Outdoor Research Ferrosi vs. prAna Stretch Zion

Both Ferrosi and Stretch Zion pants are abrasion-resistant, super stretchy, lightweight, and very comfortable for climbing or long days in the mountains. Whether you’re bouldering, spending a long day at the crag, or doing a multi-pitch route in the mountains these pants will stay comfortable, durable, abrasion-resistant, and stretchy.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi

Fabric: 86% nylon/14 spandex
Fit: Regular
Sun Protection: UPF 50
Weight: 12.2 oz.
Convertible: No, but available
Water-Resistance: DWR finish
Pockets: 5

Ferrosi fabric has become almost an institution for Outdoor Research and is being used in a wide array of tops and bottoms. The pants have a casual aesthetic that you can feel comfortable in around town while also delivering functional performance for outdoor activities. The softshell pants are a stretch woven mix of nylon and spandex and the fabric is super lightweight and breathable. But it still delivers excellent abrasion and wind resistance. These pants have reinforced materials in the high wear areas like side panels, knees, or areas where you’re going to see some high wear specifically while climbing.

Articulated knees help enhance mobility and drawcords at the cuffs let you pull the leg of the pants tight to keep out debris. The pants have a zippered fly and a button closure. Large belt loops can accommodate your favorite belt and the waistband has a soft tricot lining to further enhance comfort and fit.

There are front hand pockets, zippered back pockets, and also a zippered thigh pocket. On the sides, there are two stretchy little loops and they are designed for toothbrushes. If you’re out bouldering and need to carry your brushes, you have quick and easy access with those loops. On the back, there’s a slightly larger loop where you can clip a chalk bag.

The pants also feature adjustments at the ankles where you can pull them up to get out of the way of your climbing shoes and cinch them down so they stay nice and snug there.

The fit of these pants is fairly athletic so they fit pretty trim. There’s an internal drawcord so you can tie those off and keep them nice and tight if you need to. The waistband is a low-profile waistband that is stretch knit. It conforms to your body in your shape and moves with you.

What I like: Durable, stretchy, breathable, and super comfortable

What I don’t like: Loose fit, not ideal for colder conditions

See the Outdoor Research Ferrosi See the Women’s Ferrosi

prAna Stretch Zion

Fabric: 97% nylon/3% spandex
Fit: Relaxed
Sun Protection: UPF 50
Weight: 13.3 oz.
Convertible: No, but available
Water-Resistance: DWR finish
Pockets: 5

prAna Stretch Zion is a comfortable and stretchy pair of pants that are ideal for hiking and rock climbing. These pants are made with a durable nylon fabric that feels very rugged and provides a great amount of stretch. If you are climbing with these pants, they are not going to restrict your movement. With these on, you can throw your foot up wherever you need to.

At the legs, they are very loose and wide, which is great for hiking because they are going to fit over your boots with no problem. The downside of being wide at the bottom is that they look odd if you wear them as a normal pair of pants. There are buttons on the legs so if you want to roll up your pants, you can do so.

At the top, there’s a built-in cinch belt that is helpful especially for climbing where you already have to wear a harness. The belt is small and it doesn’t get in the way of your climbing gear. Even from a backpacking perspective, when you are wearing a larger backpack with a large hip belt, you don’t have to worry about the belt getting in the way. However, there are still belt loops and you can choose to wear a belt if you want a little more casual look with it.

Like any pair of good outdoor pants, there’s a nice gusseted crotch and allows for a good amount of stretch. You can get your knees up without it restricting your movement at all, which again, is great for any sort of hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities. There are also a couple of holes for added ventilation.

There are two front pockets, two back pockets, and a zippered thigh pocket, which is great when you are wearing a climbing harness and can’t access front pockets. One of the back pockets has a nice flap on it for some added protection from the rain.

What I like: A nice integrated belt, leg roll-up snaps, durable

What I don’t like: Limited ventilation, can be hot for long summer day hikes

See the prAna Stretch Zion

Ferrosi vs. Stretch Zion Pants: Comparison Table

Which one is right for you?

Both of these pants are designed for hiking and rock climbing and have a very similar set of features. The Stretch Zion is a little bit on the expensive side but it provides some additional features like an integrated belt and roll-and-snap-up pant legs. Ferrosi pants, on the other hand, are more comfortable and provide a great amount of freedom of movement. The fabric is also very smooth and feels great against the skin. The inside of the waistband also has a nice strip that is soft and it reduces rubbing.

So, if your primary goal is rock climbing and you want a pair of pants that move with you, go for the Ferrosi pants as they are super stretchy and provide good mobility. In contrast, if you do a lot of hiking and backpacking and you want a feature-rich pair or for wearing some around town, the Stretch Zion is a great option for you.