Women’s prAna Halle Short II 5″ Review

Bottom Line

The prAna Halle II is a durable, stylish hiking short that is great for day hikes and casual outdoor wear but not the most practical, long-term hiking short. Looking more like regular shorts than techy hiking shorts, the Halle II features a stretchy fabric with a flattering fit, which makes it both hike-able and city-ready. We tested these shorts on the Tahoe Rim Trail and some shorter routes around Reno, and they were comfy to wear for the most part. However, they rode up on us, and the fabric is on the heavier side. That’s great in terms of durability, but these shorts aren’t the quickest to dry and can feel a bit much during hot and strenuous hikes, especially around the waistband.

For extended trips, the prAna Halle II shorts don’t quite match up to our top picks for the best women’s hiking shorts. But they’re perfect for shorter outings, especially if you’re after a stylish, rugged short that transitions well from trail to town.

Comfort

The prAna Halle II Shorts are comfortable for casual hikers who probably aren’t going to be spending hours alone in the wilderness. They are fantastically stylish and comfortable but not ideal for extended treks with a heavy pack. The fabric is soft and stretchy, allowing for good movement, but it can feel a bit warm in general. Also, the waistband is snug and holds its place well, but we found the button and belt loops to be slightly uncomfortable when wearing a backpack with a hipbelt, especially when the pack’s weight presses against them. We tested these on a steep uphill hike and noticed them riding up a bit, which could lead to chafing on longer hikes. Overall, the Halle II shorts are best suited for day hikes or casual wear.

Durability

The prAna Halle II Shorts are incredibly durable compared to a lot of other shorts because of their thick yet stretchy fabric. We tested them on multiple hikes, and they held up remarkably well with no visible signs of wear. Given their thick and tough fabric, we are confident that they would withstand long-term use and probably be the most durable shorts on our list. After multiple washes, they looked exactly the same, and at no point did the fabric appear stressed or look like it might tear. The only downside is that the durability comes with some noticeable stiffness that could be cumbersome if you’re moving fast or sweating while hiking. If you’re looking for a reliable pair of shorts for day hikes through sticky brush or dense forests, these are a good pick.  They are a workhorse of a short.

Features

These shorts shine in the feature department, particularly with their well thought out pocket design. The Halle II shorts come with deep front pockets and two back pockets with secure snaps – perfect for storing essentials on short hikes. We especially liked the key loop, which is handy for securing keys on your waist while you hike. There are belt loops but no built-in belts. We didn’t mind that much since the waistband fits snugly. We could do without the belt loops but can see how someone may like to have them as an option. When worn with a hipbelt, we felt the elaborate pockets and belt loops rubbing in some places. 

Drying Time

The Halle II Shorts have a DWR finish, but they are the slowest to dry among the hiking shorts that we tested. The fabric is robust and comfortable but not a quick-dry fabric. During our testing, they soaked through fairly quickly during wet conditions and took a lot longer to dry compared to other shorts we’ve tried. They are not made for being out in wet conditions for extended periods. However, if you’re on a shorter hike or don’t expect rain, the DWR finish helps to bead water away and prevents them from getting soaked as quickly. These shorts are certainly more geared toward dry weather and are not the best choice for wet, rainy conditions where drying speed is a priority. 

Weight & Packed Size

We found the prAna Halle II Shorts to be a bit bulky when packing them down. Unlike lighter, more compressible hiking shorts, they don’t roll up or fold neatly, which makes them a less efficient option for ultralight hikers or those looking to save space. The 6.6 oz weight is also on the heavier side for a pair of hiking shorts. Though they’re not the heaviest shorts on our list, the Halle’s bulk could be an issue if packing space is a priority, particularly for multi-day backpacking trips where every ounce counts. However, if space isn’t as critical, these shorts don’t hog as much pack space as some pieces of gear.

Should You Buy the prAna Halle II Hiking Shorts?

The prAna Halle II Shorts are for casual hikers who want to wear something they can also wear in town. Their tough, stretchy fabric makes them perfect for trekking in dense brush, and their flattering fit is a nice touch. However, they aren’t the most practical shorts for long-distance hikers or those carrying heavy packs. The waistband can be uncomfortable under a hipbelt, they can ride up, and the shorts are a bit bulky to pack. For more rugged, long-term use, you might want something lighter and faster to dry.

For those primarily doing day hikes or wanting something casual they can wear outdoors, the prAna Halle II shorts offer solid value.

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

For more options, please see our full guide to the best women’s hiking shorts.

Janji 3″ AFO Middle Shorts Review – The Janji 3″ AFO Middle Shorts stand out for their incredibly lightweight and soft fabric. They’re perfect for trail running and hot weather. They are essentially the opposite of the Halle II except for in style. We like them because they have a great city-style too.

Patagonia Quandary Review – The Patagonia Quandary shorts are lightweight, stretchy options with four functional pockets that are stylish and can pass for “normal” clothing when you’re at home. These shorts are a solid all-rounder for anyone wanting reliable performance without a high price tag.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Review – The Ferrosis are among the best for hikers looking for something stylish that will last. They are a bit pricier, but their performance and versatility in outdoor and casual settings make them a strong contender for hikers who want a reliable, all-around pair of stylish shorts.