Prana Stretch Zion II Pants Review

The Prana Stretch Zion II looks and feels like a typical pair of pants. They have a comfortable, laidback style and are also nice for hiking and climbing. They don't breathe as well as some other models, but they disperse heat in other ways. They are more at home in cooler weather rather than summer sunshine.

Performance Comparison

Comfort and Mobility

The Zion II's liner material is soft, and the interior of the waist is also lined with a felt-feeling fabric, both of which reduce chafing. They provide the right amount of lateral stretch for hiking and are a suitable option for activities like yoga or climbing. We didn't feel constrained when sitting in them for long periods. They have plenty of space in the gusseted crotch as well as at the knee. We found them to be true to size, but if you need to adjust the waist, the integrated belt is convenient, simple to use, and comfortable, even underneath a backpack hip belt. We wish the fly zipper was slightly longer, but we didn't experience tightness or constriction and think the low-profile button closure pairs well with a climbing harness. These pants have a regular fit: not too slim, not too loose. They are straight through the leg and sit at the waist. All things considered, the comfort and mobility of these pants are high.

Venting and Breathability

The Prana Stretch Zion II feels hot compared to some of the other lighter pants. Coming in at 13.3 ounces, they are one of the heavier pairs among modern hiking pants we've tested over the years. The fabric is thicker than most, and consequently, they retain more body heat. To help counteract this, the front pockets are partially mesh-lined, and the crotch has three vent holes on each side of the inner thigh. They also come with small plastic snap buttons to hold the cuffs up if you need some extra air on your lower legs. Though this feature only takes them up to about calf height, they can easily be rolled up higher, just without the extra snap security. Ultimately, we enjoyed them most as spring and early fall pants more than a pair for the heat of the summer.

Weather Resistance

These pants are not waterproof, so if you are searching for a pair for use in damp environments, we recommend looking elsewhere. However, this pant has a DWR coating on top of its 95% nylon weave fabric, which does fairly well at beading water. We also appreciate that their fit allowed us to wear long underwear underneath to increase the warmth factor in cold weather. However, if you are in a big storm, they get very heavy in the rain and take a comparatively long time to dry. We do appreciate their solid wind resistance, and they also come equipped with a UPF 50 rating, meaning that they add increased protection to your legs from sun exposure.

Features

The Stretch Zion II pants have a full complement of features that perform well. They have five pockets: two front hand warmers, two rear (one with a security flap, one without), and a thigh cargo pocket with both vertical and horizontal zippers. Neither the front nor rear pockets have zippers, which always makes us nervous about the security of our wallets and phones, but they are plenty deep. The cargo zipper pocket on the side of the leg is handy for securing valuables and important items when on the move. The thigh pocket has zippered access both on top as well as on the side. This second side zipper is on the small side but allows you to easily grab items from the pocket, even if you are sitting down on a snack break. There is a low-profile integrated belt and roll-and-snap-up pant legs. There are traditional belt loops as well, though the integrated belt needs no additional assistance. The front button closure is hearty, much like the rest of the pants.

Versatility

The Stretch Zion II is a valuable asset for a variety of outdoor activities. In addition to hiking, they are a great choice for rock climbing and travel. However, as noted above, we don't think that they are the best choice for summertime hiking. With that in mind, they are super durable. Almost all of the stitching is reinforced, and the thicker fabric stands up to even high abrasion that comes with climbing rock faces, let alone withstanding regular wear.

In terms of style, they aren't the most flattering. The indiscrete cargo pocket, vent holes in the crotch, flappy integrated belt strap, and visible leg snaps all detract from the visual appeal of these pants for a day at the office or a casual night out. That said, they are practical out on a trail or around the house for any number of activities and are a great move for a laidback weekend at home or in the backcountry.

Should You Buy the Prana Stretch Zion II?

The Prana Stretch Zion II is a solid all-around pair of pants with a good value. They are well-constructed and durable enough for daily wear. For those searching for a sturdy, flexible pair of climbing pants, the fabric of the Zion II is thick, and the stitching is robust. They have lasted us a long time of relatively heavy abuse.

What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?

Though the Stretch Zion II has unique pocket formats, the Royal Robbins Alpine Road and Outdoor Research Ferrosi are also highly practical options with a leg pocket. If you love having a wide array of pockets, the REI Co-Op Sahara Convertible is a great option, and has zip-off lower legs that turn into shorts. If you like Prana's style but want simpler pants, the Brion II is a good-looking option.