I’ve been running for over 10 years, but I still don’t consider myself a “runner.” Do I run consistently? Most of the time. But I fall short of the characteristics that I associate with actual “runners.”
Proper runners run no matter what the conditions are. It doesn’t matter if it’s cold, rainy, windy, or extremely hot, they’re out there. They can sleep for only four hours, and still, they get up and run.
I am much pickier and prefer ideal conditions when I run.
The same goes for climbing. A serious rock climber is someone that goes six or seven days a week. Every time they climb, they go for at least an hour. A proper rock climber can comfortably climb higher rated problems. 5.12 or more for sport climbing, or V5+ for bouldering.
Wearing the Black Diamond Notion pants, I feel like I’m dressing up as a real rock climber. These things are tough, yet comfortable. Specialized, yet approachable.
Made for Climbing
Usually when I talk to people that aren’t familiar with rock climbing, they instantly think I’m some hardcore adrenaline junkie. When I put the Black Diamond Notion pants on for the first time, that’s exactly what I thought these pants were made for.
The materials Black Diamond uses are thicker than other climbing pants I’ve tried. Which for climbing in, they’re great… unless it’s a super-hot day. (Then the Craft Collective Structure pants are way better, because of how well they breath.)
When the conditions are more ideal, aka cooler, then the Notion pants are great. They keep me warm, comfortable, and protected from scrapping and knocking my knees or shins on holds. This makes them great for the fall and winter!
From January through March, I’ve been wearing these to the climbing gym. Specifically on the days that my warm-up, pre training session, and main training session is all rock climbing. The days that I lift and hangboard though, I purposely wear a different pair of pants because it’s easy to overheat in these.
Going outdoors, especially up in the mountains where it’s colder, these are fantastic for hiking, climbing, camping, etc. From the elastic ankle cuffs to the deep pockets, these pants are surprisingly adaptable outside of climbing.
For example, wearing these on travel days is super nice with the massive pockets. They ensure that your personal belongings don’t fall out when on the go.
Should You Buy Them?
This past Christmas I asked my wife for a pair of climbing pants. The Black Diamond Notions were one of three that I mentioned. Each of them different from the others.
These seemed like the tough and industrial option. The ones that could be completely thrashed without showing many signs of wear. And that’s exactly what that are.
If you’re looking for strong, capable pants that can easily take brutal beatings. These are it! Even if you need them to work in a mix of different activities and environments, then you should try out a pair.
BUT, if you need pants that can do highly aerobic exercises, then you should pass.
You can technically use these for working out in. I have. But they don’t shine at it.
How to Decide?
Reflect on how you train. Do you run one day, and climb the next like me? Do you climb every day, and never do anything else than climb? Or do you have a wide mix where one day you run a few miles, another day you lift for a couple hours, and then you climb for three hours on the weekend?
The days the Notions will shine for you are the less aerobic ones. The ones in cooler weather. The moments where the thick fabric, deep pockets, and elastic cuffs create this lovely harmony of freedom and potential.
The Recap
The Notion pants are designed for what I imagine a hard core rock climber being. No matter what the conditions are, they’re out there climbing. Your pants need to keep you safe and warm. They don’t get in your way or prevent you from performing complicated movements on a sport climb.
I’m not this kind of a climber though. I’m way more casual.
I grab these when camping, hiking, traveling, or climbing on cold mornings.
These are like a specialized filet knife. You can get away with using them for things they’re not specifically made for. But when you use it for what it’s designed for, then you’re left amazed by how great they are.