REASONS TO BUY
Look good
Comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Few pockets
No water resistance
Prana Brion II Short Review
A super simple pair of comfortable hiking shorts that looks good on trail and in town
Credit: Prana
RELATED: Best Hiking Shorts of 2024
Our Verdict
The Prana Brion is a great-looking, comfortable pair of shorts. This model performs well in hot, dry climates and on adventures where pocket capacity and security aren't a concern. They are well-suited for situations when you need activewear that also looks nicer than your average outdoor shorts. They aren't super technical as far as hiking shorts go. They lack zippered pockets and aren't water-resistant. We like them quite a bit and would keep a pair on hand; however, we would also want them to complement a more practical pair made for the backcountry.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Prana Brion II Short | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Hiking Shorts |  Best Bang for Your Buck | |||
| Price | $35.97 at Public Lands Compare at 3 sellers | $89.00 at Public Lands Compare at 2 sellers | $60 List $59.95 at REI | $31.83 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $45 List $44.95 at REI |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | We like these shorts quite a bit; we just wouldn't opt to go hiking in them | These practical shorts kept us comfortable on a variety of adventures | A lightweight yet durable pair of shorts that won't break the bank | Basic shorts with strong wind resistance and a super casual look | Shorts that are geared for trail-running and hot weather, sporting a design that mimics another pair we like better for the same purposes |
| Rating Categories | Prana Brion II Short | Patagonia Quandary... | REI Co-op Sahara Ca... | Patagonia Baggies L... | REI Co-op Active Pu... |
| Comfort and Mobility (35%) | |||||
| Features (25%) | |||||
| Versatility and Style (20%) | |||||
| Venting and Breathability (10%) | |||||
| Weather Resistance and Dry Time (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Prana Brion II Short | Patagonia Quandary... | REI Co-op Sahara Ca... | Patagonia Baggies L... | REI Co-op Active Pu... |
| Weight | 7.9 oz | 7.1 oz | 5.9 oz | 7.8 oz | 5.8 oz |
| Material | 95% recycled nylon 5% elastane | 95% nylon 5% spandex | 96% recycled nylon, 4% spandex | 100% recycled nylon | 86% polyester/14% spandex |
| Water Resistance | Not specified | DWR coating | DWR finish | DWR finish | Not specified |
| Sizing (Waist, Length options) | W: 28" - 42" L: 9", 11" |
W: 28" - 41" L: 8", 10", 12" |
W: 30" - 44" | W: XS - XXL L: 5", 7" |
Size S - XL |
| Sun Protection | UPF 50 | UPF 50+ | UPF 50+ | Not specified | UPF 50 |
| Convertible, or option available | Pants available | Pants available | Pants, convertible available | No | Pants, shorts |
| Pockets | 5 | 5 (plus right coin) | 6 | 3 | 2 hand, 1 embedded zip |
| Waist Strap/Fasten | Button and zip fly | Button and zip fly | Button and zip fly | Elastic, drawstring | Elastic, drawstring |
| Other Features | Standard fit, low profile button closure, reinforced rivet details, belt loops | Classic fit, curved waistband, gusseted crotch | Relaxed fit, Elastic on back waist, gusseted crotch | Pockets have dry-and-dry mesh corners, quick-drying black mesh liner | Ventilation holes, interior liner |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
These shorts are meant for an active day in the front country and a night out with friends. They certainly stand out from the pack in terms of their style, but we wish they had just a feature or two that appealed to the hiker in us. This pair would run away with the top spot if this category was something like summer shorts. The Prana Brion is buoyed by its comfort and style but is missing the water resistance and features that would put it in contention for a top spot.
Performance Comparison
The Prana Brion II is a basic pair of shorts that look good in a variety of settings.
Credit: Sarah Van Cleve
Comfort and Mobility
These shorts conform without constricting, as the 95%/5% nylon/spandex blend fabric is surprisingly stretchy. The fit is advertised as standard, but our testing showed that they have a slimmer fit than many other models. Even our lanky testers enjoyed how they fit and didn't find that our movement was restricted in any significant way while hiking. They do slide up the thigh a bit when sitting down, but the crotch isn't restrictive. The 9" inseam we tested will hit most folks just above the knee.
Credit: Sarah Van Cleve
These shorts earn some points because they are the pair with the waist that stretched out the least after multiple wears and multiple days of hiking.
Features
As comfortable as they are, these shorts lack hiking features. They have four traditional pockets; two front, two rear, plus a coin pocket on the right. They include traditional belt loops, a metal button closure, and a center gusset to increase space in the crotch and legs.
These shorts have very simple features. Two rear pockets are useful for small items but have no zipper or snap closure.
Credit: Sarah Van Cleve
Despite their simplicity, they do have some durability features like a small strip of webbing to reinforce the button, a large, sturdy zipper, and rivets at the corner of each pocket (like on a pair of jeans).
Versatility and Style
These shorts have limited versatility, but they make up for it with style. They are fine for walks and day hikes in dry weather if you are bringing along a pack, or don't need to secure any items in a zippered pocket.
The Brion's biggest asset is that they are both trail ready and look great.
Credit: Sarah Van Cleve
On the flip side, these shorts excel in the front country. Even if we weren't outdoors-obsessed, we would get a pair to wear around. The details on their styling are reminiscent of jorts but are more refined.
Weather Resistance and Dry Time
These shorts are made for dry weather. Our testing showed that they have no water resistance; they absorb precipitation immediately, making for a heavy slog if caught in the rain.
These shorts have no water-resistant coating and absorb water immediately.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
However, they do dry rather quickly.
Venting and Breathability
The stretch fabric is breathable. This model isn't terribly lightweight with the metal button, rivets, and zipper, but we didn't get noticeably sweatier in this pair than other comparable models.
Mesh-lined pockets are the only attempt that these shorts make at ventilation.
Credit: Sarah Van Cleve
The handwarmer pockets are fully mesh-lined (the rear are not).
Should You Buy the Prana Brion II?
The Prana Brion is an excellent pair of casual wear. This model is stretchy and comfortable. They aren't water-resistant like the top contenders and don't have the same functional features to put them in the upper tier of this review. However, we do have to admit that we really, really like these shorts. They are hands down the best-looking of any model in the category, and we would be happy to have them as part of a wardrobe that includes a pair with a little more utility.
What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?
If you are looking for another pair of shorts to partner with these, we recommend the Patagonia Quandary, which also looks good and offers the perfect set of pockets and other features. If you like the Prana brand, then the Prana Stretch Zion II will also offer additional functionality with an integrated belt and more pockets. The Patagonia Nine Trails will fit the bill if you are more of a trail runner than a hiker.
The Brion II is a nice, simple pair of shorts for casual hiking.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
—
Ben Applebaum-Bauch
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