TROUSERS - BUYING GUIDE
An introduction to our four trouser models and their features so you can find YOUR dream trousers.
There’s no point in them gathering dust in your closet; the goal is to find the pair that suits you best.
BUYING GUIDE
Not necessarily. If you practice gym climbing as well as bouldering, crag climbing, hiking, or traveling, it is not necessary to have a different pair of pants for each activity. The GRAVITY and ARTEMIS models were designed to be versatile and accompany you in most situations.
However, if you prioritize a specific practice or are looking for pants suited to a specific use, it is better to choose the model that matches your needs. Ask yourself a few questions: do I climb mainly indoors or outdoors? In summer or winter? Am I looking for very lightweight pants for intensive bouldering sessions or a more comfortable model for spending a whole day at the crag with a harness?
The best choice will always depend on your practice, your preferences, and your goals.
- Explorer for cooler conditions and outdoor use.
- Prophecy for a loose fit, oriented more towards the gym and bouldering.
- Gravity for lightness and versatility.
- Artemis for comfort, freedom of movement, and versatility.
The best pants depend above all on your activity. Before choosing a model, look primarily at freedom of movement, durability, breathability, weight, fit, and versatility.
Some climbers look for very lightweight pants for the summer, while others prioritize comfort during long days at the crag or durability for intensive use.
There isn't just one. The right pair of pants is the one that suits your activity.
For bouldering, freedom of movement is often the priority.
At the crag, durability and comfort under the harness become more important.
For traveling, versatility is a real asset.
In summer, you should opt for lightweight, breathable pants, while in the mountains, better protection against the elements will be appreciated.
The ideal is to find the right balance. People often think that you have to choose the most durable trousers. But be careful, trousers that are very durable become too stiff, which hinders a climber's freedom of movement and causes fatigue during physical exertion.
Your choice depends on how often you climb, your climbing style, and the terrain: indoor gyms, bouldering, cliffs, cracks, knee-bars, or multi-pitch routes do not put the same demands on your trousers.
Fabric weight alone does not determine its durability. For example, our AeroRip™ fabric combines a low weight with a Ripstop construction, a resistant weave designed to limit the spread of tears in the event of a snag.
The GRAVITY and PROPHECY models use this technology to offer an excellent compromise between lightness, strength, and comfort.
→ Discover the models equipped with AeroRip™ technology.
Not necessarily. Many climbers climb all year round in lightweight trousers, to which they simply add a layer when temperatures drop.
However, if you mainly climb in autumn, winter, or in the mountains, a warmer and more protective model like the EXPLORER will provide greater comfort.
The loose fit offers more ease, especially during dynamic movements or bouldering sessions. It is also appreciated for its everyday comfort and its aesthetic inspired by bouldering culture and the outdoor lifestyle.
If you are looking for this type of feel, the PROPHECY is the most suitable model in the range.
At Nival, there are three types of fit available:
- Slim: closer to the body, ideal for those seeking a technical and precise shape.
- Regular: the best compromise between comfort and versatility.
- Loose: more ease and a style inspired by bouldering culture.
The choice depends above all on your personal preferences.
Fit guide
Yes, if you are looking for a versatile model. The GRAVITY and ARTEMIS were designed to be suitable for indoor climbing, bouldering, crag climbing, hiking, and travel.
However, if your activity is very specific, it may be worth choosing a more specialized model. The best choice will always depend on your usage, your preferences, and your goals. You can consult our comparison table to identify the pants best suited to your needs.
Comparison table
The best method is to measure your waist circumference and then consult our size guide (product page). We also recommend taking the leg length into account to achieve the desired drape.
Nival trousers have been designed to suit both men and women.
Thanks to stretch fabrics and a design focused on movement, they adapt to many body types.
If you prefer a slim fit, generally choose the smaller size.
If you prefer more ease or a looser style, opt for the larger size instead.
The width remains the same. Only the leg length varies to adapt to different body types.
Are you under 1.67m? = Short
Are you between 1.65m - 1.77m? = Regular
Are you over 1.75m? = Long
The best choice will always be the one that suits your preferences. So if you are between 2 lengths, choose the look you prefer.
Length guide
Nylon offers one of the best compromises between strength, lightness, and durability.
It is currently one of the most widely used materials in technical outdoor clothing, as well as, for example, in our climbing ropes.
Nylon is generally more abrasion-resistant and stretchier, making it an excellent choice for technical climbing apparel. Polyester, on the other hand, absorbs less moisture, dries slightly faster, has better UV resistance, and is less expensive to produce.
For climbing pants, nylon is often preferred when looking for a high-performance and durable garment.
Yes. All our fabrics have been selected to promote moisture-wicking and limit the feeling of heat during exercise. Often thanks to the nylon used in their composition.
Our trousers are not designed to be waterproof, in order to prioritize breathability during physical exertion.
However, they all feature a water-repellent treatment (DWR) that allows water to slide off the fabric during light rain or passing showers.
Yes. The synthetic fibers used allow for quick drying after washing or after intense activity.
Yes. All our fabrics are UPF 50+ certified according to the EN 13758 standard. They block more than 98% of UV rays, providing high protection during outdoor activities, especially during long days at the crag or in the mountains.
Lightweight models cf GRAVITY, PROPHECY, ARTEMIS (Aerorip, X-Stretch) are particularly well-suited for summer temperatures, while thicker fabrics cf EXPLORER (SummitWeave) offer more comfort when temperatures drop.
Aerorip TM (Gravity, Prophecy) is currently the lightest fabric in the range.
The X-Stretch TM (Artemis) stands out for its softness and exceptional elasticity.
Thanks to its Ripstop nylon construction, the Aerorip TM (GRAVITY, PROPHECY) offers the highest level of resistance due to its reinforced structure and a durable weave designed to limit the spread of tears in the event of a snag.
The adjustable ankles, equipped with an elastic drawstring, allow you to adapt the drape of the trousers to your activity and personal preferences.
This allows for better visibility of foot placement and prevents the fabric from getting in the way during movement.
Yes. Nival pants are designed to be used with a climbing harness thanks to their mid-rise waist and climbing-oriented design. They are also used for other harnesses in mountain environments (mountaineering, via ferrata, etc.).
Yes. Depending on the model, you will find various pockets (back, cargo, etc.), attachment systems, and details designed for daily use.
A 30°C wash is generally recommended.
Everything depends on how you use it. In many cases, multiple sessions can be completed before washing is necessary.
We recommend air drying to preserve the technical fibers.
No. Technical fabrics naturally return to their shape after drying.
Avoid high temperatures, fabric softeners, and tumble drying.
With proper care, technical trousers can last a climber several years. For regular use, replacing them every five years is generally a good rule of thumb.
Wash it at a low temperature, avoid tumble drying, and follow the care instructions indicated on the label.
