The Challenge.

Create a versatile and modern synthetic pant and short that can appeal to the wider hike and “outdoor lifestyle” market, with a new suite of branded woven labels and signature trim details to be applied across all sportswear.

The Approach.

As a climbing brand to its core, Black Diamond has historically refrained from speaking to a wider audience of outdoor enthusiasts. But for SS25, this was the targeted apparel business opportunity. And as it turns out, the brand already makes several hardgood products born from climbing - such as trekking poles and head lamps - that have found significant traction across the wider outdoor market. Through the lens of ‘born from the climbing life,’ this outdoor lifestyle-oriented series came to include:

• Soft yet robust cotton-touch synthetic ripstop that is both luxurious and holds its own against rock

• Luxurious interior knit waistband, with the women’s extending to provide extra coverage under a harness when paired with short tops

• Trendier ankle length straight-leg silhouette that is a departure from Black Diamond’s signature jogger fit while still providing a tidy lower leg that can be cuffed if needed

• Deep chino-style hand pockets for everyday comfort and convenience

• Single back drop-in pocket with unique user-friendly snap construction

• Clip or sunglasses loop at front waistband

• Duo of branded woven labels with subtle ripstop pattern

• BD’s signature ‘Octane’ color applied to drawcord tips and anchoring bartacks at center-back

Photo credit: REI, Black Diamond