Best Hiking Pants · #9
Stretch Zion II
Prana
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The climber's pant that became the hiker's pant. Roll-up cuffs and a real belt.
Pros
- Exceptional stretch and freedom of movement
- Highly durable and abrasion-resistant ReZion fabric
- Integrated belt and roll-up cuffs for versatility
- Good breathability and quick-drying properties
- Versatile style transitions from trail to town
Cons
- Not the lightest option for ultralight enthusiasts
- DWR treatment eventually requires reapplication
- Can be warm in extreme hot and humid conditions
Best uses
- Hiking and backpacking
- Rock climbing and bouldering
- Travel and adventure touring
- Casual everyday wear
Specifications
- Material
- ReZion (Recycled Nylon Stretch Blend)
- Sustainability
- bluesign approved
- Fit
- Standard
- Pockets
- 5 (including dual cargo)
- Waistband
- Integrated Adjustable Belt
- Leg Features
- Roll-up Snaps
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Hiking and backpacking, Rock climbing and bouldering, Travel and adventure touring, Casual everyday wear
Where to buy the Stretch Zion II
Prices and stock change often, so check the current Amazon offer before you buy.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Prana Stretch Zion II pants have carved out a significant niche among outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who value unrestricted movement and thoughtful design. Initially gaining traction with climbers for their exceptional stretch and durability, they quickly became a favorite for hikers, backpackers, and casual adventurers. These pants represent a refinement of their already popular predecessor, the original Zion, maintaining the core strengths while making subtle improvements in fit and fabric. They strike an impressive balance between technical performance and everyday wearability, avoiding the overly tactical look of some hiking apparel. For many, the Zion II is more than just a piece of gear; it's a versatile companion that transitions seamlessly from trail to town, proving its worth through consistent comfort and resilience. This enduring popularity isn't accidental; it's the result of Prana's commitment to creating gear that stands up to the demands of an active lifestyle without sacrificing style or practicality. The Stretch Zion II embodies a philosophy of functional elegance, making them a go-to choice for a wide spectrum of outdoor pursuits.
Construction and Materials
The Stretch Zion II is built from Prana's proprietary ReZion fabric, a blend of recycled nylon and spandex. This material is the cornerstone of the pant's performance, offering significant four-way stretch that allows for a full range of motion, crucial for scrambling over rocks or navigating steep inclines. Beyond its flexibility, ReZion is notably durable, standing up well to abrasion from rough surfaces and trailside encounters. It also incorporates a PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) finish, providing a respectable level of water resistance for light rain or splashes. The stitching is robust, with reinforced stress points, suggesting these pants are made to withstand years of active use. The hardware, including the integrated buckle and snaps for the roll-up cuffs, feels solid and reliable, avoiding the flimsy feel sometimes found in lighter-weight alternatives.
Real-World Performance
Out on the trail, the Zion II performs admirably across a variety of conditions. The fabric's stretch is immediately noticeable, providing comfort during long strides or high steps. Breathability is good for a pant of its weight, preventing excessive heat buildup in moderate temperatures. When the weather warms up, the roll-up cuff feature is genuinely useful, allowing for quick conversion to a capri-like length, enhancing ventilation and keeping pant legs out of mud. The integrated belt is a simple but effective design choice, offering a secure fit without the bulk of a traditional belt under a backpack hip belt. Pockets are well-placed and functional, with the zippered cargo pocket being particularly handy for securing a phone or map. While not designed for extreme cold, they layer well over baselayers, extending their versatility into cooler shoulder seasons.
Weight and Packability
These pants are not the absolute lightest option on the market, but they strike a good balance for their intended use. For multi-day trips, they won't weigh down a pack excessively, and their quick-drying nature means they can be washed and dried relatively easily on the trail. While they don't pack down to an incredibly tiny footprint like some ultralight options, their moderate bulk is a trade-off for their durability and feature set. They retain their shape well after being compressed in a pack, emerging relatively wrinkle-free, which adds to their appeal for travel or mixed-use trips where you might want to look presentable off the trail.
Durability and Longevity
The Prana Stretch Zion II's reputation for durability is well-earned. The ReZion fabric is inherently tough, resisting snags and tears far better than many lighter-weight technical fabrics. Users consistently report that these pants hold up through extensive abuse, from bushwhacking to rock climbing, with minimal signs of wear. The DWR treatment, while not permanent, holds up for a reasonable period and can be refreshed. Fading is minimal even after numerous washes, and the integrity of the seams and hardware remains intact. This longevity is a significant factor in their value proposition, as they are an investment that will likely serve you well for many seasons to come, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Who These Pants Are For
The Stretch Zion II is an excellent choice for the hiker, climber, or traveler who needs a versatile, durable, and comfortable pant that can handle a wide range of activities and environments. They excel for those who appreciate unrestricted movement and thoughtful features like the integrated belt and roll-up cuffs. If your adventures often blend strenuous activity with casual exploration, and you prefer a single pant that can do it all without looking overly technical, these are a strong contender. They are particularly well-suited for anyone needing reliable performance on varied terrain, from local day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips, and appreciate the added sustainability of recycled materials. They offer a 'set it and forget it' confidence, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than your gear.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best hiking pants that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
Stretch Zion II — frequently asked questions
- Is the Stretch Zion II worth it?
- We rank it #9 in Best Hiking Pants. The climber's pant that became the hiker's pant. Roll-up cuffs and a real belt.
- What is the Stretch Zion II best for?
- Best for hiking and backpacking, rock climbing and bouldering, travel and adventure touring and casual everyday wear. Standouts: exceptional stretch and freedom of movement and highly durable and abrasion-resistant rezion fabric.
- What are the downsides of the Stretch Zion II?
- Not the lightest option for ultralight enthusiasts, DWR treatment eventually requires reapplication and Can be warm in extreme hot and humid conditions.
- What are the key specs of the Stretch Zion II?
- Material: ReZion (Recycled Nylon Stretch Blend) · Sustainability: bluesign approved · Fit: Standard · Pockets: 5 (including dual cargo) · Waistband: Integrated Adjustable Belt
- Construction and Materials — what should I know about the Stretch Zion II?
- The Stretch Zion II is built from Prana's proprietary ReZion fabric, a blend of recycled nylon and spandex. This material is the cornerstone of the pant's performance, offering significant four-way stretch that allows for a full range of motion, crucial for scrambling over rocks or navigating steep inclines.
- Real-World Performance — what should I know about the Stretch Zion II?
- Out on the trail, the Zion II performs admirably across a variety of conditions. The fabric's stretch is immediately noticeable, providing comfort during long strides or high steps.
Compare side by side
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