Real experts, real reviews
Men’s Stretch Zion series
Experts put prAna pants to the test
They’ve been called the multi-tool of pants. prAna Stretch Zion series pants and shorts are the ones to reach for when you don’t want to change between work and recreation.
They look nice enough to wear to work (depending on your professional dress code) or out to dinner and they’re functional enough to perform across a variety of activities and weather conditions.
In all, 47 experts put the pants to the test. Here’s what they experienced.
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Bryson Tibbitts: Stretch Zion Pant
Member since 2017 | USA Climbing
Bryson lives on and cares for a homestead in the mountains of northern Arizona. Between caring for his animals and land, climbing and hiking/backpacking, he’s “outside doing something physical quite literally every day.”
The relaxed straight cut wasn’t right for Bryson (he prefers a slimmer fit and the lower legs felt baggy), but he said they're "nice enough to wear out to dinner with friends, athletic and durable enough for camping, backpacking, climbing.”
Since he wants to keep the pants in nice enough shape for going out, Bryson said he’s not ready to mess them up too much for heavy duty yard work — yet. The pant leg openings are wide enough to fit over work boots (more room than Bryson needs), though, so once they take on a bit more wear and tear, they may graduate into being more regular work pants.
In the meantime, the Stretch Zion Pants are breathable and thin enough for hiking, stretchy and durable enough for climbing (for most rock textures) and stylish enough for wearing out to dinner.
What experts are saying
Want to see what other experts had to say? Find their reviews below.
Loves
The versatility across a range of activities was unanimously praised. Experts consistently called out the comfort, fit and design features, such as deep and functional pockets (including some with zippers) and button options to roll up and secure the pants.
Notes
The built-in waist belt got mixed reviews, with some experts appreciating its adjustability and others finding it in the way when they’d rather wear their own thicker belt.
Bottom line
Experts recommend wearing the Stretch Zion Pant for climbing, hiking, backpacking or out to eat.
Alex Ames: Stretch Zion Brion Pant
Member since 2015 | The American Alpine Club member
“It’s in the name — they’re meant to stretch and they do,” Alex said.
Alex climbs several times a week. He has longer legs and isn’t used to seeing the 34-inch inseam he needs. These prAna Brion pants gave him full coverage and great fit, without tension or restraint, and the fabric stood up to kneebars while climbing.
“It was great to get a pair of pants that both stood up to the climbing but also moved with me really well,” he added.
He lives in a generally dry climate (New Mexico) but he got some experience with water. When it rained during a 15-mile hike up Santa Fe Baldy, the material dried quickly. When wading in a lake to throw a stick to his dog, he rolled the pant legs fully out of the way. He’d expected to have to regularly adjust but the rolled pant legs stayed put.
What experts are saying
Want to see what other experts had to say? Find their reviews below.
Loves
Experts consistently called out stretch, comfort and breathability. One expert described them as “disguised performance wear,” thanks to the quick-drying capabilities and versatility (in both professional and outdoor environments but also across cool and warm weather).
Notes
Wearers suggested sizing up for those with larger thighs or a preference for a roomier fit, as the relaxed or straight cut can be tight in the thighs and rise. Others found the leg opening wider than expected.
Bottom line
Wearers described the pants as comfortable for long-term wear in both active and office settings. The pants earned frequent praise for excellent stretch and freedom of movement, especially for climbing, hiking and biking.
Sebastian Wallach: Stretch Zion 5-Pocket Shorts
Member since 2019 | Rock Solid Trail Contracting
“They’re just good shorts.”
Sebastian Wallach designs trails for mountain biking and outdoor recreation in Arkansas. Even though much of that planning happens in an office, his work takes him into the field and out into the world — as do his hobbies.
“It works out that I get to wear the same clothes to work and for fun,” he said. The Stretch Zion 5-Pocket Shorts strike the balance of outdoorsy professional.
He’s worn them hiking and on travel days, when pockets — especially deep ones with plenty of room, or one with a zipper to secure keys — come particularly in clutch.
“I’m not a designer of clothes or anything, I’m not going to be able to tell you about the fabric, really. But I understand what good gear is, because I wear the crap out of my gear,” he said. “[These] definitely check the boxes that I would expect if I’m putting down my own money on a pair of shorts like this. They’re good gear.”
What experts are saying
Want to see what other experts had to say? Find their reviews below.
Loves
Nearly everyone mentioned excellent stretch and freedom of movement in their reviews. The fabric is breathable, lightweight and dries quickly, making the shorts ideal for hot weather, sweat or water activities. Across various body types, the fit was comfortable and true to size.
Notes
Wearers suggested sizing up for those with larger thighs or a preference for a roomier fit, as the relaxed or straight cut can be tight in the thighs and rise. Others found the leg opening wider than expected.
Bottom line
These shorts are suitable for a wide range of activities. Experts wore them for hiking, yoga, fishing, gardening and bouldering.
Extra insights
Joshua Pasco has seen the prAna Stretch Zion series evolve since around 2012, from working retail and from wearing them himself. He’s worn some of his pairs for going on five or six years.
The fabric in the new Brion Pants feels “incredibly similar” to material from one of the previous generations, he said. Also similar is the cut, which Joshua called “one of the best things that prAna has done.”The whole series, he said, are great pairs of bridge pants. He’ll wear them for work meetings and social functions, on day hikes or to the local crag or bouldering gym, especially thanks to the stretch fabric, crotch gusset and pleating around the knees that give the pants more movement.
At the end of the day, he said, it’s about intended use. If you’re looking for pants for hiking, climbing, office or all of the above, the Stretch Zion series checks all boxes.