Bottom Line
The prAna Stretch Zion II shorts have a great balance of style and durability. The fabric is stretchy, easy to move in, and thick yet breathable. These shorts are a bit on the heavy and bulky side, but those going for utility will like that the Zions offer a ton of secure storage without feeling or looking frumpy like some other cargo shorts. These crowd favorites are an awesome value since they’re comfortable, they have a built-in belt for dialing in the fit on long hikes, and they can be worn for pretty much any occasion.
Quick Specs
Men’s prAna Stretch Zion II
Best Value Hiking Shorts
CleverHiker Rating: 79.8/100
Price: $75
Weight: 9.7 oz.
Inseam: 8 in. / 10 in. / 12 in.
Pros
- Very durable
- Great value
- Stretchy
- Stylish
- Built-in belt
- Versatile
Cons
- A bit heavy
- A bit bulky
Comfort
The PrAna Stretch Zion II Shorts are some of our favorite hiking shorts when it comes to comfort and feel. From the built-in belt to the varied inseam options, these classic shorts work great hiking all day on the trail and then heading into town for a bite to eat. They are more relaxed and moved with us easily when we tested them on a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.
They come in a 12”, 10”, and 8” inseam depending on your preference. The material is composed of 95% recycled nylon and 5% elastane, which means they are stretchy enough that we never felt inhibited. The elastane provides 4-way stretch, and a webbing-adjustable waistband means you can tighten and loosen these as needed. They were great to wear hiking and heading out for a happy hour in town.
Durability
We tested the recycled nylon fabric off-trail in overgrown wooded areas and it held up well. The material also provides moisture wicking and sun protection as it is rated UPF 50+.
Some reviews in our research reported pilling, but we’ve not seen that in our testing. This pair has a reinforced mobility gusset for added strength along with a mitered pocket corner, which helps keep out dirt.
Features
Several features are unique to the PrAna Stretch Zions, one of the main ones is the webbing-adjustable waistband. It’s not a full built-in belt, but it feels like one. The band can be pulled as tight as you need to ensure the shorts stay in place. There are still belt loops, but the waistband stays tight so you don’t have to wear one. There are two side pockets and two back patch pockets with a flap on the right side. There is also one zipper cargo pocket with a top and side entry for double entry on the left thigh.
In testing, we carried my paper maps in this pocket and we loved how easy it was to access and pull them out while on the trail. The shorts have a concealed zipper coin pocket in the back as well that includes an elastic loop for keys. PrAna also improved on the Zion design with a new low-profile plastic closure on the pants that is flat so waist belts on backpacks don’t rub against it.
Dry Time
These shorts do not dry as quickly as some other hiking short options but they still dry quickly. When we tested them we soaked them with a hose and they absorbed the water but dried in around an hour in the sun. This material is heavier when wet than the average fabric, however, for light rain it’s not a problem.
If you are hiking in a rainforest or jumping in waterfalls, these won’t be the best quick-drying option. We have worn these shorts on the Colorado Trail and hiking in summer monsoons was no problem. they always dry out quickly in the sun.
Weight & Packability
The PrAna Stretch Zion II is 9.7 ounces, making it a mid-weight hiking short. It’s by no means heavy, but it’s not ultralight either. In testing these it was nice to have a material that was a bit heftier to protect against branches and burrs.
We hiked off-trail in Colorado and found that they were never too heavy. The mesh-lined pockets and a ventilated inseam cut out weight as well while adding some breathability. Overall these hiking shorts hit a sweet spot with weight and protection/durability.
Should You Buy the prAna Stretch Zion II?
These hiking shorts are near the top of our list for a reason: they check almost all the boxes. From durability to robust pockets and a useful integrated belt, these hiking shorts work great on day hikes as well as longer backpacking trips.
They are not the lightest shorts and they don’t dry as quickly as some more swimsuit-style options. However, for all-around hiking shorts, they are hard to beat.
What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?
If you’re considering the PrAna Stretch Zion II, you might also want to look at some of our other favorite hiking shorts for men:
Kuhl Renegade Rock Shorts Review: Like the PrAna Stretch Zion II shorts, the Renegade Rock Shorts are durable, relatively lightweight, and have ample pockets and features. They also are great for casual wear around town and durable enough to last for years.
Patagonia Quandary Review: The Patagonia Quandary hiking shorts are very similar to the PrAna Stretch Zion IIs in most respects. It has similar pockets and offers a stretchier hiking shorts option. It also looks good on and off trail, and is comfortable and lightweight. The Patagonia Quandary will dry quicker than the Zions and is a bit lighter.
