Stay Comfortable and Cool Outdoors in Queensland - Women’s Prana Stretch Zion Cargo Pants Review
I’ve never had a good pair of outdoor winter climbing pants. I always find them too techy, not techy enough, too thick, too tight around the ankles, too short, too warm for the Queensland winter, too uncomfortable with a harness - and the list goes on. So, when I had the chance to try the new Prana Zion Stretch Cargo pants, I was intrigued to take them outdoors for the weekend.
I’d read about the hype, and the lack thereof for the Zion II, and I was interested to see how the new Cargo pants would hold up for bouldering and sport climbing.
The first thing I noticed when pulling them on was just how comfortable they are. The loose fit and light, stretchy material mean they move easily over my legs, so I was as comfortable on the approach as I was high stepping on the wall. They’re also very lightweight, despite the double-layered knees and extra pockets.
Day one of the weekend was spent at Upper Slider on Mt Tibrogargan and I found the pants worked well with a harness. The big side pockets were out of the way, and the high rise meant the waistband of my harness sat separately from the waistband of the pants, something that can be annoying on long project days and multi-pitches.
Focusing on waistbands for a moment – many other hiking and climbing pants rely on an in-built belt strap at the front to keep them tight, which I find only serves to add another strap to confuse with my harness and personal anchor system. These pants close with a zip and button but have a bit of stretch in the waist and two short straps on the back to tighten them up – a far better alternative for climbers. Plus, speaking purely aesthetically, they look better!
Day two of the weekend was bouldering at Toohey Forest. It was warm for May, but the pants held up, the loose fit ensuring I never felt too hot, even when hiking pads between the boulders and trying hard on Butter Me Up. I could move freely in them on the wall and had no trouble with harder moves like high heel hooks and mantles where wearing long pants can be cumbersome.
For me, the length also worked well for climbing – I'm 170cm tall and got a size 4. If you are shorter and worry about them being a little long, the ends have an adjustable bungee cinch built into the hem to tighten them to your ankles.
Already after two weeks, I find myself repeatedly reaching for these pants when I want something comfortable for a session, both outdoors and in the gym. Have I finally found the perfect winter climbing pants? Time will tell on durability but for now I’m stoked to have them this climbing season.
Feattures & Specifications
- Fabric: 95% recycled nylon, 5% elastane
- Fit & style: High rise, straight, relaxed fit
- Drop in patch hand pockets and an extra zip pocket for small items
- 2 back patch pockets with flaps and hook and loop closures
- Cargo pockets with flaps and hook and loop closure on both sides
- Hem cinch adjuster at the ankles
- Webbing adjusters on the waistband
- Double layer fabric at the knee
The Prana Stretch Zion Cargo Pants are available online and instore now at K2.
If you’re not sure of the cut but interested in Prana pants, there are several new styles to choose from. For a thicker, boulder-specific, baggy option, try the Durado. If you like a full elastic waistband and cinched ankles, try the Kanab. And if you’re looking for pants and shorts in one, try the Stretch Zion Convertible.