fabric boasts a comfortable, cotton-like feel while providing impressive stretch, essential for reaching those challenging high steps and maintaining freedom of movement on the wall. While the fabric might appear less technical due to its tendency to wrinkle, don’t let that fool you. The stretch and give are there when you need them most during demanding climbing sequences.
However, the fit of the Ramblas presents a couple of considerations. While the stretchy fabric easily accommodates a wide range of climbing positions, some climbers might find the lower leg to be a bit too relaxed. For those who prefer a slimmer fit in their climbing pants, the Ramblas might feel slightly baggy around the calves and ankles. This extra fabric can occasionally obstruct foot placement visibility or feel cumbersome during precise footwork. If skinny jeans are your usual style, these relaxed-fit climbing pants are a departure.
Another aspect to note is the length. The Ramblas tend to run longer than expected. Despite ordering the regular length with a 32″ inseam, which is typically a perfect fit, they felt about an inch too long. This extra length hasn’t been a significant hindrance while climbing, but it’s noticeable. Opting for the regular length over the short length is still advisable, as rolling up the cuffs is preferable to pants being too short for climbing movements. The longer length and relaxed fit contribute to the airy comfort of the pants, but might require rolling them up to keep the cuffs out of the way.
Close-up of 3rd Rock Ramblas pants fit, highlighting the relaxed leg and ankle area.
Key Features of 3rd Rock Ramblas
The Ramblas climbing pants are packed with features designed for climbers. The exceptional range of motion is a standout. Even for climbers who aren’t the most flexible, these pants offer unrestricted movement, allowing for high reaches and dynamic maneuvers without feeling constrained.
Comfort is another key attribute. As mentioned earlier, the fabric is soft and comfortable against the skin, making these pants enjoyable to wear for extended climbing sessions. The breathability is also commendable, keeping you comfortable in varying temperatures, although for hot summer days, shorts would still be the more suitable option.
The waist adjustment system is a subtle but useful feature. While it provides a small degree of adjustability, it might not be sufficient for those needing significant waist cinching. For individuals with a true-to-size waist, like a 32″ or 33″, the size Medium (81 – 83.5 cm / 32″) might feel slightly loose, requiring a belt for a more secure fit. The plastic buckle on the waist adjuster is low-profile and doesn’t cause discomfort even when wearing a belt over it.
Waist adjustment detail on 3rd Rock Ramblas pants, demonstrating the small buckle.
Pocket Design and Practicality
The pocket design on the Ramblas is geared towards accessibility. The main pockets feature a slanted cut, which makes it incredibly easy to slip hands in and out and access items. However, this design has a trade-off: when sitting down, items in the pockets, especially phones, are prone to falling out. This can be a minor annoyance, particularly when driving or lounging between climbs.
Interestingly, there’s a smaller “phone” pocket located on the mid-thigh. While seemingly practical, it might be easily overlooked. Utilizing this pocket could potentially solve the issue of items falling out of the main pockets, offering a more secure storage option for valuables.
Chalk Management
One minor drawback of the Ramblas fabric is its tendency to attract chalk. While not a major issue, it’s noticeable that chalk dust accumulates on these pants more readily than on some other materials. After a climbing session, you might find yourself covered in chalk. Dusting off the pants isn’t as effortless as with some other fabrics. For climbers who use chalk liberally, this might be a consideration, although it’s primarily an aesthetic concern rather than a performance impediment.
3rd Rock Ramblas pants in a climbing gym environment, showing chalk dust accumulation after use.
Fly Closure and Waistband
The Ramblas feature a straightforward and reliable fly closure: a zipper fly with a single button at the top. Belt loops are included, providing the option to wear a belt for a more secure fit. Combined with the small waist adjuster, the waistband offers a reasonable degree of customization.
Fly closure and belt loop detail of 3rd Rock Ramblas pants, illustrating the zipper and button.
Aesthetic and Durability Considerations
Initially, there was some uncertainty about the “Yosemite” color, which appeared purplish-gray on the 3rd Rock website. In reality, the color is a neutral, mid-tone gray, which is versatile and understated. For those who prefer to avoid bold colors in their clothing, the “Yosemite” option is a good fit.
While the Ramblas can transition from the crag to casual settings, their “climber-style” aesthetic is definitely present. They might not be the ideal choice for formal occasions, but they work well in relaxed environments. After a few washes and drying cycles, the fabric and stitching might lose some of their initial crispness, which is typical for lighter-weight materials. This results in a more casual appearance, which is generally acceptable but something to be aware of if maintaining a pristine look is a priority.
Full view of 3rd Rock Ramblas pants in Yosemite color, demonstrating the neutral gray tone.
Final Thoughts on 3rd Rock Ramblas
The 3rd Rock Ramblas climbing pants are a welcome addition to any climber’s wardrobe, particularly for those who appreciate brands dedicated to climbing. Their standout features are excellent stretch and overall comfort, making them a pleasure to climb in. While the fit might be slightly roomier than some prefer and the fabric attracts chalk, these are minor drawbacks compared to the pants’ overall performance and climbing-specific design. The Ramblas strike a good balance between climbing functionality and a recognizable climber style, making them suitable for both climbing sessions and casual wear within the climbing community. For climbers seeking comfortable, high-performing pants from a core climbing brand, the 3rd Rock Ramblas are definitely worth considering.
