Prana Clothing: Review of One of My Favorite Travel Gear Brands

Prana Clothing: Review of One of My Favorite Travel Gear Brands

There are several travel and outdoor gear brands that primarily cater to women due to their focus on yoga wear. However, this does not mean that they do not have offerings for both genders. This is particularly true for Prana (or prAna as they prefer to spell it).

Personally, I possess a total of 18 pairs of travel pants spread across two countries, along with twice as many travel shirts. Recently, my packing routine has become much simpler because over half of the clothing items I pack are from prAna. These pants are incredibly versatile and can be worn for various activities such as hiking, exploring city streets, or attending conferences. Having travel clothing that serves multiple purposes makes it significantly easier to pack light when necessary.

Initially, I had only tried a couple of prAna items, despite my wife, who is a yoga and Pilates instructor, constantly urging me to explore their gear when I was running the Practical Travel Gear site. However, I eventually had the opportunity to connect with them at a travel bloggers event and later became an official ambassador, which grants me a generous discount. As a result, these clothing items have steadily climbed to the top of my list of favorites.

In the image above, I am showcasing some new items: Sustainer corduroy pants perfect for cool evenings, and a Hampstead long-sleeve shirt made from sustainable hemp. The pants fit well and the shirt felt comfortable even before washing, unlike some hemp shirts that can feel scratchy. The fabric is quick-drying and naturally resistant to bacteria, making it ideal for travel without worrying about odors. Additionally, it is made from 54% recycled hemp, making it doubly eco-friendly.

On the other hand, my wife is sporting a prAna yoga outfit consisting of a Zawn top and Zawn leggings, which are versatile enough to wear beyond yoga sessions. They embody the athleisure trend without sacrificing style. She particularly appreciates the leggings' pockets, which are spacious enough to hold a smartphone on one side and a passport on the other. This has now become her go-to airport outfit.

Prana Pants Are Great for Travel

Having spent over six years writing weekly travel gear and clothing reviews, as well as extensively testing various brands in the field, I can confidently say that I know which ones are worth investing in. These Stretch Zion pants have become a staple in my travel bag for every adventure trip, and for good reason. The cut, color, and features of these pants make them a top choice.

Unlike many travel pants that have a "swishy" sound when you walk, these pants, made of 97% nylon, have a softer feel thanks to their Zion fabric. Additionally, they offer a bit of stretch, courtesy of the Spandex blend, which is perfect for hiking. Moreover, these pants are treated with DWR to repel stains, ensuring they stay looking fresh.

Prana TRAVEL CLOTHING
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One of the standout features of these pants is the abundance of pockets. They provide ample storage space for all your essentials, eliminating the need for carrying a bag or pack during the day. Furthermore, some of the pockets are equipped with zippers, offering added security and deterring pickpockets, especially in urban environments. The snaps on the bottom of the pants allow you to roll them up for traversing streams or simply to cool off.

If you prefer a slim fit, like the one shown in the photo, opt for the "straight" version of these pants, unless you have legs like tree trunks. These pants are a perfect blend of style, functionality, and durability, making them a must-have for any adventure seeker.

I was so impressed with the Stretch Zion pants that I decided to purchase another pair later on. However, I then came across the Brion pants which offer the same fantastic fit but have a slightly less casual appearance. These pants don't have cargo pockets, but they are made from the same stretchy and water-resistant fabric. They are suitable for business conferences and won't hinder your movements if you want to engage in any physical activities. I was so pleased with them that I ended up buying another pair, which made me realize that I didn't really need to pack any other brands. The Brion pants are versatile enough to be worn with a sportcoat or dress shirt for a meeting, yet durable enough to withstand a week of travel before needing to be washed.

I rarely bring blue jeans when I travel because they tend to be heavy and take up a lot of space. However, I do own a pair of organic cotton prAna jeans that are lighter than the average jeans and have a slight stretch to them. I don't usually wear them when flying, but I do bring them along when I'm traveling by car. Despite being worn for three years now, they still look great. If you're interested, you can check out the Bridger and Hillgard options for men or explore the women's section for their choices.

When it comes to women's travel pants, my wife typically dislikes them. However, she does wear them when necessary, especially during trips that involve a lot of hiking. Nevertheless, she is quite fond of the Winter Hallena Pants because they not only flatter her figure but also provide ample mobility. Additionally, these pants have a thin lining that keeps her legs warm, making them the perfect choice for our upcoming trip to Patagonia next year.

On the other hand, the latest prAna pants that I recently acquired are made from their innovative recycled nylon ReZion fabric. This fabric has significantly enhanced their sustainability record (refer to the details below). As soon as I received these pants, I found myself wearing them everywhere - be it at a conference, a Vegas nightclub, during long drives on Route 66, or even on two hikes in Arizona. In fact, I even wore the Alameda Pants during our visit to the lava fields at Sunset Crater, pairing them with the Watchtower Hoody that I'm absolutely loving as well.

Several of the pants styles are also available as prAna shorts, so if you're a fan of the pants, make sure to browse through the shorts section. You might come across something similar that's perfect for hot weather. By the way, I'm excited to bring along my Alameda shorts on my upcoming trip to the scorching city of Merida next week.

Prana Shirts for Travelers

As is the case with any apparel brand, certain styles of clothing come and go. The organic cotton Broderick short sleeve shirt, which I am wearing in the previous photo by the waterfall, is no longer available. However, it remains one of my personal favorites to wear casually around town. This shirt is incredibly soft, comfortable, and has the perfect length when untucked.

Similarly, I also own a cotton long-sleeve shirt from the same brand that has been replaced by newer designs. Since most of us don't have access to a dryer while traveling, I usually pack one or two cotton shirts when I know I'll need to look presentable at some point. This way, if necessary, I can easily iron them in a nice hotel. Unlike a regular dress shirt, the cotton prAna shirts are versatile enough to transition into travel shirts for the remainder of the trip.

Prana Shirts for Travelers
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Prana offers a variety of quick-dry, low-wrinkle travel shirts, with a focus on warm-weather options like the Garvan or polo shirts. The Sutherlin shirt, made from a blend of organic cotton and recycled synthetics, features back venting and two spacious chest pockets suitable for sunglasses.

Explore all available options and enjoy a 10% discount on your first purchase when ordering directly.

Discover a range of stylish men's clothing from prAna, appealing to women as well. Additionally, the Bryce Bluff Dress is a versatile option for various occasions, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Prana dresses provide a sophisticated look without the bulkiness of packing or being overly formal.

Browse these items and more on the user-friendly Prana website, or shop online at REI, Zappos, or Moosejaw for a wide selection.

A Final Note: Prana Sustainability Practices

If you decide to explore any of the links provided above, you will notice that prAna's products typically range in price from $45 to $120, unless they are on sale. While they do offer a few gift items priced under $50, these are usually accessories such as scarves, hats, or t-shirts. The quality and durability of their products are reflected in the price, and they also offer a straightforward return policy: "If you are not satisfied with your purchase, we are happy to provide a refund or exchange."

However, this is only part of the story.

Choosing to prioritize sustainability over cost-effectiveness is not a common practice in the apparel industry. It is often overlooked that the industry's practices are harmful to the environment. In addition to the excessive use of chemicals, water, and fossil-fueled energy in fabric production, the raw materials themselves can be laden with toxins, such as pesticides in cotton or microplastics in fleece. Furthermore, there are labor concerns in some Asian sweatshops.

Despite these challenges, some companies have taken a stand and are committed to producing their products in the most sustainable way possible. This commitment gives me confidence in supporting them and wearing their products. It all begins with their eco-friendly packaging, completely free of plastic. Here is how my recent order was delivered:

PrAna's commitment to sustainability shines through in their clothing practices, which involve the use of organic cotton, recycled synthetic materials, recycled hemp, animal welfare, transparent labor practices, and bluesign production. Their motto, "Clothing for a positive change," is evident throughout their office, influencing their choices. Remember their message when considering the price tag: 

"Start questioning your clothes like you do your food, and you can revolutionize the way clothing is manufactured."

Despite this, they frequently offer discounted items, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds by snagging last year's styles at a lower price. For the latest deals, simply visit the Sale section after clicking on any of the provided site links.

Photo credit: Images one and four captured by Jorge Rangel, a knowledgeable guide for my Guanajuato tours and an experienced host for Airbnb Experiences tours, offering photography services for visitors exploring my charming city.

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Please note that this review of prAna clothing includes affiliate links, as indicated in the header. Additionally, I am a brand ambassador for prAna, which means I may receive complimentary or discounted clothing items from time to time. For further details on our business practices, please refer to our policies.