Non-technical pants come in styles suitable for rock climbers of all types, from boulderers and sport climbers to traditional climbers or alpine climbers bouldering around basecamp while waiting for the weather to clear. Whether they are stretchy or not doesn't matter--though climbers in the '80s who wore spandex seemed to want to emulate gymnastic wear. What matters is that the pants fit comfortably, work well with a harness, are flexible or loose enough to allow a climber to move her body in any position desired--even feet over the head--and can withstand some level of abrasion.
What to Look for
Part of selecting non-technical climbing pants comes down to personal preference. You might want all-natural pants made completely of cotton, bamboo or hemp; these types are sometimes thin and breathable and other times thicker and more durable. You might want a mix of the natural materials and nylon, spandex or polyester. If you want that cool, airy feeling, stick with the light cotton, cotton-nylon mixtures or sanded polyester (which is also abrasion resistant, wicks moisture and dries faster than cotton). Tougher, weather-performing pants might combine nylon and some spandex for flexibility. Regardless of material, all well-fitted pants these days should have knee darts for articulation and a gusseted crotch.
Gym and sport climbers and boulders often prefer wearing tighter-fitting pants that don't have pockets, zippers or those extra accoutrements that can inhibit movement. Other things to consider are deep or zippered pockets for carrying an extra bar or GU, mesh pockets for extra breathability, flies that snap to make going to the bathroom with a harness on easier, and thick panels on the knees.
Common Pitfalls
Non-technical pants should not be used in place of technical pants, especially if any portion of the material is made of cotton. Non-technical pants are not meant to withstand bad weather. Pants designed specifically for climbing are usually expensive, but they are also far superior to regular pants that you'll buy at the store, so the high price tag is generally worth it.
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