I usually hate all synthetic pants, and am not a fan of prAna's synthetic mixes like their Chakara performance fabric, Zion fabric (97% Nylon/3% Spandex) and supplex materials which make up their Lolita, Vivi, Bliss, Mara, Essex and Audrey Pants. These Maya Pants however, though poly/nylon/spandex and finished off with Scotchgard 3M waterproofing, have none of the downside of synthetics: animal-hair attraction, wrinkle-prone, thin fabrication showing every bump on the human body and a tight weave for an ungenerous, sausage-like fit. These are a more relaxed affair with a flattering fit, thicker material, with very little creasing and cat hair, lint and dust swipe right off! OK, the zippered pockets are more for show, as a whole hand cannot fit into them, and nary nothing more than a credit card can be slithered into the lone back pocket made of mesh, but these pocket follies have been noted with a minused star. Otherwise, terrific nylon pants! Or more accurately, terrific Nylon/Polyester pants!
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I ordered these partly because Amazon had them at SUCH a great deal and I always struggle to find affordable outdoor gear that also looks good, and Prana is pretty skilled at making clothes look good. I also ordered these pants because, well, I had a need for pants that were both water resistant and breathable but warm to carry me into the fall and winter on city bike rides, mountain hikes, and for giving snowboarding a whirl.
A bit about these pants. They were a bit swishier than I expected from my experience with other Prana hiking pants, but it's obviously a denser fabric style than what I've experienced before as well. There is an ultra thin and light fleece lining, which I don't believe was noted in the product description but I did see in another review. All of these qualities together make for a GREAT late autumn, early winter activity pant.
On a trail run in 30 degree temperatures, light rain and snow that was occasionally heavy did did not penetrate these pants, and they even cut out the cold wind a lot. My legs were a bit cold to the touch by the end of the run, mostly from the wind, but my overall body temperature was great and I did not feel chilled while I was moving. An ultralight layer of wool underneath would be just fine for even colder temperatures.
They're probably a bit too dense for my tastes for hiking summer days here in Colorado, but will be a good at the campsite at night for car camping. Will see about taking them climbing, but I have no doubt they can hold up to a lot of abrasion and be comfortable in all kinds of temperatures. Best part, perhaps, is while they'll prove to be a great technical pant, right now (you know, pre-use & abuse), they look good enough to wear to work on a cold snowy day. As long as you don't mind the swishing. ;)
A bit about the size. I normally wear a size 9/10 in jeans and occasionally grab a pair of 11/12s. I have another pair of Prana hiking pants, the Monarchs, that I had to get in an 8 to have properly fit me, and so I chose the same for these and it's perfect. It is quite fit and flattering with ample room to stretch out. But just like the Monarch, the fabric gets suddenly baggy at the knees and is a bit more wide-legged then I expected at the flare around the ankles. It looks great and might contribute to the "flattering cut," it just feels a bit strange, and doesn't strike me as practical for walking through brush or dusty trails.
The overall length is a lot more agreeable for my height than the Monarch. I'm 5'7 and the Monarch drags in mud and dirt, so I'm considering hemming it. These aren't as long, but still provide good coverage for someone of my height. Overall, these will need an ankle tie to keep in place while cycling, no rolling up these legs!
Great pants at a great Amazon price!
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I live in an area that gets to -40 several times throughout the winter. I love that I can wear these to work and not over heat, yet get to my car without feeling like my legs are going to freeze to death. They are also super stylish and would wear them snowshoeing or to work. There is just enough stretch to fit anyone quite well. Loved them so much I got them in black as well.
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These are awesome enough to wear from your business casual office right to the trail head. I love the lightweight fabric but also the fleece lining which is a great balance. They have a nice fit. I'm 5'2'' , 110 and very compact and I ordered the size 2. They run a tiny little loose for me in the thighs but they still look good and this offers me good flexibility during hiking. I ordered another pair in size 0 as well.
