In direct competition with the Editors' Choice pick, the Prana Revenna is noteworthy in all metrics. Mobility and general comfort are high, but the fit changes over time due to the shorts stretching out a bit. Wrinkling easily, the style aspect isn't as strong as we think it could be, but the lowest mark this pair earned is actually for its lack of water-resistance. The bottom line is, the comfort they provide is outstanding. Best suited for Spring, Summer, and Fall adventures, the versatility is much more intuitive than the majority of the others. The Ravenna is ruly a well-designed piece of apparel!
Prana Revenna Review
Pure comfort and high function with subtle style.
Price: $70 List | $69.00 at Amazon
Pros: Comfortable, breathable, versatile
Cons: Stretches out, wrinkles easily
Manufacturer: Prana
Cons: Stretches out, wrinkles easily
Manufacturer: Prana
By Sara Aranda ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Oct 21, 2019
Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Learn more
RELATED: The Best Hiking Shorts for Women
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Prana Revenna is made mostly out of nylon with a touch of spandex, labeled as ripstop by the manufacturer. They have four standard but deep pockets, all mesh-lined, and the front, right pocket has a zipper for added security. In addition to the two metal snaps and zipper for waist closure, they also have an internal drawstring (which we found ourselves never using, actually). They are mid-rise and have a 7-inch inseam, providing excellent comfort and utility.
Performance Comparison
Sharing the top of the spectrum with other top-performers, the Revenna stands out for its length and general comfort. The main drawbacks have to do with its fabric technology, in our opinion, but these lower marks are still competitive.
One of the most comfortable pairs, the fabric is light and soft.
Comfort and Mobility
The highest mark this competitor scored is in this metric, as the fabric is incredibly comfortable, soft, and flexible. The length does not restrict our movement whatsoever, and we appreciate how large the four pockets are - and how one of them has a concealed zipper. Weighing in at 5.2 ounces for the size 2 we reviewed, they are light and easily worn all day without gripe. General comfort and the ability to high-step fluidly is of the best. The main setback is in the overall fit. While true to size, the material stretches and wrinkles much more readily than the others in the group. Stretching out over time yields a baggier feeling and fit, which for us isn't as comforting.
Despite the longer inseam, these shorts breathe well and provide all-day comfort.
Venting and Breathability
Scoring well above average in this metric, the soft fabric breathes well. While the length does add a tad more warmth as compared to those with shorter inseams, they vent adequately and did not feel hot for us. The moisture-wicking nylon is effective even on the hottest days. Since the waistband is just as thin as the rest of the shorts, there is no extra heat retention taking place at the abdomen, which often happens when waistbands are thicker or are lined with fancier materials (i.e., tricot).
Flexible, utilitarian, and simple, the versatility is high.
Versatility
Another high mark for the Revenna, the ability to use these shorts for activities other than hiking is intuitive. It's easy and comfortable to wear a harness for climbing. The flexibility is also a plus for climbing, cycling, or for doing whatever sport you're inspired to use them for. The perk of versatile athleticism is something we love to reward, but this metric also considers the fashion-sense of the design. With simple, subtle styling, they aren't necessarily something we'd consider as trendy, especially when they wrinkle and stay wrinkled (which is easily done from merely sitting in them). A no-brainer from one sport to the next, they, unfortunately, don't transfer well from the trail to the urban landscape as much as many other shorts do. Thankfully, this metric doesn't hold as much weight as the previous metrics do.
The material wrinkles a lot, which detracts from the styling.
Water Resistance
According to the manufacturer's description, the fabric also has a DWR (durable water repellant) treatment. During testing, however, we were unable to determine exactly how the DWR treatment plays a role in water resistance. The pair absorbs water instantly and does not classically bead as the other repellant shorts do. This inevitably scores them right along with any other average pair.
Water soaks in quickly for this pair.
Features
Having deep pockets lined with mesh, belt loops, and added sun protection (UPF 50) warrants an above-average score in Features. They dry fast enough, but not as quickly as some of the others. Still, they are technical and more than sufficient for summer day-hiking and even backpacking, even if they are on the near-minimal side of things.
All four pockets are mesh-lined and are big enough for phones. The front right pocket also has a zipper.
Value
Retailing on the higher end of the spectrum, they are of considerable quality and, thus, offer great value. The Revenna is made in Vietnam and comes with a one-year warranty.
Conclusion
With only a few key drawbacks, the Prana Revenna is otherwise one of the most outstanding pairs of shorts we've recently tested. We applaud their comfort and versatility. If only they were a tad more technical when it comes to water-resistance.
More practical than fashionable, the Prana Revenna is still one of the best we've recently tested.
— Sara Aranda