It can be quite fun trying different products and brands as you get into a new hobby. You learn what you need and want.
After trying a couple new types of pants from traditional climbing brands, I was curious what the Collective Structure Pants from Craft would be like.
These pants were designed to be comfortable for a mix of activities like running, hiking, traveling, etc. Looking at them online they seemed like just nice, high quality pair of pants. A pair that could potentially be used for just about anything.
Rock Climbing
One of the reasons I love rock climbing so much is because of the mix of skills that it develops. Like explosive strength, patience, problem solving, endurance, and flexibility.
Pants made by climbing-based brands like prAna, Black Diamond, and Ferrosi are designed specifically for those different disciplines. However, if you take a random pair of slacks from any sport clothing brand like Nike, Adidas, or Craft, you never know how they’ll perform. Or how long they’ll last.
The Collective Structure Pants actually live up to their marketing. They more than “power through the day.”
They breath way better during warmups and training sessions than Black Diamond’s Notion Pants. The flexible weave fabric is perfect for traversing walls. And the biggest surprise, they don’t have any sign of wear yet.
I’ve rubbed these against quite a few rough holds, but the stretch keeps them from tearing. These are in my top two for best climbing pants.
Running
I don’t run in these. Why? Because I simply don’t like to run in pants. Never have, and probably never will. Even in freezing temperatures, my legs don’t get cold while wearing shorts. Only my toes and from the waist up do I need layers.
For context, I played rugby in high school and our preseason training was in the middle of Wisconsin winter.
However, if you’re always feeling cold, then maybe you’ll like running in these.
Everyday
I try to workout first thing in the morning, so I can move on with the day. This usually means I wear the same clothes for the rest of the day.
Because of this, I’ve become pickier on what clothes I choose to workout in. And I wear the Craft Collective Structure Pants at least 2-3 days of the week. Aka, if they’re clean, then I’m putting them on.
One last side note. The zipper pockets are phenomenal.
I still wear 5+ year old sweatpants because they have side zipper pockets. Whether I’m going to the store or the airport, I love the security of the zippers. I don’t worry about my phone slipping out ever. I don’t fear that my wallet or keys accidentally get lost at a park or in someone’s couch cushion.
*If you’re constantly in and out of your pockets though, then these are quite annoying. And the zipper tends to get stuck if you’re using one hand or sitting down.
The Recap
I was pleasantly surprised and excited when the Collective Structure Pants arrived. But every time I reach for them, I’m even more glad that I have them.
They are crazy comfortable to train in. If at any point you get tired, then you can pull the leg sleeves up and the stretchy fabric will keep them up fairly well. (Depending on the size of your thighs.) And then they breath even better.