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By Diane Spicer
This prAna leggings review is going to ask and answer one simple but important question:
Hiking For Her purchased these prAna Pillar 7/8 leggings and wore them on several short (round trip single digits) hikes in blustery and wet weather.
If you purchase a pair of these leggings through the links on this website, Hiking For Her will receive a small percentage of your purchase price but you pay nothing extra.
As always, the reviews on this website are written to put the best of the best into your gear locker, so you can tackle any trail with confidence and ease.
NOTE: These exact leggings may not be available right now. Check out all your 7/8 options here.
Moisture wicking compression stretch jersey fabric, 88% Supplex nylon/12% elastane
Mid-rise relaxed waist
No drawstring
Ankle skimming length (not capris)
Sizes: XS - XL; 1X - 3X
My expectations (and hopes):
I also expected these prAna leggings to keep my legs warm, but not overheat in them.
And based on previous experience with this brand, I expected them to be durable enough for several seasons of wear combined with many wash/dry cycles.
Now is that too much for a hiking woman to ask from a pair of leggings?
Let's find out!
I purposely ordered one size up, as I am not a fan of tight clothing.
Putting on these leggings was not at all like wrestling with an octopus; they slid on easily and while they felt snug, they were not compressing the life out of my legs.
If you like the sensation of constant compression, order your usual size.
The absence of side seams and the soft fabric felt really nice against my skin.
While these are not shiny leggings (super heroine fans, take note), they do have a slippery smooth feel both inside and out.
There was plenty of room for large movements without worrying about ripping out the crotch, thanks to the triangle crotch gusset and stretchy fabric.
The waistbands on leggings are always a concern.
I experienced no sagging or bagging during my trail time, but I did have my backpack hip belt all snugged up, so perhaps that helped (see yoga notes below).
Caveat:
This pair of leggings fit me just right, but because everyone has their own unique body dimensions, I can't guarantee that yours will stay in place.
However, the smooth wide waistband gives you the option of roll down maneuver to ensure a better fit.
The cute little interior pocket hidden in the front of the waistband could hold car keys or lip balm on a short hike if you don't mind the sensation of something against your waist.
Never go hiking without rain gear unless you are 100% positive that you won't get wet and cold.
I always hike with my rain gear in an outside pocket of my backpack, where I can grab it quickly and get it on before I get too wet.
If you're going to hike in these leggings (or yoga pants in general), cultivate the same defensive habit:
Because these leggings were made of quick drying fabric, I let them get a bit wet before pulling on my rain pants.
As expected, my body heat was able to dry out the leggings inside the waterproof pants in about fifteen minutes of hiking.
You can use these leggings for winter hiking and snowshoeing if you have a waterproof layer over them.
My only concerns: they may not retain heat efficiently if the ambient temperature drops below freezing, and they may be too efficient at soaking up sweat without a chance to dry out (as in constant movements).
Because I had back up dry clothing AND rain gear with me, I allowed myself to get wet.
I'd never take a chance like this if conditions were really cold or if I was hiking solo.
The fear of hypothermia is an excellent motivator for all of us to do the right thing on the trail.
I recently began yoga classes in order to maintain the flexibility I have, and hopefully increase the range of motion in my spine.
Old backpackers never fade away, they just curl over onto themselves and groan.
So wearing these prAna leggings in place of my usual and less expensive yoga pants during an active Vinyasa flow class, I noticed two things:
Compared to my other super thin yoga pants, these leggings are on the thick-ish side. I'd call them medium weight in the scheme of things.
All I can say is this:
Add a pair of these well made leggings to your chilly spring and fall hiking clothing list.
And if you're a petite hiker, as in short of stature, grab these while you can.
I love the muted green color, as it's a bit different from the basic dark colored or crazy patterned leggings everyone seems to wear.
The fabric traps your body heat, so I wouldn't recommend that you wear these leggings in high summer heat or a warm indoor setting.
But on a chilly fall trail, they felt warm and snug, with just enough fabric to block a breeze.
Due to their smooth finish and body hugging fit, rain pants slide on easily.
While I haven't washed them many times yet, I will report back if pilling or fabric fatigue crops up.
If you're ready to look at the REI Co-op customer reviews and get more details on these leggings, hop over here.
These prAna Pillar 7/8 Leggings are also available at REI Co-op in sizes 1X - 3X.
This photo is linked to more photos and details from REI! More plus size hiking clothing options here |
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PrAna Leggings Review