Assessing Rock Climbers’ Functional Needs in Climbing Pants

Abstract

Researchers assessed climbers' pants by investigating whether a pants' style or brand preference exists among rock climbers, along with looking at fit, mobility, comfort, protection, and donning/ doffing expectations for climbing pants using a mixed-methods design study. Active adult rock climbers, aged 19 or older, were conveniently sampled at two U.S. rock-climbing events and completed a questionnaire. The researchers found that rock climbers needed improvements in their pants' fit, sizing options, and design in relation to the functions of mobility, comfort, protection, and durability. Additionally, climbers wanted pants that would not interfere with their rock-climbing techniques or equipment. Last, their pants should be affordable. Outdoor apparel manufacturers could improve their climbing pants' designs by integrating this study's results, leading to better protection of climbers' bodies and fulfillment of their needs and expectations.

Satisfaction with current martial arts’ uniforms and purchase intention of new uniforms

“…In addition, empirical studies have indicated that functional performance and aesthetic appearance, rather than expressive consideration, are essential factors for sportswear (Dickson and Pollack 2000). Furthermore, to fit individual study contents, many empirical studies have also excluded expressive considerations (e.g., Jin and Black 2012;Michaelson 2015).…”

“…Poor fitting clothing further restrains movement (Michaelson 2015). For example, loose thigh or tight crotch of rock climbing pants influenced climbers' movement (Michaelson 2015), garments with excess bulk inhibit sailors' mobility (Bye and Hakala 2005), and tight sleeves restrict tennis players when serving tennis balls (Jin and Black 2012). Similarly, ill-fitting martial arts pants (e.g., too narrow or too big) may restrict high kick actions.…”

“…Therefore, protecting practitioners from injury is expected to enhance their physical performance. Empirical studies have also shown that rock climbers expect to have better protective pants to improve climbing performance (Michaelson 2015).…”

Design of novel buoyant swimming vest using inlay knitting technology

“…The questionnaire was developed based on the published functional apparel studies and the FEA model. 30,[39][40][41][42][43] The FEA model was developed by Lamb and Kallal (1992) to assess functional, expressive and aesthetic considerations to identify the consumer needs. 44 The FEA model has been widely used in functional garment studies such as sailing apparel, tennis wear, climbers' pants and clothing needs of adolescent girls with disabilities.…”

Customers’ Perspectives on Fit and Customization of Cycling Sportswear: Cross-National Comparison

“…For design of functional clothing, similar research methods and procedures have been applied to develop an understanding of customers' needs in various other activewear categories, some of which include design development for sailing clothing [24], female collegiate basketball players [25], female collegiate golf teams [26], inline skaters [5], dance practicewear [27] and rock climbers [28].…”