Prana Stretch Zion Straight Review
Table of Contents
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For decades now, Prana has designed lifestyle clothing loved by rock climbers, hikers, and yogis. I am a huge fan of the Prana Zion line of pants. The Zion fabric stretches, breathes, and dries quickly, and I have used it as an effective, lightweight rock climbing pant.
When I first heard of the Prana Stretch Zion Straight, I became interested. This new design seems to be a new high point in Prana Pants. After getting my hands on a pair, I have put the Stretch Zion Straight to the test.
Over the course of several weeks, I have climbed, hiked, ran, stretched, and napped in the Zion Straights. These are great trousers, and I am excited to tell you all about them.
Over the course of this write-up, the Zion Straights will be closely compared to other pants in the Zion line. The Stretch Zion Straight sounds very similar to Stretch Zion. These are two different pairs of pants. To keep things simple, I will often refer to them as the “Straights”, and the “Original Stretch” respectively.
Related: Pranas are expensive, I know. If you’re looking for a much more affordable, the Wrangler Outdoor Cargo pants are almost as good as Prana Zions, for a fraction of the price. Check out our comparison between the Pranas and Wranglers here.
Style, Fit, and Comfort
In designing the Zion Straights, Prana decided to sew them into a skinny, urban wear style pant. In the past, Prana has created clothes for the septum-pierced, yoga types. The Zion Straights seem a better fit for a brewery-type environment, worn by dudes with beards and anchor tattoos.
While I rarely visit breweries, can’t grow a beard, and I don’t have any tattoos, I do prefer the more form fitting style of these pants. Sometimes, I feel goofy wearing my Original Stretch Zions out in public. The Straights are a remedy.
The fit reminds me of the Prana Axioms–a skinny jean designed for rock climbing. Unfortunately, I wore big holes in my axioms, while my Zion fabric pants are still going strong. The Straights are promising to be longer lasting.
If you’re looking for comfort, the Zion Straights are adequate. I will wear them all day with no problems. They are a little close fitting in the crotch area. Some gentlemen might feel that they are a little too tight on the…*ahem* furniture. This is not an issue on the OG Zions, or the Brions.
The Zion Straights come equipped with the deep, generous pockets-a Hallmark of Prana pant design. I’m using the term ‘Deep Pockets’ here as a reference to the size of the pockets, not how much money you could fit in them. For the record, it is possible to fit many, many dollar bills in these pockets.
I like the way they look, and I have even received compliments for wearing them. I bought my Zion Straights in a Charcoal Color, so that they don’t ever get dirty. I’m bad at doing laundry, FYI.
Durability
Durability Update 11/23/2019: After 8 months of owning these pants on long Yosemite rock climbs, trail runs, and stream crossings, I’m happy to report that The Prana Stretch Zion Straights have not shown any signs of wear.
Prana Zion pants generally get mixed reviews, and seem to be hit and miss in terms of durability. Some folks complain of poor build quality, recounting stories of pants that fall apart easily. Maybe I’ve just been lucky, but my Pranas have held up. It takes some serious trauma to put a hole in a pair of Zion pants.
I put these to the test on a 4th class Sedona Scramble. My Zion Straights were worn up chimneys, and dragged across low angle slab. After a hike, a spicy scramble, and a long rappel, there was not a scuff on these. I Feel confident that they’ll hold up to some serious adventuring.
As advertised, the Zion Straights come slathered in a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. It’s effective at first, keeping light sprays of water at bay. After a few cycles in the laundry, I’ve noticed that it washes off.
It’s a nice feature, but I find more value in the quick drying quality of the Zion fabric. So far, my Straights have been able to repel rain, some snow, and errant dish water spray.
Mobility
When I first started rock climbing, the Zion Stretch was the most recommended pant. It was an upgrade from my constricting Levis, and brought a new paradigm of mobility to my climbing game. I could now perform climbing moves that I could not before. Overnight, I went from a terrible, hopeless gumby, to a mediocre, hopeless gumby.
The Zion Straight is designed with the same mobility in mind. It is made with Prana’s classic, stretchy Zion fabric. Familiar design features, like a gusseted crotch, let climbers, yogis, and acrobats do their thing. Mr. Fantastic might wear these pants.
That being said, these pants are not quite as flexible as other offerings in the Zion line. Owing to their slim, tighter fitting design, I find them to be more constricting. For example, a deep Butterfly Stretch presents no issues while wearing the original stretch Zions, or the Brions.
In the Zion Straights, this pose is not as easy. They sort of cling to my knees and hips, limiting my mobility. It’s not a real issue. I can simply adjust the legs to fit a different position. I suppose that it is a slight tradeoff for being so dang flattering.
Rock Climbing Performance
The Zion line of pants is popular among climbers. I’m usually wearing a pair, whether at the gym, or on the rock. They’re stretchy and lightweight enough that they don’t get in the way, and they do a fair job at moderating light weather.
The Original Stretch Zions are my go to choice on multi-pitch climbs. For the Stretch Zion Straight, I don’t think that they’d perform as well. I haven’t yet worn them on a longer route, but they are nice for bouldering, and single pitch cragging. Mobile and lightweight, they will perform just as well as any other Zion climbing pants, provided they are in a calmer, possibly temperature controlled environment.
Their slim fit is not as ideal for layering, or insulation. When the wind picks up and the temps drop, I’ll opt for the Original Stretch Zions. I can fit them over a baselayer, and I find that the bagginess holds in a layer of warm air. I have been known to wear them over a pair of pajamas on exceedingly cold days.
Hiking Performance
On the trail, the Prana Zion Straights perform well. These pants are great for short day hikes, where I don’t mind their slim fit. They insulate some, breathe well, and block wind. They will dry quickly after getting wet, and can roll up into Capris. Wet, muddy hikes shouldn’t be an issue for these pants.
I wouldn’t take them on longer hikes, such as multi-day treks. For that, I’d prefer looser hiking pants or shorts. The Zion Straights work well for short trail runs, approaches to crags, or pleasant, afternoon day hikes.
I liked hiking in the Zion Straights enough to include them on my list of the Essential Gear For Any Day Hike. I’d wear the Zion Straights in any hiking environment, from the Alpine to Death Valley.
Prana Stretch Zion Straight vs. the Original Stretch Zion
| Pants | Stretch Zion Straight | Original Stretch Zion | Prana Brion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Stretch Zion Fabric | Stretch Zion Fabric | Stretch Zion Fabric |
| Fit | Straight and Slim, like tight jeans. | Standard-Baggy and Loose | Slim |
| DWR Finish? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Waistband? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cargo Pocket? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Price | $$$ | $$ | $ |
Comparing the Stretch Zion Straight to the OG Stretch Zion is not so simple. These two pants are very similar, but the small design differences between the two make each slightly ideal for different purposes. Ultimately, the decisive factor will be personal preference.
The main advantage of the Zion Straights over the OG Stretch Zions is the fit. I love my OG Stretch Zions, but I hate the way that they look. Prana felt it appropriate to design the OG Stretch Zions to be loose and baggy.
It’s a good look for when you’re out in the woods, but less so if you’re going to be out on the town. The Zion Straights, as I have mentioned, are slimmer, more flattering, and look good wherever they are used.
Both of these pants feature Zipping Hip Pockets, an integrated, cinching pull belt, converting snaps, and a DWR finish. All things being equal, the Zion Straights are my preferred pair of pants. They are simply more versatile.
Though both pants are great for hiking and climbing, I think I’d prefer the OG Stretch Zions for longer trips. As the less constricting pant, they have better, longer term comfort. If my Zion Straights stretch out more, I may change my opinion.
Zion Straights Vs. The Prana Brion
The Prana Brion is another popular pant in the Zion line. Compared to the Original Stretch Zions, the Brions lack the integrated pull belt, and the zip cargo hip pocket, instead opting for a slimmer fit. Essentially, the Brions are slimmed down, minimalist version of the OG Stretch Zions.
My pair of Brions is well worn. I’ve put them through the ringer on numerous hikes, trail runs, and rock climbs. They look better than the Stretch Zions (most pants look better than the Stretch Zions), and I have no problem with wearing them around town.
Occasionally, I find their missing hip pocket to be inconvenient. The additional pocket is a great feature for when I want to stow away small items for safe keeping. For me, the main drawback of the Brion is the missing pull belt.
An integrated cinching pull belt is very convenient for keeping my waist belt snug and comfortable. I don’t always like having to wear a separate belt under a harness, or on a hike.
I much prefer Zion Straights over the Prana Brion. The Zion Straight combines the best features of the Brions, and the OG Stretch Zions into one pant. They have a better fit, and their utility means that I don’t need to drag along an extra belt.
That being said, the Prana Brions are a little looser, offering a greater range of motion. On longer climbing days, the Brions may prove to be a little more comfortable, with more freedom of movement.
In the Hierarchy of Prana pants, the Zion Straights, and the OG Zion Stretches are just about equal. Both are superior to the Brion. I’ve supplied a small comparison chart to help you make your decision.
Overall Rating
Pros
- Stretchy, quick drying, and breathable
- Comes equipped with an adjustable waist belt, and side cargo hip pocket.
- Slim, straight cut looks good as urban wear.
- Great Choice for Hiking, Climbing, and Yoga.
Cons
- The Straights are a little bit more constricting than other Zion pants, and are thus a little less flexible.
- More expensive than other pants in the Zion line.
I give them a 4.5/5!
Overall, the Prana Stretch Zion Straight gets a solid A-. These pants excel in nearly every metric, and are made with the same care and quality that people have come to expect from Prana. These pants are durable, dry quickly, breathable, and allow for a wide range of motion. They look good, and are the perfect crag-to-street pant.
I am docking a few points for fit. Sometimes, if I bend over, or I squat down, the back waist will dip ever so slightly. I don’t want to feel like I’m flashing a plumber’s crack to the whole world. Other than that, these pants fit nice and comfortably.
The Zion Straights integrate all the best parts of the Zion line. They combine the utility of the Zion Stretch, with an improved fit over the Prana Brion. In this case, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Thanks to the designers at Prana, the Straights improve on the design, making for a better pant overall.
These are the best all around pants. They’ll do everything, with little compromise. Other pants, like the Stretch Zions, are better for backpacking trips, and long climbing days. For a slightly higher price tag, though, the Zion Straight brings more versatility to the table.
Buy the Prana Zion Straight
The Prana Zion Straight can be purchased wherever stretchy pants are sold. Here’s some links to help you find your pair.
Stretch Zion Straight Pant – Men’s regularly $88.95 on sale $59.99
Check Out the Prana Stretch Zion Straight on Moosejaw!
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