Why you need 6 pairs of these pants!
This is more of a love letter to my favorite pants than a product review, but if you’re searching for the ultimate pair of pants — you’re going to want to keep reading.
Are you a woman that loves to hike, get outside, and has a job that involves some amount of physical movement? Do you want to have one pair of pants that works for both?
I did. About five years ago, my dreams of the divine pant came true when I admired a co-worker’s stylish trousers. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I had long searched for the right combination of moveable yet professional clothing. Something where I could demonstrate a deep squat, yet distinguish myself as a professional.
My co-worker moved effortlessly around our rehab gym in these pants. Upon further inquiry, she told me she had just returned from a week long camping adventure and had, get this, worn these same pants the entire time.
I think my heart skipped a beat and I felt a rush of excitement. Could this be true? Could these pants really exist?
They can and they do. I looked them up online and immediately ordered a pair. I’m talking about the women’s Prana Halle Pants. Fast forward to now, and I own six pairs in different colors. I wear them all. I love them all.
Other than their stylish fit and functionality appeal, let me wax on about the myriad of benefits the Halle possesses.
They fit well, and offer ample room around the waistline so I don’t feel like I’m being squeezed. Yet, neither or they unflattering or baggy the way many hiking pants are. They have streamlined side pockets that create an overall flattering shape through the hips and thighs. Two snap lock rear pockets and a sleek diagonal zippered pocket offer protection for carrying essentials on the trail or in life. I typically hike with a credit card and ID safely snapped in a back pocket (these pockets are deep enough I feel secure with the snap closure) and a key or Chapstick in the zippered leg pocket.
The overall cut of the pants is, like I said, flattering and streamlined, so it creates length through the legs and has a moderate opening at the base of the pant. (Think neither flared leg nor skinny pant, but somewhere perfectly in the middle).
The durability of the trousers is unbeatable. I took one pair of pants last year on an 8 day backpacking trip on a section of the Appalachian trail. I wore these pants everyday, and enjoyed the comfort of the fit and their ability to dry quickly. I was caught in several rain storms and while my trusty boots never fully dried, my Prana Halle pants did.
A few other noteworthy features of these pants include an ability to roll up the lower pant leg to just below the knee and fasten with snap ties on either side. I don’t use this feature much, I find the fabric never lies as smoothly as I would like. It is a nice option on a hot day to give your skin more breathing room.
Lest you think I am a brainwashed member of some Prana pants cult, I do have a few criticisms. The waist buttons are notoriously weakly fastened. I have noticed that with almost every pair, I need to have new buttons sewn on or reinforced after about 8–12 months of consistent use. This may be a normal shelf life for buttons, but I haven’t experienced this with any of my other clothes. I do wear the crap out of these pants, so my user level probably contributes. That being said, I encourage Prana to use reinforced strength in attaching the buttons.
If you aren’t sure about trying them on for the 79$ price tag, you can always wait for REI sales, or check discount sites like backcountry.com and mousejaw.com. I’ve paid full price and taken advantage of deals for my collection.
If you are, like me, looking for a multi purpose pair of pants that hold up, fit comfortably and look professional — you have found your match.
