The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of outdoor gear

Prana Revenna Review

Pure comfort and high function with subtle style.
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Price:  $70 List
Pros:  Comfortable, breathable, versatile
Cons:  Stretches out, wrinkles easily
Manufacturer:   Prana
By Sara Aranda ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 21, 2019
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78
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#2 of 12
  • Comfort and Mobility - 35% 9
  • Venting and Breathability - 20% 8
  • Versatility - 15% 8
  • Water Resistance - 15% 5
  • Features - 15% 7

Our Verdict

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!


Compare to Similar Products

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This Product
Prana Revenna
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award  Best Buy Award 
Price $70 List$39.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers		$49.97 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers		$19.98 at Amazon$26.22 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
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Star Rating
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Pros Comfortable, breathable, versatileTrendy, comfortable, lightweightUltralight, versatile, stylishComfortable, stretchy, longAffordable, water resistant, breathable
Cons Stretches out, wrinkles easilyShorter inseam, no water resistanceLack of stretch in waistband, not as comfortableOnly one pocket, not the most flatteringUnnecessary belt, small cargo pockets
Bottom Line Pure comfort and high function with subtle style.A highly comfortable, performance-based hiking short.A very technical pair of long shorts with added style.Boldly athletic, these shorts are lengthy and comfortable.Functional and fun, these shorts cover all the basics.
Rating Categories Prana Revenna Aphrodite 2.0 Short Arc'teryx Sabria Back Beauty Long Sport Sandy River Cargo
Comfort And Mobility (35%)
10
0
9
10
0
10
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
8
Venting And Breathability (20%)
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
7
10
0
9
Versatility (15%)
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
9
10
0
7
10
0
5
Water Resistance (15%)
10
0
5
10
0
5
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
7
Features (15%)
10
0
7
10
0
5
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
6
Specs Prana Revenna Aphrodite 2.0 Short Arc'teryx Sabria Back Beauty Long... Sandy River Cargo
Weight (in oz) 5.2 oz 4.4 oz 4.4 oz 5.4 oz 5.1 oz
Material 95% Nylon, 5% Spandex 95% nylon, 5% elastane Fortius DW 1.0 (87% nylon, 13% elastane) OMNI-SHADE and OMNI-SHIELD 89% polyester, 11% elastane Max Lite double weave OMNI SHADE 100% nylon Perfecta Plus II
Water Resistance DWR treatment None (Flashdry-XD quick-dry) Minimal Omni-Shield repellency Perfecta Plus II quick-dry
Sizing (waist, length options) 0 - 14, 5" or 7" inseam XS - XXL, 4" or 6" inseam 00 - 14, 8.75" inseam XS - XL XS - XL
Sun Protection Yes, UPF 50 No No Yes, UPF 50 Yes, UPF 30
Convertible, or option available? No No No No No
Pockets 4 3 2 1 4
Waist Strap/Fasten Two metal snaps, zipper fly, internal drawstring Elastic waistband with drawstring Elastic waistband, internal drawstring Elastic waistband Elastic waistband with plastic snap and zipper fly, optional belt
Other Features Ripstop fabric, one pocket with zipper, belt loops Flashdry-XD quick-dry fabric, triple needle stitch for durability, zip stash pocket Gussetted crotch, pockets on thigh with zippers and mesh Elastic, athetic, contoured fit, one stash pocket Zip cargo stash-pocket, quick-dry nylon fabric
Warranty One Year Warranty Limited Lifetime Warranty Limited Warranty One Year Good Faith Guarantee One Year Good Faith Guarantee

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More practical than fashionable, the Prana Revenna is still one of the best we've recently tested.


— Sara Aranda