Bottom Line
The prAna Stretch Zion Cargo Shorts have a lot to offer. 2-way stretch, adjustable waist cinches, UPF 50 rated durable material, and five deep pockets (our favorite by far being the unique slanted side zippered pocket) all contribute to a high-functioning pair of shorts.
However, as the name suggests, these aren’t best for wet outings. On some coastal hikes, we quickly learned that the fabric lacks any quick-dry properties and has limited breathability. While they are advertised as moisture-wicking, we weren’t impressed while getting sweaty hiking. Their performance was even less impressive after submerging them in a creek midway. They absorbed a significant amount of water and were no longer comfortable. Again, these are best suited for arid environments.
These cargo shorts are also advertised as high-rise; however, we find these to be more of an ultra high-rise fit. For us, the waist settles over our belly button. The crotch is also slightly bulky, but it does not restrict any movement when high-stepping, squatting, and bending.
How We Tested
Our gear analyst tested these hiking shorts while exploring California state parks in the early summer. She traversed a variety of terrain, including hot and exposed rocky sections, forests, and overgrown trails, all of which provided excellent feedback for the shorts’ breathability, durability, and functionality. She also submerged them in a creek to test their performance when wet and to see how long it took them to completely dry.
Quick Specs
prAna Zion Cargo Shorts
Best Classic High-Waisted Hiking Shorts
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $78
Weight: 7.3 oz.
Inseam: 3 or 5 in
UPF Rating: 50+
Fabric: Nylon, elastane
Pockets: 5
Pros
- Waist cinch works well
- Angled zippered side pocket is super functional
- 2-way stretch material
- UPF 50+ fabric
Cons
- Ultra high-waisted, stiff crotch
- Not as breathable as some
- Long dry time
- Not at all water-resistant, clingy when wet
- Back pockets aren't easy to use
Comfort
After hiking through a variety of terrain and high-stepping, squatting, and bending, we got a good feel for the comfort of the Stretch Zion Cargo shorts. The soft material is made with a 2-way stretch, which allows for freedom of movement without pinching or chafing. However, these shorts are much higher-waisted than we expected.
The design has the shorts sitting above our belly button. Depending on personal preference, this could be a very comfortable style, though we find it to feel a bit excessive. The crotch design is also stiffer and bulkier, and it pooches out when sitting. However, it does not affect the range of motion, and we were still able to move around on our hike without restrictions.
Due to the higher waist and slightly thicker material, the shorts don’t feel as breathable as others in our lineup. On hot and exposed terrain in 80-degree weather, we were getting sweaty and noticed that the shorts were not as moisture-wicking as advertised.
Durability
These shorts are very durable, with no signs of wear and tear after hiking through rocky terrain, overgrown trails, and past pokey tree branches. After submerging the shorts in water, we squeezed excess water out of the material; the shorts easily handled being wrung out, stuffed, and rolled.
The zippers and pockets all appear to have reinforced stitching. The fabric feels slightly thicker than others in our lineup and is of high quality. prAna also rates the Zion Cargo shorts as UPF 50+, which reinforces that these are for sunny and dry climates. When machine washing, prAna suggests washing with like colors and inside out.
Features
These shorts have some excellent, unique, and valuable features. The webbing cinches on either side of the waist allow for an easy, simple, and quick way to customize and adjust the fit. We love how the cinches are placed on the sides, rather than the front of the waist. This design is less bulky, more flattering, and offers more adjustability.
We also love the deep front hand pockets. Our favorite pocket of them all is the unique slanted side zippered pocket. It is the perfect pocket for holding heavier items, like a phone. The design magically holds bulky things without any material chafing, sagging, or discomfort. The pocket slant gives easy access as well. We wish more shorts and pants would have pockets designed like this! The back pockets left us a bit disappointed. The envelope design and zippers aren’t as convenient or accessible to open and close in a pinch.
Dry Time
These are some thirsty shorts! The Zion’s absorb water wholly and without delay, like a dehydrated hiker in the desert. Also, once they are wet, the material turns into a stage five clinger, which is a bummer. We find that it is best to take them off and wring them out after wetting them on hikes.
Another letdown is their dry time. After a hike that gave them ample time to air dry, the shorts were still sopping wet once we got back to the car. We had to lay them out overnight in her house so that they could fully dry. For a hiking short, this dry time is disappointing, making it not ideal for adventures with the potential for inclement weather, swimming holes, and significant sweat.
Weight & Packed Size
At just over 7 ounces, the Zion Cargo shorts in the 5” length are on the heavier side of other products in our lineup. However, the shorts only feel noticeably heavier when saturated with sweat or water. While the material may just be slightly thicker than some other shorts we recommend, the majority of the extra weight comes from the ultra high-rise, which requires more of its durable material.
The shorts are easy to fold, roll up, or stuff into a day pack. They are a bit bulkier than some of the athletic shorts in our lineup due to the waist cinches, zippered pockets, and stiffer crotch design. However, we didn’t find that this significantly affected their packability ranking.
Should You Buy the prAna Stretch Zion Cargo Hiking Shorts?
These prAna stretch zion cargo shorts are a great pick for those embarking on casual adventures or trail to town escapades, where getting wet or excessively sweaty is not on the itinerary. For those who prefer high-rise shorts, these could be the perfect fit, as they have the highest waist of all the shorts in our lineup. The durability, UPF-rated material, pockets, and waist cinches are also excellent features that significantly add to the value of the shorts.
However, due to the reduced breathability in the material and slow dry time, those looking for shorts to take on hot and humid trails or for bottoms that can also be used in the water will want to check out other recommendations in our gear guide. Further, if you find that high-waisted styles are uncomfortable, these prAna shorts will not be your go-to favorite due to their ultra high-rise.
Overall, these are an excellent option for your outdoor wardrobe if you don’t mind their unique fit and lack of water repellency and quick dry properties.
What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?
If the prAna Stretch Zion Cargo Shorts are not quite what you are looking for or if you would like to compare them to other products before purchasing, take a look at our full women’s hiking shorts gear guide for other top-notch and high-performing products for the trail.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Review: These shorts will be more breathable and quick-drying than the prAna Stretch Zion Cargo, however, the adjustable belt loop in the front will be bulkier and less functional than prAna’s side waist cinches.
Patagonia Quandary Review: The Quandary shorts are another durable option to consider – they come in longer lengths and the fabric is also made with DWR for water resistance. They use an internal drawcord instead of waist cinches and are not as high-waisted as the prAna Stretch Zion Cargo.
Kuhl Freeflex Cargo Shorts Review: These shorts come in the longest option at 10,” are UPF rated and have a DWR coating. They have many pockets, however we still prefer the slanted side zippered pocket on the prAna shorts.
