Atas Awan Boundless 2.0 Convertible Climbing Pants – Reviewed & Tested

Do you need climbing pants? How about convertible ones? Atas Awan have dropped potentially the trendiest pair of zipoffs we’ve laid eyes upon, so we got Ella to see how they went on the wall.

I’m always on the hunt for a pair of climbing pants that can do it all. Something I can wear comfortably to the bouldering gym and trust on a long day of multi-pitching.

Until now, my rotation has been a mix of one bomb-proof pair of Gramiccis, some thrifted cargo pants from Cotton On, and a random pair of wide-leg jeans I picked up in Japan.

So when the opportunity came up to put Atas Awan’s new Boundless Convertible Pants 2.0 to the test, I was more than keen to see if they could earn a spot in the lineup.

@_somekindofblue_

Why am I the right person to do this review?

I’m no Janja, but I do plenty of climbing in and around Sydney and the Blue Mountains. You’ll also find me in the chaos of Tuesday nights at Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym, chalked up and battling for wall space.

Over the years, I’ve figured out exactly what I want from a good pair of climbing pants: comfort that lasts, unrestricted movement, durability that can handle hours of abuse, and, if possible, a fit that actually looks good on your average woman!

@_somekindofblue_

Quick Specifications

Weight: 541g
Fabric: 95% Cotton Twill, 5% Spandex
Colourways: HEAPS
RRP: $209

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So how were they? | @_somekindofblue_

Design

The wide-leg fit makes these a strong option for climbing, giving me maximum range of motion without any bunching or squeezing around the thighs when I’m going for a high foot. The relaxed cut also feels flattering on my body, which honestly makes me even more comfortable wearing them both on and off the wall.

One of the standout features is the convertible design. More than once, I’ve misread the conditions and been glad I could zip off the legs to scuttle around the crag in shorts, only to zip them back on later when I needed a bit of extra protection on the wall. The zips and hardware feel smooth and sturdy, and I love that each leg is labelled so you’re not wasting time trying to figure out which piece goes where. Love the attention to detail.

The font’s nice too | @_somekindofblue_

The pockets are generous (always a win), but I did find that because they’re front-facing, they’re a little impractical for climbing. Anything stashed in there (even just a chapstick) tends to get jammed and squished when you’re climbing and going for high feet. Personally, I prefer when climbing or hiking pants have side-mounted pockets that don’t impede any motion.

Another highlight is the belt. The adjustable buckle feels incredibly solid, easily sturdier than what I’ve seen on Gramicci or The North Face pants. It works just as well, but there’s something reassuring about how heavy-duty it feels.

Fabric-wise, they’re made from 95% cotton twill with 5% spandex. The result is super soft and comfortable with just enough stretch. I’m used to heavy-duty cotton that can feel stiff (even scratchy) or polyester that runs flimsy, so this feels like a nice in-between.

A bit of stretch keeps things extra comfy | @_somekindofblue_

Performance

Alrighty here’s the important part. I’ve found the Atas Awan pants to be incredibly comfortable for bouldering at the gym and outdoors. As mentioned, the wide leg makes it super easy to move around in whichever way you want, and the soft material is a dream.

However, when I’m sport climbing, there’s a bit too much fabric bunching under the harness, which can get a little annoying. The ultra-relaxed fit works perfectly for bouldering, but if you’re after a pair of pants that does it all (like these Gramiccis), this is something to consider.

I’ve been testing them in winter, so breathability hasn’t been an issue, but I can see them getting pretty hot in the peak of summer. Luckily, the zip-off design has that covered. The only thing worth flagging is the spandex, which is great for movement, but not the most sustainable fibre (more on that later).

Zip offs make these pants a year-round wear | @_somekindofblue_

Durability

Then there’s the durability – I’ve had the pants since May, and the single belt loop stitching started coming undone within a couple weeks of receiving them and has since broken entirely. It’s an easy fix with a few stitches, but at $209, I’d expect them to hold up longer.

It’s worth mentioning I’ve been abusing them at the gym and outdoors and haven’t noticed any other defects or crazy signs of wear… but it does make you wonder how long they’ll last.

The single belt loop came free pretty quickly, needs stronger stitching | @_somekindofblue_

Comfort

Hands down, they’re the most comfortable climbing pants I own. I often wear them around the house, doing chores, or even on casual nights out. They nail comfort.

Although these pants are gender-neutral, I can’t help but think the lady founders had the female form in mind when designing them. There’s no awkward taper at the bottom, no bunching on the thighs, and the waist fits just right – so thank you!

The unisex fit actually fits real women!

Sustainability

Atas Awan’s sustainability page paints a thoughtful picture of the team’s efforts, particularly for a small and new Australian brand, but there’s still a long way to go.

The page reads more like a vision than a measurable report, though it’s clear they care about ethical production, partnering with a family-run manufacturer in Bali, using biodegradable cassava mailers, exploring plant-based dyes, and planning recycled trims and packaging.

The biggest sustainability gap is the fabric itself. At 95% cotton twill and 5% spandex, it’s comfortable and stretchy but comes with environmental trade-offs. Conventional cotton has a high water and pesticide footprint, and the spandex makes recycling and biodegradation and recycling more difficult, something the brand doesn’t acknowledge.

As a newer independent brand, Atas Awan is off to a solid start, but for eco-conscious climbers, more transparency and measurable, dated goals (like transitioning to organic cotton) would strengthen trust.

We’ll keep banging the drum for brands to make protecting the planet their top priority | @ella_garbett

Price

Climbing pants are never cheap, and at $209 these sit on the higher end of the spectrum. For the comfort and design, it’s understandable, but combined with the durability concerns, it’s something to weigh carefully.

Final Thoughts

The Atas Awan Boundless 2.0 Convertible Pants are incredibly comfortable, stylish, and versatile. The wide-leg design and convertible feature make them a dream for bouldering and casual climbing, and the attention to detail, like labelled zips and fun colourways, really sets them apart.

Should we model all clothes like this? | _@somekindofblue_

That said, if you’re after a pair of climbing pants that can handle everything, from bouldering to sport climbs, the relaxed fit and some durability issues might be a dealbreaker.

Overall, I’d happily reach for these on a casual bouldering day or crag trip, and they’ve earned a permanent spot in my rotation, just maybe not as my all-in-one climbing pant.