prAna Stretch Zion Convertible

Super comfortable and stylish pants. Recommended for pretty much everyone!

After multiple attempts at finding a great-fitting pair of hiking pants, I finally came across some reviews on the Prana Stretch Zion Convertible pants that helped me make up my mind that these were the pants I wanted.  However, I wasn't able to find a pair in any of my local stores, and the $85-90 pricetag gave me pause on purchasing them without trying them on. 

But, after a few months of checking on some of the stores online, I finally came across a prior year closeout deal for only $45 for a pair of ginger-colored pants (think golden yellow), and I decided to give them a shot.

When they arrived, I was sold! The 32-waist, 34-length felt nearly perfect. As a reference, I'm approximately 6 feet, 175 pounds, athletic build. The waist was a perfect fit, and the integrated cinch/belt allowed me to adjust slightly as needed. The length was slightly long, but the cut of the leg openings kept the back of the pants from dragging on the ground when wearing hiking shoes/boots. Plus, I prefer pants to be a bit long rather than a bit short (which I was concerned the 32-length would have been...).  

I noticed a slightly irritating rubbing on the inside seem of the convertible zip pants. I turned the pants inside out and noticed the end of the zipper fabric (the 1/2" or so wide fabric that all zippers come with on either side of the actual zipper, that gets sewn to the garment) was stiff and sticking out a bit and irritating my leg. A quick little snip with some scissors has completely resolved this issue without compromising the pants.

The loose cut of these pants, coupled with a very nice-feeling, stretchy fabric, makes these pants super comfortable for long hikes, as well as long sits at the office or in the car driving to my next adventure. The fabric has a nice weight/thickness to it to makes it feel more durable and higher-end. However, this same thickness probably reduces the breathability a bit.

There are a few small holes in the crotch of the garment designed to help aid in the breathability; however, in hot conditions they still warm up. Not necessary significantly hotter than other hiking pants I've worn, but they certainly don't stay super cool. However, this is were some of the versatility of these convertible pants comes in. 

When the temperature climbs too high, the lower legs zip off to aid in comfort. Perhaps the best feature of these convertible pants over pretty much all other hiking convertible pants that I've seen: the longer inseam length of the shorts. I much prefer to keep my thighs covered to the top of the knees, and these shorts hit that length pretty much perfectly, unlike most other hiking shorts that seem to run 2-3 inches shorter. Another win for Prana here! 

In my mind, hiking pants are not worth considering if they don't have a cargo pocket or two. Luckily for me, these pants have two; one on each thigh. A cool little feature is that there are two zippers on each pocket; one on the top (like you'd expect), and one on the side that can easily be used to access the pocket while seated. A nice feature I haven't used much, but I've appreciated each time that I have used it.

I've now (as of 3/29/18) owned these pants for two years, and don't see any sign of wear. Most of my use has been in the evenings after work, or on the weekends around the house, with a handful of hikes and camping trips.  I've not worn them out hiking/camping/backpacking as much as I'd like up to this point, but they are usually the first pair of pants I consider when heading out.

Been searching for the perfect pair of backpacking convertible pants and I've found them!

I've been searching for the perfect pair of COMFORTABLE convertible backpacking pants for years. My biggest complaint has always been elastic waistbands totally rubbing my hips raw under my hip belt. If the weather is foul for board shorts and I wear pants I end up bloody.

My girlfriend found a pair of awesome Columbia stretch convertible pants that were perfect but they don't make them for men? I only found them in long pants (not convertible) which doesn't work for me. I don't want to pack anything extra. 1 pair of do it all convertible pants is all I want. I really loved the stretch. My North Face waist haters are so tough but make it a struggle to go uphill because they don't give at all.

After lots of research I discovered these Prana stretch Zion convertible pants. I shy'd away from them for a while because they were so expensive. I finally received a 20% REI coupon and bought them online (and another bloody rainy fall trip that made me want to burn my North Face pants). Really, the scars are still there 5 months later.

These Pranas are the best!!!!

Sooooo comfy!

The waistband is seamless! No discomfort at all from my hip belt.

They move freely with every movement. 

I put them through the test in Joshua Tree climbing boulders, sitting on rough boulders, snagging desert plants cross country hiking, and they survived three nights of 30+mph winds and rain.

I hope they never stop making these because whenever I need a new pair these are the only ones I will ever wear again.

I really love the attention to detail.

There is a little hidden zip pocket by the regular front pocket for chap stick.

The cargo pockets have dual entry! What? Yes! You can access your cargo pockets from the top OR the side facing the front (which becomes the top when you are sitting down) GENIUS!!!!

The back pockets don't have any buttons, Velcro, or zippers so don't put your wallet or anything important there. 

When the legs are zipped off to cargo shorts they are a little long.

Don't know if they were going for the capri look or if there's some back country function I haven't learned yet. 

They kept me cool on long desert hikes and warm on windy cold wet nights.

And they come in different lengths, not just waist sizes!

It also has an adjustable belt in case I burn my beer belly off (or drink lots of beer and need to let them out)

Thanks, Prana! And my waist thanks you too! 

Perfect hiking pant.

Probably my favorite piece of gear that I've owned for hiking. About as comfortable as a pair of pants get—lightweight, protection from wind and rain. They adjust at the waist with an easy pull when you're shedding weight on the trail. Stretch in all the right places.

I own the convertible option, but a lot of times keep them as pants even in warmer environments because the breath-ability is outstanding. On the flip size, I've worn them in the winter for hikes or yard work and was plenty warm. Very versatile. I also think they're stylish enough to go out on the town.

Have owned my current pair for about three years, with them getting a ton of use. Without a doubt will replace with the same product as I find it would be hard to top. A little salty at $80, but worth it for the durability.