good travel pants for europe

The Best Travel Pants for Europe (Winter or Summer!)

Last Updated on November 28, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

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If you’re looking to get your Europe packing list sorted and you’re not sure what kind of pants or trousers you will need when travelling to this incredible continent, then you’ve come to the right place. Without sacrificing style or comfort, we’ve done a lot of research to find the best travel pants for Europe for both men and women to ensure that you’re looking good and well-equipped for your trip.

So if you’re on the hunt for the perfect pants for travel, then make sure to have a look through this article. You’re sure to find what you’re looking for!

Table of Contents

Travel Pants for Europe Comparison

What to look for in pants.

Everyone has different styles, preferences and tastes, however, there are a few universal things that should be considered before purchasing.

Obviously, you’re going to want to look for pants made out of a durable material that will withstand the test of time and not fall apart after a few washes. And on that note, it’s also a great idea to make sure that you’re pants are fully machine washable because you want to make sure you can easily launder them while on the road.

Another important aspect that you need to make sure of is that the pants are comfortable! Look for a flexible and moveable material that is just as comfortable to wear on a long flights or a travel day as they are to walk around in all day.

If you want to pack as few things as possible on your trip to Europe, then you’re going to want to find some multi-purpose pants, as well, that can easily transition from day to night or can be worn hiking as well as in the city.

Also, try to find a pair of travel pants that have a lot of pockets. If you’re planning on visiting a lot of very popular cities in the middle of their tourist centres, having a number of pockets (especially hidden or zippered pockets) can be great at hiding and stashing your valuables, limiting your chances of any possible petty theft.

Finally, a great feature of some travel pants is to try to find something that is wrinkle-resistant! There is nothing worse than having to bust out an iron on your trip or, worse, having to deal with a pair of terribly wrinkled and creased trousers so make sure that you don’t even have to worry about it. Buy wrinkle-resistant fabric.

Best Women’s Travel Pants for Europe

Bluffworks threshold wide leg pants.

If you’re after a pair of pants that is at once stylish, functional, and incredibly comfortable, then look no further than the Bluffworks Threshold Wide Leg Pants.

Bluffworks is one of our absolute favourite travel apparel companies because they very clearly have the stylish traveller in mind when designing their travel clothes and certainly do not sacrifice quality.

These are great for travelling for a number of reasons. They’re made from a polyester fabric that is wrinkle-resistant and fully machine washable, they have a sophisticated weave that will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, while also being moisture-wicking and odour-resistant.

The best thing about these pants in my opinion, however, is the fact that they boast a total of 4 pockets, some of which are hidden, so you can easily and discretely carry valuables.

Available in three colours, the Bluffworks Threshold Wide Leg Pants can be used as dress pants or more casual pants depending on the situation, are comfortable enough to wear on long-haul flights and even have an adjustable hem so you can customise the length of the pants.

prAna Briann Pants

If you’re looking for a more casual, slim-fitting pair of trousers, then you cannot go wrong with the prAna Briann pants (also available from REI here ).

These pants are sleek and trendy while also very comfortable and functional, making them an excellent choice for those looking for the best travel pants for women.

These pants are made of a flexible 97% nylon and 3% spandex fabric that is easy to move in and actually water-resistant. They have a skinny fit and a mid-rise, five fully functioning pockets and are just as at home on the fashionable streets of a European city as they are on a long-haul flight.

The great thing about these pants, as well, is because of their flexibility and water resistance, they are also good enough to wear on a hike!

Available in a variety of colours across a range of sizes, the prAna Briann pants are a perfect 3-in-1 travel pant for Europe — perfect for the city, the plane, and the trail!

prAna Halle Straight Pants

If you’re not a fan of skinny-fit pants but want all of the features of the Briann above, then make sure to check out the prAna Halle Straight pants (also available from REI here or direct from prAna here ). These pants are perfect for those who would rather go for a straight-leg pant that can be dressed up or down depending on the situation.

Like the Briann pants above, these pants are made from the same nylon and spandex blend, making them easy to move in and insanely comfortable.

They also have a water-repellant coating that will keep you warm and dry if caught out in a rain or snowstorm. Another great feature of these pants is they have a UV protection of 50+ meaning that you can stay safe from the sun’s harmful rays.

The prAna Halle Straight pants come in a variety of colours that can suit any style and are perfect for wandering around a city but can also be used for hiking, making them absolutely perfect for those who want to travel light.

Columbia Saturday Trail Convertible Pants

Finally on this list of the best women’s pants for Europe comes the Columbia Saturday Trail Convertible Pants (also available from REI here or direct from Colombia here ).

If you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking or outdoor activities while in Europe or simply want to have one pair of nicer pants and one pair of hiking pants, then these are an excellent option.

These pants are perfect for the trail, however, they can be just as good for a casual day out in the city, as well.

They come in a range of colours to suit any style and have a zip-off feature so that they can convert into shorts on warm days! They also have UPF 50+ technology in the fabric, meaning that they will protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.

All in all, if you’re looking for a simple yet functional and classic hiking pants that can also be worn on a casual day out in the city, then you cannot go wrong with the Columbia Saturday Trail Convertible Pants.

Best Men’s Travel Pants for Europe

Bluffworks ascender chino.

If you’re looking for the perfect smart pants to wear in Europe, then look no further than the Bluffworks Ascender Chinos.

These chino pants are perfect for those looking for nicer city pants that can be dressed up or down for the occasion, can easily transition from day to night, and are designed with travellers in mind without sacrificing style.

The Bluffworks Ascender Chinos are made from a lightweight 100% polyester material that is fully machine washable, moisture-wicking and wrinkle resistant.

And, in true Bluffworks fashion, there are a multitude of pockets for your added security, a total of ten altogether. These include specific 3 secret zippered pockets, 2 phone pockets, a pocket for a pocket knife or multi-tool and a specific pocket for a money pouch.

The Ascender Chinos come in a variety of colours to suit all styles and tastes and have a classic cut and durable material that is sure to last for years to come. So if you’re looking for the best travel pants for men, then look no further than the Bluffworks Ascender Chinos.

prAna Brion Lightweight Pants

If you’re searching for the absolute perfect pant for both everyday wear and for the hiking trail, then you don’t need to look any further than the prAna Brion Lightweight pants (also available from REI here or direct from prAna here ).

These pants are perfect for travelling in Europe, especially if you’re looking to travel light, as they kill a couple of birds with one stone.

They are made from a flexible nylon and spandex fabric that is perfect for both wearing on a long-haul flight, traipsing around a city or hiking up a mountain. They come equipped with five pockets to stash your items and are very comfortable.

The prAna Brion Lightweight pants are perfect for all seasons and come in a variety of colours, as well, so there is something to suit all styles.

Though these may not be the absolute best pants to wear out to a nice restaurant or fancy event, for all other scenarios, they are a great option for travel pants for Europe.

Eddie Bauer Flex Sport Chinos

If you’re looking for a classic-looking chino that is also incredibly functional as a travel pant, please look no further than the Eddie Bauer Flex Sport Chinos ! These pants are perfect for the streets of a European city and can even be transitioned to an easy day hike depending on the situation.

These pants are made from a comfortable cotton, polyester and spandex blend that is flexible, breathable and wrinkle resistant. They have a number of pockets and are also fully machine washable.

They have a classic look that can be dressed up for a smart-casual look or dressed down depending on the circumstance.

The Eddie Bauer Flex Sport Chinos come in a variety of colours that are perfect for all kinds of travellers and styles.

Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants

And finally on this list of the best men’s pants for travel to Europe comes the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants (also direct from Columbia here ).

These are a great choice for those looking for hiking pants for the mountains of Europe and aren’t necessarily looking for something to be able to dress up.

These pants are incredibly lightweight and durable and have a classic, tailored look that can actually be transitioned from the hiking trail to the city streets fairly well.

These pants are made from a breathable fabric with moisture-wicking technology that is also equipped with UPF 50+ protection against the sun. They also have a zip-off feature that can easily convert them into shorts.

If you’re planning on spending a lot of time doing outdoor activities and in nature while in Europe and are looking for really solid hiking pants, then make sure to check out the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants.

Finding the best pants for travel in Europe can seem a bit overwhelming when you consider all of the options. However, there are a number of great options that can suit anybody’s preferences!

Are you looking for the perfect travel pants for your trip to Europe? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

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The Best Travel Pants for Men and Women

Megan Johnson

Megan is a Senior Editor, SEO for SmarterTravel Media.

Megan started with SmarterTravel Media’s Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two young children, and their dog, Indiana Bones (Indy).

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Pants are probably the top choice for what to wear when traveling, over shorts and skirts. However, not all pants are created equal. 

Pants can come with a variety of problems: waistbands digging into your skin, fabric wrinkling, or not being able to wear them with any other outfits. You may find yourself wishing you could just wear sweatpants and call it a day. However, sweatpants don’t exactly have a reputation of being stylish, so,  if you want to travel and still have a little style, we’ve got you covered. 

There are four key elements that go into the best travel pants: comfort, fabric, style, and versatility. These options for men and women tick all the boxes, so you know you’re making a good investment. Below you’ll find categories for athleisure, activewear, and business casual, as well as many styles including plus-size options.

Table of Contents

Best athleisure travel pants, aday turn it up pant.

Comfort: 4/5. These tailored, slim-fit pants are available from size XS to XL and are comfortable for all shapes and sizes. Two side pockets make them ideal for a busy travel day and the elastic waistband adds to a high comfort level.

Fabric: 5/5. These pants are stretchy, pill-resistant, breathable, and thermo-regulating.

Style: 5/5. When paired with a button-down, these pants can be dressed up; when paired with a tee, they can be dressed down. The three-inch cuff at the hem adds a stylish detail, too.

Versatility: 5/5. These go straight from the plane to a casual dinner or meeting.

Lululemon ABC Pant Classic Warpstreme

Comfort: 4/5. A favorite among male travelers, Lululemon’s ABC line of pants is favored for comfort and stretch.

Fabric: 5/5. A patented fabric, Warpstreme provides a coveted four-way stretch. It is also machine washable and can be dried in the dryer on low.

Style: 5/5. These pants look like a classic work pant and can easily be worn in a casual setting or dressed up with a linen or cotton blazer.

Versatility: 4/5. My boyfriend literally lives in these … at the office, while traveling, on the golf course, or hanging out at a brewery, these are his go-tos. The combo of style and comfort can’t be beaten when looking for a travel pant for men. Running a marathon is just about the only thing he wouldn’t do in them.

Duluth Trading NoGA Namastash Slim Leg Pants

Comfort: 5/5. These ultimate travel pants from Duluth have not one, but six pockets to stow all of your day-of-travel essentials. The three-inch wide waistband (with interior drawstring) is tummy-flattening, and the fit is designed for both curvy and straight body shapes.

Fabric: 5/5. Duluth’s special NoGA fabric is silky and super stretchy. It has more than 850 five-star reviews, meaning that it must be that good. Fans of the fabric rave about its figure-flattering features and support. It also wicks moisture, has UPF 40 sun protection and is machine-washable.

Style: 3/5. While this pair of women’s travel pants is slightly more like a legging, the back pocket and slightly flared leg details dress ‘em up.

Versatility: 4/5. These pants are slightly more casual and could also be worn as activewear.

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Women’s UA Motion Ankle Leggings

Comfort: 5/5. Not too tight and not too loose, these Motion Ankle Leggings make for a super comfortable trip. 

Fabric: 5/5. The ultra-soft double-knit fabric is breathable & comfortable, and the 4-way stretch material makes these pants your new go-to. 

Style: 4/5. There isn’t too much special about these leggings- they are just that- leggings, but they are definitely a step up from some basic leggings. 

Versatility: 4/5. Leggings can always be used for several different occasions, easily dressed down with a sweatshirt, but can quickly change into a nicer outfit with a dressier tunic and cute flats, heels, or boots. 

Alo ⅞ High-Waist Airlift Legging

Comfort: 5/5. Described as “second skin,” these high-waist leggings from Alo may just be the closest thing you’ll find to traveling with no pants on (or in pajamas at least). Super comfortable 

Fabric: 5/5. The double-layered waistband provides comfortable support without rolling down and the compression fabric fits tight to the body without being too constricting. 

Style: 4/5. Like the Motion Ankle leggings above, nothing is too unique about these leggings. They are a stylish and well-executed basic that will get you through travel days with ease.

Versatility: 4/5. Great for the plane, working out during your trip, or as a warm base layer to an outfit in colder climates.

Athleta Women’s Venice Jogger

Comfort: 5/5. Super soft fabric and a knit waistband give these pants the ultimate stamp of approval when it comes to comfort.

Fabric: 5/5. The Sculptek Light™ fabric is super light and stretchy. It’s also quick-drying, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant.

Style: 5/5. This pair of travel pants is semi-fitted with a tapered leg and has a mid-rise, sitting just below the natural waist. Four pockets (two secured front and two back) make accessing your essentials on travel days even easier.

Versatility: 5/5. These travel pants make up the perfect travel day uniform but can also be dressed up with a silk blouse and heels to go out on the town.

Patagonia Women’s Happy Hike Studio Pants

Comfort: 5/5. The pull-on jogger style of these pants couldn’t be more comfortable, especially with the knit waistband and hidden drawstring cord.

Fabric: 4/5. The lightweight fabric is ideal for warmer climates and water repellent with 50+ UPF.

Style: 5/5. These pants have four large pockets, ideal on travel days, and the elasticized cuffs allow you to adjust the length from capris to full length.

Versatility: 4/5. I personally love the jogger-style pants for versatility. You can hike, bike, or work out in these and keep them on for dinner or other casual activities.

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Public Rec All Day Every Day Pant

Comfort: 4/5. As Public Rec itself says of these pants , “a more stylish alternative to sweatpants, a more comfortable alternative to jeans.” With an elastic waistband and interior drawstring, you have all the comfort elements of the perfect travel pant for men.

Fabric: 4/5. This pair of travel pants have a spandex-nylon blend that is breathable and moisture-wicking.

Style: 4/5. Elements like a faux front fly and tapered bottoms give this pair of travel pants a smart finish.

Versatility: 5/5. Reviewers comment that they have ordered these pants in every color because they can’t wear them enough.

Best Activewear Travel Pants

Coalatree unisex slim fit trail head pants.

Comfort: 4/5. The elastic waistband and drawstring are super comfortable and the fabric is thicker than that of most hiking pants, but still stretches. These pants have a 4.5 star rating based on 1966 reviews.

Fabric: 4/5. These pants are waterproof, quick-drying, antimicrobial, and tear-resistant, and they have a four-way stretch.

Style: 4/5. The unisex style is flattering on most figures and has four handy-yet-stylish pockets.

Versatility: 4/5. While these pants don’t do double duty for something like a business dinner, they could pass for sit-down meals at a casual restaurant or nature lodge. Plus, you can wash them easily and will get multiple re-wears.

Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Pants

Comfort: 5/5. The soft and stretchy fabric of these pants make them perfect for travel. With a snap closure waistband, they don’t gape. They also feature two side-zip security pockets.

Fabric: 5/5. The nylon-elastane blend is soft and stretchy. Other fabric features include UPF 50 sun protection and water and stain repellency.

Style: 4/5. Featuring a mid-rise and straight leg, these pants have a feminine and flattering fit.

Versatility: 4/5. These convertible pants come in tons of neutral-colored options to go with any outdoorsy vacation. While these travel pants do have a sportier look, they can be dressed up.

Patagonia Men’s Quandary Pants

Comfort: 5/5. These pants have a curved waistband to reduce gapping and help them stay in place during activities.

Fabric: 5/5. They’re water repellent, lightweight, quick-drying, stretch-woven, sun protective with 40+ UPF—can the fabric be any better?

Style: 4/5. The slim-straight fit is designed to be stylish and comfortable, but reviewers note that the pants are best for lean to medium builds. Five pockets make this pair of pants even better on travel days for easy access to essentials.    

Versatility: 5/5. Great in all seasons, the Quandary Pants go from trail to town.

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Best Business Casual Travel Pants

Betabrand dress pant yoga pants.

Comfort: 5/5. These pants were made famous by a crowdfunded campaign and are known for their comfort. With a thicker waistband and super stretch material, reviewers rave about comfort.

Fabric: 5/5. The rayon-blend fabric is machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, and stretchy.

Style: 4/5. The Dress Pant Yoga Pants come in a variety of cuts: boot-cut, straight-leg, skinny-leg, and cropped-leg to fit almost any body type.

Versatility: 4/5. These are the ultimate comfortable dress pant. They look better dressed up but are comfortable enough to be a staple in your travel day uniform.

Cotidie Harriet Trousers

Comfort: 4/5. With faux back pockets, front pockets, and a tailored leg, these trousers don’t look like leggings, but they sure are as comfortable as leggings are, thanks to the stretchy waistband and elastane-blend material.

Fabric: 4/5. These pants are made with StellaForm, a nylon and elastane blend that’s machine washable, stretchy, wrinkle-resisting, and moisture-wicking.

Style: 4/5. With a slim leg and fitted look, these chino-style work pants are stylish and practical for business travelers.

Versatility: 4/5. These are one of the dressier-looking pairs of travel pants on the list, so if you need to look like you’re at the top of your game while traveling, choose these.

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Bluffworks Ascender Chino Pants

Comfort: 4/5. While the waistband of these pants looks like a chino, it’s actually stretchy for a more comfortable fit. They are also designed to hold everything you would need in a travel day, including an anti-theft hidden money pocket and two designated phone pockets for the things that matter most.

Fabric: 4/5. Wrinkle-resistant, machine-washable, soft, and lightweight, these pants check all the boxes.

Style: 5/5. This pair of travel pants for men is the classic chino style, so if that’s the style of travel pants you’re looking for, these are it.

Versatility: 3/5. These are definitely more for dinners and the office, but equally comfortable as activewear.

Linksoul 5-Pocket Boardwalker Pant

Comfort: 4/5. These pants have five pockets, so you’ll have no shortage of options for stowing your travel day essentials. Reviewers love the stretchy fabric for comfort and a modern fit without being too tight.

Fabric: 4/5. Designed for golfers, these travel pants are breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying, made from a soft cotton-poly-spandex blend.

Style: 5/5. These pants are styled like more traditional pants.

Versatility: 4/5. Go from the plane straight to the green in these versatile travel pants.

Bluffworks AirlineTrevi Pant

Comfort: 5/5. These business casual pants are made from lightweight polyester with some stretch. When paired with the elastic waistband, they couldn’t be more comfortable if they tried.

Fabric: 5/5. The fabric is machine washable and provides odor and moisture-wicking control, and it doesn’t wrinkle.

Style: 5/5. The polished pants are designed to look like business casual chinos.

Versatility: 4/5. Whether you are traveling for business or just want a refined look, these pants are stylish, comfortable, and provide travelers with an extra perk: eight pockets (and three of them even have a zipper closure).

prAna Men’s Brion Pants

Comfort: 5/5. Stretchy and breathable, these pants are made with a spandex blend. Reviewers call them “outrageously comfortable.”

Fabric: 5/5. prAna’s sustainable, stretchy “ReZion” fabric is wrinkle-, water-, and stain-repellent, and is lightweight, quick-drying, and UV-protective.

Style: 5/5. The slim-fit-style pant is available with multiple inseam options, making them flattering on most body types. Plus, the five pockets keep all of your travel day essentials secure.

Versatility: 5/5. Whether you’re traveling, doing indoor climbing, or going out to dinner, these pants work.

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Vuori Ripstop Pant

Comfort: 4/5. These pants feature an elastic waistband, are stretchy, and have a draw cord for the perfect fit. The slimmer fit does mean a narrow leg, so size up for ultimate comfort.

Fabric: 5/5. The DuraTerra™ ripstop fabric made from 98% Organic Cotton, 2% Elastane features a two-way stretch

Style: 5/5. The midrise waist and slim fit make these a polished look, and they can be easily dressed up or down. 

Versatility: 5/5. The slim fit of these pants makes them ideal for whatever occasion comes your way – you can easily go from a flight to a business meeting in them, and smarten them up with a jacket or nice blouse and dressier shoes. 

Everlane 90’s Cheeky Jean

Comfort: 4/5. While many jeans may not be super comfortable for travel, these jeans from Everlane beg to differ. Once they are broken in, these jeans will be your go-to for comfort. 

Fabric: 4/5. Unlike most of the pants we have here, these jeans have no stretch to them, but their loose-fitting, lived in style still makes them super comfortable, despite no stretch. After washing, they do take a bit before they loosen up. 

Style: 5/5. These jeans are straight and super cute. Like any jeans, they are easily dressed down or up, with the right shoes, shirt, and accessories. 

Versatility: 5/5. Isn’t versatility the point of jeans? You can wear them for almost any occasion, and they work great for going from the airport to a meeting or dinner- just add a belt and change your shoes! 

Boston Proper Beyond the Travel Pant

Comfort: 5/5. You can never have too many dressy yoga pants like these travel pants from Boston Proper. They are super comfortable for travel and work. 

Fabric: 4/5 . Made with 95% nylon/5% spandex, these pants are stretchy, but may seem a bit flimsier than you’d like. However, they don’t wrinkle, making them perfect to pack in your suitcase. 

Style: 5/5. From the yoga studio, the airplane, to the office, the style of these travel pants cannot be beaten. Plus, they are available in three lengths. 

Versatility: 5/5. Whether you dress them up or down, these pants can fit the bill no matter what the occasion is. 

FAQ About Travel Pants

What are the best travel pants for long flights.

As most things, it depends on your circumstances. If you are just traveling for leisure, a basic legging will do the trick for women, and you can’t go wrong with the Women’s UA Motion Ankle Leggings . They are a typical legging, with a pocket to keep anything you want handy while traveling, they allow for movement, and are super breathable, making them perfect for any trip you take. For men, the Public Rec All Day Everyday pants are our pick. More stylish than sweatpants, but just as comfortable, you’ll be a happy traveler when you wear these! As far as something dressier goes, for guys we pick the Prana Brion Pant II . They are super comfortable with 5 convenient pockets, and can easily be dressed up when you need them to be. For Women, our top choice is the Cotidie Harriet Trousers they are insanely comfortable, yet super stylish. 

What are the most comfortable travel pants? 

This depends on your personal preference, but typically, the simpler, and the more stretch, the more comfortable they are going to be. Alo’s ⅞ High-Waist Airlift leggings are a basic legging, but are soft, stretchy, and are probably the closest you will come to wearing pajamas while you travel. Again, for men the Public Rec All Day Everyday are going to give you the most comfort while on the road. 

Should I wear shorts or pants on a plane?

It’s really a personal choice—but just keep in mind that it can get chilly on airplanes. You also may want to consider  your bare legs hitting up against the seat at the airport and on the plane, if you aren’t going to be able to shower shortly after you land, you may want to consider pants so you don’t have to worry about germs. 

What material is best for travel?

Again, this can boil down to personal preference, however, a lightweight, breathable, stretchy material is going to be best. Typically stretchier material won’t wrinkle, which is an added bonus on top of comfort.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The Best Women’s Travel Pants of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Look good on the go while maximizing comfort and convenience

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TripSavvy / Marcus Millan

A great pair of travel pants is a lot like a great friend: supportive without being restrictive and ready for any occasion. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking materials that won’t wrinkle in your suitcase or after hours on the airplane. A relaxed fit (or plenty of stretch if you opt for form-fitting leggings) is essential for freedom of movement on your adventures, while the ability to transition from day to evening wear with the right accessories is a major plus that cuts down on packing requirements. 

Finding pants that meet all these criteria can seem difficult, which is why our team of travel experts took on the task of testing 40 of the most popular options currently on the market. We wore each pair in multiple scenarios from air travel to gym workouts for two weeks, then scored them for fit, comfort, quality, durability, design, and value to choose our favorites. Our overall winner was the Stretch High-Rise Jogger from Lululemon, with its super soft material; loose, breathable fit; and useful pockets. Here are all the travel pants we loved.

Final Verdict

How we tested.

• What to Look for in Travel Pants

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, lululemon high-rise jogger.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Design 4.5 /5

Incredibly soft

Breathable and moisture-wicking 

Versatile drawstring waistband

Some may prefer a slimmer cut

The Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Jogger may well be the perfect travel pant, with a classic, loose-fitting silhouette that we found supremely comfortable. Although they’re meant to be full-length, the tapered ankle means they look good even if they come up a little shorter on tall women, while the Luxtreme fabric’s combination of softness and stretchiness offers a slightly more elevated aesthetic than one might expect from a pair of joggers. Designed for breathability, the moisture-wicking fabric also handles temperature changes well (as proved when we tested them on a journey from chilly San Francisco to balmy Hawaii). 

We loved the butter-soft waistband and the fact that while stretchy, these joggers also have a drawstring that you can cinch for a more tailored fit. The drawstring can be worn visibly or hidden inside for a more streamlined look. We also appreciated the extra-deep pockets, which held our phone securely even when sitting down. The pants also boast a hidden zipper pocket and card sleeve. Best of all, after multiple plane and car journeys (and three washes) the pants looked and felt brand new. Color choices are mostly muted and include kelly green, utility blue, and black. 

Sizes: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 | Materials: Nylon, Lycra, elastane, polyester

TripSavvy / Elena Garcia

Best Lightweight

Outdoor voices relay wide leg pant.

Public Lands

Easy-on elasticated waistband

Great freedom of movement

Generous pockets

Sizing is not particularly accurate

The mid-rise Relay Wide Leg Pants from Outdoor Voices score sustainability points with their recycled polyester and spandex construction. We also found the combination to be incredibly comfortable, even on a journey from New York City to Florida that involved several different modes of transport and a significant temperature change. The pants are breathable and lightweight without feeling cheap, with a decent amount of stretch. We loved the branded, elasticated waistband—no more struggling with zippers, buttons, or drawstrings while rushing for a flight. 

The elasticity also gave us full freedom of movement while performing squats as part of our testing process. As a result, we feel the pants would be ideal for everything from all-day walking tours to hiking, biking, and working out on vacation. Spacious pockets are another highlight, although we noticed that anything weighty did tend to pull the pants down a bit. They come in black, oceanic (blue), and gravel (beige). We recommend sizing down for the best fit. 

Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL | Materials: Recycled polyester, spandex

TripSavvy / Phoebe Sklansky

Best for Work

Quince 100 percent european linen pants.

• Design 5 /5

Flattering, supportive shape

Wrinkle-resistant material

Elasticated for pull-on convenience

Multiple inseam lengths available in select colors only

Pockets are purely decorative

If you’re looking for pants that you can wear straight to a meeting after arriving at the airport, look no further than the Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants. They offer all the convenience of traditional travel pants, with an elasticated waistband for easy on and off and four-way-stretch fabric for complete freedom of movement. But, with their straight cut and thoughtful detailing (think belt loops and faux pockets on the front and back), they are also elegant enough for the boardroom. 

We love that these pants are wrinkle-resistant, so you don’t need to waste time looking for an iron in your hotel room. And finding the right size is easy with three inseam lengths to choose from. Our tester wears an XL and has a pear-shaped body type. She loved the pants’ fit, finding them comfortable yet supportive with good tummy control (without feeling like shapewear). The only downside? We wish there were even more sizes to choose from and that all inseam lengths were available in every colorway.  

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL; 28-inch, 30-inch, 32-inch inseam | Materials: Rayon, nylon, spandex

Liverpool The Gia Glider Ankle Skinny Jean

Available in regular and tall lengths

Can be dressed up or down

Functioning pockets

Fit loosens slightly in between washes

Sometimes you have to pack light and one way to do that is to opt for pants that you can dress up or down for any occasion—like the Liverpool Los Angeles The Gia Gliders. Thicker and more supportive than leggings yet stretchier, softer, and more comfortable than regular jeans, these mid-rise jeggings come in two lengths and can be pulled on in seconds. We found them amazingly comfortable, even after full days in the office, running errands, or traveling across the city. 

A faux zipper, a working button, and belt loops add style points. And, although the front pockets are too small to be very useful, we really appreciated the functionality of the full-size back pockets. We found that the pants offered a great range of movement (although we wouldn’t necessarily recommend them for your next yoga session!), and loved that they were thick enough never to have to worry about see-through areas. We did find that they bagged slightly after a few days’ wear, but also that they returned to their original shape after washing. 

Sizes: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16; regular, tall | Materials: Cotton, rayon, modal

Best With Pockets

Wayre jetsetter trouser.

Inclusive sizing

Incredibly versatile

Sustainable and ethically made

Not ideal for colder weather

If you prioritize pockets when looking for the perfect pair of pants, you’ll love the Wayre Jetsetter Trousers. They offer six functional pockets: four on the sides and back, each large enough for a phone or wallet; a card pocket; and a pickpocket-proof zippered pocket capable of accommodating a passport, cash, or keys. We also love the broad range of sizes offered, including standard and tall lengths. We loved the fit, finding them true to size with a waistband that wasn’t too tight or loose, but just right. 

The style is wide-legged, with a cropped length and high-rise waist. They’re flexible enough to be comfy on the plane or when exploring your destination, but also smart enough to dress up come evening. We feel this versatility helps to justify the pants’ admittedly high price tag. They are made of durable Aire-Flex fabric, which is breathable, spill- and odor-proof, wrinkle-proof, and rated for UPF 30+ sun protection. It’s also bluesign-certified for sustainability points, and available in six gorgeous colors from bronze to rose water. 

Sizes: 00, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 | Materials: Aire-Flex (rPET)

TripSavvy / Julia Sayers

Most Comfortable

Vuori performance jogger.

• Design 4 /5

Unbelievably soft fabric

Completely unrestricted movement

Can be tumble dried 

Pockets aren’t particularly functional

Cropped style may not suit all tastes

Vuori Performance Joggers are made from DreamKnit fabric: a recycled polyester and elastane blend that’s impossibly soft and comfortable on long travel days. The pants are also breathable and moisture-wicking, with four-way stretch for full freedom of movement. The fit is slim yet relaxed, with a mid-rise waist and a tapered, cropped leg. We liked the adjustability of the drawstring waist and the fact that the fit remained consistent on every wear. Some of us that are tall weren't a big fan of the cropped style, though. 

The joggers have two side pockets, which are deep enough to hold your phone or wallet. However, we found that anything bulky looked a little odd due to the pants’ slightly clingy style. Nevertheless, we believe the durable, quality fabric makes them well worth their high-end price tag and appreciated that unlike many of the pants on this list, ythese ones can be tumble dried without shrinking, stretching, or pilling. Colors range from black camo and navy to a dusky pink marsala heather. 

Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Materials: Recycled polyester, elastane

TripSavvy / Sophie Mendel

Best Leggings

Abercrombie & fitch ypb studiosoft legging.

Abercrombie & Fitch

• Quality 4.5 /5

Flattering, sculpting design

No movement, even during high-impact activities

Relatively affordable

Lighter colors may show sweat when working out

The Abercrombie YPB StudioSoft 7/8 Length Leggings are made from a super soft, stretchy, and supportive nylon and elastane blend. We loved that they were like a second skin without making us feel like a stuffed sausage. The double-layer waistband compresses without being uncomfortable for a smoothing effect, while an ultra high-rise cut and sculpting, V-shaped back seaming help flatter your figure, whatever your body type. We felt that the leggings were pretty breathable, although some sweat did show through on the light color we tested. 

One highlight for us was that the leggings stayed firmly in place with no sagging, looseness, or riding up no matter what we wore them for—including a high-impact gym workout. With completely unimpeded movement, we could see them performing well in any travel scenario, from sightseeing to adventure tours. There’s even a hidden interior waistband pocket for cards or keys. The leggings are the most affordable on this list and come in three inseam lengths (short, regular, and long) and four colors (lilac, oat, onyx, and mineral blue). 

Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL; short, regular, long | Materials: Nylon, elastane

TripSavvy / Sophia Devito

Quince Ponte Straight Leg Pant

• Durability 4.5 /5

Naturally heat regulating

Retain quality after multiple washes

Ethically sourced and produced

Unstructured fit loosens throughout the day

These beautiful linen pants from Quince are ethically woven from 100 percent European flax, making them naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and heat regulating. We found them so light and comfortable, it was easy to forget we were wearing pants at all. After trying them on, we would describe them as “just easy,” from putting them on to accessorizing them for different occasions. The linen is also very high quality, with no changes to its look or feel after several washes and enough thickness not to have to worry about visible underwear. 

The fit is true to size, with a streamlined, straight-leg aesthetic that we feel is very versatile. The cropped legs hit just above the ankle, making them practical for navigating less-than-pristine airport bathrooms and cute when paired with sneakers, sandals, and flip-flops. If we could make one change? We’d add a drawstring to the elasticated waist to counteract the fact that it does stretch a little with extended wear. Finally, the pants have three functioning pockets and come in nine attractive colors. 

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Materials: European flax linen

TripSavvy / Jackie Napalan

Our overall favorite travel pants were the Stretch High-Rise Joggers from Lululemon, which we loved for their butter-soft comfort, stretch, and stylish appearance. For something a little more formal, choose Quince’s elegant yet eminently practical Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants .

Each pair of pants considered for this article went through the same real-life testing process. First, we unboxed and visually inspected the pants to gain an overall impression of material and construction quality. We tested the design and function of features, including pockets, zippers, buttons, and drawstrings; then put the pants on to perform a series of squats. This gave us an idea of their fit, breathability, and stretch. 

Then, we wore each pair for at least four six-hour periods over two weeks. We wore them for traveling and everyday activities, including going to work, attending social events, and running errands. Finally, we washed the pants at least once according to the manufacturer’s care guidelines to see how well they held up. Each pair was scored from one to five for fit, comfort, quality, durability, design, and value, with overall scores informing our category winners.

What to Look For in Women's Travel Pants

Comfort and flexibility are key when it comes to travel pants, which is why many of our favorites are made from technical blends featuring materials like nylon, elastane, spandex, polyester, and Lycra. These blends are typically breathable and moisture-wicking, too, making them easily able to handle temperature changes and great for active vacation pursuits such as hiking or sightseeing tours. Natural materials like cotton and linen are also comfy and breathable, although you’ll have to pack carefully to avoid too many wrinkles. 

The travel pants that we tested for this article ranged in price from $22 to $228, but the most affordable pair that scored highly enough to be featured cost $70. This is a good illustration of the old adage, “you get what you pay for,” and if you want a pair of pants that tick all the boxes for comfort, versatility, and durability, then you should expect to pay somewhere around the $100 mark. Although this may seem expensive, consider that you’ll be able to wear the right pair of travel pants over and over again on your trip and hopefully for many years to come. 

Above all, travel pants should be comfortable. You want full freedom of movement so you can run for that bus, take on that hiking trail, or dance the night away at that sidewalk taverna. You also want to be able to sit comfortably for several hours while traveling without experiencing any uncomfortable pinching or compression. This either means choosing pants with a relaxed fit, or, if you prefer form-fitting leggings, opting for ones with super soft material, plenty of stretch, and a waistband that stays firmly in place without being too tight.

Style is very personal and there’s no right or wrong when it comes to travel pants (or any other clothing). Whatever style you go for, though, we recommend choosing one with plenty of versatility. That means pants that you can dress up with heels and a blazer for a night out or formal business meeting, for example, or pair with sneakers and a T-shirt for more casual adventures during the day. This way, you’ll cut down on the number of different pants you need to take and save extra space in your suitcase for other items. 

Although pockets aren’t necessarily essential if you’re the kind of person who always travels with a purse or backpack, they can be a very handy addition to your travel pants. After all, how much easier is it to whip your passport out of your pocket at security than having to rummage through your purse for the 99th time? Look for pockets that are deep enough to hold your valuables securely, even when you’re sitting down. The smartest travel pants may even have a zippered pocket or a hidden pocket in the waistband to dissuade pickpockets. 

Whether for women or for men , the best pair of travel pants is the one you feel most comfortable in. Generally speaking, opt for soft, stretchy fabrics or pants with a relaxed fit that won’t feel too restrictive after hours in one position on the airplane. Pockets are ideal for keeping essentials like your wallet, phone, or passport handy, while breathable, sweat-wicking materials are great if you’re headed somewhere warm. Finally, choosing pants that you can wear for different scenarios (from daytime sightseeing or hiking to dining out in the evening) will help you pack smarter and lighter. 

When it comes to the kind of casual pants listed in this article (leggings, joggers, lightweight travel pants), the best way to pack for wrinkle-free results is to fold the pants in half vertically, then roll them up tightly starting from the waistband. Bonus: This is also a great space saver, giving you more room in your suitcase for other clothes or souvenirs you pick up along the way. 

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and a regular contributor of travel-related commerce articles. She’s visited more than 50 countries and tried countless pairs of travel pants, from lightweight technical pants for jungle expeditions to her favorite comfy leggings for adventures with her kids. This article is based on real-life tests carried out by members of TripSavvy’s expert travel team, as well as product descriptions and customer reviews.  

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• InStyle Picks

The 15 Best Travel Pants of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Even if you’re flying coach, these comfortable pants will make you feel like you’re in first class.

In This Article

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• Our top picks

Other Options You Might Like

Our testing process, what to keep in mind, your questions, answered, what is instyle picks, why shop with us.

InStyle / Reese Herrington

In a perfect world, we’d be able to teleport to faraway places, but the fact of the matter is long flights, drives, and train rides are a big part of traveling. Sure, there are steps you can take to make a trip more pleasant (like pre-downloading your favorite TV show), but the pants you wear can transform a miserable travel experience into an enjoyable one.

“A good pair of travel pants will be breathable and nonrestrictive, but still feel put-together,” says California-based professional stylist Kat Eves. “The idea is to look low-effort, not no-effort, so you’re ready for whatever adventure is waiting at your destination.”

With so many styles, fabrics, and silhouettes to choose from, finding the best travel pants for your needs can be an overwhelming task. That’s why we tried 40 of the most popular options available. Over the course of two weeks, these bottoms became frequent flyers — we wore them on planes, trains, and automobiles and evaluated their fit, comfort, quality, durability, design, and value each step of the way. We certainly liked some more than others, which is why we narrowed our list down to the first-class pairs that felt the most comfortable while in transit and offered styling flexibility once we reached our destination.

Best Overall

Lululemon wunder train high-rise tight with pockets.

• Quality 5 /5
• Opacity 5 /5
• Performance 5 /5

What We Love: The two deep side pockets hold a surprising amount of travel necessities without becoming bulky or getting weighed down.

What We Don’t Love: The pants aren’t insulated, so we were a little cold during flights.

When we need a pair of pants that will move with us through every part of our journey — from the plane to our destination to all the expeditions in between — we lean on these Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tights. We immediately put the leggings to the test on multiple four-hour flights, where we were able to hustle hands-free through the airport, thanks to the stretchy deep side pockets that securely held our Airpods, phone, ticket, and ID with room to spare. Even with so many items attached to our legs, it didn’t feel heavy or stiff — actually, we barely felt the items in there — and the high-waisted pants, which feature a hidden drawcord, remained secure along our midriff, never drooping as we made our way to the gate. We appreciated the extra support offered by the high-rise, too, because like many folks, we tend to bloat on extended trips, but they never cut into our stomachs or felt uncomfortable in any way. And with the choice of two different inseams — 23- and 25-inch — they fit throughout our entire body.

The soft, sweat-wicking material, which comes in over 10 colorways, also made these pants feel more luxe than other run-of-the-mill leggings . Not only did they never pill, but they also maintained their shape and color through multiple washes. We’ve been able to use them in everyday life, not just traveling, like a sweaty workout. But given the breathable qualities, the bottoms left us a bit cold in the air. We easily looked past this, though, because the leggings simultaneously regulated our temperature once we stepped off the plane into the tropics and we never overheated.

Size: 0–20  | Material: Nylon, lycra elastane | Colors: 11 | Pockets:  3

InStyle / Taylor Mcintyre

Best Budget

Libin cargo joggers.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Quality 4.5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Design 4 /5

What We Love: With five functional and secure pockets, we can store all our necessities and ditch an extra bag completely.

What We Don’t Love: Although stretchy, these pants run slightly small.

Most of the travel pants on our list are around $100, but these affordable bottoms include many of the same well-thought-out details for less than half the standard price — a true steal in our eyes. The soft and stretchy polyester-spandex blend felt comfortable throughout a six-hour drive and allowed us to take long walks and hikes without feeling restrained. Admittedly, we thought we ordered one size too small at first, but the more we wore them, the more they conformed to our bodies. Still, if you prefer a bit more breathing room, we suggest sizing up.

With a toddler in tow, the fabric’s flexibility and breathability were invaluable (we don’t have to tell you that running after children while traveling is extremely tiring), but we were most thankful for the five functional pockets that allowed us to travel nearly hands-free. With three zipper-closure compartments (two on the sides and one on the back) and two hook-and-loop-closure cargo pockets, we could store all our personal necessities — wallet, keys, and phone, as well as a tantrum-soothing binky — at arms reach without the need for an extra bag. At such a low cost, we couldn’t help but purchase the casual pants in multiple colors.

Size: XS–3XL  | Material: Polyester, spandex  | Colors: 14 | Pockets:  5

InStyle / Kim Sommerfeldt

Best Splurge

Frank & eileen murphy billion dollar pant.

Frank & Eileen

• Design 5 /5

What We Love: These pants feel like luxurious athletic bottoms, but look like deluxe work slacks.

What We Don’t Love: While the pockets add a sophisticated flair, they’re not very functional.

With a name like the Billion Dollar Pant, we had high expectations for how these travel pants would perform, and we were blown away from the moment they landed on our doorstep. So much thought was put into the unboxing experience: The pants arrived with tea samples and a typewritten note that shared the history of Frank & Eileen and highlighted the brand’s generous 30-day return policy — though, we had no intention of returning them.

Flashy arrival aside, slipping these on made us feel expensive. While they look like a typical pair of rigid cropped work slacks, they felt more like custom-made high-quality leggings that still gave us the freedom to move without restrictions. We even wore them for some nighttime yoga and were impressed with how well they moved with our bodies. The pants have a functional button, yet no traditional zipper fly. But honestly, you could never tell as an onlooker or wearer, and we actually ended up appreciating that feature because when it came time to actually travel in these, the stretchy waistband prevented any uncomfortable digging. By the time our flight landed, we didn’t feel the need to freshen up or change as we normally do because the pants looked just as crisp as when we took off.

The pockets did lack functionality, though. Because much like the fake zipper fly, the back pockets were merely for decoration, and the ones on the side were so shallow we couldn’t even store our phone. Despite this minor shortcoming, the pants made traveling much more pleasant — and they gave us first-class confidence, even when flying in coach.

Size: XS–XL  | Material: Cotton, spandex  | Colors: 3 | Pockets:  2

InStyle / Tamara Staples

Best Plus-Size

Wayre jetsetter trouser.

• Design 4.5 /5

What We Love: These sustainable pants are crafted from recycled bottles.

What We Don’t Love: When not in use, the hidden pocket bulges out a bit.

Out of all the travel pants we tested, the Jetsetter Trouser from Wayre has the most expansive size range — going up to a size 24 — and is also offered in a tall version . But beyond commending these pants for inclusivity, we want to discuss the pockets (there are six!), which in our opinion, far outperform any of the products on this list. Along with the standard front and back pockets, a mini pouch lays on the front of the pants, while a hidden pick-pocket-proof compartment with a zipper sits on the side to store your passport.

With so many storage capabilities, we worried these pants would quickly feel weighed down. To our surprise, though, these stayed snugly in place thanks to the buttonable waistband that featured a sneaky elasticized back. Even though the elastic didn’t fully reach to the front, the band still had plenty of give and easily expanded when we sat down — which Eves says is a make-or-break attribute for plus-sized women. “Our bodies expand as we sit down, so you want to make sure that when you take a seat, the waistband rests at a comfortable spot and your hips and thighs aren’t tightly restricted,” she explains.

Luckily, the legs of the pants are also stretchy: Made of the brand’s Air-flex technology (a material fabricated from plastic bottles), the flexible material bent with our body. Along with the stretch, the fabric is completely spill- and odor-proof, as well as wrinkle- and UV-resistant. Combined with the athleisure-like quality and work-appropriate cropped length, the travel-friendly details quickly earned these bottoms a spot on our list.

Size: 00–24 | Material: Aire-flex (recycled plastic bottles) | Colors: 6 | Pockets:  6

InStyle / Julia Sayers

• InStyle/Julia Sayers

Best Petite

Abercrombie & fitch ypb studiosoft legging.

Abercrombie & Fitch

What We Love: Abercrombie gives us the option to select a length, something that isn’t very common for leggings.

What We Don’t Love: Sweat shows through on the lighter colors.

Over the years, we’ve struggled to find leggings that fit our petite frame without bunching at our ankles. This pair from Abercrombie came to our rescue: Hitting right at our ankles, the leggings never looked too long. And while many affordable leggings stretch out with wear, these continuously provide the perfect amount of compression, almost like a second layer of skin, which allows us to feel secure without being constricted. Unlike many of the pants on this list, there is only one pocket that’s well hidden within the waistband and rather small (we could only store our ID and a credit card). Anyone who typically carries a crossbody while traveling, though, shouldn’t be too bothered by the lack of storage because the fit far makes up for it.

To determine how truly functional these leggings are, we took our test to an additional level by wearing these pants during a high-intensity workout, rather than just en route to a vacation. They stayed in place through every move. But we did notice during our workout that sweat stains popped up around our backside on the lilac color we wore. For those who are prone to sweating, we recommend choosing one of the darker hues, like onyx to be safe. However, unless you plan on wearing these during a tropical hike, we don’t imagine this to be a huge issue.

Size: XXS–XXL | Material: Nylon, elastane | Colors: 4 | Pockets:  1

InStyle / Sophia DeVito

Outdoor Voices Relay Wide Leg Pant

Public Lands

What We Love: These feel just like a cushy pair of sweatpants but look more refined.

What We Don’t Love: Though the pockets are large, putting too much in them can weigh the pants down.

Any tall woman knows the struggle of picking out a pair of pants only to find they land well above the ankle without actually being labeled as cropped. So, you’ll be happy to know that with its 32-inch inseam, these wide-leg pants from Outdoor Voices (which are the pants version of the brand’s best-selling Relay Short ) completely covered our long legs with even a little extra fabric to spare and kept us cozy throughout our trip.

We’d consider these pants to be two steps above your typical sweatpants — the recycled polyester material was much more flowy and lightweight than our favorite cotton sweats, making them much more suitable for outdoor activities, like hiking, in warmer temperatures. Plus, they’re so much more stylish because we’d easily wear these for errand runs or chill days in the park.

The two deep side pockets held our phone and keys throughout every part of our journey on a subway, bus, car, and airplane (seriously, we did a lot of travel in these). However, the pants did feel slightly weighed down with those items. The secure elastic waistband prevented any drooping, but it felt slightly uncomfortable.

Size: XXS–XL | Material: Polyester, spandex | Colors: 3 | Pockets:  2

InStyle / Phoebe Sklansky

Best for Work Trips

Everlane pant.

• Comfort 4.5 /5

What We Love: These sophisticated trousers are wrinkle-resistant and just as cozy as our favorite pair of leggings.

What We Don’t Love: The pants are cropped, which won’t suit everyone’s style.

When we need to be prepared to walk directly into a meeting after a lengthy train ride or flight, you need a pair of work pants that you can rely on. We’ve considered replacing every pair of work-appropriate bottoms in our wardrobe with Everlane's The Dream Pant because, while maintaining a professional flair suitable for a boardroom meeting, these wrinkle-resistant trousers still feel more comfortable than our most-broken-in pair of jeans yet look more sophisticated than our usual travel leggings.

Rather than having a zipper and snap closure like ordinary slacks, these feature hidden adjustable drawstrings to customize how tight or loose they fit. As for the mainly cotton fabric, it felt soft, smooth, and breathable, striking that hard-to-achieve middle ground of weightiness because it felt thick enough to wear during cooler months (or in chilly airports) without overheating us in the summer. We consider them to be just as comfortable (and versatile) as our favorite Lululemon leggings, albeit not as stretchy and with less pocket space, since we couldn’t squeeze our iPhone into the side pockets as we could on the Lululemon’s.

Aside from the functional design, we loved that these pants remained wrinkle-free after over 12 hours of travel and full days at the office. The cropped leg grew on us, too. We were worried they might look like capris on longer legs, but they stopped just short of the ankle and actually accentuated our height in a positive way. The crisp tapered look became another one of our favorite aspects of these pants, though we do hope Everlane will offer a full-length option in the future for those who aren’t fans of cropped styles.

If you’re still not convinced about how amazing these pants are, two of our close friends purchased the Dream Pant after seeing us wear them — without even knowing the noteworthy details.

Size: XS–4XL | Material: Cotton, modal, elastane | Colors: 6 | Pockets:  2

Best Lightweight

Everlane the easy pant.

What We Love: Along with being cozy enough for the plane ride, they were so stylish we were able to wear them multiple times throughout our vacation.

What We Don’t Love: We weren’t able to tote items around in the pockets without the waistband sagging.

If you’re zipping around the airport with heavy luggage, the last thing you want to be wearing is a pair of pants that will weigh you down. Thankfully, these featherweight cotton bottoms flexed with our bodies, and thanks to the elastic waistband, they kept us comfortable while we waited through a four-hour flight delay.

In the past, we always preferred comfort to style while traveling. But these slip-on pants gave us the best of both worlds. Once at our destination, we were able to don the pants for multiple vacation looks, from dinner at the hotel to an exploration of the local communities. The bottoms’ adaptability made our trip more enjoyable since we were able to create trendy, functional outfits while saving space in our carry-on.

Compared to the Everlane Dream Pant , these are much more casual, due to its waistband and flowier fit. But both pants could use a pocket redesign. Although The Easy Pant’s pockets were quite large, heavier items (namely, our cell phone) dragged the waistband down. If you plan on purchasing these pants, we suggest storing important items in a purse or handy belt bag to prevent sagging.

Size: XXS–XL  | Material: Cotton, elastane | Colors: 5 | Pockets:  4

Best Dressy

Spanx the perfect pant, slim straight.

Spanx 

What We Love: While these pants have a structured look and beautifully sculpt your bottom, they are just as soft as a pair of leggings.

What We Don’t Love: If you have a curvier figure, these gap at the waist.

We can always count on Spanx to deliver dressy, body-contouring pants that feel like leggings — and though the faux-leather bottoms often steal the show, we think the Perfect Pant, which we’ve called one of the best work pants before, deserves just as much (if not more) attention. The weighty ponte fabric felt much more luxe than other items we’ve purchased from the brand and looked extremely elegant without skimping on comfort.

In typical Spanx fashion, every time we slid them on we felt secure but not restricted — the pants lifted and sculpted our backside and never once sagged. The thicker waistband didn’t dig into our stomach, even after hours of sitting, and because the pant legs themselves were wider, we were able to move freely. We washed them multiple times throughout our two-week test, too, and they maintained their shape.

As for the faux pockets, they enhanced the dressy factor, but the lack of functionality was rather annoying on our travel days. Ultimately, we looked past the design flaw because of how versatile the pants are; beyond traveling, we wore them multiple times to dinners, the office, and for other special occasions. And the pants almost have a customizable feel to them because they are offered in multiple lengths (including petite — no hemming necessary!). We had difficulty selecting a size, though. We have an hourglass figure, so our measurements fit into two different sizes. We opted to size up to fit our thighs, which led to some gaping along our waistline. With this body type, finding the perfect fit might not be attainable, but overall, we recommend them for their polished look, high comfort, and utility.

Size: XS–3X | Material: Rayon, nylon, elastane, polyester | Colors: 3 | Pockets: None

InStyle / Morgan Ashley Parker

Liverpool The Gia Glider Ankle Skinny Jean

What We Love: Complete with a faux zipper and functioning pockets, no one will be able to tell these are jeggings.

What We Don’t Love: They stretched a lot after frequent wear.

The thought of wearing jeans on a long flight sent shivers down our spine for years — why would anyone put themselves through that misery? We’ve come to the conclusion that people sporting jeans at the airport must be wearing The Gia Glider Ankle Skinny from Liverpool Los Angeles. These stretchy jeggings have become our staple travel pants for when we want to look put together without trying hard or forgoing comfort.

With a faux zipper and functioning button, the pull-on bottoms look like a high-end pair of jeans but operate exactly like leggings. Typically, we’ll wash our jeans after every two wears, but because these have similar stretch to leggings, we found that we needed to wash them after every wear for the waist to stay secure. A quick cycle in the dryer was enough to shrink them back to size, and we think a smaller size would remedy this issue completely.

Just like many women’s jeans , the pants are available in regular and tall lengths. The tall was perfect for our five-foot-nine frame, and hit directly at our ankles (no flood-water pants here!) They also feature four pockets. The front two were a bit too small to store anything substantial, but we could easily slip our phone and wallet into the larger pockets on the back. Truthfully, if these were available in a few more wash options and silhouettes, we’d probably replace our entire jean collection because the comfort level and price (less than $100) is hard to beat.

Size: 0–16 | Material: Cotton, rayon, modal, t400, lycra | Colors: 2 | Pockets:  4

InStyle / Taylor Fox

Most Comfortable

Lululemon high-rise jogger.

What We Love: These pants get softer with each wash and the color doesn’t fade.

What We Don’t Love: If you’re on the shorter side they bunch at the ankles — it doesn’t alter the pants’ function, but definitely affects the style-factor.

It may be a no-brainer to say this, but all travel pants should be comfortable. We’d consider any of the pants on our list to be cozy — that’s why we mentioned them, after all — but these joggers from Lululemon broke our comfort scale. Roomier than leggings yet softer than the average pair of sweatpants, we lived in these bottoms for the entirety of our two-week trial. In fact, we wore these so much that we had to clean them three times in two weeks, but they didn’t shrink, pill, or fade; they remained good as new, with a bonus that the drawstring never fell out during any of the washes.

Wearing them on our six-hour flight from San Francisco to Hawaii, we had never ever felt so comfortable while on a plane. The mix of nylon and lycra elastane allowed the pants to stretch perfectly around our waist without any sliding or rubbing against our skin the entire time we were in the air. The pockets were also deep enough for our phone, and although there was no closure, it didn’t slip out — even while seated.

The joggers bunched more than we typically prefer for our pants, but we suppose our shorter stature had something to do with it. (And they might land at the ankle for anyone on the taller side.) But in the end, we appreciated the laid-back style that looked more versatile than most joggers.

Size: 0–20 | Material: Nylon, lycra elastane | Colors: 8 | Pockets:  2

InStyle / Elena Garcia

Best for Long Flights

Cozy earth women's modern modal wide leg pant.

Cozy Earth 

What We Love: These pants are like a hybrid between pajamas and our favorite blanket.

What We Don’t Love: If you’re shorter than five-foot-five they’ll need to be hemmed.

We’ve crossed many faraway destinations off our bucket lists, but long-haul flights never seem to get easier. Simply put, sitting on a cramped plane for eight-plus hours is easily the worst part of the vacation. Thankfully, these pants from Cozy Earth made our latest journey much more pleasant. Seriously — we don’t own any other everyday pants that compare to the comfort level of these. As borderline pajama pants, these bottoms felt irresistibly soft and stretchy, thanks to the blend of modal and polyester that gave them a lightweight and breathable quality. The extremely long legs also enhanced the blanket-like effect and kept us cozy in chilly airplane cabins.

Because of the length, these wide-legged pants dragged a bit along the ground. This wasn’t a big issue when we were lounging at home, but we found that they became dirty very quickly — especially in the lighter shades — as we traipsed around the airport and outside. We’re five-foot-five, which we think is the height cutoff: Anyone shorter should consider getting these hemmed, otherwise you may trip, and the bottom will get soiled pretty quickly.

Size: XS–3XL | Material: Modal, polyester, spandex | Colors: 5 | Pockets:  2

InStyle / Jodi Epsinosa

Best Joggers

Outdoor voices rectrek jogger.

Outdoor Voices

• Durability 4.5 /5

What We Love: These joggers are completely weatherproof, so they’re a great pick for all destinations and climates.

What We Don’t Love: While the exterior is very durable, the interior lining started to pill after three washes.

Most joggers we own are meant for lounging and not much else (case in point: The comfortable Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Jogger ). The Outdoor Voices RecTrek Jogger on the other hand was a fresh take on the classic silhouette that took us through many travel expeditions and climates, thanks to its sporty nylon fabric that was not only soft but also sturdy.

The exterior of these pants reminded us of a windbreaker — strong and waterproof. Despite the solid material, we never overheated while wearing these. The bottoms were surprisingly lightweight and breathable so we could easily wear them in warm weather, yet they still felt insulated enough to keep us warm in colder temperatures (and in chilly airplane cabins) — paired with a lounge-worthy sweatshirt . Along with short car rides, we wore these on a mini adventure to the park, and were able to play in the grass with our toddler without any mobility problems. At five-foot-three, we did find the 27-inch inseam to be a little long, but rolling the waistband prevented bunching around the crotch.

Because of the style, we wouldn’t consider wearing these to the office by any means, but the bottoms were definitely more structured and elevated than run-of-the-mill sweatpants, and we appreciated that they were wrinkle-resistant. However, the interior lining wasn’t quite as sturdy. After a few washes we noticed that it began to pill. This wasn’t a major issue because the lining hasn’t felt itchy or uncomfortably rubbed against our skin (and the exterior has remained crisp through each wash). But with the price, it was a bit of a bummer. We’re happy to report, though, that the initial pilling hasn’t increased either — the pants still function as if they were good as new.

Size: XS–XL | Material: Nylon, elastane | Colors: 3 | Pockets:  4

Wondery Isabel 2.0 Outdoor Pants

What We Love: The six pockets are substantial — they can fit your passport, headphones, wallet, and more.

What We Don’t Love: You’ll want to keep a lint roller on hand because fuzz and pet hair stick to the pants.

Cargo pants may have originally been worn by the military, but the sheer amount of functional pockets make them ideal for travel. Think about it, with more pockets than your average bottoms, they can hold headphones, your passport, phone, wallet, keys, and more. The exact number will differ between styles, but similar to the Wayre Jetsetter Trouser , this pair from The Wondery has six: two deep ones in the front, two button-closure compartments on the back, and two massive button-closure pockets on the thighs. Each one was practical, too — a welcome change to the teeny jean pockets we’re used to.

Of course, the pockets aren’t the only major selling point of these bottoms: Besides the inclusive sizing (which goes up to a size 4XL and includes standard, short, and tall lengths) they struck a perfect balance between being fitted and casually baggy. The cinched high waistband fits snugly around our midsection, and, beyond adding a dash of style, the metal side buckles could be easily adjusted to get the perfect fit. But don’t focus on the word “fitted” too much because the waist was the only part of the pants that was very fitted. The legs were looser, especially around the calves, and gave us full range of movement, allowing us to sprint through the airport to reach our gate. The airy cotton fabric also kept us cooler than jeans or leggings , so we weren’t a sweaty mess when we boarded.

Overall, the performance of these pants wowed us so much that we completely ditched our go-to travel leggings. However, we experienced one small pet peeve: The fabric noticeably attracted fuzz and pet hair. A quick swipe of a lint roller removed it all, but we don’t typically carry one around while traveling.

Size: XS–4XL | Material: Cotton, spandex | Colors: 1 | Pockets:  6

InStyle / Elise Wojczyk Wang

Quince Ponte Straight Leg Pant

What We Love: These pants are extremely versatile — we could dress them up for work or wear them as a beach coverup.

What We Don’t Love: While the elastic waistband is stretchy, we wish these had adjustable drawstrings to get the perfect fit.

Summer travels and linen go hand in hand: The lightweight, sweat-wicking material is ideal for hot climates and can easily be dressed up or down. When it comes to pants, this pair from Quince stood out because of its 100 percent linen makeup, vast color options, and convenient slip-on style, and summer-friendly cropped silhouette. The 25-inch inseam hit us right at the ankle (we’re five-foot-four). Sure, they were a bit longer on our petite frame, but this meant they didn’t drag through dirty airport terminals, and we considered the length ideal for in-between weather days as well as spring and summer travel.

As expected with linen, the bottoms did wrinkle slightly. But rather than looking disheveled, they had a lived-in appeal. Even with the creases, we still felt they were appropriate for special events, including fancy dinners (and the stretchy elastic waistband made them perfect for meal times). We actually found these to be so comfortable, we completely forgot we were wearing pants (a dream come true). However, the addition of a drawstring would make these bottoms near perfect. The waistband slightly stretches throughout the day, and this small enhancement would keep them fitting perfectly over the course of long travel days.

Size: XS–XL | Material: Linen | Colors: 9 | Pockets:  3

Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant

For a comfortable, office-appropriate pant that isn’t tapered like the Everlane Dream Pant , we loved these Quince straight-leg pants . We were able to choose between three different inseams, and at five-foot-six the 30-inch landed right at our ankle. Although these look like work slacks, the thick stretchy fabric felt supportive and flexible — not quite like shapewear, but compressive enough that it held our stomach in. The only thing holding these pants back is the size range. Offered in XS to XL, we wish there were more inclusive options to fit a wide array of body types.

Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants

If you aren’t a frequent flier but are looking for versatile bottoms that will work with your lifestyle and keep you comfortable when you finally plan a trip, we consider these great introductory travel pants . Similar in style to Spanx The Perfect Pant, Slim Straight (yet a fraction of the price), this option has the fundamental characteristics of a good pair of travel trousers: They feature two deep side pockets, wrinkle-resistant, breathable fabric, and an elastic waistband. Plus, we love the fun color options, which include vibrant hues like emerald and orange.

After researching the top-rated travel-friendly pants, we selected 40 pairs in a range of styles and sent them to our team of fashion and travel experts. Over the course of two weeks, each person wore the bottoms while traveling over long and short distances on planes, trains, and automobiles and while going about their daily errands and activities (which included wrangling toddlers, cleaning, and going to the grocery store). We then rated each pair based on fit, comfort, durability, design, and value. We also performed light physical activities (squats and stretches) to see how they moved with our bodies. Once we wore them enough to need a good cleaning, we washed the items at least twice to see how they held up to wear and tear. At the end of our trial, we narrowed down the list to the top-performing travel pants that we now rely on to keep us comfortable through every journey.

InStyle / Jackie Napalan

Regardless of how you’re traveling, sitting for hours on end is pretty uncomfortable. That’s why New York-based image and wardrobe consultant Beverly Osemwenkhae recommends opting for travel pants made with an elastic waistband or drawstrings because she says they “give a little more freedom to play around with.” She thinks drawstrings specifically allow you to alter where the waistband sits on your midsection, which can relieve pressure and help you feel more relaxed in transit. You can find these features in many of our picks, but look to our favorite Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Joggers for the most comfortable.

While many stretchy materials conform to and move with your body, there are some — like cotton and linen — that can lose their shape over time and wrinkle easily in transit. We felt like the linen Quince pants looked more lived-in, rather than a wrinkled mess, but that’s fairly rare for linen pants. For a more flexible yet sturdy option that’s just as weightless as linen can be, New York-based personal fashion stylist Nejla Renee recommends looking for styles made from spandex, elastane, or nylon because they generally hold their shape through countless washes and wears. Along with their resiliency, these fabrics (as well as most poly blends) are wrinkle-resistant, making them ideal for business trips because they will still look crisp after hours of sitting.

For easy access to your boarding pass, passport, or phone while traveling through the airport, pants pockets help keep everything handy. Not only do they allow you to skip digging through tons of other travel essentials to find what you need, but pockets also give you peace of mind knowing your most important items are for sure on you.

We recommend choosing pants with at least one deep pocket that can hold your phone without it sliding out. But a majority of the picks on our list have much more than one pocket. The Wondery Isabel 2.0 Outdoor Pants has six, while the Wayre Jetsetter Trouser also features six with one pick-pocket-proof hidden compartment to store valuables. Although Renee and Osemwenkhae say it's not imperative for pockets to have some sort of closure, zippered and buttoned compartments can be a bit more secure.

Versatility

Sure, comfort tops our list for necessary qualities our travel pants should have. But we also aimed to find pants that are functional and versatile enough to wear on vacation, too. “I like to be able to wear a pair of pants at least two to three times while traveling to optimize packing space,” says Renee.

Think about your destination and what types of activities you’ll be doing to decide what bottoms you’ll wear the most. “Certain pants like jeans are trans-seasonal, [while] trousers can be taken from day to night, spring to summer, and the boardroom to the club if styled accordingly,” says travel expert Thithi Nteta. Beyond the more fashion-forward options like the Quince 100% European Linen Pants , leggings, including the Abercrombie YPB StudioSoft legging , can double as athleticwear while on vacation, if you plan to hike or take any fitness classes.

Should you wear compression pants while flying?

According to Dr. Emily Splichal, an Arizona-based board-certified podiatrist, prolonged sitting on long flights puts pressure on veins in your legs, reducing circulation and ultimately leading to swelling. Paired with higher sodium intake while traveling, your body is more likely to retain water and bloat while in the air. Compressive garments counter the effects because they “are designed to address venous return and prevent swelling,” she explains.

To ward off bloating, Dr. Splichal recommends wearing compression pants or socks on flights over six hours. “They can be worn on shorter flights if you have a medical condition that contributes to swelling and leg edema,” she adds. For light compression, we recommend our best overall pick Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight because it feels supportive without restricting movement.

How do you style pants for travel?

We get it, putting together a stylized outfit for early (or late) departures may not be your top priority, but there are some simple pairings that can transform a groutfit into a cute and comfy ensemble. Renee says that layering is key, even if you’re going to a warm destination because plane temperatures tend to be chilly. She advises styling a high-rise elastic waist pant (like the Wayre Jetsetter Trouser ) with a simple cropped tee shirt, casual leather sneakers , and a packable puffer. “The puffer can be used for warmth or as a pillow in a pinch,” she says.

If you don’t want to take a heavy coat, opt for something lighter like a leather or jean jacket . Both options will keep you warm in transit and look more refined than a sweatshirt. But for a dressier option, Osemwenkhae suggests throwing on a blazer , especially if you’re headed to a work function directly after the trip. Regardless of which overcoat you select, the jacket and sneakers combo will mesh well with any travel pant style.

As for accessories, Nteta suggests investing in a nice cross-body or belt bag if your favorite travel pants don’t have large enough pockets to store your passport or other items, so you can still keep your essentials at arms reach.

Is it better to wear tight or loose pants on a plane?

This comes down to personal preference. All of our experts agree that you should wear what feels the most comfortable. “It’s important to have freedom of movement, especially for long haul flights,” says Nteta. Looser styles, like Cozy Earth Women's Modern Modal Wide Leg Pan , give you a lot of freedom and feel incredibly cozy, almost like a blanket. If you prefer tighter silhouettes, make sure the pants aren’t totally restrictive and have some stretch so they can move with your body, like the Abercrombie YPB StudioSoft legging .

Did you notice the InStyle Picks seal of approval at the top of this story? That means our team of testers has reviewed every product on this list using a unique methodology to ensure it's really worth your time, money, and attention. We may get samples for free to try but we never promise positive (or any!) coverage in exchange. Put simply: InStyle Picks are products we love, and we've put them to the test to be sure you will too.

Mary Honkus is the commerce editor at InStyle with over five years of experience covering fashion and beauty. For this story she compiled the insights from our two week travel pants test, analyzing the details our skilled team of testers reported to select the best. Along with those insights, she consulted with California-based professional stylist Kat Eves , New York-based image and wardrobe consultant Beverly Osemwenkhae , New York-based personal stylist Nejla Renee , and travel expert Thithi Nteta to learn more about elements that are essential in a good pair of travel pants. She also tapped Arizona-based board certified podiatrist Dr. Emily Splichal to learn about the benefits of flying with compression garments.

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The 9 best travel pants for women: joggers, plus-size & more.

Look and feel stylish from the gate to check-in and everywhere in between.

The Best Travel Pants for Women

Courtesy of Maurices

The Maurices Traveler Pull On Pant is U.S. News Travel's best budget pick for women's travel pants.

Comfort when traveling is key – so a great pair of travel pants is a must. Whether you're on a plane, a cruise or a road trip , you want something that looks good and moves with you. U.S. News & World Report has compiled a list of pants for any travel occasion, with stylish yet comfortable options that can be worn in transit and easily go from day to night.

Best Overall: Athleta Brooklyn Heights Jogger

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Budget: Maurices Traveler Pull On Pant

Best joggers: aviator nation 5 stripe sweatpants, best leggings: lululemon align high-rise mini-flared pant, best jeans: aviator best travel jeans – boyfriend, best wrinkle-resistant: vuori villa wideleg, best plus-size: wondery outdoors everyday pants, best for cold weather: rei co-op sahara lined pants – women's, best for warm weather: kühl freeflex roll-up pant.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues or other factors.)

Size range: 0 to 24

What sets the pants apart: Not only are these ankle-length pants wrinkle-resistant, making them ideal for any type of travel, but they're also flattering on a variety of body types, with regular, tall and petite sizes available. These stretchy, tapered pants by Athleta feature pockets with zippers and a zippered ankle. They are made with a recycled polyester Featherweight Stretch fabric that is light and flexible, for all-day comfort on long flights or while dashing around to see the sights on your next vacation. These pants are available in several shades, including black and berry rose.

Travelers appreciate: "I love the versatility of these travel pants," says Amanda Norcross , content and SEO strategist for travel at U.S. News. "Not only can they be dressed up or down, but they're also lightweight and comfortable." She recommends wearing them with white sneakers or sandals for a casual (and comfortable) look on the plane, and dressing them up with Chelsea boots or flats when the occasion calls for it.

Price: $99 or less Shop now: Athleta

Size range: XS to XXL for regular sizes; 0X to 4X for plus sizes

What sets the pants apart: For a budget-friendly option, the Traveler Pull On Pant by Maurices fits the bill. These pants are casual with a drawstring, pull-on waist and two front zippered pockets. Whether you want to relax in the airport lounge or do some laps around the cruise ship deck, these versatile, affordable pants are made with soft, stretchy polyester and spandex fabric to keep you comfortable. These pants, which come only in black, are available in three lengths (short, regular and long) but meant to be worn at the ankle.

Travelers appreciate: Frequent traveler Kristin McClement says, "For a chic yet comfortable look, my go-to is a sleek pull-on pant or jogger. I want to look put together while being on the move. Maurices Traveler Pull On Pant is perfect for those long travel days."

Price: $39.90 or less Shop now: Maurices

Courtesy of Aviator Nation

Size range: XS to XL

What sets the pants apart: These sweatpants are buttery soft – you won't want to take them off. During manufacturing, they go through a breaking-down process that makes them feel worn in. Five stripes down the legs give these joggers a hip, retro vibe that travelers love. Hand-sewn in Los Angeles, these sweatpants and their stripes are available in more than 20 color variations.

Travelers appreciate: "I absolutely love traveling in AV sweats! They're so chic and cozy, which is especially important when the plane is freezing cold," says frequent traveler Brianna Holochuck. "On a long flight, they never dig into my waist when I'm sitting for hours and they're stylish enough to look like I'm not wearing my PJs to the airport – even though they're as comfortable as my pajamas."

Price: $156 or less Shop now: Aviator Nation | Nordstrom | Revolve

Size range: 0 to 20

What sets the pants apart: If you love clothing that is made for being on the move – such as lugging suitcases around or racing to catch your flight – you'll love these high-waisted, form-fitting leggings from lululemon. Designed for comfort, the brand's lightweight Nulu fabric feels like a second skin, and the added Lycra means they will stretch and move with you. The leggings are breathable and sweat-wicking, and you can choose from five colors, ranging from blue to gray. The pant length options are 28 or 32 inches.

Travelers appreciate: Shellee Howard, CEO of College Ready, always packs her lululemon Align pants when traveling the globe. "My Align pants are the first thing I pack when going on a long flight," Howard says. "They are perfect from takeoff to college tours and I can dress them up with a cute sweater or down with an oversized sweatshirt. I have a pair in my carry-on at all times!"

Price: $118 or less Shop now: lululemon

Courtesy of Aviator

Size range: 24- to 36-inch waist

What sets the pants apart: These relaxed-fit jeans – made from Tencel, cotton and spandex – are just right for women on the go. They are roomy and feel worn in, with a mid-rise waist, straight leg and just enough stretch. These jeans also dry faster than cotton jeans. Not only do they feel good, but they also look chic with a faded stonewash and custom distressing. Keep your keys and cash safe with hidden zippered back pockets. If your size is too long for you, you can get them hemmed for free by Aviator. The jeans are made in the U.S., with free shipping and returns for U.S.-based purchases.

Travelers appreciate: Women who've purchased these pants have commented that they are comfortable to wear while traveling and don't feel confining.

Price: $145 or less Shop now: Aviator

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What sets the pants apart: This stylish Vuori pant, with an ultra-wide leg, allows you to move freely while jet-setting. It can easily go from day to night with a relaxed fit made from a silky soft, moisture-wicking recycled material that has four-way stretch and an elastic waistband. The wrinkle-resistant fabric means you can take a long-haul flight and not worry about it looking wrinkled on arrival, or pack it in your suitcase and not have to iron it when you're ready to go out. Wear it with sneakers or heels to go from casual to dressy. These pants come in neutral shades of black or pistachio green.

Travelers appreciate: Reviewers praise the versatility and lightweight fabric, though some say the material is thinner than they expected.

Price: $118 or less Shop now: Vuori

Courtesy of Wondery Outdoors

Size range: XXS to 6XL

What sets the pants apart: Wondery Outdoors creates clothing designed for women, by women, that encourages an active, outdoor lifestyle. The brand is also size-inclusive and promotes diversity. The straight-leg Everyday Pants have a comfortable elastic waistband, an adjustable belt, two front pockets and two back pockets. They have a mid-rise fit and are made with a cotton-spandex blend that provides a comfortable stretch. A unique feature is the gear loops: one metal D-ring in the front and two cloth ones in the back, which makes these pants especially ideal for hiking and adventure travel. The Everyday Pants are available in 11 sizes, including five plus sizes, and two colors – emerald and black.

Travelers appreciate: Jenny Willden, managing editor of Outdoor Sports Guide, always packs these pants when she hits the road. "I love how they masquerade as regular pants but with durable fabric that makes them ready for adventure," Willden says. "The built-in belt provides a better fit and they look stylish whether I'm heading on a hike or to the airport."

Price: $92 or less Shop now: Wondery Outdoors

Courtesy of REI

Size range: 0 to 16

What sets the pants apart: When you're on a winter trip , you don't want to step out into freezing weather without being prepared. For cold weather gear, these lined pants – which are designed to endure temperatures of 20 to 60 degrees – are a great option. The polyester micro tricot lining keeps wearers warm and wicks away moisture. The nylon and spandex fabric adds breathability, abrasion resistance, 50 UPF sun protection and water repellence. A zippered back pocket as well as hand and thigh pockets can keep your small items safe. Choose from black or stone blue color options.

Travelers appreciate: Reviewers comment that they appreciate the warmth and moisture wicking, saying these pants work well in various chilly weather conditions.

Price: $84.95 or less Shop now: REI

Size range: 0 to 16; inseam ranges from 30 to 34 inches

What sets the pants apart: Not only do these KÜHL pants look cool, but they will also help keep you cool in hot weather around the globe. These full-length pant legs can be rolled up when you get hot and secured in place with a snap. The quick-drying Freeflex fabric provides comfort and stretch while also offering moisture management, water resistance and sun protection of UPF 50+. The pockets on the back and thighs have hidden snap closures. These pants are so versatile that you might want to keep an extra pair in your carry-on bag , just in case your luggage gets lost. These relaxed-fit pants come in nearly a dozen colors, including twilight blue and antique gold.

Travelers appreciate: Travelers ranging from casual explorers to seasoned adventurers praise these pants for being lightweight and quick-drying.

Price: $99 or less Shop now: KÜHL

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor. As a full-time travel writer, she spends a fair bit of time in airports and cars, as well as on cruise ships and airplanes. She always wants to be comfortable while traveling but still look presentable and stylish upon arrival. Her favorite travel pants include the Athleta Endless Pant and the Vuori Villa Wideleg ; for more casual road trips, she loves the Aviator Nation 5 Stripe Sweatpants . To curate this list of best travel pants for women, she used her own experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Packable Jackets
• The Top Walking Shoes for Travel
• The Top Fanny Packs and Belt Bags
• The Top Travel Purses
• The Top Weekender Bags for Women

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

We’ve tested the best wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and comfortable travel pants for men this year. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure.

Have your flights booked? We’ve got your backside covered with the best men’s travel pants on the market for 2024.

From the Andean cloud forests to deep desert canyons, to long backcountry road trips and Parisian markets, these pants have been tested to tackle any adventure and do it all in style. Our travel-worn team has beaten paths around the globe in these slacks, and we’ve tested over 150 different pairs for almost a decade now. If it’s got the right stuff, we’ve saddled up in a pair.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide . Curious just what makes a pant fit for the rigors of travel? Take a peek at our FAQ section. And if you’re still on the fence (or trying to sneak in under a carry-on weight limit), consult our comparison chart .

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on March 11, 2024, to add our new line-up of travel pants for the year, including our new best overall pick, the Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants , as well as a fresh selection of new and old favorites.

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

• Best Overall Men’s Travel Pants: Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants
• Best Budget Men’s Travel Pants: UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Chinos
• Best Travel Pants for Adventuring In: LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants
• Best Travel Pants to Look Like a Local: Western Rise Evolution 2 Pants
• Most Comfortable Travel Pants: Proof 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant

Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants

• Fabric 57% recycled polyester, 33% polyester, 10% spandex
• Fabric weight 210 gsm
• Fit True to size
• Weight 15 oz.

• Lightweight fabric dries quickly
• Wrinkle resistant
• Looks and feels more recreational than the Ascenders
• Anti-UV properties
• More comfortable than most pants on the list
• The rear device pocket is uncomfortable to sit on a phone in the back phone pocket
• Lacks a DWR

Bluffworks’ Ascender Chino has been at or near the top of our travel pants list for four years now. Our main gripe with the Ascender is the heavy lean into the business side of “business casual.” That and the sheer number of pockets sometimes confounded our sleep-deprived travel brains. But now with fewer pockets and less golf-course chino, Bluffworks nailed the perfect travel pants with their Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants iteration ($125).

Trimming the fat started with the pockets. The Envoy drops a pocket to give us nine, but all are functional, and five of them zip shut. Two stealth pockets zip inside the hand pockets, both rear pockets zip shut, and a device pocket zips closed off the thigh and is a great place to store your documents.

Behind the right rear pocket, the Envoy tucks a drop-in style phone pocket below the waistband. This is a brilliant design that is easy to access, yet deep enough to curb sticky fingers. We did find it more comfortable to store the phone on the thigh when seated.  

The Envoys close shut with a zippered fly and metal button sewn into the elastic, belt-friendly waistband. In case you left the belt at home, silicone tabs are welded to the inside of the waistband and help keep the pants from shifting down.

Instead of a 100% durable polyester fabric found in the Ascender Chino, the Envoy is constructed from a recycled polyester spun with 10% spandex, giving the pants a 4-way stretch. On the inside, all seams are overlocked and tacked down with a double stitch on the inseam to keep them from rubbing against the skin and reducing exposure to snags. The pants wear light and supple, and given that they don’t have a gusset sewn into the crotch, we found the Envoys very flexible if not the most comfortable pants on our list.

And that’s really where the Envoys shine. If nothing else, a travel pant should go unnoticed — both on you and among potential troublemakers. These pants wear effortlessly, yet are capable of storing all your essentials safely away.

If you haven’t tried Bluffworks before, we recommend looking at the Envoy Lightweights over the Ascenders. While the Ascenders have one more pocket (a passport sleeve on the inside of the left front pocket), only three of the 10 pockets zip shut. The styling of the Envoy has five pockets that zip shut and wears more casually without compromising its city chops. 

UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Chinos

• Fabric 94% nylon, 6% spandex
• Fabric weight 173 gsm
• Weight 13 oz.

• Comfortable
• Security options
• Well priced
• Pants run long
• Material tends to collect lint

Travel should never be about the gear. It should be about the experience. An Amazon darling, at $40 a pair, UNIONBAY’s Rainier Travel Pants are a steal, leaving more cash in the wallet for traveling.

True to size, the nylon-spandex blend offers just enough stretch for a full range of motion. The pants keep around the waist with a button and have traditional belt loops if you want to class them up with a belt.

Three nylon zipper pockets pair with deep hand pockets. With two in the back and one on the upper right leg, they’re big enough to secure a passport, the latest iPhone, a notepad, or all of them together.

The Rainiers are rated to 50 UPF and feel durable in the hand, making them acceptable for activities like hiking. The outermost layer is lightly brushed and tends to collect lint and show stains quicker than other pants we tested, but they wash up easily and the 170 gsm fabric is quick to dry.

While a simple pant when compared to the Bluffworks attention to detail, these chino-style pants hit the core elements we looked for when evaluating the best men’s travel pants. If you’re looking for a budget pair of travel pants that pack up tight and breeze from the tarmac to restaurants (and maybe a light hike in between), these are it.

The Rainiers are available in four colors: charcoal, navy, black, and khaki.

LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants

• Fabric 70% Blue Ocean nylon, 25% nylon, 5% spandex

• Form and function meet the apex pant
• Bomber hardware
• Tons of pockets with versatile security options
• DWR is negligible
• Styling is less formal

LIVSN’s Ecotrek Trail Pant  ($129) brings more stretch, lighter weight, and a more athletic design to their tried and true Flex Canvas Pants. And while these new pants are great for climbing, hiking, or other fast-paced activities in warmer climates, we find they hit all the marks for what we love in travel pants too.

Let’s start with the many pockets, most of which are zippered. Both rear pockets close with a zipper, offering some much-needed peace of mind. Angling off the back of the left thigh is an additional, horizontal zippered pocket, which is great for gadgets or a small wallet.

Both of the mesh hand pockets have coin sleeves to prevent loose currency or keys from shifting around, and the left front hand pocket has a hidden zippered pocket large enough to protect your phone. Rounding out the seven pockets is a reinforced multitool pocket sitting on the right thigh. With so many pocket options, there’s a place for everything that feels designed with purpose instead of over-engineered.

The pocket configuration is dialed, but what sells these pants are the little details. The fabric’s synthetic blend doesn’t feel stiff, and the smartly tailored material walks quietly, fitting our testers with an ergonomic, yet surprisingly athletic fit.

A metal button closes the front and is backed with a leather pledget to prevent busting out. The Ecotrek Trail pants have belt loops, but if you forget your belt, they include a drawstring that hides inside the waistband. The cuffs are reinforced around the heel and so is the utility tool pocket.

While they don’t have a robust DWR, the material breathes very well. When things heat up, the pant legs roll up and keep under a buttoned strap that’s been sewn with reflective tape. These little details add up pretty quickly to make the Ecotrek a stellar pant.

Turn the pants inside out, and you really get an appreciation for the quality and care taken to make these pants. All seams are overlocked, with the flat-felled inseam. This kind of stitching increases durability where you need it and comfort where you want it.

Sustainability is core to LIVSN’s line of clothes, and the  Ecotrek Trail pant  walks the talk. The material is woven from Oceanflex fabric (70% recycled fishing buoys recovered from the ocean), and the YKK zipper taping is made from recycled ocean plastic. The rest is 25% nylon and 5% spandex for stretch.

If you are looking for lightweight, stretchy, durable pants, the LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pant stands out as one of the best men’s travel pants on the market and can tackle a wide range of activities.

The Ecotrek Trail pants are available in olive, caramel, and charcoal colors, and they come in a range of sizes up to a 40-inch waist and a 34-inch inseam.

Read Review:  Darn-Near Perfect Pants, Made With Recycled Plastic: LIVSN EcoTrek Review

Western Rise Evolution 2 Pants

• Fabric 90% nylon, 10% elastane, woven in Sweden, cut and sewn in the USA
• Fabric weight 107 gsm
• Weight 11 oz.

• Lightweight material breathes just as well as the first
• More durability than the first iteration
• Fantastic fit and construction
• Better mobility than the first iteration
• New fabric feels slightly stiffer (breaks in over time)
• Patch on the inside pocket can feel sticky against the legs (they are changing it to a print)
• Single security pocket is limiting for some travelers

The first iteration of the Evolution was a GearJunkie staple around the office. Simple, functional, durable — it’s what we recommended to all our friends who ask us, “What’s the best pant for everyday use?” This year, Western Rise updated the Evolution 2.0 ($128) with more stretch, and they are only all the better for it.

This new bump in elastane gives the Evolution 2.0 significant four-way stretch and increased flexibility without sacrificing durability. The jean-like five-pocket design wears more like denim but has the durability of a hiking pant. In fact, one of our editors wore their pair to the top of the Grand Teton.

At the core of the pant is the nylon-elastane blend with a trim jean cut. The nylon fibers are softened by running them through an air-texturized process and then weaving them into a dynamic yarn. The material has a durable weave that mimics denim (and feels less “khaki”).

The DWR coating — or maybe DBR (Durable Beer Resistance) — is outstanding. We wore these pants to Oktoberfest last year where they took the brunt of the fickle Bavarian weather and a rowdy beer hall.

Reach around back, and you’ll find a double pocket on the right, with a hidden zipper pocket that’s large enough to swallow your passport. Western Rise expanded the front coin pocket and made it big enough to holster the largest phone on the market.

After your trip, roll them up and watch them disappear in your luggage. They tick all the boxes for traveling and were the envy of our photographer while cycling through Colombia.

There aren’t many reasons to ding the Evolutions; the material on the new pant feels stiff out of the box but that softens up over time. To help differentiate its pant models (which all have a similar cut and color), Western Rise screened a patch on the inner left pocket. It can feel a little sweaty against the legs.

Aware of this issue, Western Rise is changing that label to a print going forward. One thing that hasn’t changed is the pocket configuration. Some will find the additional zipper pocket just the right amount of added security. Others will prefer more pockets to keep their EDCs. And that’s where we find the Evolution falls short. An extra security pocket would send this pant to the top of the list again.

If you want that Western Rise styling but with a wrinkle-resistant fabric, the Diversion pant ($168) is also a great pick. The double-knit canvas weighs 286 gsm, making it more durable overall but sacrificing packability.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This fantastic five-pocket jean-style pant has been on our list of the best men’s travel pants for 6 years now. For 2 of those years, they were our top pick. We use the Western Rise Evolution 2.0s as a benchmark for fit and comfort and we recommend them to friends looking for a do-everything pant that flies fashionably under the radar.

Proof 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant

• Fabric 47% merino wool, 33% nylon, 14% polyester, 6% elastane
• Fabric weight 247 gsm
• Weight 16.5 oz.

• Gusseted crotch
• Good fit and stretch
• Pricey — $200 can buy you two (or three) other pants on the list
• Weighs an ounce or two more than other similar pants
• Lacks a dedicated device pocket

Merino pants? 100%. Proof is Huckberry’s in-house performance wear, with the 72-Hour line as their go-to travel clothes under the Proof name. New this year, Huckberry released the 72-Hour Travel Pant ($198), and while expensive, it has a lot of merits. We learned it’s all in the fabric.

Wool has natural antimicrobial, DWR, and UPF protection characteristics that we usually laud about when discussing base layers . Because wool wicks moisture, the pants breathe well and keep you feeling dry even in hot climates and sticky bus rides. It keeps the stench down and the comfort high. All things we look for when traveling. 

This is the first merino wool pant we’ve seriously considered, and it makes a lot of sense. If you are going far with limited space, you need to trim the fat. And while cutting out extra shirts and pants may once have been a questionable decision, it’s a lot easier when one pair of pants delivers so well.

The design team gave some thoughtful reflection to the 72-Hour pant. Complimenting the five-pocket design is a hidden zippered pocket inside the right rear pocket. The panels are sewn together with a combination of comfortable overstitched inseams, flat-sewn gussets, and durable flat-felled side seams.

The pants are sewn together with a combination of flat-felled and welted overlocked joints, then finished with a robust DWR. All this tech stays under the radar with black hardware finishes.

As styling goes, we find the Proof 72-Hour Travel Pant to be on par with Western Rise’s Evolution 2’s, which around the office we can agree are one of the best styled pants available today. The comfort award, however, goes to the Proofs.

Teren Lightweight Traveler Pants

• Fabric 88% nylon, 12% spandex
• Fabric weight 154 gsm

• Pre-treated with an insect repellant
• Stain resistant
• Internal drawstring for extra waist security
• Three zipper-closed pockets
• Lightweight
• Tanto-style pocket to clip your EDC
• Magnetic closure catches on anything metal
• No durable water repellant finish

Threading the needle between style, function, and durability, Teren’s Lightweight Traveler ($130) is our pick for folks who want one pant to do it all.

The Lightweight Traveler is a tapered chino-style pant with six pockets. Three pockets secure your goods with a zipper. Two zip shut vertically behind the front pockets and the third secures the right back pocket. The pants are washed in Permethrin to ward off critters. Plus, they’re antimicrobial, stain resistant, and offer UV protection.

Our editor Chris Carter wore his Lightweight Travelers on the Continental Divide thru-hike, where they withstood miles of intense bushwhacking through thorny, overgrown trails and post-holing through deep snow. Carter lauded the pants’ ability to stay stench-free for weeks on end.

After the adventure is done, the stain-release fabric readily releases dirt and grime in the wash. These chinos easily suit up for a night on the town.

The Lightweight Travelers ditch the classic button and use a pair of sewn-in magnets to close around the waist. While wearing the pants around town and doing weekend chores, the magnetic closure often got stuck on metal objects.

They snapped to my grocery cart, to my truck bed, to my knife, to loose screws while repairing my gate. Curious about the strength, I went into my garage and started hanging hardware off the pants. The magnet is strong enough to hold a hammer.

But, lean over to tie your shoes (or eat a big meal) and the magnetic fasteners slide apart easily. Stand up, and they pull right back together.

Yeah, the magnetic closure is different and takes some getting used to. Is it problematic? Maybe. The gauss, or magnetic induction, could demagnetize small metal springs in mechanical watches. Given the most popular watch is a smartwatch — this isn’t an issue for most of us. But magnets can also demagnetize credit cards and hotel room keys. We didn’t try to demagnetize a credit card, but it’s something to consider when zipping items in the front pockets.

Worried about the magnet holding the pants up? Backed with belt loops and an internal drawstring, the pants have plenty of options to keep them around the waist.

Other issues: The offset zippered front pockets drop into the same front hand pocket sleeve. They fight for the same real estate, compromising overall storage. We found these pockets a little challenging to access while seated in tight spaces.

For those looking for rain or spill protection, the Terens don’t sport a durable water repellant (DWR). But they do dry out quickly.

With so many pros, these are small cons. The spandex weave yields significant mobility while the nylon deflects catches and tears — all while keeping the pants just over 10 ounces. It’s a great combination of durability and flexibility in a quick-drying pant that packs down small. At 11 ounces, the Lightweight Traveler is truly lightweight, competing only with Western Rise’s Evolution 2’s.

KÜHL Suppressor Jogger

• Fabric 85% nylon, 15% spandex
• Fabric weight 165 gsm
• Weight 12 oz.

• Light and packable
• Durable and stretchy
• KÜHL drop in style pockets are fantastic
• Fabric is noisy
• No button-no fly minimalism may not appeal to everyone
• Only one zippered pocket on the backside

KÜHL has a strong reputation throughout the outdoor industry for making bomber, thoughtfully designed pieces. And its sub-$100 Suppressor Joggers exemplify those qualities in spades.

The 85% nylon, 15% spandex blend is lightweight, stretchy, breathable, and durable. Plus, a solid DWR treatment rebuffs Mother Nature’s fickle temperament.

Like any good pair of travel pants, the Suppressor’s sport well-thought-out pockets. The angled hand pockets are deep and easy to access while seated. A single stealth pocket zips behind the right back side, and drop-in pockets grace both thighs.

Drop-in pockets are our favorite design to haul devices. They snug the phone but keep your data within reach. The best of the batch fit on the backside of the leg, maintaining accessibility and minimizing the bounce. KÜHL has two of them. Riding down the back of the quads, they are perfect for clipping multitools, knives, or pens, and sheath a phone, passport, or tickets. And it’s these drop-in pockets that make the Suppressor our favorite pant to wear on the plane. Everything stays within easy reach.

If there’s any knock against the Suppressor Joggers , it’s that these are simple pull-on pants. No button, no fly — just an elastic waist and drawstring. On the flip side, this keeps things quick when moving through TSA – there’s no pulling off the belt and redressing after pat-downs.

Ornot Mission Pants

• Fabric 95% nylon, 5% elastane
• Fabric weight 232 gsm
• Weight 14 oz.

• Gusseted design gives a great fit
• Reflective details on cuffs
• Made in USA
• Not many – An extra pockets or a drop in phone sleeve, and these would be our top choice for travel pants

When it comes to fit and function, cyclists have it all figured out. Stretch, durability, DWR, and ergonomic pocket layout make a great commuter pant. Fall short on any of these, cyclists will be quick to call you out.

San Francisco-based Ornot hit all the paces with its Mission Shorts. This year, the brand released its beloved short in a pant. True to the brand, the Mission Pants ($148) pull off an effortlessly classy-looking pant. Minimalist aesthetics, five pockets (two that zip shut), and the rear pockets angle off the midline for easy access. The stealth thigh pocket zips contents securely off the back of the leg. The leeward position pegs the device to the leg while in the saddle.

We found the Mission Pants to be lighter than other commuter pants on the market. The 232 gsm fabric breathes well and moves with the body without feeling like a protective shell. They wear easy at the office and feel at home on the street. And if you grab a bike by the horns, both cuffs flip up to reveal reflective hits to keep you seen on the go.

We’ve been following this small brand for years and it keeps bringing its A-game to market. These garments are all made in the USA and offer a 1-year warranty. The brand’s Mission Pants are great on the bike … or not.

Jetty Acadia 2.0 Utility Pant

• Fabric 100% polyester
• Fabric weight 240 gsm
• Weight 16 oz.

• Good stretch
• Comfortable fit
• Drawstring and belt loops
• Only available in a 32 inseam
• Pants stretch and lightly pill over time
• Front occasionally unbuttons too easily

Jetty’s Acadia Utility Pant ($100) straddles the shoreline between board short and the boardroom. But don’t let its slick chino veneer dissuade you. 

The 100% polyester material is warp-knitted, interlocking the poly fibers into a smooth-faced fabric. Jetty sewed in a gusset in the crotch to add extra room for the legs. The combination of cut and materials gives the Acadia an amazing amount of stretch in all directions. 

And it also gives the pants fantastic wrinkle resistance. We’ve pulled our Acadias out of overstuffed bags and walked into meetings with deceivingly fresh-pressed-looking pants.

Two pockets zip shut on the backside to keep your goods protected, and the mesh hand pockets are deep. Riding down the right leg is a drop-in device pocket. There is plenty of room in the drop-in pocket, and plenty of room in the relaxed quads before they taper slightly to the bottom hem. This extra room in the thighs lets the phone bounce more than we’d like.

The Acadia Utility Pants close with a tarnished brass button embossed with the Jetty logo. A drawstring is sewn into the waistband so you won’t ever lose it in the wash. And in case you do need to go into the boardroom, Jetty ports the drawstring on both sides of the waistband, so you can tuck the drawstring on the inside of the pants for a polished look.

KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pant

• Fabric 96% nylon, 4% spandex
• Fabric weight 156 gsm

• Integrated web belt
• Three zippered pockets (two in back and one behind the thigh)
• Deep mesh hand pockets
• Quiet material
• Lifetime free repair program
• Free shipping and returns
• Slim fit won’t appeal to some. Slimmest pant in the lineup
• Front snap is weak
• Metal belt clasp may invite a wanding at TSA

At $100, the KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pants are a refreshing blend of style and tech and one helluva outdoor pant. The nylon twill is blended with a touch of spandex yielding room for adventure in a quiet yet bomber pant. 

Should you decide to bring these trousers off-piste, the durable twill has a robust DWR, shunning even the wettest brush. Deep mesh hand pockets and zippered rear pockets make sure all your goods stay where you put them. A roomy device pocket zips shut along the right thigh.

To keep the pants up, an integrated web belt hooks over the button closure. For better (or worse) the belt is sewn into the pants and cannot be removed. KETL bonded a bead of silicon inside the waistband to prevent the pants from riding down. We found these pants stay glued to the backside while wearing a pack.

Across the board, KETL pants fit slim. If you have athletic calves and quads, these will feel snug. If you prefer a more relaxed fit, these probably won’t be a pant for you. What it lacks in room, it gives back in performance. The lack of extra material makes the Shenanigan a great choice for cycling. The durability, flexibility, and tapered fit soar on the mountain bike.

Available only online, KETL makes it easy to buy and return. They offer free shipping both ways and back up their products with a lifetime repair program. But trust us, you’ll want to keep a hold of your KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pants .

Orvis O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants

• Fabric 51% cotton, 45% nylon, 4% Lycra
• Fabric weight 213 gsm
• Fit Casual boot cut, true to size

• Classically inspired 5-pocket design
• Hidden 6th zippered pocket in right rear pocket
• Reflective strips sewn inside both legs for visibility
• Smallest size is 32”
• No gusset for extra mobility. Not that they need it.
• Slightly less fashionable option to Western Rise’s Evolution 2

You don’t have to pack a rod to appreciate Orvis’s O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants ($129). These easy-wearing cotton-poly pants are a cross between your favorite denim and a lightweight khaki. The warp-knit twill has a touch of mechanical stretch and a DWR that is tough enough to negotiate riverside scrambles after work but with enough swagger to make it back to dinner in style.

Sewn together with an exposed overlock stitch, the seam is left exposed on the inside. It’s not tacked down. Though not as durable as a welted seam, the O.O.O.O. (that’s Out-Of-Office, Office) pants trend more durable than many of the pants we’ve seen. This seems entirely appropriate for the classic 5-pocket design pants.

The rear right pocket has an extra hidden zippered pocket to keep your wallet, passport, or fishing license securely stowed. In case you are riding home, both leg’s bottom hems have a six-inch strip of reflective tape sewn into the side seam. We didn’t expect that kind of attention to detail from a fishing brand, but it’s a nice touch that we appreciate.

We’ve been wearing the O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants for years now and found that they are durable, lightweight, and breathable.

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro End-to-Ender Pants

• Fabric 56% CORDURA® nylon, 37% nylon, 7% spandex
• Fabric weight Unnkown

• Burly CORDURA fabric
• Seven pocket design with three that close securely
• Limited color ways
• Backcountry styling doesn’t blend as well in the city

Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro is a favorite with the GearJunkie staff. Classic fit, logical pocket layout, and top-shelf construction, these pants are frequently on sale and will last you for years. The Guide Pro End-to-Ender ($120) is Bauer’s beefed Guide Pro, and with a CORDURA nylon build, it’s more durable without sacrificing the weight, and it is 2 oz lighter. If you like to scramble around and get a little dirt under the nails while traveling, these pants are for you. 

Constructed with a vertical weft knit and a generous portion of spandex, the pants have some lateral stretch but are vertically static. Articulated pleats help buy the pants mobility around the knees. 

Seven generous and well-positioned pockets dot the pants. In addition to the pair of double-reinforced deep hand pockets, a pair of map pockets rest over the thighs. The left zips shut while the right thigh pocket has a flap that overlaps the lip of the pocket, keeping the contents from bouncing out. On the backside, two flap pockets snap shut and a third patch pocket hides under the right rear pocket.

The thigh pockets are sewn into the pants. This gives the pockets a clean and integrated look. Because Eddie Bauer stitches the entire pant together with overlocked seams, you can feel the extra bulk of the pocket seams against the leg.

These are the one of two pants on our list sewn entirely with overlock stitching, and it’s worth noting. This extra measure of stitching provides more durability, but you’ll feel the bulk. You get used to it over time. It’s really a testament to the overall bomber construction of the End-to-Enders. 

The pants close with a beefy zipper and fat button which stay closed. Belt loops are tacked to the waistband for extra options. And two eyelets are punched through the bottom hem of each pant leg, allowing you to run a gaiter cord through the pants if you want.

Eddie Bauer is a stalwart when it comes to value. While the styling is more traditional, the Guide Pro End-to-Ender is one of the best-built pants we’ve seen on the market. And since Eddie Bauer seems to run a sale about every other month, you can eventually find them about 40% off, making the a fantastic deal.

Municipal Overland Cargo

• Fabric 98% cotton ripstop, 2% spandex
• Fabric weight 160 gsm
• Fit Athletic

• Forward style
• Six pockets, with three that zip shut, and one that snaps shut
• Draw cord around the bottom hem
• Elastic waist
• Offered in one length
• Treading into expensive territory for a simple pull-up cargo pant

Military meets gym day. From Mark Wahlberg’s warehouse of hustle and sporting style, Municipal’s Overland Cargo ($128) deconstructs the traditional cargo pant and injects modern flair. Which is a notable feat in itself.

Typically, function dictates form on cargo pants. Patched with oversized, baggy pockets can make them wear bulky and look unflattering. The Overland weaves a touch of spandex into the mostly cotton material, sews in a gusseted crotch, and pleated articulated knees to net functional mobility in a slim jogger style pant. These wear less Operation Desert Storm and slide right into urban core.

This doesn’t imply they lost their way. With six streamlined pockets, there is room for all your EDC essentials. In addition to the two deep hand pockets, two rear pockets zip shut. A vertical zipper pocket glides easily over the thigh, and the definitive cargo pocket snaps shut over the left leg with a single button. The entire pant is sewn together with overlocked and welted seams.

Available in size S-3X, the Overlands come in one length — the ideal length for anyone. True to jogger style, the bottom hem stops before the ankle.

An elastic cord is sewn into the bottom hem and can be cinched tight around the leg with a cord lock. Because of these design decisions, the length rides on its style credibility and has an acceptable universal size allowance.

Wahlberg’s style keeps you guessing whether he’s coming from or going to the gym. No button to pull out, no fly to blow, these pants pull up like sweatpants and stay around the waist with a simple drawstring. The Overland Cargo follows Wahlberg’s “I don’t care … but I look good doing it” aesthetic and is a great option for a casual lightweight pant with pockets aplenty.

For those that are cargo-curious — or simply want to throw on a pair of pants and look good without giving it much thought — the Overland Cargos have subtle posture without leaning heavily into athleisure.

Men’s Travel Pants Comparison Chart

How We Tested Men’s Travel Pants

There are few other products we test at GearJunkie that are considered non-negotiable in society. Outside the house, you gotta wear pants (or shorts). And if you’re choosing shorts, you’re probably not looking at the right pants. Travel pants are part of our everyday uniform allowing us to test them daily. We test pants for the office grind, after-school errands, dispatching weekend chores, and yes, of course, travel, constantly logging test hours to find the best travel pants on the market.

Cozy in coach, capable of tackling adventure, but formal enough to wear to dinner, travel pants span the use case spectrum. We’ve worn them on intercontinental flights to Germany, Italy, France, and Slovenia, as well as transcontinental flights from Jacksonville to Boise. In warmer climates, we’ve pulled them out of our bikepacking bags on cool nights in Nicaragua and high up on the Colombian Coffee Triangle. One tester even wore his pair to the top of the Grand Teton.

When we get our hands on a new pant, we first take a look at the materials. We gauge the fabric weight, breathability, and the material’s ability to resist wrinkling. Synthetics with a DWR will pack down smaller, bounce back from being jammed in luggage on an overnight flight, and resist stains (and spills) better than cotton.

A touch of spandex affords some stretch and nylon tends to be more durable. We then turn them inside out to look at the seams joining the pants together, looking at where costs were cut and potential quality issues might cause a blowout on the road.

To be considered for our list, pants need at least one pocket that can be zipped shut to safely secure a passport or wallet. The hand pockets should be deep enough to keep keys and change from accidentally spilling out, or have zippers that prevent mishaps. No joke, one pair of pants we tested (not on this list) spit a wallet out at work without us even knowing it.

We then evaluated each pant’s fit, durability, packability, ability to bounce back from repeated wash and wear, and unpacking. We want to find out if a pair of pants can be washed in the sink in the evening and be ready to wear the following morning.

We want to see if the material resists wrinkling. And we want to know if the pants are cut too large, too small, or hike up the legs. The best material and construction alone can’t fake a good fit. We test pants for mobility and proper length. Does the pant bind in the crotch? Are the gussets appropriate? Are the legs cut at a proper length or do they ride up when walking?

Our testing focuses primarily on comfort, versatility, and functionality when in transit, so if you’re looking for something more durable for active pursuits, check out our picks for the  best hiking pants . We also have a guide for the  best women’s travel pants  to get your travel companion ready for the long haul.

Testing History

Steve Graepel has been leading the men’s travel pant buyer guide since 2015. Over the span of 8 years, Graepel has seen over 225 pairs of travel pants, rigorously testing 150 pants. Graepel has worked at GearJunkie as a contributing editor since 2009, testing everything from packrafts, to bike bags, sleeping bags, winter boots, and trail runners. His latest beat is travel pants and flannels. Before his time as a fashion blogger, he wrote for Travel Idaho, National Geographic Adventure, Patagonia’s Tin Shed, Trail Runner, and Gear Patrol.

Graepel has researched and tested travel pants extensively — traveling, working, and camping in the high alpine desert of Idaho, Montana, and Utah, and traveling abroad in a variety of environments including Europe, Asia, Central, and South America. He continues to test travel pants year-round and searches for anyone who will listen to his yarns about the best travel trousers.

In 2020, we tried 27 pairs and listed 15 pants on our men’s buyers guide. In 2021, we tested an additional 35 pairs, highlighting nine new pants on our list. In 2022 we saw an additional 23 pairs, adding six new pants. In 2023 we looked at 38 pairs, adding seven new pants to the men’s travel pant buyer’s guide. Finally, in 2024, we’ve reviewed 27 pants, updating our Men’s Travel Pants buyer guide with nine new pants.

Each year introduces new styles and materials, and we try to reflect the best on the market of that year. Some trousers remain on the list, year after year. They are either so good, or so good of a deal, that they are tough to topple.

To keep a finger on the pulse of pants, we read reviews from top sites and contact manufacturers directly. Steve Graepel has regular conversations with pant brand owners and representatives in the travel pant space. These relationships allow us to stay up to date on what makes pants better every year, and keep an eye on sleeper pants that just don’t have the marketing budget to get mass attention.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Travel Pants

Regardless of whether the pants are straight-leg or slim, a good pair is one that follows the human form and doesn’t bag out after repeated washings, or bloat when packed with your phone and keys. The length should fit your inseam or run longer so you can roll them up or get them tailored.

Almost every pant on our list has a great fit. If they didn’t, we’ve shared the cons. Both the Jetty’s and UNIONBAY’s pants ran a little long. On the other end, Municipal’s Overland Cargo is short by design and is only available in one length. Both Eddie Bauer and Orvis offer a variety of inseams for a dialed fit (from 30″ to 34″).

We scored each pant for both its ability to adventure, wear in coach, and hit the streets. Some pants, like KETL Mountains Shenanigans, have a bias for stout use. The Shenanigans are coated with a solid DWR and are our choice for adventure trips where you can’t sacrifice durability.

If traveling by plane, we prefer comfortable pants with accessible pockets. While 5-pocket styled jeans or chinos wear well on the street, their pockets are harder to access when sitting on the plane. Instead, we prefer a jogger or cargo pant that has vertical zippered pockets and drop-in device pockets on the legs.

Both Municipal and KÜHL had easy-to-access pockets in the plane. Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro End-to-Ender has two generous thigh pockets. But both are sewn into the pants and tighten up over the thigh when seated. This makes it harder to pull the contents out.

For comfort in coach, you don’t need to look past Bluffworks Envoy . They look great and have plenty of pockets to stay organized. KÜHL’s Suppressor Jogger dialed in the drop-in pockets and is lightweight and durable, but the material isn’t nearly as soft as Eddie Bauer’s pants. It’s always a trade-off.

Style Matters

While comfort is key, we also need to be able to show ourselves in public (no washed-out gray sweatpants on this list). The most versatile travel clothes should be able to tackle a hike without getting roughed up, or walk into town looking sharp enough to peruse a museum, and duck in for fine dining afterward.

Unfortunately, the cargo pockets take away some formality while out on the town. With its jogger styling, KÜHL didn’t design around Michelin stars. They prioritized function and durability, mapping to utility. KÜHL, Municipal, and Eddie Bauer each have unique cargo styling that brings a touch of modernity to the military-inspired side-pocket pants. In general, we love cargo-style pants and joggers while sitting on the plane. It keeps all your essentials within reach.

On the other hand, Western Rise’s Evolution 2 and Proof’s 72-Hour Merino are fantastically styled everyday pants, but both have a single security pocket to maintain that sleek look. They are our go-to choice for travels to big cities where we want to kick up the look and feel at home while traveling abroad.

Clean lines, darker colors, and traditional styling help you blend into crowds and stave off the would-be pickpocket’s radar. The best men’s travel pants should look as good as they feel without shouting “ tourist .”

The material should be lightweight and, in our preference, darker to minimize showing the dirt collected along the way. That said, we were astounded by how well a fresh DWR can resist stains on even the fairest beige pants.

Fabric Weight

Lightweight performance fabrics can withstand repeated washings in a sink, line dry overnight, and stay wrinkle-free after weeks on the go. Today’s fabrics offer advanced sun protection and moisture-wicking properties and are often water-resistant or water-repellent.

Fabric weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). A heavier GSM will take up more room in your bag and take longer to dry. We find a 200-ish GSM fabric weight, like on our top pick from Bluffworks, light and breezy, and dries out quickly.

A welterweight fabric will disappear in the bag and dry out insanely fast, but going too light sacrifices durability. All the pants we tested are durable enough to venture off the pavement.

If you want the lightest pant you can find, give KETL Mountain’s Shenanigan a look. The 156 GSM fabric rolls up tight and is exceptionally durable. Western Rise also uses a lighter GSM fabric, but the pants weigh more overall.

Fabric Type

A cotton blend fabric adds breathability and a cooling effect, which is great for warmer climates, but can also sacrifice durability. And, unless treated with a DWR, cotton can wet out more easily and hold water longer.

The Orvis and Municipal’s Overland Cargo weave some cotton into their blend. To beef up the durability, the natural fiber is woven with a synthetic like polyester or nylon and an elastic component for stretch.

If you choose to go with denim or cotton, consider a stretchy fabric with a bit of spandex or elastane for comfort and flexibility while on the road. It will resist wear longer, dry faster, and feel much more comfortable. While not on this year’s list, Aviator’s The Best Travel Jeans in the World are very comfortable and weave in some stretch, but they weigh nearly twice as much as every other pant on the list. Our cotton choices keep the weight down.

Most of the pants on this list are woven from synthetic fibers. Synthetics tend to stand up to more abuse than their natural counterparts. For example, Ornot’s Mission Pant is incredibly durable and is built for men who abuse pants while in the saddle.

Unique this year, we saw a merino wool synthetic blend with Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant. Wool is known for its odor-resistant and insulative qualities. Contrary to what you might think, they stay surprisingly cool and breathe well in hot climates. For durability and stretch, Proof weaves nylon, polyester, and a touch of elastane.

Weaving in spandex or elastic adds mobility, but can also give the pants a polished, slick finish. KÜHL weaves in a whopping 15% spandex into the material, but most pants will have between 2-6% for a combination of durability and mobility. Bluffworks , Unionbay , and Jetty feel more formal with their smooth-faced fabric finishes. Material finishes are more of a personal preference and don’t affect their water resistance, which is added with a DWR wash.

Our favorite pants come from Bluffworks. While the fit is fantastic, they don’t have a DWR. This makes them less desirable if you are traveling to places that rain a lot. However, they excel in so many other ways that they still stand out as our top choice. On the flip side, Western Rise’s DWR not only deflects dirt and grime on the road, but liters of beer simply rolled off them at Oktoberfest. We really took one for the team while testing.

Performance fabrics are standing up to heavy use like never before. Shelling out a few more bucks for quality generally gets you into a more durable pant that should hold up to more extensive use. We’ve put in countless hours testing the pants on this list, so you’re starting in the right place.

Seam Construction

Seams are often overlooked. Out of sight, out of mind, seams bring two patches of fabric together and are crucial for durability and comfort. But this is where we can differentiate the good from the great, and this is where we get passionately nerdy.

Flat-felled seams are best for joining heavy fabrics together. Think denim. The material doesn’t stretch and the fabric is woven from heavy cotton yarn. You want a solid seam to join the pants together. The fabric is joined, then rolled over itself and double stitched for a clean, bomber fasten.

None of the pants on our list are joined entirely from flat-felled seams, though LIVSN and Proof incorporate a flat-fell seam on at least one leg seam. In general, we find it more important to flat-fell the inseam of the pants (which is what Proof does).

Too much material tacked together with a flat-fell seam can cause rubbing against the legs. And most travel pants are constructed from lighter-weight fabrics, so pants don’t always need this extra durable seam construction.

They can get away with a less expensive, and more comfortable overlocked seam. An overlocking stitch, or welt-seam, has a lower profile, leaving the raw edge exposed but sewn down to the pant. Plus they are nearly as durable as the venerable flat-felled stitch, but can feel more comfortable.

Some overlocked stitches aren’t tacked down. That is, the seam isn’t locked down flat with a second row of stitching, leaving the surged seam exposed on the inside. This usually isn’t a big deal. Our main concern would be that the stitching could get caught on something and start to unravel. But we haven’t ever had this experience and it’s a fine option to use when binding two lightweight materials together. Orvis, Ornot, and even Bluffworks uses a combination of overlocked and welted overlocked seams.

The simplest seam, or plain seam, joins the two sides together with a simple, single stitch. Often the cut material is finished with a surger to prevent the material from fraying, but the joining seam itself is sewn together with a single stitch, and the exposed edges butterfly on the inside of the pant.

This is often used for lightweight material where want to reduce the bulk as much as possible. We see this used on Western Rise’s Evolution 2. In theory, this is not a highly durable seam construction. And we’ve seen this kind of seam unravel on a few pants we’ve tested. We’ve also been beating our Western Rise’s for years now and have yet to see their plain seam blow.

We like a pant that doesn’t ride up or bind when seated, and moves with you when active. DUER and KÜHL are very close at the top, for pure comfort, you can’t beat  Bluffworks Envoy . Beyond the fantastic material, the pant is is available in slim and regular fit, so there’s truly a comfortable pant for everyone’s preference.

We’ve tested  Western Rise’s Evolution lineup   standing outside in Bogota monsoon season, climbing snow and ice on the Grand, and prosting over beers at Oktoberfest. The DWR not only sheds spills, but it deflects dirt and grime too.

After a week of wearing them across the Alps, including a day sitting in the stairwell of an overbooked train to Munich, we were shocked at how clean our light khaki Evolution 2.0s walked off the return flight. We were also impressed with KETL Mountain’s Shenanigan’s. Water immediately beads off the surface.

If you’re bringing one pair of pants, you’ll eventually have to wash them while on the road. A lightweight synthetic pant is your best bet for a comfortable morning. Here again, Western Rise’s Evolutions  rose to the top. They are lightweight, durable, and dry out quicker than most. They also remain cool and breezy in hot climates and wear supremely well.

The pair of large cargo pockets on Muncipal’s Overland Cargo are easy to access and have plenty of space to hold your kit and do it without looking like Urkel. For an equally impressive pocket game, but a more polished look, we recommend looking at Bluffworks Envoy, which stealthily hides nine pockets in the otherwise casual-looking chino. Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro End-to-Ender is close, with seven practical and accessible pockets.

With their high CORDURA count, the Eddie Bauers are tough to beat. Ornot’s Mission pants weaves a high nylon count, and come in a very close second for durability.

For long flights on the plane, we like comfortable, casual look with easy pocket access. We give the nod to Municipal’s Overland Cargo. The deep horizontal pockets are easy to access while seated and the high cotton count breathes well.

KÜHL’s Suppressor Joggers have the highest spandex count on the list at 15%. They are super flexible, light, durable, and have a good DWR. For a more formal look, Bluffworks has an equally impressive spandex weave (10%) and is by far the most comfortable pant on our list. 

For a good combination of flexibility, durability, and all-around wearability, we recommend Western Rise’s Evolution 2. If you want to splurge, we also liked Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant, which blends 6% elastane into the wool-synthetic base. Proof’s pants are nearly a one-and-done purchase. They are durable and stay stench-free on the road, making them the only pants you may need to bring.

The Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2024

With a focus on comfort, durability, and performance, we’ve found the best hiking pants for men. Get ready to hit the trail.

The Best Work Pants of 2024

Work pants provide functional utility for carpentry, construction, ranch work, or DIY home projects. These are the best work pants we have found.

Steve Graepel is a Contributing Editor and Gear Tester at GearJunkie. He has been writing about trail running, camping, skiing, and general dirtbagging for 10+ years. When not testing gear with GearJunkie, he is a Senior Medical Illustrator on the Neurosurgery Team at Mayo Clinic. Based in Boise, Idaho, Graepel is an avid trail runner, camper, angler, cyclist, skier, and loves to introduce his children to the Idaho outdoors.

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The 18 Best Men's Travel Pants of 2024, Tested by Style Editors

Wear them wherever the journey takes you.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

The best men’s travel pants should absolutely come with some stretch, courtesy of spandex or elastane, to maximize your mobility on the go. Also, men’s travel pants need to come with performance feats like moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and breathability to keep your legs comfortable throughout your journey. Lastly, men’s travel pants need to be versatile to not only endure outdoor terrains but also adapt to commuting in the city.

Best Chino Travel Pants

Everlane the performance chino.

Best overall travel pants

Lululemon abc classic-fit pant.

Best everyday travel pants

Vuori ripstop pant.

Best affordable travel pants

Unionbay rainier lightweight comfort travel tech chino.

best cargo travel pants

Wilson midway travel cargo jogger.

Best rugged Travel Pants

Mack weldon radius flex pants.

most versatile travel pants

Public rec all day every day pant.

Best formal travel pants

Rhone commuter pant classic.

best outdoor travel pants

Columbia flex roc pants.

Best Athletic Travel Pants

Patagonia skyline traveler pant.

Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products

After thorough hands-on testing, our editors have reviewed the 18 best men's travel pants below, including notes on their specs, performance, comfort, and any cons we found. When showing up in sweatpants or joggers won’t do, and wearing chinos or jeans on a long trek leaves your lower half feeling suffocated, these best men's travel pants will save the day.

This slim-fit travel trouser has all the hallmarks of your go-to office chinos but with twice the functionality and comfiness factors. Really, a chino that moves like a jogger but looks like a pair of grown-up pants is no wonder Everlane's hero item. And this was in fact handpicked to be tested by our Fashion Director Ted Stafford and then fitted on Bullet Train action star Andrew Koji . Why? Because it will move you from the tarmac to the resort without losing a second of relaxation, courtesy of the spandex four-way stretch that we found was so movement-friendly that we were able to squat and even jog a bit in them with ease. Coupled with a business-casual veneer, these chinos won us over with a versatility that's perfect for traveling, working in the office, or going about your everyday life in a chino style.

After testing it out by wearing these chinos to the office and to travel by flight, our favorite part of Everlane's performance chinos is its sweat-wicking and quick-drying capabilities. I even wore them on hot summer days to stroll under the sun, and the fabric was able to keep my legs feeling cool and dry. Lastly, although the fit leans slim, it hasn’t stifled or smothered the beefy thighs of our testers.

What Do Experts Say? " Everlane’s chino is comfortable to wear for all-day work, parties, or formal events. Plus, it is made from four-way stretchable fabric that prevents it from wear and tear. It is also considered to be a technical pant option because of its sweat-wicking and quick-drying features ," says Susan Gagnon, designer at Costumes Heaven .

Having thoroughly tested Lululemon's ABC pants, we found them to be the comfiest pants to stay classy in our everyday life. Really, its comfort is second to none: with sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric, amplified four-way stretch, wrinkle resistance, and a comfortable ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) design, the athleisure brand has managed to infuse its activewear innovation into a classic pant style geared toward everyday life.

Even though they’re partially made with polyester (which isn’t a breathable or stretchy fabric), the main material, called Elastomultiester, comes to save the day. In my experience wearing these, the fabric breathes and wicks away sweat like a beast, and the four-way stretch has made them my go-to pants for commuting to work in the summer. My favorite part is also how light and soft the fabric feels, which is why I always make sure to pack a pair of ABCs for when I’m flying away for a few days.

Read More: Lululemon ABC Pants Review

In fact, I was able to wear these pants multiple days in a row after owning them since 2020, and their stretchy performance has never let me down once. My favorite part about these pants is the anti-ball-crushing tech which I tested out to be a gusset at the crotch and thigh areas that helps relieve tension while walking. Style-wise, while the ABC looks more casual than regular chinos since it's made without cotton, meaning no-brainer versatility as summer pants, spring pants, khaki pants, travel pants, office pants, casual pants... You get the gist.

All in all, Lululemon's ABC pants are what guys have always hoped to find in their everyday slacks, giving you unrestrictive movement and all-day comfort without compromising on an elevated style.

Read More: Best Lululemon Men's Pants

Since launching in 2013, Vuori has been producing versatile pants that you can wear practically anywhere. Case in point: their elastic waist Ripstop pant, which features a modern slim cut and super soft fabric that's perfect for working from home, or trekking to the airport.

Created using Vuori’s Dura Terra ripstop fabric that features a two-way stretch, we found in our testing that these lightweight travel pants with a 33-inch inseam are issued with a gusset for extra roominess too. Their modern and straight-fit cut has let me dress them up or down as I pleased. We also found it to be quite breathable and work well as summer pants.

These pants also have the same tapered style that our testers love, but offer more room to move around despite being a slim fit. The cotton and elastane fabric is lightweight and breathable, and has helped our testers remain comfortable even while being in hot weather for hours. However, the real star is the brand's DuraTerra™ tech in the fabric: a material for active guys that can be sported all day long, for all sorts of activities, thanks to its two-way stretch flexibility, durability, strength, and stain resistance. Hence, our testers have even worn these Vuori pants to hike and bike besides just commuting and running errands.

Not only is this one of the best summer pants we’ve ever tested, but it’s also one of the most versatile and rugged travel pants we’ve tried. Our gear editor, John Thompson, even sported these as hiking pants to the great outdoors to test them and came back singing more than a few praises. Firstly, they’re made of nylon, and one thing about nylon is that it’s going to perform: really, the lightweight activewear fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and has a light natural stretch that is now enhanced with 6% of spandex in these pants. Basically, these pants have ventilation and quick-drying in spades.

Let’s talk more about that stretch: our testers found that the fabric thoroughly and easily moved with our legs in our hiking and commuting tests. It's safe to say we love them both on and off the trail, as everyday pants or tough outdoor pants.

Also, a note on how they wear as summer pants: even when the sun is blazing, our legs never felt searing or humid in these slacks. And since the fabric is also treated with UPF 50 protection against sunlight, we wear them outdoors to travel in by default.

Sure, cargo pants fell out of fashion in the last couple of years, but with the emergence of the gorpcore trend embracing all things utilitarian, it’s safe to say they’re back—and looking better than ever.

These cargo pants combine style and functionality seamlessly, courtesy of their performance build. Crafted in a unique knit material, they offer unmatched stretch and mobility for any occasion, making them as comfortable as sports pants but as stylish as casual wear. We also love how they are able to retain their shape wear after wear, wash after wash. The neat built-in UV protection also has let our testers enjoy activities out in the sun worry-free all day long. One tester says he loves how these have stretch and flexibility for hours to keep up with the movement, and how the elastic waistband has always let him ensure a perfect, comfortable fit.

Lastly, with these pants, you can say goodbye to damp discomfort thanks to their quick-drying capabilities that keep moisture at bay, allowing you to stay dry and fresh throughout your pursuits. The fit is roomy above the knees and tailored below, which is versatile for working out and going out.

The brand that specializes in creating functional basics made good with these pants crafted from a high-tech fabric that’s built to brave the elements. The blend of tough polyester and spandex renders the fabric extra rugged and even weather-resistant, to the extent that in our testing, one wearer found it to be water-repellent on rainy days and stain-resistant during accidental coffee spills.

However, according to him, the best part about these travel pants by Mack Weldon isn't just how resilient it is, but also how convenient and comfortable it is too. The back-ribbed ankle cuffs, welt zip pockets, and belt loops in front of and behind the elastic waistband are neat additions, allowing him to get a personalized fit. The spandex stretch in the fabric also optimizes flexibility and mobility, allowing us to move freely and comfortably in any situation; the natural quick-drying property has also kept our wearer fresh and dry even during intense activities in our testing.

While as joggers, these aren't as soft or lounging-friendly as your usual go-tos, we do love Mack Weldon's intelligent design like the stealth zip pockets that offer secure storage while maintaining a streamlined look.

These sweatpants-like travel pants are one of our testers' perennial favorites: according to him, not only do they boast the comfort and softness of sweatpants, but they also are and look versatile for just about everything from flights to working out.

With an elastic drawstring waistband to snug them up just right, and a trouser-like silhouette, we felt that Public Rec's travel pant is as comfortable as your favorite collegiate sweats, yet look like dress pants or office pants for work, thanks to a slim silhouette. You won't be embarrassed to sport these in public. This stylish alternative to the normal sweatpant blows the most comfortable jeans out of the water, and sports tapered legs to help show off your sneakers too.

Our testing also shows that they're truly the all-powerful trousers since they're made with a unique blend of nylon and spandex that feels like a second skin but also offer a natural combo of four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, and breathability. Our testers found that these pants feel like your favorite pair of soft, cozy sweatpants but look like your Monday office bottoms and work like your go-to workout pants. Using a drawstring instead of a button, you can wear this from your office to the gym to the bar—no changing needed.

Personally, I've worn these Public Rec pants for a long travel day that included multiple flights and layovers, from NYC to Denver. Needlessly to say, that was the most comfortable travel day I have ever had, thanks to these pants.

You can tell just by the look of Rhone's commuter pants that they’re comfortable, but let us confirm that for you. Rhone hits the nail on the head with these wrinkle-resistant commuter bottoms that are made from the brand’s premium Flex-Knit fabric. While the fabric is polyester, the material here is reworked to be stretchy and breathable.

The Flex-Knit fabric has the 4-way stretch and recovery of a Stretch Armstrong action figure, and there’s a gusset inserted into the seam to keep your below-the-belt boys breathing easy, all delivered in a timeless silhouette that you’ll keep in your outfit rotation for years to come. Best of all, the brand offers these pants in a ton of color options, both staples you can get year-round and limited-time seasonal colorways.

Designed for today’s ever-connected professional, the pants also boast a media pouch for your phone and a security zipper pocket for your cardholder. In our testers, one wearer also can’t get enough of how sleek it looks with a polo shirt or how comfortable it fits even on the go. However, the only qualm is that the waistband isn't as stretchy and flexible as we'd like it to be.

Columbia’s Flex ROC Pants in a regular fit look just as relaxed in town as they do on a hiking trail. Add to the mix the brand’s Omni-Shade sun protection and multi-purpose pockets and you’re good to go pretty much anywhere.

One tester took these hiking pants to test them in the backcountry and mountains and came back singing more than a few praises: according to him, these are made of naturally breathable, soft, and moisture-wicking cotton. Then, there’s the stretch plus a comfy regular fit that gave him enough room and mobility.

Off-the-trail-wise, we’ve worn them as everyday pants before even in the office, and no one has batted an eye. We also love their utility features like the multi-functional pockets and a zip-up security pocket that keep our essentials and valuables safe and readily accessible.

The Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pant is equipped for the office, trail and travel. Made from a nylon-spandex blend, this pair offers four-way stretch for extra mobility, and a water-repellent shell to keep rain at bay. Our testers compared the feeling of these pants to that of cozy loungewear, but also stylish enough to wear in the city. We also appreciate the zippered thigh pocket to stash any valuables such as credit cards or keys that could get lost in transit.

Alo Yoga Day and Night Pant

Alo’s athleisure are comfortable and stylish enough to wear to most errands and casual outings. Take the Day and Night pant. It has a closer fit for a dressier vibe, and there's a hint of stretch for that feels like a breeze to move in. Plus, the performance woven fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking and designed to resist wrinkles.

Our testers have worn these pants from the plane to dinner and still felt fresh. Even on warmer days, these pants don’t cause you to break a sweat, which is a testament to its breathability. The price is higher than most travel pants, but this pair has enough durability to last quite some time without any signs of fading or piling, based on our testing. Another bonus: it’s a fresh take on the classic, four-pocket pant style, which also comes in longer inseams for taller guys.

Banana Republic Brushed Traveler Cargo Pant

Cargo pants have made a comeback in recent years with options that feel more refined and sleek. Banana Republic’s version does just that, merging style and functionality. We found this pair ideal for extensive days on the road. For maximum comfort, this slim pair is constructed with adjustable slider tabs at the waist to customize the fit. Despite the tailored cut, there’s an incredible amount of stretch for ease of movement.

Our favorite aspect of these pants is the ultra-soft feel of the fabric, which we wanted to keep on for days. We also love the ample amount of pocket space including at the front, back and at the lower sides. It feels super airy and moves seamlessly through the airport, so you don’t experience any heaviness that most baggy cargos can bear. The Brushed Traveler Cargo is thick enough to keep you warm, especially when you’re sitting in the chilly airplane cabin for hours.

Bonobos Extra Stretch Travel Jeans

Just as you'd expect from Bonobos, the brand offers one of the most comfortable jeans on the market, available in every wash you could imagine, with fits that range from tailored to straight. These Extra Stretch Travel Jeans often happen to be a favorite by athletes and active guys who refuse to be tamed by heavy denim fabric.

According to our tester, these jeans in ultra-stretchy cotton merge the performance capabilities of the Bonobos name while maintaining the classic look of a staple pair of denim, making them a superb choice for stylish guys on the move. For instance, ever thought of going for a light jog in jeans? That seems implausible, but not impossible with these extra stretchy jeans that almost feel like sweatpants according to our tester.

Tyler Sellers , a fitness coach and professional athlete, is stoked by Bonobos' versatile offerings. "They produce high-quality clothing in more sizes than most other manufacturers... Bonobos offers all cuts, sizes, and materials on a single product page so you can quickly choose whatever you believe will work best for you," he says. That is also to say you’ll love the fit, four-way stretch, and classic look of these travel jeans, so make room in your closet to stock up on a few pairs.

What Do Experts Say? " What I love about Bonobos is how they cater to any body shape. Their original stretch chino is not only a well-constructed item, but is at a budget price point as well. When shopping this piece keep in mind what fit will work best for your body shape. Larger thighs? Athletic fit is the option for you. Carry a little more weight around your midsection? Stick with the straight fit ," says personal wardrobe stylist Grace Thomas .

Ben Sherman 24/7 Motion Stretch Slim Chino

Old-school chinos were reliable business casual staples but didn't provide much comfort. A suite of forward-thinking labels—Ben Sherman among them—have updated the chino with athleisure-friendly features: stretchy waistbands and water- and wrinkle-resistant fabrics that hold up in all types of conditions without sacrificing style.

Having worn Ben Sherman’s chinos to travel in April and May 2023, I was impressed by how lightweight and smooth the fabric is. While it’s not traditional chino material, I like its nylon blend that is stretchy enough for a squat and sweat-wicking. I also found that while the fit is slim, it is not restricting, and all in all looks great enough for everyday wear as well as the office. At this price, it’s a bang for your buck.

Ben Sherman's chinos are a favorite among stylists, and it's easy to see why: they're made with the ideal bit of stretch, tapered to look sharp, and enhanced with a cotton-nylon blend that provides all-day-long softness. "What I love about Ben Sherman's Chino are their fit, cut, stretch, and a wide variety of colors," says celebrity stylist Lisa Marie Cameron who recommends going for the brand's unique colors to give you an elevated flare, or opting for classics that are easy to pair with your daily wear. "You can't go wrong choosing Ben Sherman's chinos because they are suitable for any occasion. From work to meetings, to date night, to weddings, and everything in between," she highlights. "All it takes is your favorite color, adding your own touch of style and you're ready to tackle the day with whatever you have planned."

Madewell Athletic Slim Jeans

After you’ve nailed your comfort on the fit, the next step is to go after other kinds of comfort—softness, stretch, and coolness—in spades. These Madewell athletic fit jeans are our editor’s tried-and-true favorite: they feel incredibly soft, have more room in the seat and thigh areas for beefy quads but look tapered from the knees down, and move like joggers when worn on the go but still look tailored and elevated; they’re also built with moisture-wicking temperature-regulating tech to keep your legs dry.

Overall, Madewell developed their COOLMAX denim blend to be far more breathable, flexible, and comfortable than regular 100% cotton denim. All three of these properties make them ideal travel pants. You get the look and function of a good pair of jeans that feel as comfortable as track pants.

Brooks Brothers Stretch Advantage Chino® Pants

Despite being one of the oldest menswear brands, Brooks Brothers' Advantage Chino® pants have the most modern design we've ever tested, from spandex stretch to cotton twill softness to a wrinkle-resistant fabric to five different fits that cater to just about every guy. Marcos Martinez , a lifestyle influencer, verifies how these pants meet all the demands in chinos. "The chinos should have a flexible waistband to give comfort and breathing room around the waist. The material should be mostly cotton twill and part spandex for flexibility," says Martinez.

If you're concerned that a legacy menswear label like Brooks Brothers decided to go for a more modern, performance-minded fabric with stretch for its chinos, we found that not only did they give us a perfect fit right off the shelf, but they also felt incredibly comfortable and have managed to stay crisp for almost a year—far better than chinos made with full. The touch of stretch and flexibility especially helped our tester wear them to travel or commute throughout the day, and the overall elegant look kept us looking sharp. Plus, with enough fits and sizes for anything from extra slim to extra large, whatever your body type is, rest assured that Brooks Brothers' chinos have you covered.

L.L.Bean Venture Stretch Five-Pocket Pants

A pair ideal for anyone who spends an equal amount of time at the office as they do in the great outdoors—and travels tons to get there. These stretchy and hard-wearing L.L.Beans can repel water yet still offer ample smartness for business days.

Roark Layover 2.0 Pants

Roark’s travel pants are constructed from a blended stretch canvas and feature a ventilated back yoke-mesh panel. Then there are all the compartments: two large zipped front pockets with inner storage sleeves, two buttoned back pockets, and a super-handy stash pouch at the rear for your phone.

How to Choose the Best Men's Travel Pants

Comfort, mobility, and a nice fit are key elements to be on the lookout for when finding the best men's travel pants.

Fabric: The whole point of travel pants is that they should look like regular chinos or slacks while feeling like athletic pants when you're wearing them. They should be lightweight, flexible, and breathable. That means you want to look for a fabric blend that has some stretch in it and at least half polyester or Tencel fiber in the mix. Some brands will put cotton or wool in the mix to keep the business look and shape. The one thing to avoid is when brands go overboard with the stretch. If there is more than 10% elastin or spandex in the mix, your pants are going to look too casual and won't hold a proper shape.

Performance: Features like quick-drying and moisture-wicking are essential for comfort, keeping your legs cool and dry throughout your traveling. Wrinkle resistance in travel pants also helps you maintain a neat appearance without ironing. If you're traveling to a sunny destination, consider travel pants with built-in UV protection to shield your skin from harmful rays. And if you're packing travel pants, make sure the ones you get are lightweight.

Stretch: Travel pants are known for their ability to move with our legs and cater to our movement, so stretch is essential—whether it's a natural stretch or courtesy of a few percentages of elastane, spandex, or lycra.

Fit: Good travel pants should have a business-casual look. You want them to fit like a pair of cotton chinos or wool slacks. This means whatever style of fit you wear in those pants, you want the same fit in your travel pants. There may be a compulsion to go slimmer since it's a stretch pant. If you wear a straight-leg chino, do get slim-fit travel pants. If you wear slim-fit jeans, don't get skinny-fit travel jeans. Stick to your go-to fit.

Look: A lot of brands have gotten into the travel pants game in the past few years which means there is a lot of variety in looks out there. It's important to remember that your travel pants are a replacement for regular pants and should look the part. Stick to traditional colors like Navy, Black, Gray, Olive, and Khaki. You want them to be versatile and understated. Avoid the aqua blues and dusty oranges.

Pockets: While travel pants should look like normal pants, their functionality for ease on the go is key. Since you'll likely carry your travel and everyday essentials with you while you wear travel pants, you want to make sure you have enough deep pockets because you need to carry stuff on the go and don't want to worry about anything falling out when you sit down. Travel pants with hidden or zippered pockets for added security are also worth the buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best overall travel pants?

For catching flights, commuting, running everyday errands, or going to the office—all while looking good—the best men's travel pants overall are Lululemen's ABC Pant . It has a four-way stretch, feels soft, is made with breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying fabric, comes with a gusset that relieves tension from your crutch while walking, and dons the classic chino style. You can probably squeeze in a few workouts or hikes in them too.

What Types of Pants Make the Best Travel Pants?

Jeans designed with stretch and moisture-wicking properties provide comfort without sacrificing the classic style and are perfect for urban exploration and casual outings. Classic chinos updated with stretch and quick-drying features are ideal for a polished look while on the move or for formal occasions. Joggers and sweatpants made with soft and breathable materials are suitable for long flights or casual activities. Cargo pants that are lightweight give you easy access to essentials while you're traveling. Hiking pants also make great travel pants since they're bound for outdoor adventures.

What are the best travel pants for men to wear on an airplane?

The best men's travel pants for men to wear on an airplane combine comfort, style, and functionality. Joggers and sweatpants, for instance, offer stretch and lounging-like comfort to provide ease of movement during long flights. Jeans made from stretch denim and moisture-wicking properties provide a sharp look while ensuring comfort during your flights. Chinos made with stretch and breathable materials are also good for long flights and staying polished. Lounge pants are soft, breathable, and often come in a relaxed fit that'll provide extended comfort.

What is the best material for travel pants? While cotton is a solid choice since it's naturally breathable and stretchy and even moisture-wicking, the best men's travel pants will incorporate activewear materials. Nylon is a popular choice for travel pants due to its durability, natural breathability, and quick-drying properties. Similar to nylon, polyester is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and lightweight, but needs to be made with stretch. Denim designed with moisture-wicking and stretch is also foolproof if you're looking for jeans as travel pants. Ideally, the best men's travel pants will come in blended fabrics that combine the best qualities of different materials.

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

Ted Stafford is the Fashion Director of Men’s Health. He oversees all style and fashion content for the brand, and also styles their fashion stories. His active lifestyle informs his passion for translating great designs into real-life style, a favorite part of his job. Prior to joining Men’s Health he worked at GQ magazine and Calvin Klein

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12 Travel Pants for an Effortlessly Comfortable Long Flight

Travel with first-class comfort, even if you’re sitting in basic economy

After a 12-hour red-eye, you don’t want your outfit to be the reason you arrive exhausted. A high-quality, well-fitting pair of travel pants can make the difference between a smooth flight or a bumpy ride. As someone who flies often for work, I can tell you: Wearing pants that didn’t stretch or that were too tight at the waist has been my downfall too many times, leaving me fidgety and uncomfortable in my teeny seat. Now, I’ve got the routine down—the best travel pants must be soft, forgiving, and able to keep me warm.

You might be in a coordinated knit ensemble or sweats you can style with a stylish travel jacket up top, but the pants you wear in transit should take at least a bit of the pain out of the experience. For upcoming trips, whether you’re jetting somewhere tropical or simply flying home, here are 12 pairs of pants for travel that deliver first-class comfort, even if you’re sitting in economy.

High Sport Kick Pants

These buzzy pants are a favorite among editors and fashion insiders because they look dressy but are surprisingly comfortable when you have them on. That’s a win-win in my book.

Sizes: XS–XL

Materials: 68% cotton, 32% Lycra

Colors: Blue, navy

Everlane Linen Pants

When arriving at a tropical destination, the worst feeling is the humidity and heat hitting you while you’re still dressed for the chilly plane. These linen pants bridge the gap nicely.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Materials: 100% European flax linen

Colors: Bone, sage, black

What reviewers say: “The drape of the fabric is fabulous - not to light, not to thick. The cut and tailoring fit perfectly for my curves. The color is a great basic. Well done Everlane!”

Sporty & Rich Syracuse Sweatpants

These days, I’d guess that 50 percent of passengers on my flights are wearing some form of cotton sweats. Sporty & Rich’s take are my favorite, since they’re relaxed, but not schlubby.

Materials: 100% cotton

Colors: Brown

Amo Sandra Baggy Jeans

I have friends who hate soft pants and will fly only in jeans. If that’s the case for you, at least opt for a style that’s roomy and relaxed.

Sizes: 23–32

Colors: Blue

Lululemon Align Super-High-Rise Tights

For long-haul flights, I often choose a pair of super-soft leggings. The waistband doesn’t cut in, and seams don’t rub when I’m stuck sitting for hours on end.

Sizes: 0–20

Materials: 81% nylon, 19% Lycra

Colors: Black, navy, coal, olive, espresso

What reviewers say: “I absolutely love how comfortable these are. They are so high waisted that they touch my ribcage, but I love it! I am only 5'5" so it makes sense.”

Tory Sport Cashmere Joggers

Planes can run chilly, and as someone who is constantly freezing, I try to prepare by wearing warm knits from head to toe. These cashmere pants would protect me from the pumping AC.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Materials: 100% cashmere

Colors: Gray, blue, natural

What reviewers say: “Fair to good quality cashmere (thickness). True to size. Very warm & soft.”

Asceno Aurelia Pants

When a red-eye is the only option, why not wear pants that basically feel like you’re wearing pajamas? You’ll be as comfy as you can be—eye mask on, plane blanket tucked in.

Materials: 100% silk

Argent Jones Trousers

If you travel frequently for work, you might need to head straight to a meeting from the airport. These pants are comfy, but will help you pull off a professional vibe when you land.

Sizes: 0–14

Materials: 98% wool, 2% elastane

Colors: Blue, fuchsia, black

What reviewers say: “A direct quote from my husband, ‘Makes you look like you're all legs.’ I love, love, love this suit and am having a hard time not buying it in all the colors.”

Bode Quincy Stripe Joggers

Bode’s soft, swingy pants are a fashionable way to feel comfy on a flight. There’s also a matching polo top if you want to complete the look.

Materials: 65% linen, 35% viscose

Colors: Red, white

Nike ACG Smith Summit Cargo Pants

For the traveler who prefers to fly light, these cargo pants will hold your phone, Kindle, passport, and gaggle of headphones, no bag necessary.

Sizes: XS–XXL

Materials: 96% nylon, 4% spandex

Colors: Black, navy

The Frankie Shop Bonnie Croc-Effect Faux-Leather Straight-Leg Pants

L.A. to Vegas is only an hour-long flight. If you’re planning a quick trip for a friend’s birthday, these pants are a pair you can wear straight from the plane to a fancy dinner.

Materials: 50% polyurethane, 25% polyester, 25% cotton

Vince High-Rise Satin Pants

Stretchy, loose, and lightweight, these pants will keep you comfy even if you’re squeezed into an economy middle seat.

Materials: 73% recycled polyester, 27% polyester

Colors: Beige

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Best Women’s Travel Pants of 2024

From trendy joggers to storage-equipped tights and traditional ankle-length designs, we break down our favorite travel pants for women.

Switchback Travel ( Brian McCurdy )

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Traveling can be an involved and exhausting undertaking, but staying comfortable on long plane rides and packed buses can help make the experience a little more bearable. Travel pants are a great place to start: Many of today’s leading designs are stretchy, breathable, quick to dry, and versatile enough to pull double duty around town or outdoors. In ranking our favorites, we also prioritized designs with good long-term durability and practical pocket layouts for securely stashing the essentials while on the move. From modern joggers to storage-equipped leggings and sleek ankle-length designs, we break down our favorite women’s travel pants of 2024. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks.  

Our Team’s Women’s Travel Pant Picks

• Best Overall Women’s Travel Pant: Athleta Brooklyn Mid Rise Ankle Pant
• Best Budget Women’s Travel Pant: Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pants
• Best Women’s Travel Leggings: Athleta Headlands Hybrid Mid Rise Tight
• Best Hiking-Ready Travel Pant: Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants
• Best Versatility for Dressing Up or Down: Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Jogger

Best Overall Women’s Travel Pant

1. athleta brooklyn mid rise ankle pant ($99).

Travel pants are a fairly ambiguous category—you can realistically wear almost anything for travel—but good comfort and organization can make a world of difference on long flights and adventures abroad. Athleta’s Brooklyn Mid Rise Ankle Pant checks both of those boxes emphatically. Starting with comfort, the aptly named Featherweight Stretch fabric is silky-smooth against the skin, breathes well and dries out quickly, and nicely fends off wrinkles and abrasion. Further, the rib-knit waistband and side panels offer a good mix of mobility and security, and the small slits in each cuff add a subtle dose of flair and contribute to the sophisticated slant. Whether you’re headed to a work conference or exploring a foreign city by foot, the Brooklyn Mid Rise Ankle Pant is a chic and polished design that’s easy to dress up or down depending on the setting.

Athleta describes the Brooklyn as “semi-fitted,” but many women specify that the legs are on the wider end. Those who prefer a more form-fitting shape will likely want to size down to avoid a clown pant-like look, although the snug waistband may pose an issue with more athletic builds. The good news is that Athleta offers the pants in 15 sizes (00 to 26) in the regular version, along with 9+ sizes in both dedicated tall and petite versions to accommodate a wide range of body types. We also appreciate the practical storage layout, which includes two deep hand pockets that are big enough to fit a phone horizontally and two zippered pockets at the back. The Brooklyn doesn’t cross over particularly well for regular outdoor use—for that, we turn to the designs from Patagonia and Outdoor Research below—but it will certainly get the job done on a short hike or active sightseeing excursion. It’s also available in a similarly classy and well-built High-Rise Jogger version for the same price. See the Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant

Best Budget Women’s Travel Pant

2. columbia anytime outdoor boot cut pants ($60).

We often turn to budget leader Columbia for functional outdoor gear at great prices, and their Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pants are another excellent value for travelers. We’ll start with the positives: The mostly nylon build with a touch of spandex is both lightweight and breathable, the pants are highly resistant to moisture and quick to dry, and the styling is decently sleek and versatile—great for exploring around town and heading out to a nice dinner afterward. Perhaps most importantly, the $60 Columbia costs around half as much as many competitors (including the Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Jogger and Vuori Miles Jogger below) while still managing to cross over well for outdoor use. 

All that said, cutting costs often comes with a drop in quality, and the Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pants aren’t immune. While lightweight, the fabric has a noticeably cheaper feel than what you get with pricier alternatives like the Athleta Brooklyn above and many others below, and some users have reported issues with torn seams and premature pilling along the inside of the thighs. The “boot cut” designation is also a little misleading: The Anytime’s cuffs are more reminiscent of bell bottoms, with a slightly flared shape that covers the top of your shoes. Finally, we don’t love the waistband design and storage layout: The former lacks stretch and includes superfluous additions like a snap and zipper (in addition to the external drawstring), and the only secure pocket is at the back, which uses Velcro rather than a more reliable zippered closure. But it’s hard to be overly critical at this price point, and the Columbia makes a lot of sense for occasional travelers and value seekers alike. See the Columbia Anytime Outdoor Pants

Best Women’s Travel Leggings

3. athleta headlands hybrid mid rise tight ($119).

We can’t overstate the value of a good pair of leggings, but most designs are lacking in storage, which is a clear downside for travel. Enter Athleta’s Headlands Hybrid Mid Rise Tight, which bucks that trend with a whopping six pockets—all of which have zippers—for securely stashing the essentials (phone, travel documents, etc.) while on the move. Another noteworthy addition is the drawcord inside the elastic waistband that allows for fit customization (most leggings use just elastic, which can fall down throughout the day). The waistband itself is still low-profile but supportive with a high-waisted fit, and the nylon/spandex blend is both highly comfortable and mobile for all-day wear. All told, we love the streamlined look and feel of leggings while traveling, and the Headlands Hybrid solves our two biggest gripes: lack of storage and inability to dial in fit.

At $119, the Athleta Headlands Hybrid Mid RiseTight is on the pricey end of the travel pant market. It does cross over well for hiking, which helps justify the cost, but the fabric isn’t as snag- or abrasion-resistant as we’d like for off-trail ventures like bushwhacking or scrambling. Like all storage-equipped tights, the Headlands can also look and feel a little ungainly with the pockets stuffed full—it’s best to stick to thin and lightweight items. For budget-conscious women who aren’t ready to make the sizable investment, Kuhl's Weekendr Tight ($89) and REI Co-op’s Flash Hybrid Tights ($75) also come equipped with zippered storage, although it’s more limited than the Headlands’ six-pocket layout. In the end, while the Athleta doesn’t come cheap, it’s one of the most feature-rich and travel-ready leggings on the market. If you want something a little looser and less form-fitting, Athleta’s Trekkie North Jogger uses a similar material mix (95% nylon and 5% spandex) and comes with three zippered pockets. See the Athleta Headlands Hybrid Tight

Best Hiking-Ready Travel Pant

4. patagonia happy hike studio pants ($99).

Patagonia’s Happy Hike Studio Pants might be built for hiking, but we consider them an equally great travel companion. The polyester fabric has a remarkably smooth and silky feel with a just-right amount of stretch for navigating through big airports and exploring around town once you arrive at your destination. One editor even wore them running in southern Patagonia recently after forgetting her tights back home and came away highly impressed by their mobility and breathability. Importantly, the pants held their shape well throughout a full week of use with no billowing, and they dried extremely quickly when we had to hand-wash them due to an accidental spill. A final highlight: The Happy Hike Studio Pant—like most of Patagonia’s offerings—is made with a clear eye toward sustainability, including recycled and bluesign-approved fabrics and certification to the Fair Trade standard. 

No travel pant is perfect, however, and the Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants are no exception. One gripe is the zippered stash pocket at the right thigh that can look and feel a little bulky when stuffed full, which isn’t hard to do given its small size. On the bright side, you do get an additional zippered pocket at the rear, but it’s not an ideal spot for stashing a smartphone (the only practical place is one of the hand pockets, which don’t have zippers). We also wish Patagonia had included a drawcord for dialing in fit at the waist, and sizing runs on the bigger end (we went with our usual size small, and it was a little baggier than we’d prefer). But if you can nail the fit, the Happy Hike Studio Pants put it all together better than most, including ample all-day comfort, top-notch mobility, and enough versatility to pull double duty for activities like hiking, gym climbing, or yoga.  See the Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants

Best Versatility for Dressing Up or Down

5. lululemon stretch high-rise jogger ($118).

Athleisure giant Lululemon is best known for their leggings, but their jogger collection is equally competitive. From their lineup, we like the Stretch High-Rise Jogger best for travel. The nylon/elastane blend is impressively smooth and cozy against the skin, does a great job of wicking moisture, and maintains its shape over time. This is one of those pants that you can dress up or down depending on the occasion—throw on a cardigan and wear them to work, or pair them with a crop top for casual use. Lululemon was also thoughtful about storage and included a hidden zippered pocket and card sleeve inside one of the deep hand pockets. Finally, the Stretch High-Rise Jogger is offered in a wide selection of sizes (from 0 to 20) and colorways (eight at the time of publishing). Taken together, the Stretch High-Rise Jogger is a high-end travel pant with excellent versatility and lives up to Lululemon’s venerable reputation.

What complaints do we have about the Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Jogger? Our biggest gripe has to do with the waistband design: The drawstring is decidedly thick and long, and the waist itself is relatively wide and bulky. You can tuck the cord inside for a cleaner look (as suggested on Lululemon’s product page), but we’re not sure why they didn’t just make it thinner in the first place. The Stretch High-Rise also fits on the bigger end—it’s a safe bet you’ll need to size down, but it’s always best to try the pants on before you buy. Finally, some women may not love the tighter cuff design (especially for work events or business travel), in which case Athleta’s Brooklyn Ankle Pant above could be the better match. See the Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Jogger

Best of the Rest

6. outdoor research ferrosi transit ($89).

Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi has been one of our go-to hiking pants for years, and the Transit variation is a slightly more travel-friendly—but still entirely trail-ready—take on that longtime favorite. Like the standard Ferrosi, the Ferrosi Transit uses a softshell-like nylon that’s light but tough, and the generous dose of spandex gives the pants a noticeably stretchy and flexible feel. In testing, the Ferrosi Transit was quick to dry, held its shape even after multiple days of use, and offered a nice balance between protection and breathability (it can cut the wind but still allows enough airflow in warm weather). Most of the smaller details are equally well sorted, including a practical storage layout (two generously sized hand pockets and two zippered rear pockets) for both travel and outdoor use, reflective detailing along the cuffs for visibility at night, and UPF 50+ sun protection.

Patagonia’s Happy Hike Studio Pants above are our favorite crossover outdoor/travel option, although we prefer the Ferrosi Transit’s straight-leg design for pairing with hiking shoes or boots. You can also dress the OR pants up with a pair of nice sandals or flats, although we wish the logo on the left leg were a little more subtle for dressy occasions. We also had a couple of quibbles with the fit: There’s a little more bagginess than we’d prefer around the lower stomach (although the waistband is snug but not restrictive), while the thighs are on the snugger end. This gives the Ferrosi Transit a slightly less refined feel than the Happy Hike Studio and causes the hand pockets to flare out a bit, although it’s relatively subtle and doesn’t detract from overall comfort. See the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Transit

7. Vuori Miles Jogger ($118)

Vuori is a relative newcomer to the outdoor space, but they’ve risen to popularity remarkably quickly. Their recipe for success: highly comfortable and good-looking clothing that can still hold its own outdoors. Their Miles Jogger is case in point, combining a buttery-soft feel with impressive resistance to wind and abrasion. The polyamide/elastane mix nicely balances stretch and long-term durability—we haven’t experienced any pilling to date—and remained wrinkle-free even after multiple days of use, including being haphazardly stuffed into our travel backpack during an overnight flight. The high-waisted design is also supportive but low-profile enough for comfortably wearing under a hipbelt. Finally, the pants wick moisture well and dry quickly when wet, which are crucial characteristics for frequent travelers.

We’ve found Vuori’s build quality to be top-notch, but their clothing doesn’t come cheap. At $118, the Miles Jogger is around $20-$30 pricier than most competitors, including our favorites from Athleta, Patagonia, and Outdoor Research above. The zippered rear pocket is also too small to accommodate a smartphone (only the non-zippered hand pockets work), and some women may find the Miles to be a little too baggy in the upper legs and calves. We personally liked the fit in our usual women’s size small, although the cuffs were a bit snug for our taste. If the latter is a dealbreaker for you, Vuori does offer the Miles in an Ankle Pant version for $10 less, although the shorter cut sacrifices some coverage. And for an even softer option, check out their Performance Jogger , which has a plush, sweatpant-like feel but is less versatile for travel. See the Vuori Miles Jogger

8. Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pants ($99)

Joining Patagonia’s Happy Hike Studio Pants above is a more traditional option from their collection: the Skyline Traveler Pants. In contrast to the Happy Hike’s jogger styling, the Skyline features a tapered fit with an ankle-length cut that’s flattering and pairs well with virtually any type of shoes. You also get a 3-inch gusset at each cuff, which can be opened to accommodate mid-height boots or zipped shut for a more tailored look with low-tops or sandals. Like the Happy Hike, the Skyline Traveler’s nylon and spandex mix provides an effective balance of comfort, durability, and stretch, and there’s a nice sustainability slant thanks to recycled and bluesign-approved materials. One final bonus: The Skyline Traveler is one of only a few options here—along with the Athleta options above and Outdoor Voices RecTrek below—to be offered in multiple inseam lengths (28 and 30 in.).

The biggest drawback to the Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pants is the button and fly closure at the waist, which is far less comfortable for all-day wear than more streamlined elastic designs (there’s a reason that the latter dominate the market). As we touched on above, the Skyline Traveler is also pretty traditional with relatively drab colorways and dated styling compared to many of the more modern options here (the Happy Hike included). Finally, only one of the five pockets features a zipper, which limits where you can securely store valuables. But if you like the styling and don’t mind the button and fly closure, the Skyline Traveler is another versatile option for wearing during travel, to the office, and even on light day hikes. For a more modern but thinner design from Patagonia with a shorter cut, check out their Fleetwith Pants . See the Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pants

9. Kuhl Freeflex Dash ($99)

Utah-based Kuhl is known for their utilitarian styling, but the Freeflex Dash offers a competitive mix of performance and everyday-friendly styling, which is an enticing recipe for many travelers. Right away, we found the pants to be highly comfortable with a lightweight and soft next-to-skin feel and had no issues with bunching or rubbing from seams during a long journey to Argentina with several connections. The pants also dry out extremely quickly, retain their shape very well over time, and have just enough stretch to allow for unrestricted mobility—they’ve since become our tester’s go-to gardening pants, which speaks volumes about their freedom of movement. Tack on a wide and drawcord-equipped elastic waistband, six total pockets (four of which are zippered), and cinchable/rollable cuffs, and the result is a competitive all-rounder that has seamlessly transitioned between travel, hiking, and around-town use.

Why do we have the Kuhl Freeflex Dash ranked here? While we found the fit to be spot-on in our usual size small, some women may find the pants to be overly baggy and long (for reference, our tester was a little taller than average at 5’8”, and the length worked fine for her). They’re also a bit more traditional in terms of styling and colorways than many alternatives here and not the best option for dressing up—they look more like hiking pants than work attire. If the latter is your intended use, we’d instead point you to a design like Athleta’s Brooklyn or Lululemon’s Stretch High-Rise Jogger above. But for mixed travel and outdoor adventures, there’s certainly a whole lot to like about the Kuhl Freeflex Dash. We also like their jogger-style Haven , which costs $10 more but has a slightly more modern look and feel. See the Kuhl Freeflex Dash

10. Outdoor Voices RecTrek 26” Pant ($98)

Outdoor Voices is a brand on the rise, and their RecTrek collection covers the full gamut of pant and short styles, from joggers and cargo pants to zip-off designs. The flagship model here is their bestselling pant and stacks up competitively to other travel- and outdoor-friendly designs like the Patagonia Happy Hike Studio and Outdoor Research Ferrosi Transit above. Like the OR, the RecTrek employs a nylon/elastane mix that nicely balances durability and stretch and gives the pants a very comfortable and flexible feel—enough so that we spot them at the crag and climbing gym fairly frequently. We also love the RecTrek’s zippered hand pockets (it’s the only design on our list to come with them), which make it supremely easy to quickly stash travel documents or a smartphone while on the move. A final feather in the Outdoor Voices’ cap is the generous sizing selection (XXS to XXXL), plus availability in two inseam lengths (26 and 29 in.).

The Outdoor Voices RecTrek Pant is undeniably well rounded, especially if your travels frequently involve outdoor activities like hiking or climbing, but it's not without fault. For starters, the shirred waistband lacks the barely-there comfort that you get with smooth designs like the Happy Hike Studio and Athleta Brooklyn above (although you do get a drawstring, which both alternatives lack). The RecTrek’s fabric is also prone to pilling and losing its shape over time, particularly at the calves and ankles. Following Outdoor Voices’ care instructions (machine wash cold and tumble dry on low) should help maximize the pants’ lifespan, and the design has a good track record overall, but it’s a notable enough concern for us to rank the RecTrek mid-pack.  See the Outdoor Voices RecTrek 26" Pant

11. The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 ($80)

Quality travel pants are a dime a dozen in 2024, and it’s hard to stand out in such a competitive market. The North Face’s Aphrodite 2.0 stakes its claim with a hard-to-beat mix of comfort, style, and price. For around $10 to $20 less than most competitors, the Aphrodite 2.0 is good-looking with a classic but flattering straight-leg design and chic shirred detailing along the legs. We also like the plush, rib-knit waistband, which feels great underneath a hipbelt (although the external drawstring can get in the way at times) and offers a nice balance between comfort and security. Finally, drawcords at each ankle give you the option of wearing the pant with a slight flare, cinched above your feet, or pulled up around your calves capri-style (bonus: TNF offers plus sizes, too).

Our biggest gripe with the TNF Aphrodite 2.0 is the lack of durability: Our pair shows a lot of pilling after about a year of use, and the shirring on the legs has gotten noticeably tighter with regular laundering. The ankle cinch also has a noticeably cheap feel—it’s just a piece of thin elastic that you pull out and tie on a bight—and the heat transfer logo on the back of our pair has worn off completely. And durability aside, we wish The North Face had included more than one zippered pocket for easier access to valuables and documents while traveling. But you’d be hard-pressed to find better comfort and breathability for the price, and the modern styling is the cherry on top. See the The North Face Aphrodite 2.0

12. Eddie Bauer Departure Ankle Pants ($80)

Washington-based Eddie Bauer has a healthy presence among outdoor adventurers in the Pacific Northwest, and their Departure Ankle Pants represent a very strong value from the brand. For $80 full MSRP and around $30 to $50 on Amazon depending on the colorway, the Departure checks a lot of the boxes we look for in a well-rounded travel pant: The fabric is light and breathable, resistant to wrinkles, and dries out quickly; the pants are easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion; and Eddie Bauer offers a healthy number of sizing options to dial in fit, including dedicated tall sizes and plus sizes up to 3X. If you’re drawn to the Columbia Anytime Outdoor above but don’t love the flared cuffs, the Eddie Bauer offers similar appeal in a sleeker package.

The Departure Ankle Pants bear a strong resemblance to Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi Transit Pants above. Both designs boast simple elastic waistbands and UPF 50+ sun protection, incorporate 14% spandex for good stretch and mobility, and have small slits in the cuffs for a subtle dose of flair. However, the Departure is lighter on storage with just one zippered pocket at the back (the OR has two), and the polyester-heavy fabric (the Ferrosi uses more durable nylon) is decidedly thin. Both pants offer good abrasion resistance, although some users note that the Departure is more prone to stains as a result. Finally, many women will need to size down—the pants run big, and the lack of adjustability at the waist makes it harder to dial in fit. But we keep coming back to value: The Departure is attractively priced for what you get and especially appealing for those headed to hot destinations. See the Eddie Bauer Departure Ankle Pants

13. Fjallraven High Coast Lite Trousers ($125)

Swedish brand Fjallraven is known for their premium build quality and classy Scandinavian styling, and the High Coast Lite Trousers carry the torch. Like most designs here, the High Coast Lite has a stretchy and highly breathable construction that’s easy to move in and comfortable whether you’re killing time during a layover or hopping on an overnight flight. Versatility is another highlight: The pants look the part for around-town wear and are mobile and durable enough to cross over for hiking. Like the Kuhl Freeflex above, the High Coast also comes with a cinch cord at each cuff for tweaking the ankle opening, which makes it easy to pair with a wide variety of footwear. 

Fjallraven is known for their high-end build quality, and with that comes steep price tags. At $125, the High Coast Lite Trousers are the most expensive option here without enough to show for it. The storage layout was the biggest pain point for us: The two hand pockets are plenty deep, but we found them to be pretty uncomfortable and restrictive with a phone inside—our iPhone sat right where the hip flexes, which impeded natural movement and required removal before sitting down (we turned to our fanny pack instead on the journey home). It’s a similar story with the snap-equipped rear pockets, and the single zippered pocket on the right leg is too small for anything larger than a credit card. Finally, similar to the Patagonia Skyline Traveler above, the Fjallraven’s button-and-fly closure isn’t our first choice for long travel days. These drawbacks are enough to push the High Coast Lite toward the bottom of our list, but there’s no denying the attractive styling and premium construction. See the Fjallraven High Coast Lite Trousers

14. Mountain Hardwear Dynama High Rise Jogger ($89)

Mountain Hardwear’s Dynama/2 Ankle tops our women’s hiking pant round-up for its great breathability and streamlined fit that moves with you, and the High Rise Jogger variation has similar appeal for travel. Made with thin nylon and a little elastane for added mobility, the Dynama has a very light and airy feel (it’s the lightest design on our list at a scant 4.1 oz.), does a great job at wicking moisture, and is quick to dry when wet. Another highlight is the wide, closure-free elastic waistband, which fits comfortably under a pack’s hipbelt and minimizes chafing and discomfort on sweaty skin. Tack on a relaxed but tailored jogger cut and two large zipper-equipped cargo pockets (plus two deep hand pockets), and you get a stylish and practical pant that’s well suited for mid-summer travel, hot-weather hikes, or simply lounging around on rest days.

Travelers headed to warm destinations will find a lot to like about the Mountain Hardwear Dynama High Rise Jogger, but there are some notable trade-offs to the lightweight build. First, similar to the Aphrodite 2.0 above, the Dynama doesn’t hold up well to frequent wear—the thin fabric is prone to pilling over time, and you’ll want to exercise caution if you wear them on the trail to avoid snags from branches or rocks. During testing, one of the thigh pockets also tore at the bottom, rendering it useless (although to be fair, we did put the pants through the wringer by climbing in them). Additionally, the waistband—while comfortable—doesn’t hold its structure well over time and is noticeably thinner than competitors like the Aphrodite, Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Jogger, and Patagonia Happy Hike Studio above. But if you treat them well and don’t mind the inherent downsides to the thin fabric, the Dynama is one of the best options here for keeping you comfortable in sweltering heat. See the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Jogger

15. Janji Transit Tech ($94)

Janji is a running brand first and foremost, but they have a few offerings that cross over well for daily use and travel. Our current favorite is their Transit Tech Pant, which combines an impressively low weight (6 oz.) with great all-day comfort and breathability. The namesake Transit Tech fabric is also impressively resistant to wind—many users cite them as great cold-weather running pants due to their ability to fend off chilling gusts. Janji was intentional about storage, too: You get two deep hand pockets (one of which has a handy key loop), as well as an additional side zippered pocket for securely storing a phone, wallet, or travel documents. Finally, while subtle, we really like the cuff design, which lacks the bunched-up look and feel of many other joggers here but still provides a secure fit around the ankle.

The Janji Transit Tech Pant is a nice option for travel, bike commutes, and running, but it has a noticeably more technical look and feel than many other designs here. In other words, women looking for a dual travel/work pant should steer clear. In our opinion, a pant like the OR Ferrosi Transit above makes more sense for most: Not only can it pull double duty for hiking, but it can also be dressed up with a pair of nice shoes for wearing to the office on occasion. The Transit Tech’s sizing also runs on the smaller end, although Janji did include an internal drawstring for dialing in fit at the waist should you opt to size up. In the end, the Janji’s relative lack of versatility keeps it from a higher spot on the list, but runners who travel frequently—or travelers who plan to maintain their running routine while away—might find it to be the perfect middle ground. See the Janji Transit Tech

Women’s Travel Pant Comparison Table

Women’s travel pant buying advice, what makes a good travel pant, travel pant materials, styles: joggers, tights, ankle pants, and straight-leg designs, waist design: elastic, drawcords, and button/fly closures, storage: pockets, travel pant weight, water resistance, thickness and durability, sizing and fit, upf ratings, sustainability, do you need travel pants.

Unlike hiking pants , travel pants are a fairly ambiguous category, but there are certain characteristics that make them well suited for travel. These include smooth and stretchy fabrics that are resistant to wrinkles and breathe well, good moisture-wicking capabilities, and the ability to dry quickly should they get wet. We also look for practical storage in the form of zippered pockets for securely stashing valuables while on the move and low-profile waistbands that don’t dig in when you’re sitting for long periods of time or get in the way under the hipbelt of a travel pack . Another crucial consideration for many travelers is versatility: We love when travel pants can cross over for around-town use or hiking, and many of the picks above can also be dressed up for wearing to work. Finally, quality travel pants stand up well to long-term use with snag- and abrasion-resistant fabrics that don’t pill over time.

Travel pants are typically made of a polyester or nylon blend, and many of the picks above have at least a small amount of built-in stretch via elastane/spandex. In parsing out the differences between the main fabrics, nylon is slightly more durable and softer than polyester, while the latter is a little less absorbent and quicker to dry, although the differences are relatively minor. Moving on to stretch, a higher percentage of elastane will result in a more flexible feel, which can be especially nice for women who tend to size their pants on the tighter side. The added “give” is also a real boon on long travel days, overnight flights, and mileage-heavy outings around town when comfort is the top priority. For reference, Lululemon’s Stretch High-Rise Jogger is the most elastane-heavy option on our list with a whopping 31%, while Columbia’s budget-friendly Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pants contain just 4% (and Kuhl’s Freeflex Dash leaves it out entirely, although the polyester build is still highly mobile).

Travel pants come in four main styles: joggers with elastic at the ankles for keeping the cuffs out of the way, leggings that offer the ultimate in mobility, ankle pants (also known as cropped pants) that ride a little lower than capris, and traditional straight-leg designs. Joggers are our preferred option due to their loose but tailored fit that’s highly comfortable and free-flowing (there’s a reason that seven of our 15 picks are joggers). Tights/leggings are the most form-fitting option and cross over best for activities like running or yoga but often have minimal storage (the Athleta Headlands Mid Rise is a notable exception with six zippered pockets). Next up, cropped pants like the Athleta Brooklyn Mid Rise Ankle Pant ride right above the ankle and often have flared cuffs for a relaxed but refined look and pairing with a wide range of footwear. Finally, straight-leg designs like the OR Ferrosi Transit, Patagonia Skyline Traveler, and Fjallraven High Coast are similarly versatile but cover more of the ankle than cropped pants.

Waist design can have a sizable impact on overall comfort—nobody wants a rigid waistband and metal hardware digging into their stomach on long flights. For this reason, we strongly prefer travel pants that have wide elastic waistbands with few or no seams. In addition to leading the pack in all-day comfort, elastic waistbands also don’t get in the way under a hipbelt, which is an important feature whether you’re hauling a travel pack through the airport or wearing a daypack on a short hike or around-town adventure. We also appreciate when pants come with a drawcord—either internal or external—for dialing in fit at the waist while keeping bulk to an absolute minimum. Keep in mind that not all drawcords are created equal, however: The Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Jogger , for instance, has a noticeably thick and long external drawcord that many will opt to tuck in.

At the other end of the spectrum are more traditional designs that comprise a button or snap and zipper-equipped fly. In general, these are far less comfortable than elastic waistbands for all-day wear—there’s a reason that only two pants on our list (the Patagonia Skyline Traveler and Fjallraven High Coast Lite) use this type of design. It’s true that the belt loops are nice for dressing the pants up, but the added hardware is a real downside for long travel days and pairing under a hipbelt. Finally, it's worth noting that Columbia's Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pants also boast a snap and zipper (along with an external drawcord) but forgo belt loops.

Storage can make or break a travel pant, and we made sure to prioritize designs with practical layouts for stashing the essentials. One standout from our list above is the Athleta Headlands Hybrid Mid Rise Tight , which comes with a whopping six zippered pockets. We also like the zippered hand pockets on the Outdoor Voices RecTrek, the Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Jogger’s hidden pocket and card sleeve located inside one of the hand pockets, and the four zippered pockets on Kuhl’s Freeflex Dash. At the other end of the spectrum is Vuori’s Miles Jogger, which features just one zippered pocket at the rear that’s too small to accommodate a smartphone (only the non-zippered hand pockets work). In the end, a final decision will come down to personal preference and where you like to store your valuables while traveling. Some women (ourselves included) prefer to use a fanny pack or cross-body purse, but we certainly appreciate when pants have a phone- or document-friendly pocket for easy access while navigating through security checkpoints or walking around town when we reach our destination. 

Travel pants are an inherently light bunch due to their breathable and airy fabrics, and the weight spread among our picks is relatively small (9 to 11 ounces is fairly standard). For reference, the lightest option on our list above (of those that provide a weight spec) is the Mountain Hardwear Dynama High Rise Jogger at a scant 4.1 ounces, while the heaviest is the Outdoor Voices RecTrek at 11.2 ounces. It’s worth noting that many travelers won’t pay too much mind to the weight of their pants, but it can be a good indicator of bulk, which is often the bigger consideration for most. The good news is that the two often go hand-in-hand, meaning lighter pants will generally take up less space in a travel pack or duffel bag. However, one notable downside is that shaving weight often comes with compromises in durability, which we cover in more detail below.

Water resistance almost always comes at the cost of breathability, so it comes as no surprise that travel pants wouldn’t be our first choice for wearing in extended rainfall. That said, most designs can handle light to moderate moisture just fine, which is all most travelers realistically need. Durable water repellent (DWR) coatings are the most common measure, prompting water droplets to bead up and roll off the exterior rather than soak through (bonus: Many are now PFC-free, which means they’re made without the use of harmful perfluorocarbons). Most travel pants also utilize thin, lightweight fabrics that don’t soak up moisture and dry out quickly when wet, which is very helpful should you need to hand-wash your pants due to an unexpected spill or stain.

Thinner fabrics breathe better and dry out more quickly than thicker varieties, so it makes sense that most travel pants are relatively thin. While most manufacturers don’t list the denier (a measurement of fabric thickness) for their travel designs, one good rule of thumb is that stretchier fabrics tend to hold up better due to their ability to “give” under pressure rather than tear. For example, the Vuori Miles Jogger (21% elastane) and Fjallraven High Coast Lite Trousers (15% elastane) are both impressively stretchy and highly resistant to snags and abrasion. Another consideration for many travelers is how likely a fabric is to pill over time. From our list above, two that fall a little short are the TNF Aphrodite 2.0 and Mountain Hardwear Dynama High Rise Jogger, both of which have shown considerable pilling with regular use. They’re also two of the thinnest options on our list, which isn’t a coincidence. If you’re concerned about long-term durability, consider opting for a thicker design (at the sacrifice of some breathability).

Most women are familiar with the plight of finding pants that both fit well and look good, but the good news is that the travel pant market is rife with modern, flattering designs. Outdoor clothing brands like Patagonia and Vuori all have the fit concept down quite well, and Columbia has recently redesigned a number of their offerings to bring them in line with the competition. To help you get the best fit, many brands offer a generous number of waist sizes—for example, the Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant is offered in 15 sizes from 00 to 26, along with dedicated tall and petite versions. Some (but not many) models are also available in multiple inseam lengths, including the Patagonia Skyline Traveler (28 and 30 in. inseams), Athleta Headlands Hybrid Mid Rise Tight (26, 28, and 31 in. inseams), Outdoor Voices RecTrek (26 and 29 in. inseams), and aforementioned Brooklyn Ankle Pant (25.5, 27.5, and 30.5 in. inseams). We worked to call out sizing and fit discrepancies in the write-ups above whenever possible, but it’s always best to try on before you buy.

Many travel pants have a UPF rating, which gives an estimate of how much UV radiation the fabric allows to pass through. For reference, a UPF rating of 50 means that just 1/50th (or 2%) of the available UV rays are able to make their way to the other side of the fabric, while a UPF rating of 30 denotes that 1/30th of rays will pass through (of note: UPF 30 is the minimum rating that qualifies for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s official recommendation). In the case of travel pants, a UPF rating of 40 to 50 is fairly standard, although we have yet to meet anyone who’s been burned through their pants—even those without UPF coverage. That said, we certainly understand wanting to maximize sun protection, in which case you should aim for the higher numbers and remember to consider your upper half, too (we’ve compiled a list of our favorite sun protection shirts here ). 

In 2024, one of the primary ways we see manufacturers innovating is through the use of more sustainable materials. In the case of travel pants, this often comes in the form of recycled fabrics, more responsible production practices (including the elimination of harmful chemicals used in water-repellent and UV-resistant treatments), and an emphasis on the ethical treatment of workers (look for a “Fair Trade” certification). Many companies also utilize the bluesign system for sourcing materials responsibly. Patagonia is a clear leader in the sustainability movement, but brands like Vuori and Outdoor Research have also made a sizable effort to reduce their footprint. In the end, we really appreciate when companies go the extra mile in being transparent about their production practices and environmental footprint.

Dedicated travel pants can go a long way toward maximizing comfort during long plane rides and layovers, and many cross over seamlessly for around-town wear and sightseeing excursions once you reach your destination. That said, infrequent travelers may have a hard time justifying the fairly niche purchase, and the good news is that you probably already own a pair of pants that’s suitable for travel. Many hiking pants can pull double duty provided they’re relatively lightweight and breathable (a low-profile waistband is another plus). Standard leggings are also a viable alternative if you’re willing to deal with the lack of storage (a fanny pack or cross-body purse can fill in this gap), and two of our longtime favorites are Lululemon’s Align and Wunder Train collections. Beyond Yoga and prAna also make some high-quality tights and yoga pants that are very comfortable and offer excellent all-around mobility. Back to Our Top Women's Travel Pant Picks   Back to Our Travel Pant Comparison Table

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15 Best Men’s Travel Pants for Your Most Common Travel Needs

Published on February 13, 2024 by Donny Korman · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links ( what's this? )

Choosing clothing for travel can be tricky. You want pieces that look presentable but are comfortable as well. Here are some of the best pants for travel.

Table of Contents

Choosing a solid pair of traveling pants can be quite a challenge, especially since there are literally hundreds to choose from. Do you pick up a techy performance fabric? Do you go for rugged durability or something more affordable since you’ll only wear them for a few trips?

Not to mention other factors like style and fit. Luckily for you, I’ve identified some of the crream of the crop and made a comprehensive list of the best travel pants for men.

Here are our recommendations from the list:

The Rhone Commuter Plant Classic pants are durable enough for long days filled with meetings, golf, and flights.

These pants offer a casual appearance with the comfort of sweatpants. Additionally, they feature UV protection, shielding men from harmful sun rays conveniently.

Tailored from premium stretch denim, Aviator Best Travel Jeans offer style and comfort for long flights.

Read on for more info and the complete list…

Best Men’s Travel Pants

Let’s kick things off with the overall best men’s travel pants. These are selections that are best suited for daily wear.

Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit 5 Pocket Pant

The Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit 5 Pocket Pant is a great pick for men who are always on the move. They’re durable, snug, and feel extremely smooth.

Made from recycled polyester, their four-way stretch fabric ensures that they dry off any sweat while also maintaining a sharp look throughout the day.

What makes this pair a particular favorite, however, is its classic fit — they look just like any regular pair of non-performance, casual pants.

They’re streamlined to give the glutes and thighs breathing room, along with an ergonomic gusset to remove tension from the crotch.

Jack Archer Jetsetter Pants

Another one of my top choices is the Jack Archer Jetsetter . They’re easy to wear while also boasting anti-odor and stain-repellent properties.

They have a diamond-shaped gusset for maximum groin comfort and a curved waist construction that enhances the way you look in them.

They’re machine washable, as they’re made from polyester fiber, which also gives this pair its rebound stretch characteristic.

A twill weave pattern helps the Jetsetter Pants fully recover their fit and shape, even after years of wear and tear.

Western Rise Evolution Pant

The Western Rise Evolution Pant is the ultimate pair of versatile jeans perfect for men who love jeans and who love to travel (two things that aren’t always compatible). They’re both durable and lightweight, making them ideal for both international trips and night-outs.

Crafted from both nylon and elastane, they feel like you’re wearing cotton while also maintaining durability.

This pair has a zippered wallet pocket to keep essentials like phones and wallets safe . Their spill-resistant material also makes sure that the pair stays proper and stain-free.

They’re the epitome of jeans for travelers who desire a trendy fit that they can wear anytime, anywhere.

Best Men’s Travel Pants for Long Flights

From ambitious businessmen to high-profile celebrities, these pants work well for guys who have to deal with those long flights.

Aviator Best Travel Jeans

Built from premium stretch denim, the Aviator Best Travel Jeans are the best men’s travel pants for long flights for guys who value style and function, with enough comfort for hours-long sitting periods.

They’re also great for adventurers who prefer a mid-rise and tailored fit. They’re available in several different shades and colors.

The hidden pockets help secure accessories like wallets, loose change, and keys. They even sport a fifth pocket that’s big enough for any smartphone — even your latest iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Mott & Bow Staple Jeans

The Mott & Brow Staple Jeans earn a spot in my best men’s travel pants roundup for their luxurious feel.

They’re medium weight but have dynamic-stretch Italian denim, giving it a premium look that also feels ultra-comfortable to wear.

They’re durable enough for a cold machine wash and can be tumbled dried, making them a solid option for people who appreciate low-maintenance apparel.

Rhone Commuter Pant Classic

The Rhone Commuter Plant Classic is a strong pair of pants that can withstand lengthy meetings, rounds of golf, and flights all in one day.

Their Flex-Knit® fabric is designed to replace the stiff, dressy feel while also maintaining that smart-casual look.

The wrinkle-resistant fabric ensures that these remain sleek, attractive, and classy while providing men the ability to move without restriction.

Lightweight Travel Pants for Men

Some like their slacks a little weighty, and some prefer lighter bottoms. In this category, I’ve chosen a few lightweight travel pants for men who want maximum mobility while outdoors.

Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants

Bluffworks’ Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants raises the bar for what convenient, lightweight travel pants can be.

They’re a low-profile, technical pair of pants that look, but breathe better, than chinos. They can get any guy anywhere he needs to be.

Constructed from recycled polyester and Spandex, these breathable pants have moisture-wicking properties and a stretchy waistband to maximize comfort (especially if you’re like me and like to try a bit too much of the local cuisine).

They include a whopping total of nine discrete pockets that can fit phones, wallets, and cards. They even have a handy key loop on the hip.

Teren Lightweight Traveler Pants

Whether it’s hiking, fishing, or weddings, the Teren Lightweight Traveler Pants are the chinos perfect for any activity. They’re neither too baggy nor too tight, providing airflow great for the outdoors.

They have a gusseted seat and six pockets (three hidden, zippered pockets) that help maintain a secure fit while also keeping personal items safe.

The fabric has sun protection , is antimicrobial, and is treated with insect-repellent properties to keep the average trailblazer free from any environmental harm.

Banana Republic Slim Linen-Cotton Traveler Pant

A customer favorite, the Banana Republic Slim Linen-Cotton Traveler Pant is made with Italian fabric that’s mixed with linen and cotton.

They’re beautiful, lightweight, and offer first-class experience in both appearance and feel. Washing is simple; they’re durable enough for machine washing, with customer reviews confirming that they don’t shrink.

The slim, mid-rise fit provides the right amount of stretch that conveniently shapes the thighs and legs.

They have five pockets and a zip fly with a hook-and-bar closure, showcasing that traditional, casual fashion. They’re a smart investment for men who want a high-class pair of pants during their travels.

Best Men’s Travel Pants for Hot Weather

Being out under the sun can stress out even the manliest man. We also curated some of the best travel pants men can wear during hot weather, to help with cooling off a bit.

Everlane The Performance Traveler Chino

The Everlane Performance Traveler Chinos are the ideal slim-fitting pants that are built for warmer weather.

It flaunts sweat-wicking and quick-drying characteristics that keep men dry, even when traveling under the scorching sun.

An elastic interior waistband is also woven into the fabric so commuters will always have a snug fit. 

Its invisible zipper pocket ensures that essentials are kept safe no matter where and when. It’s a commuter’s perfect travel wear that doesn’t compromise on flair and benefits.

Wilson Midway Travel Cargo Jogger

The Wilson Midway Travel Cargo Joggers look casual but feel like sweats.

They have UV protection to prevent harmful rays from getting through, providing men a convenient protection against the sun.

Their baggier fit allows air to pass through and keep the body cool, which is especially good if you’ll be working out in the heat.

The deep cargo pockets keep accessories safe without appearing bulky, and their four-way stretch material ensures they easily move with their owner.

Kuhl Freeflex Pant

A solid choice for both freedom and flexibility, the Khul Freelex Pant are featherweight pants that provide a superior range of motion for daily adventures.

They’re luxuriously soft to the touch and offer UPF 50+ protection against the sun, making them ideal for the sunniest days.

They’re durable enough to take on a hike while versatile enough for a night on the town.

They’re wide, pull-on waistband and external drawcord also give a custom, figure-hugging fit.

Best Men’s Pants for Travel to Europe

Europe is one of the world’s most interesting and sophisticated places, and you’ll want to look good on your tour. We’ve chosen these best men’s pants for travel to Europe to turn heads.

Bluffworks Ascender Chino

Walk the bustling streets of London in style with the Bluffworks Ascender Chino , the best travel pants for men.

This iron-free pair is sturdy, trendy, and made for daily use. They have an EDC-friendly design with specific pockets that let men organize their tools the way they want to. While you probably can’t get a pocket knife on the plane to Europe, use these all around the house and yard.

They’re water-repellent and have a deodorizing treatment that leaves tourists worry-free when packing.

If you’re looking for a premium pair of khakis that match both performance and style should try these.

Mack Weldon Radius Flex Jogger

Engineered with technical fabric and sleek details, the Radius Flex Jogger is great for men who have to catch back-to-back meetings (or are just eternally running late like myself).

They have a sturdy, weather-resistant structure, perfect for breezy days. They also match well with all kinds of shirts and sweaters.

They’re decorated with nice hardware: stealth and back welt-zip pockets that can keep a runner’s phone and wallet away from sticky fingers.

They’re back-ribbed ankle cuffs have the right amount of stretch to let you walk or run, those European streets for hours.

Alo Yoga Day and Night Pants

The Alo Yoga Day and Night Pants reinvent the classic 4-pocket pants with their performance-woven fabric.

They have a close fit through the hip and thighs, with a longer inseam for a looser fit.

This pair can be paired with any fashion trend and is perfect for a day trip to the Louvre or a date night at the Eiffel Tower.

Are Cargo Pants Good for Travel?

Yes, cargo pants are good for travel. The versatility and functionality of cargo pants make them perfect for traveling, hiking, and even daily wear. Their pockets are great for storing accessories like phones, wallets, keys, and even utility tools.

What Are Travel Pants?

Travel pants are a pair of trousers specifically designed for travelers. They’re usually stretchable, versatile, lightweight, and breathable. They also have moisture-wicking and odor-repellent features, making them suitable for various activities and climates.

What Color Is Best for Travel Pants?

Neutral colors like brown, black, and khaki are the best colors for travel pants. They match well with everything. You’ll end up packing less clothing while also retaining the ability to mix and match different styles.

Conclusion: Travel in Comfort, Travel in Style 

Choosing the best men’s travel pants can be narrowed down to your fashion sense and your functional needs. Whether you want a pair that you can easily wear all day, every day, or you’d like to stick to a timeless, classier look, the pairs on this list will fit what you’re looking for.

My personal favorite among these is the Aviator Jeans, as I love a good pair of jeans. If I can wear a pair that are durable, functional, and can easily fit into my suitcase, then I don’t need anything else!

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February 14, 2024 at 5:50 pm

tl;dr here are 40 affiliate links to a bunch of cheap plastic pants that all fit in the same shitty way with some lame excuse for context. “Oh, you want to go travel to Europe? Well, you want to look good, so… let’s go with yet another pair of crappy plastic skinny chinos, European dudes are bound to love your rakish charm!”

March 26, 2024 at 6:44 am

Might want to work on your rakish charm…

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10 Best Travel Pants of 2024 for Men & Women

In the market for a pair of travel pants? I’ve put together a list of my favorites to help you find the perfect pair for your next trip.

If you’re a frequent traveler, you already know that comfortable travel clothing is essential for any adventure, be it a short trip outside the city or an overseas escapade. As a traveler, you’re always on the move. This means you require a lot from your gear in terms of functionality, practicality, and style.

Finding the right pair of travel pants for your needs (and your taste!) can be a challenge. After years of traveling (and wearing pants), I’ve put together this list of some of my favorite travel pants on the market today. And for the ladies out there, I called on the female contingent of the TravelFreak team to weigh in on their favorites.

Because adventurous travelers like us are always out and about, doing different activities, I’ve focused on the most versatile options for the travel pants below. And at the bottom of this post, you’ll find a detailed buyer’s guide on how to choose the right pair for you.

Let’s dive in!

• Best Overall Men's Travel Pants: Bluffworks Ascender Chino Pants
• Best Men's Lightweight Pants: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Men's Pants
• Best Travel Cargo Pants for Men: KÜHL Renegade Kargo Convertible Pants
• Most Comfortable Travel Pants for Men: Vuori Ponto Performance Pants
• Best Budget Travel Pants for Men: Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants

Best Travel Pants for Men

Below are five of the best travel pants for men in different categories. Before you make any decisions, though, make sure you compare your measurements with the measurements in the product description!

Bluffworks Ascender Chino Pants : Best Overall Men's Travel Pants

The Bluffworks Ascender Chinos are comfortable, soft, and stretchy, making them an excellent choice for you to wear on a long flight. But that’s not to say that they compromise on style. These men’s lightweight travel pants also look the part and easily transition from comfy flight gear or walking pants to casual wear. The matte finish and wrinkle-resistant fabric will keep you looking fresh.

The fabric is also super breathable, and its moisture-wicking properties will keep you from getting sweaty in warmer climates. Plus, they’re great to pack in your luggage as they’re lightweight, weighing only around 5 oz.

You can happily spend a day out in these Bluffworks pants; they’ve got enough give to be comfortable over several hours. And for all of your valuables, the Ascender Chino pants has ten pockets for everything you need.

Lastly, the fabric is quick-drying and repels water, so you’ll never have to stuff a damp pair into your backpack when you’re on the move.

• Pros & Cons
• Technical Specs
• Wrinkle-resistant, anti-odor, and quick-drying fabric
• Soft material
• Machine washable
• Lightweight and breathable
• Moisture-wicking to reduce sweat patches
• The pants run quite long, so be sure to check the product measurements before purchasing

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Men's Pants : Best Men's Lightweight Pants

The versatile Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants can easily transition from hiking and jogging to sightseeing or sitting in a coffee shop. These are primarily rock climbing pants, so they’re lightweight, flexible, quick-drying, and sweat-resistant—all of the things that make great travel pants, no matter how you’re traveling in them.

The ripstop nylon is abrasion-resistant, making the pants durable and suitable for challenging trails. The pants are a little too thin for extreme cold, but they are wind and water-resistant, so you can count on them in damp conditions. You can also close the cuffs to keep any drafts from sneaking in.

These pants were made to wear hiking . The softshell fabric of these pants is soft with plenty of stretch, giving you both mobility and comfort. You can use the Ferrosi pants for a short walk around town as well as for long, strenuous excursions on hiking trails.

Outdoor Research is also a reputable and popular brand for outdoor and travel gear, so you know you’re getting a high-quality pair of pants. They’re durable and functional, breathable, and easy on the wallet, too.

• Great for climbing and hiking
• Wind and water-resistant softshell fabric
• Great range of motion thanks to the articulated patterning
• Harness-compatible pockets
• Adjustable cuffs to keep the draft out
• The fit may be too narrow for some people
• The hips may be too low-rise for some

KÜHL Renegade Kargo Convertible Pants : Best Travel Cargo Pants for Men

The KÜHL Renegade pants are a great go-to option if you’re an active traveler. If you plan on hiking on your vacation or even just doing a lot of sightseeing, convertible pants will come in handy. You can unzip the pants’ legs to convert them to shorts, which is perfect if you find yourself out on a hot day in the wrong attire.

The KÜHL Renegade pants also have a gusseted crotch and articulated knees to give you an impressive range of motion. I find this is a massive help when hiking.

The pants’ fabric also has a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish , which will make them more long-lasting and suitable for rainy weather. Another set of features I really like is the ankle zips and snaps. Ankle snaps are essentially straps with button closures to keep any air from getting in or protect your ankles from long grass when you’re out and about in nature.

• Ideal for dynamic climates thanks to the convertible shorts and pants combo
• Durable and water-repellent
• Ankle zips allow you to control airflow and accommodate a range of shoe types
• Great mobility thanks to the gusseted crotch and articulated knees
• Not lightweight

Vuori Ponto Performance Pants : Most Comfortable Travel Pants for Men

These Vuori travel pants are good go-to pants if you’re a comfort-loving adventure traveler. Thanks to the moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric, you’ll have the comfort of sweat pants without having to deal with the sweat. And you’ll be ready for everything from cozy nights at your Airbnb to rainy mountain hikes.

The pockets on these pants are surprisingly long, providing plenty of room for your valuables if you’re out sightseeing. These Performance Pants may look too warm to walk in, but that’s not the case. You can walk, run, and do yoga in these pants. And because they’re so comfortable, they’re also an excellent choice for the airplane.

Overall, the Vuori Ponto Performance Pants are super versatile and comfortable.

• Quick-drying, moisture-wicking  fabric to keep you dry when you're active
• Versatile pants that suit multiple occasions
• Soft and cozy
• Long pockets for storage
• Only three pockets

Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants : Best Budget Travel Pants for Men

The Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants are durable and roomy. You can unzip the legs to convert them to shorts, making them a versatile pair of pants for different weather conditions. They also have more than enough room for your valuables and two zippered pockets for your cellphone or passport.

One great feature is the built-in sun protection in the fabric. It has a UPF 50 protective coating to help keep you safe from the sun. The fabric is also moisture-wicking to keep you comfy and cool on hot days. However, keep in mind that the material may be too thin if you’re traveling in very cold conditions.

The partial elastic waistband and gussets in the design will give you plenty of range of motion on steep climbs. You can also use these pants for more casual walking as they have a relaxed fit that’s comfortable anywhere.

• Versatile option thanks to the convertible pants and shorts combo
• Budget-friendly
• Moisture-wicking to keep you dry
• UPF 50 sun protection against UV rays
• Comfortable
• No water-resistant finish
• Thin fabric isn't suitable for very cold weather
• Best Overall Travel Pants for Women: Bluffworks Petaluma Ponte Pants
• Best Women's Lightweight Pants: North Face Summit Synthetic Climber Pants
• Best Travel Cargo Pants for Women: Mountain Hardwear Cascade Pass Cargo Pants
• Best Quick-Dry Pants for Women: Marmot Women's Kodachrome Pants
• Best Budget Travel Pants for Women: AJISAI Women's Drawstring Sports Pants

Best Travel Pants for Women

For the women out there, keep reading for my list of the best pants for traveling on the market for women. These include a lightweight pair, a pair of cargo pants, a budget-friendly option, and more. So let’s dive in.

Bluffworks Petaluma Ponte Pants : Best Overall Travel Pants for Women

The Bluffworks Petaluma Ponte Pants have a clever design that disguises good ‘ol yoga pants as dress pants. You can wear these sleek, black, tapered pants on a yoga retreat, on the airplane, on a hike, or even in the office. If you need a go-to pair of pants that works for everything, then the Ponte pants are your best bet.

These pants are possibly too warm for very hot conditions, but you can certainly work out in them. The fabric has been given an antimicrobial treatment, so you won’t have to worry about odor or funk.

Despite their sleek design, there’s plenty of room for your valuables in the five pockets on these pants. There are two zippered pockets in the back and front, as well as a hidden pocket in the waistband where you can stash your cash and passport.

• Versatile dress pants and activewear pants
• Hidden waistband pocket for cash and cards
• Might be too thick for extremely hot weather

North Face Summit Synthetic Climber Pants : Best Women's Lightweight Pants

Though they’re built for climbing, you can comfortably wear the North Face Summit Synthetic Climbers while walking, hiking, or on the plane. It turns out that everything necessary for climbing pants makes for a great pair of travel pants, too.

The soft, stretch nylon fabric is warm and water repellent to keep you dry in the rain. The material is also durable and stretchy, making these a comfy pair of pants that won’t be too heavy in your luggage.

They have articulated knees and a gusseted crotch so you can move freely wherever you are, and you’ll be more than comfortable cooped up in a plane on a long-haul flight.

These are a good choice if you need warm pants that don’t take up too much room in your backpack. Keep in mind they are slim-fit pants, however, which may not work on every body type.

The adjustable belt is an added bonus, and, naturally, they’re also harness-compatible if you’re looking to go rock-climbing while on vacation.

• Articulated knees and gusseted crotch for added mobility
• Comfortable and lightweight enough to go in your luggage
• Durable and water-resistant fabric
• Adjustable waist belt
• Good for cold weather and rain
• Slim fit may not suit everyone's body type

Mountain Hardwear Cascade Pass Cargo Pants : Best Travel Cargo Pants for Women

Unlike many travel pants for women, the Mountain Hardwear Cascade Pass Cargo pants have a flattering design with a modern style. That said, they have all the functionality of a great pair of climbers. The articulated knees and gusseted crotch give you plenty of range of motion. Wear these pants to be comfy on a long flight, go sightseeing, or even work out.

These are a great choice if you like drawcord waistbands, which are comfortable and easy to adjust. There’s room for some of your valuables in the back pockets, front pockets, and zippered cargo pockets. The cargo pockets are also more than roomy enough for your passport, wallet, or oversized smartphone.

Keep in mind that the pants are tapered and narrow around the calf. Some people may find this design unflattering.

• Articulated knees and gusseted crotch for mobility
• Harness-compatible if you're planning on going rock climbing
• Modern and flattering style
• Soft and comfortable
• Drawstring waistband and tapered design isn't for everyone

Marmot Women's Kodachrome Pants : Best Quick-Dry Pants for Women

The Marmot Women’s Kodachrome Pants are comfortable and functional, with built-in UPF 50 sun protection from UV rays. The fabric is also abrasion-resistant, making these pants a good fit for you if you’re a hiker or climber looking for long-lasting, durable travel pants. These are also super affordable, considering all the additional features.

The pants have gussets and articulated knees to give you increased mobility for workouts or climbing or just for extra comfort when traveling. They are quite a loose fit, so check out the measurements before you make a purchase. You may prefer to take one size down from your usual pants size.

The Kodachrome pants are stylish and versatile. You can quickly go from hiking in them to sitting in a coffee shop without feeling underdressed. They’re also casual and comfy enough to wear to the airport.

For sweaty workouts and long days of sightseeing, the fabric is water-resistant, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. So, you can rest assured you’ll feel more than comfortable in this breathable pair of travel pants.

• UPF 50 sun protection for hot conditions
• Abrasion-resistant fabric makes the pants durable
• Quick-drying and water-resistant for damp conditions
• Gussets and articulated knees give added mobility
• Loose-fitting

AJISAI Women's Drawstring Sports Pants : Best Budget Travel Pants for Women

The AJISAI Drawstring Sports Pants are comfortable and stretchy, with plenty of mobility for hiking, climbing, yoga, or jogging. They are also well-suited to a long flight if you need a comfy pair of pants to sleep in. The quick-drying fabric is cool and repels residual sweat on the material.

For such an affordable price, these pants are versatile and functional. Unfortunately, however, there are only two pockets for your valuables. That said, the pockets are quite large and deep, which is hard to find with this style of jogging pants.

The ribbed cuffs help keep the draft from coming up the pant legs, but they can be too narrow for some. If you’re looking for pants that work for activities like yoga and climbing, these are a good option as the cuffs will stay in place as you move. Another plus is that these pants come in a range of fun and stylish colors.

• Comfortable and breathable
• Suitable for running and relaxing
• Quick-drying to avoid sweat patches
• Stretchy fabric with plenty of mobility
• Drawstring cord waistband isn't for everyone's taste
• Ribbed cuff isn't for everyone
• Only two pockets for storage

Things to Consider When Choosing a Pair of Travel Pants

Travel pants need to fulfill many expectations and pretty high standards, as they’re something you’ll want to wear for years to come. You’ll want a pair of pants that are not only functional but stylish, comfortable, and practical. Some of us have budgets to consider, too. So, how do you weigh the pros and cons?

By using the buying points below, you can navigate the buying process a little more easily and find the perfect pair of travel pants to meet your set of buying criteria. The next time you’re browsing for pants, simply return to this buying guide for guidance on the most important feature in travel pants to look out for while you comparison shop.

Additional Features

Travel pants can come with potentially limitless features to consider. However, it’s important that you don’t get swept away by a long list of seemingly useful features that you actually do not need. A good idea is to make a list of what you want your travel pants to achieve and keep comparison shopping until you find a pair that comes closest to what you want.

A core consideration is to look out for features in the fabric that could be of use to you. For example, quick-drying materials are great for hot weather or intense exercise. You can also look for moisture-wicking fabrics that help deal with sweat. Some fabrics even come with an antimicrobial treatment to prevent your pants from getting smelly. After hours of sightseeing in a new place, that treatment will undoubtedly come in handy for you.

Another set of valuable features is ankle zips and straps. Ankle zips open up to give you some more ventilation when needed, or they can be zipped close to protect you from mosquito bites or long grass on a hike. You can also use ankle straps to keep your cash. In which case, having an ankle zip will give you easy access.

Ankle snaps are used to secure or button-close your cuffs. These are pretty helpful if you want to keep the draft out or just to keep your pants legs in place while you walk around.

Lastly, if you’re planning on rock climbing in your travel pants, look out for harness-compatible pockets.

Personal Style

If you’re completely stuck between two pairs of amazing travel pants, style can be a useful dealbreaker. Once you’ve gotten past the basic functionality of a pair of pants, it would be nice if they also suit your personal style.

Think about the type of fit you prefer and what you think is the most flattering on your body type. There are many different styles you can choose from, including tapered pants, straight-cut pants, ones with a loose fit, and regular fit. Naturally, the kinds of activities you’re planning will dictate what’s appropriate as well. You wouldn’t normally go for slim-fit, sleek pants if you’re planning on a steep hike in the forest.

You can also look out for colors you like, as many of the pants in this list come in a range of colors and shades. If you can’t choose between two options, go with the one that has a color you like.

Mobility and Comfort

Travel pants have to be comfortable, which is why mobility should play an important role in your decision-making process. Choose an uncomfortable pair, and you’re stuck with terrible pants all vacation. Keep in mind that you want as much room as possible in the knees and the crotch area, as this will reduce the change of the pants ripping over the years.

Look out for little sewing tricks like gusseted crotches and articulated knees. In sewing, a gusset is a piece of fabric added to the crotch area of a pair of pants to give tight-fitting pants more room. Articulated knees use the same principle; extra fabric is added around the knee area to give you an increased range of motion.

Consider the waist belt of your prospective pair of travel pants. Everyone is different, so you want to make sure you find a pair of pants that is flattering and comfortable, too. Some waistbands are elasticated, which can be comfortable but can also cut into your belly if the fit isn’t right. It’s always best to check the measurements around the waist just to be safe.

Take a look at the design of the waist, too. You might prefer drawstring cords on an elasticated waistband, while others prefer traditional belt loops with a zip and button.

Nothing is more frustrating than not having enough pockets. With travel pants in particular, you’ll want to ensure you have enough space for all your valuables, but also that the pockets are deep and can zip closed. There’s a good chance you’re purchasing travel pants to use in foreign countries and new places. For that reason, you want the peace of mind of a fanny pack incorporated into your travel pants. If that sounds like you, look out for hidden pockets where you can store your valuables.

Weather Protection

Often the most critical factor when choosing your travel gear is how protective the gear is going to be against any given weather conditions. The perfect pair of travel pants would, ideally, protect you from the rain and wind, as well as from harmful UV rays from the sun.

If your prospective travel pants have something called “UPF coating,” that means the fabric they’re made with helps obstruct UV rays from the skin. Outdoorsy folk will know how important this is, which is why many travel pants come with UPF coatings. Sunscreen isn’t always enough to do the job.

Another feature to look out for is a durable water-repellant or DWR coating on the fabric. This is essentially a chemical coating on the material that helps keep you dry and protects you against wind and rain. However, keep in mind that DWR coatings can wash off over time, especially if you wash them frequently. With that in mind, the coating shouldn’t be your number one priority, unless you have many different travel pants on rotation.

Versatility

You probably have limited space in your luggage for your trip, which is why versatility is an important factor to consider when choosing the right pair of pants to travel in or travel with. You’ll likely be busy with lots of activities to get through, so you may want to focus on pants that can easily transition from activewear to casual wear and so on. Look for pants you would be comfortable wearing in a museum, on a hike, or at a coffee shop.

Another thing to consider is versatility in terms of weather protection. If you’re headed to a tropical climate, you’ll probably want a light, breathable fabric that’s moisture-wicking, water-resistant, and quick-drying.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling in cold conditions you should focus on thick, durable fabrics that are wind-resistant. The key is to research the kind of weather you’re likely to experience and then plan accordingly.

A good go-to option if you want a versatile pair of pants is to go with convertible pants. These can be long pants or short pants if you unzip the pants legs, which is a big help if you happen to misjudge the weather one day.

Final Thoughts on Buying the Best Travel Pants

Every pair of travel pants is different. The most important thing is to be thorough in your comparison shopping and determine how well the travel pants in question meet your standards and if they’re providing great bang for your buck.

Hopefully, you’ve found the ideal pair of travel pants on this list to take you all over the world or simply on a quick trip outside your city. If you’re looking for more inspiration on travel gear, you can read the TravelFreak gear round-ups and articles in the links below.

• Best Travel Clothing Brands
• Best Outdoor Clothing Brands
• Best Travel Shirts
• Best Hiking Shirts

Travel Pants FAQs

What type of pants are best to travel in.

Lightweight synthetic pants that pack down small are the best type for travel.

What are the best pants to wear on a long flight?

Joggers or other comfortable, loose-fitting pants are the best for comfort on long flights. Avoid skinny jeans at all costs!

Are Lululemon pants good for travel?

Yes, Lululemon makes a great range of comfortable pants that are great for travel.

Is it better to wear tight or loose pants on a plane?

It is best to wear loose pants on a plane to avoid discomfort.

Is it better to wear leggings or jeans on a plane?

Leggings are definitely a better and more comfortable choice for a flight than jeans.

Jeremy Scott Foster

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This is the Clothing I Packed for 2 Weeks in Europe, Part 1 of 3

alex packing lists , Europe Packing List , Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

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Traveling to Europe for more than a week and not sure what or how to pack? You’re in luck! This is exactly the clothing I brought for my 2-week summer trip!

In Part 1 of this series , you’ll find out all the clothing that I packed for Europe in the summer. In the other articles, I discuss my travel shoe choices, luggage, and other essentials. Read Part 2 and Part 3.

Clothing for 2 Weeks in Europe

Table of contents, countries i visited: italy, switzerland, france, england.

During the summer, my mom visited me in England so we could take a 12-day tour around Europe. I had been wanting her to visit for a while, and I’m very grateful that we finally had the chance to spend some time together and travel around Europe.

We went to Rome , Venice , Basel , Paris , and London . (See my trip Itinerary here .) She visited for two weeks, so I wanted to take advantage of having her here and showing her as much as I could. We flew Ryanair and EasyJet, which are two budget airlines in Europe, meaning the baggage restrictions are a lot more strict but we were still able to travel carry-on only for two weeks

This is one of the lightest times that I’ve packed. I’m really happy with everything that I took, and even though I packed light, I still packed a few things that I didn’t end up needing, so it’s possible to overpack even in a carry-on!

Weather in June: 55F – 82F (13C – 28C) 

Wherever you travel, always check the advance 10-day weather forecast and also the day before you fly. There might be an unexpected heat wave or storm. Don’t underestimate the wind even when it’s sunny.

Also, compare the weather at your destination with the weather you’re used to at home. What feels cold for one person may be hot for another and vice versa.

The weather was slightly varied in June. The hottest weather I experienced was 82F / 31 C in Rome and the coldest weather was 55F / 13C in Paris at night. It even rained a bit in Venice and Paris, too.

Because the majority of my trip would be in hot weather, I mostly packed for the heat and planned to wear dresses on most days. I also brought along a light jacket , merino wool sweater , and  travel pants I could wear together for colder days. This was sufficient for 55F weather (as a Southern California girl, I get cold easily).

For shoes, I wore slip-on sneakers with this outfit and this strategy was perfect! I didn’t need to pack a bunch of stuff I was only going to wear a couple of times.

If you want to play it safe, you can do as I do, and bring layers. Even though I knew it would be warm this trip, I still brought jackets and sweaters. While I didn’t end up using all of them, a couple came in handy.

Traveling to Paris or London? Find out about our new ebooks for European destinations !

This was my Europe Packing List for 2 Weeks in Summer:

• Michael Stars long sleeve dress , Olive Green
• Toad & Co maxi dress , Blue Print
• Bravissimo striped wrap dress, Black and White 
• Leith body-con tank dress , grey cloudy heather  ( similar )
• Leith body-con tank dress , black ( similar )
• J. Crew Tippi sweater, black ( similar )
• J. Crew Parke blazer, black ( simialr )
• J. Crew sleeveless top , ivory 
• Blouse, ( simialr )
• Pair of leggings
• Nude multi-way bra
• Strapless bra , black
• 10 Underwear
• Pajamas (a tank top and shorts)
• 3 Pairs of Shoes (discussed in Part 2 of this series)

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

How I Packed My Clothing

When I traveled in Europe for two weeks, I went carry-on only using my Compass Rose Slim Packing Cubes . Since they have numbers on them, it was easy to organize my clothing.

I used the No. 1 cube for my main clothing items, such as tops and dresses, and then use the No. 2 cube for extra items. I put my undergarments and pajamas in the No. 3 packing cube. While I didn’t need to use the No. 4 cube on this trip, I could’ve used it as a shoe bag for my sneakers or sandals.

The packing cubes also helped me fit everything into a smaller carryon bag because I used a packing method I developed where you roll your clothes then compress within the cubes. This method has helped over 20 million women travel carryon only. Learn about it here!

Here is how I packed the clothing I took for Europe in summer and the destinations where I wore the items:

I packed 2 Tank Dresses, like the one above in grey and black

Packing Cube #1: Main Clothes

For this trip, I used my packing cube #1 for all of the main clothes I wore. In this cube, I packed:

• Leith body-con tank dress , grey cloudy heather ( similar )

All of these items have fabrics that are wrinkle-resistant, so I folded and rolled each item in this cube.

Since it was hot out, I spent most of my trip in dresses. My Toad & Co. Sun-Kissed maxi dress has an amazing fabric that is lightweight and moisture-wicking. It dries quickly, and even if it gets crumpled up in the cube, the wrinkles fall out easily. And thanks to the higher neckline, it’s bra friendly. I wore this dress in the Venice heat, and I was comfortable the whole time.

I also packed a Bravissimo dress that was also bra-friendly. It’s just a striped wrap dress of a modest length that I could wear in cathedrals and churches. I wore this a lot in Rome. And my Michael Stars dress, I didn’t even wear.

Lastly, I packed two of the same dress, which may sound weird, but it’s because I love this dress that much. Like this top and black cashmere sweater , these dresses are staples in my wardrobe that I wear over and over again.

They’re easy to wear and comfortable in the Rome heat. The dresses have a very flattering ruching on the side that flaunts your figure without being tight. The classic cut will never go out of style, and they’re available in so many colors if I wanted to mix up my wardrobe. Not only do I love this dress, but so do many of our readers.

Note: the colors in my travel wardrobe are neutrals because of my personal preference. I really like black. You should choose colors that can mix and match but also colors you enjoy wearing. More tips for creating a capsule wardrobe here !

J.Crew Cashmere Sweater in Black

Packing Cube #2: Additional Clothing

In the packing cube #2, I packed a lot of miscellaneous items, some of which I didn’t even end up using on the trip. But, you live and you learn! In this cube, I packed:

My airplane outfit was my tried-and-true  pants and  top , but I wanted to have a second top option, just in case, so I took a lightweight sleeveless top from J. Crew . I also packed two other blouses that I wanted just in case I didn’t want to wear dresses, but I never used them on this trip.

The same goes for the blazer. Ultimately, it was too hot to wear it but I have a habit of bringing two items I can wear as outerwear on any trip. When it got chilly at night, I wore either my  sweater or my jacket . I didn’t need a heavier jacket.

These are the best merino wool sweaters according to our readers!

Zella Live In High Waist Leggings

Packing Cube #3: Pajamas, Underwear

My packing cube #3 usually isn’t entirely full, especially for summer trips where I don’t need heavy duty pajamas. For this cube, I packed:

• Black Strapless bra

I start by packing the pajamas , since they’re the largest. The lightweight leggings are great for lounging, and I can also use them as pajama bottoms if it gets colder at night or the A/C is on. Additionally, if I wanted to do a workout or yoga class, I could.

I like to take two bras so they work with all of my tops and dresses. I lay the bras flat and along the edges of the packing cube. Then, in the cups of the bras, I put all of my underwear . 

I like having a variety of underwear styles. Some provide tummy control while others are great for tighter dresses where you don’t want to see any underwear lines.

Zip it up, and you’re done with the final cube!

Underneath my bra, I wore my RFID Secret Bra Wallet ( similar ). This bra stash is an anti-theft travel product that’s part of my own travel line: Compass Rose. It’s RFID lined for digital protection, and it actually has an extra long bra strap that allows women of all bra sizes to wear it. I wear it on the side of my bra, underneath my arm, and I use this instead of a money belt.

Here are more of the best money belts and anti-theft travel accessories!

This is the outfit I rewear on travel days. More info below!

The Outfit I Rewear on Travel Days

It’s so important to have a comfy travel outfit, and I usually re-wear the same outfit for each travel day, whether I’m flying or taking a train. I’ve really nailed down an outfit that works for me for almost any travel day, regardless of where I am.

Loveappella Faux Wrap Top

Drape Short Sleeve Top

Similar to my favorite top is the Loveappella Faux Wrap Top . I love it because it’s incredibly easy to wear. A faux-wrap front flatters on this soft and versatile jersey top cinched with a saucy tie at the hip. It looks a little bit dressy, but it’s also comfortable, so it’s great for travel days.

Shop Sizes XS-4X:  J.Jill

Black Pants for Travel

I paired my top and jacket with black travel pants like the one featured above. I pretty much live in jeans at home, but pants like this pants are more comfortable, so they’re perfect for travel days. Not only did I wear these on planes and trains, but I also for sightseeing, as well, because they’re so comfortable and versatile. 

For travel pants in different price points, read this post on our readers’ favorite black travel pants!

Shop Sizes XS-XXL:  Style & Co Safari Jacket

Lightweight Jacket

A lightweight jacket is one of my staple jackets. I’m obsessed with it, I love i t , and I take it absolutely everywhere. During my European adventure, I not only wore it on travel days, but I also kept it in my purse during sightseeing days to wear in the evenings.

Check out the best packable and beautiful cardigan sweaters  that you’ll want for your next trip!

My Secret to Traveling Light: Laundry

For our trip, we flew Ryanair from London to Rome . We stayed in Rome for three nights, took a train to Venice where we spent two nights, flew on EasyJet to Basel to visit my cousin in Switzerland for three nights, and finally took the train from Basel to Paris for three nights. We finished the trip with a train ride from Paris to London.

How did I make so few items last for so many destinations and days? Laundry .

In Rome and Venice, we stayed in an Airbnb , and in Basel, we stayed with my cousin, so we had access to a washing machine throughout the trip. This was a lifesaver!

We did laundry every day after we came back to our accommodation following a day of sightseeing. It didn’t cause any delays in our day. We simply threw our clothing in the washer when we went out to dinner, and then dried it overnight. As it was really hot while we were traveling, the clothing dried very quickly.

Tip: Many Airbnbs that have laundry available also provide detergent. However, even if it doesn’t, you can take small travel laundry pods with you that won’t take up any space.

Packing Video of My Trip

Watch this video to learn everything I packed for my 2 week trip to Europe using my Osprey Carry-on Backpack

I hope you liked Part 1 of this series about all the clothing that I packed for Europe in the summer. In the next two parts, I discuss my shoe choices, luggage, purses, and other essentials gear.

What did you pack for your summer Europe trip? Please comment below!

For more Europe packing tips, please read:

• 10-Step Packing Guide for Europe
• How Not to Overpack for a 3-Week Trip
• 3 Week Packing List For Europe
• 2 Week Packing List For Europe

Suggested travel resources:

• Travel Shoes for Europe
• The Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

I hope you liked this post on the clothes I packed for my 2 week summer trip to Europe. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

26 comments.

I know it’s been a while but I can’t find the Michael Stars top with adjustable sleeves ANYWHERE! Any help finding one would be appreciated, I’ve scoured the interwebs!

Hi Renee, sadly I think it has been completely discontinued for a while now. 😢

Used this as inspiration for my 2 weeks in Greece. We just returned and I have never been happier with my packing job. My husband’s bag was busting at the zipper and I was super organzied. Thank you!

Seriously – where have you been all my life!! Love love love all the great info here!

Every single item I SEARCHED FROM YOUR LIST, WAS UNAVAILABLE!!!! ARGGH.

Hi Mary, I am sorry about that. Unfortunately this recap was based on a trip Alex took back in 2018, obviously since then styles have changed and items are no longer available.

Which items were you interested in particular? If you let us know then we could help you find suitable alternatives.

Hope this helps.

You can still find the Leith dresses on nordstromrack.com. I just bought two (5.21.22)

Hi Alex, Do you have a packing list for a 2 week trip for December in Europe. (Austria). We are mostly staying in air bnb

Hi Debbie, thank you for reaching out. Have a look at TFG’s signature packing lists for ideas for a capsule wardrobe and how many clothing items you could pack: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/ The packing lists show you how to pack light and have the right clothes no matter the destination or the length of the journey. For more suggestions to help you with your packing, have a look at our ultimate guide to packing for Europe in the winter: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/europe-in-winter/ I would also highly recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post any questions you have there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best packing advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps answer your question. Have an incredible trip! ?

Hi Alex, love your tips and clips but.. Any chance you could make some for down under where the issue is there is mixed weather and only 7kg total for carry on.

I can pack my carry on but usually go over this weight even with my very light weight Samsonite case .

Hi Sonia, thank you for reaching out. We do have this post full of tips to help you pack for the 7kg allowance: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/baggage-allowance-how-to-pack/

There are also more tips here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-in-5kg/

Hope this helps you with your future packing!

Thank you for sharing your travel insights with other female travelers! I have been following you for years. I was impressed with your sharing of information to support others female travels from the first time I read your blog. When we (females) lift each other up, we all rise together.

When do you use the travelon bag versus the RM backpack? We are going to Italy this summer and I’m trying to only do my Motherlode with packing cubes and debating between getting the travelon or the RM or both as my sightseeing purse. I love the look of the RM but concerned about safety while in crowds and museums. TIA

Hi Annie, I would always use my Rebecca Minkoff purse over the Travelon simply because it’s truly the perfect bag for me. I don’t really own other purses and have worn it to death. I took the Travelon purse to Europe based on the reader recommendations. I wanted to test it out for myself. Although it was an awesome bag, I prefer the backpack style the RM Julian offers. I’d recommend only to use the Travelon bag if you have a concern about theft. Having the bag definitely offers peace of mind. I hope this helps! ?

great article and super helpful! Wondering what size in the Anatomie Kenya Safari Jacket you are wearing? Thank you!!!

Hi Margaret, so please you enjoyed the article!! ❤️ I have the size XS. Unless I’m buying Petite sizing, I normally I buy XS in all my jackets so they fit well across my back and shoulders (but they don’t usually close well in the front). You can read my review of the Anatomie Kenya jacket here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/these-travel-jackets-are-selling-like-crazy/ Hope this helps! ?

Thank you SO much for replying to me – I really appreciate it. You have the most informational and great travel videos and posts. Thank you for all that you do for us travelers!

You are more than welcome! Thank you so much for your lovely comment, this means the world to me! ?❤️?

I’ve really enjoyed your series for packing in Europe. My husband and I are traveling to London the last week of May/1st week of June. I love the hat that you show in your pictures, and I wondered if you could tell me where i could find it?! I hadn’t even thought of bringing a hat until I saw your photos!

Thanks! Laura

Hi Laura, I brought the hat from H&M earlier last year. I am not sure if they still stock it. Hope you have an awesome time on your trip to London!!

Thanks Alex!

We are excited about our trip. My mum is English so we are also getting to visit relatives which will be fun.

Your packing lists and tips are so helpful especially for someone who have never traveled abroad before.

Thanks again!

Thank you so much Laura, so pleased you have found the packing lists helpful, this means the world to us!! Sounds really exciting, have a phenomenal time!

How about in may. Spring?

Hi Kristi, thank you for reaching out! If you are planning a trip to Europe, have a look at this 10 step guide which is a useful place to start planning your packing: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guide-europe/ For suggestions for what you could pack if you are visiting Europe in the spring, have a read of this post: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/europe-in-spring/ Last year there was a heatwave in Europe which started in May so the temperatures are not all that predictable, so the best tip is to monitor the forecast for your specific trip dates to ensure that you have the most appropriate clothing. I hope this helps answer your question. Happy travels!

I really enjoyed this Part 1. When or where can I read Part 2?

Yay, so pleased you enjoyed part 1 Tammy, thank you for reading! You can find part 2 here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/shoes-for-2-weeks-in-europe-summer/ . Here is part 3: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/luggage-for-2-weeks-in-europe-summer/ Hope this helps! 🙂

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Best Travel Clothes For Europe In Spring

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Oct 16, 2023 | Europe , Travel Gear , Travel Tips

Being such a vast continent, the climate in Europe varies drastically, depending on where you go.

In addition, traveling in the shoulder season of spring makes the weather in Europe even more unpredictable. 

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So, if you’re planning an epic Europe trip in spring, it’s only natural to feel a bit confused about what clothes to take with you.

Luckily, thanks to our experience traveling in Europe, we know the best way to dress in all seasons.

So before you start packing your backpacking essentials for Europe , read our guide on the best travel clothes for Europe in spring .

What To Pack For Europe In Spring

When deciding what to pack for Europe in spring, think about what countries you are visiting before planning your outfits.

It’s no secret that spring can be winter-like in some parts of the continent, like Sweden, Scotland, and Poland.

In contrast, in the Mediterranean areas of Spain and Greece, Spring has a warm, summer feel.

If you’re only visiting one country, the packing will be a much easier process than if you’re backpacking across the continent.

Even so, as spring in Europe is so changeable, it’s also best to pack for multiple seasons regardless.

Of course, if you’re traveling with a backpack or small suitcase, you can’t take your entire wardrobe.

So how do you ensure you’re covered for the varying climates while still traveling light? 

The best way we’ve found to do this is by taking multiple layers.

Having a mix of short sleeve t-shirts, long-sleeve tops, jumpers, and a good jacket or two will allow you to adjust to the unexpected weather changes.

So let’s break down exactly what layers you’ll need when packing so that you can know exactly what to wear in Europe during spring.

Wondering Where To Buy Your Clothes For Traveling Europe?

We love how convenient Amazon is. We understand that buying clothes online is not always easy.

Our packing list will still help you figure out what to pack for Europe.

T-shirts & Vest Tops

Short-sleeve tops are a base layer that you’ll be wearing every day during your trip. So pack plenty of t-shirts, vest tops, and tank tops.

You’ll find spring days in Europe often start chilly and then warm up considerably throughout the day.

So, if you’re out hiking or walking around, you might find you get warm enough to take off your outer and mid-layers.

Hoodies & Sweaters

Hoodies, sweaters, jumpers, and cardigans make warm mid-layers, offering you insulation against the cold winds.

Even if it seems like a warm day, we recommend taking a hoodie and sweater with you wherever you go.

As spring is such a temperamental season in Europe, you just never know when the temperature will drop.

During the day, you may be able to interchange jumpers and jackets as your outer layer. Still, in the evenings, you might find you need both layers.

No matter where you go in Europe in the spring, don’t forget to pack a jacket. Unless you’re heading to a nordic country like Denmark, Norway, or Sweden, you probably won’t need a super thick winter coat.

However, a thin, lightweight jacket with some insulation will undoubtedly come in useful.

A windproof and water-resistant jacket like this MAGCOMSEN Men’s Hooded Windbreaker Jacket is ideal, as it gives you total protection from the elements. It’s also lightweight and quick-drying.

Note that if you’re traveling around only one European country, the climate can differ significantly from the north to the south.

Spain and Italy are two examples, as the northern regions remain cold during the spring.

However, the southern areas are starting to feel summer-like. So, you may not need a jacket for your entire trip, but you will most likely need it for part of it. 

Rain Jacket

If your jacket or coat is not waterproof, you’ll need to bring a rain jacket too. Of course, certain countries in Europe have a higher chance of rainfall in spring than others.

However, as many rain jackets are thin, lightweight, and can be packed down to a small size, there’s no reason not to include one when packing your travel outfits for Europe.

For example, this 33,000ft Packable Shell Rain Jacket is 5000mm waterproof with fully sealed and welded seams to keep water out.

It’s so easy to fold down and pack in the included carrying pouch, which you can keep in your daypack or hang from the outside of it.

Long pants are the most common lower body apparel in Europe during the spring, so ensure you pack plenty of these.

Include a mix of jeans for city exploring, hiking or sports pants for outdoor activities, and a couple of smart/casual trousers. 

For women, leggings are also one of the best travel clothes for Europe in spring.

Or, if you’re traveling in colder countries, take a couple of thermal leggings like these Conceited Premium Women’s Fleece Lined Leggings . 

If you’re visiting a Mediterranean country like Greece , Malta, or Cyprus, expect warmer temperatures than elsewhere in Europe. In that case, pack a couple of pairs of shorts. 

Even if it doesn’t seem hot in the morning, the temperature can quickly rise around midday. So keep some shorts in your daypack that you can change into if needed. 

Scarf & Hat 

If you’re traveling in Northern or Eastern Europe, a scarf and hat are necessary for spring. This is because the winds here are still icy, so it’s essential to protect your neck and ears.

Even if you’re visiting the UK, Ireland, France, or Germany, we still recommend a scarf, but you can choose a thin fashion shawl instead of a thick winter one.

Even if the temperature is low, springtime in Europe brings increased sunshine and daylight hours. Therefore, even if it’s not beach weather, you can still expect bright, sunny days, so sunglasses are essential. 

Footwear is another important consideration when choosing travel clothes for Europe in spring. Again, the countries you’re visiting will determine the footwear you’ll need.

Still, in general, we suggest a good-quality pair of ankle boots that will offer you comfort and warmth when exploring cities and sights.

Choose a low heel for comfort and opt for waterproof material to keep you dry in the unexpected April showers.

We love these SOREL Chelsea Rain Boots for women, which have rubber sole traction and a supportive EVA footbed.

Don’t forget your favorite sneakers or running shoes for long walks and hikes.

And if you’re heading to the Mediterranean and planning a beach day or two, pack a pair of flip flops or sandals. 

Finally, an additional item that women may want to take to Europe in Spring is a couple of long dresses.

One or two chic dresses are enough to give you something nice to wear whenever you go out to a nice restaurant and bar. 

As the nights are still chilly in most parts of Europe, we suggest avoiding short, strappy summer dresses.

Instead, opt for a midi or maxi dress for more coverage. This Boho Floral A-Line Flared Midi Dress by Floerns is ideal.

Pair it with boots rather than sandals or heels, and if you’re traveling to a chilly part of Europe, you’ll need some warm tights too.

Europe Travel Outfit Ideas For Spring

Now you know the type of layers you’ll need on your upcoming trip, it’s time to plan some stylish outfits.

Here are our top Europe spring outfit ideas for men and women.

Below, you’ll find our outfit ideas for men during European spring.

City Explorer

When you’re walking around a new European city, you want to look stylish, feel comfortable, and blend in with the locals.

Create this look with these comfortable and durable Rockport Waterproof Storm Surge Toe Boots.

They feature an Adidas adiPRENE shock-absorbing heel cushioning so you can walk around all day without getting sore feet.

Pair them with these Match Straight Tapered Jogger Trousers and Sailwind Henley Long Sleeve T-Shirt .

Layer with this Esobo Cotton V Neck Sweater and this Sandbank Softshell Flight Bomber Jacket .

It not only looks fashionable but it’s windproof, too. However, it won’t keep you dry in the rain so don’t forget your rain jacket!

Outdoor Adventurer

Europe is an adventurer’s playground, from hiking to mountain biking to canyoning. Whatever activity you choose, stay dry and warm with this comfy yet functional outfit.

Start with top-quality waterproof boots like the NORTIV 8 Men’s Ankle High Hiking Boots . They feature shock-absorbent cushioned insoles, lightweight EVA midsoles, and high-quality rubber soles. 

Pair them with these TACVASEN Quick Dry Hiking Pants , made from a breathable, lightweight, and fast-drying fabric.

Up top, choose the Under Armour Tactical Tech T-Shirt as your base layer and the CRYSULLY Men’s Tactical Pullover as your mid-layer. 

Finally, stay dry with the Columbia Men’s Watertight Ii Jacket with waterproof and breathable technology and an adjustable storm hood with an abrasion-resistant chin guard.

It’s also super lightweight and can be packed down to the size of a pocket.

Sleek Traveler

A night out in an exciting new destination calls for a stylish and sleek look.

Many of our favorite evening outfits for Europe involve these Polar Fox Brooke Lace-up Chukka Boots , made from hand-crafted, durable vegan leather.

Pair them with these Plaid&Plain Men’s Slim-Fit Dress Pants and the Calvin Klein Liquid Touch Polo Shirt , made from a soft, durable, and lightweight cotton fabric.

Add a layer of warmth with this Goodthreads Merino Wool V-Neck Sweater and this URBANFIND Slim Fit Bomber Jacket . 

Finally, if you’re in a colder European country, add this stylish Marino Avenue Knit Striped Scarf in a color that compliments your outfit. 

Below, you’ll find our outfit ideas for women during European spring.

Whether you’re admiring the ancient monuments of Athens or shopping in Milan, you won’t want to stand out as another classic tourist.

So pair these pretty MaxMuxun Faux Suede Flat Ankle Boots with these comfy but elegant GRACE KARIN High Waist Pencil Pants . 

Next up, pair this SheIn Keyhole Back Blouse in a light color like beige with the MEROKEETY Waffle Knit Batwing Cardigan .

Then, stay warm and dry no matter the weather with the SaphiRose Long Hooded Rain Jacket .

This look gives the perfect balance between smart and casual, so you can go straight from sightseeing to bar hopping without having to change your outfit. 

Wear this cozy and comfortable outfit if you’re exploring the English countryside, hiking in the Alps , or going for a coastal walk in Portugal.

First, give your feet the ultimate protection with these Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Shoes . Then keep your legs warm with these OUGES Women’s High Waist Yoga Pants .

They are designed for sports and outdoor activities and are made from a super soft moisture-wicking material.

Up top, start with this C9 Champion Soft-Tech Tee , made with comfortable and breathable fabric. Then, layer it up with the TBMPOY UPF 50+ Hoodie .

The lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric will prevent you from overheating, and the sun protection qualities will prevent any sunburn. 

Finally, stay dry with the Diamond Candy Lightweight Hooded Hiking Coat . The soft and lightweight shell is windproof and waterproof, and the adjustable cuffs help you retain warmth if the temperature drops. 

Chic Traveler 

If you’re checking out the city’s most hip bar, fine dining restaurant, or iconic theatre, do it with style and elegance.

Pair this MEROKEETY Striped Knee Length Swing Midi Dress with these Tish Lucia ​​Pointed Toe Ankle Boots .

Then, stay warm with this Allegra K Faux Suede Biker Moto Jacket and this gorgeous MaaMgic Cashmere Feel Pashmina Shawl .

Final Thoughts On Travel Clothes For European Spring

We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of what to pack for Europe in spring.

As the climate varies throughout the continent, we strongly recommend researching the usual spring weather in each destination.

Moreover, always pack for unexpected weather when traveling during the shoulder season!

Need help with clothing? Read one of the following blog posts:

• What to wear camping
• What to wear kayaking in spring
• What to wear kayaking in summer
• Packing for Europe in winter
• Packing for Europe in fall
• Packing for Europe in summer

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8 Best Travel Pants for Men (Versatile & Comfy)

There are pants and then there are travel pants. You may not realize there’s a difference, but there definitely is. Travel pants offer more comfort, flexibility, breathability, and convenience (all the pockets!). They also tend to have a sturdier structure and don’t wrinkle as easily. All of these reason are why I choose to buy and wear travel pants on our trips, and even at home.

Over the dozen years that I’ve been traveling extensively, I’ve testing dozens of pairs of travel pants. Though there have been a few duds, I have found some really great pairs that I firmly believe in.

I want to offer up my recommendations in this guide for the best travel pants and jeans I’ve found. These are my favorites – the tried and true few that have made the cut. You can trust all of these to be high quality as well as modern and nice looking.

Rest assured that I own every single pair of the pants on this list (often multiple pairs) and I personally wear them every day.

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» Check out our other travel gear reviews for things like the best wrinkle-free travel shirts , my absolute favorite travel blazer , and men’s travel shoes . If you’re looking for women’s travel pants, you’ll find them here .

Best Travel Pants Brands to Look For

The first issue you’ll run into when looking for travel pants is the range of brands available. Who can you trust and who delivers the best product? After many road tests and trials, we’ve come to trust the following travel brands, who offer a reliable product as well as something extra, like security features, extra pockets, and high-quality fabric.

The Perfect Jean

• Aviator Jeans
• Arc’teryx
• Free Fly Apparel

Table of Contents

Quick Pick List – Best Men’s Travel Pants

Below you’ll find a chart of the top men’s travel pants for 2021, with price and review info (Note: these are affiliate links.)

You can click on any of them to see more reviews or learn more about them. Below the chart are our personal reviews of each pair of pants. We’ve done extensive research of our own to find the best pants for frequently travelers like ourselves.

*Our Top Picks

Bluffworks Men’s Travel Pants & Jeans

• Uncompromising comfort and style
• Quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant
• 100% technical, breathable polyester
• Zippered security pocket, hidden pocket, and security loop
• Handcrafted in the U.S. (can be shipped worldwide)
• See above for coupon code

Mott & Bow Men’s Jeans

• Soft twill denim
• Perfect amount of stretch
• Classic slim fit – not too tight or too loose.
• Go-to jeans for every occasion
• Available in multiple styles and colors

• Really good fit, but not restrictive
• Super stretchy, but they don’t stretch out
• Fitted but not tight
• Free shipping, free returns
• Get 15% off at checkout with coupon code SJ15

Aviator Travel Jeans

• Super comfortable
• Flexible, durable, breathable
• Stylish, modern design
• Hidden security pocket

How to Chose the Best Travel Pants

Comfort, obviously! It’s not quite that easy to find the right pair of travel pants, but comfort is a big part of the equation. Once I found comfort, 50% of the work was done. What are the other criteria to looked for in the perfect travel pants?

• Lightweight
• Water-resistant
• Deep pockets
• Wrinkle-resistant
• Quick Drying
• Flexible Fit
• Versatility

Yes, it’s a long list! Is it possible to find all of these attributes in a single pair of pants? Maybe not, but I got pretty darn close. For most every day travelers — I’m not talking about the high adventure types who regularly hike mountains and stuff — there are a few things you really can’t be without, which you can read below.

No matter where you’re planning to travel, you’re going to want to pack comfortable clothing that stretch and breath, but still look great. Here are our favorite travel clothes for men and women .

Travel Pants | Wrinkle-Free Blazer | Stylish Women’s Clothing

For more packing tips and resources, visit our recommended travel gear page.

Men’s Travel Pants Reviews

You might notice that I left out all convertible pants because I just don’t like them. Most of these pairs do have convertible options available though, if you must.

★ Our Top Pick – Men’s Travel Pants

Bluffworks ascender pants.

I have a few pairs of the  Bluffworks pants that I wear while traveling. Aside from the jeans, which are reviewed below, I also wear their Chino pants and Ascender pants in a traditional five pocket pants design.

The three designs together form a pretty great combo. The jeans are very comfortable, but when you want to look a bit nicer and/or not wear denim, the 5-pocket style is perfect. Then to take it another step up, you’ve got the Chinos.

This is perfect for all types of travel, from leisure to formal, and fits an active and varied lifestyle.

All of their pants have 10 pockets, including a zippered one that’s perfect for travel, which is hidden inside the front pocket. My wallet fits in the zippered pocket, eliminating the fear of losing it to pick-pockets.

There’s also a hidden loop on the inside of the front pocket where you can clip a badge or keys. The back pocket is deep and wide enough to fit a Kindle.

Both are made with Bluffworks’ soft, stretchy Ascender fabric. It’s quick-dry polyester material that looks and feels like cotton, but has a bit of stretch and is wrinkle resistant.

They’re lightweight, comfortable, flexible and, breathable.

These pants fit true to size , so you can order your regular size with no worries about fit. There are two different styles – the Chinos and the 5-pocket style . These are just the kind of pants you want for travel.

If your go-to is jeans, check out our Bluffworks travel jeans review below.

Need a Blazer too?

I can’t write a Bluffworks pants review without also mentioning the mens travel blazer . It’s nicely tailored, with the look and feel of wool, but is made from the same wrinkle-resistant, quick-dry polyester material as the pants. You can actually machine wash this blazer! It looks really nice on – a great complement to the chinos.

⇒ Click to learn more about the Bluffworks Blazer

Pros:   Stretchy, breathable material that doesn’t wrinkle. Design and fit that look really nice and specially tailored. Abundant pockets and security features. Do not looks like “travel pants”.

Cons:   Difficult to slip things into the front pockets because there are additional pockets inside to get snagged on.

Use the coupon code SAVJOURN15 for 15% off your order (not applicable on sale items).

Key Features

• Quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant
• Handcrafted in the U.S.

Men’s Travel Shorts

Ascender Shorts

Built to go anywhere and look great. Very comfortable (yet technical) Ascender fabric, versatile design, and 9 pockets to hold the essentials.

Mott & Bow Slim Fit Jeans

When I received these jeans and tried them on for the first time, I was pretty surprised that they all fit as expected. My order included three pairs – the slim fit Mercer, slim fit Watt, and straight fit Wooster. All three pairs fit great.

These really have become my go-to jeans or most occasions. I like that the fit falls somewhere between a straight and a “skinny” jean. They are sleek looking, lengthening, and slimming. All good things to have in jeans.

Plus, they have a bit of stretch to them. I’m not sure why all men’s jeans don’t include stretch. It’s a revelation. They are just easier to move around in, and way more comfortable for long hours of wear, like when you’re on a plane or at your desk.

There are tons of choices with these jeans – you can get slim, straight and skinny in a number of different fits, like the Wooster, Watt, Mercer, Crosby, Warren, and Stone. There are only subtle difference between these, and of course they come in all different colors, like medium blue, light grey, dark blue, light khaki, and black (to name just a few.

These are probably the best pair of jeans I’ve had in years. They have a ton of stretch to them, so they fit like a glove, but in only the good ways. They aren’t too baggy or too tight, with just the right amount of stretch and flexibility to be comfortable and stylish at the same time.

This company, The Perfect Jean, is totally down to earth and unpretentious. I don’t know why, but that makes me like them even more. Online shopping isn’t all that fun, but when you can get a laugh from the website copy, it’s worth it.

Their sales campaign is “the perfect jean for the perfect and imperfect man.” I think that’s very fitting because these jeans are meant to be flexible so anyone can feel comfortable in them. I prefer the slim fit that sits low on the waist, and is slightly fitted through the hip.

Like most premium jeans, they do stretch about 1/2 a size as you wear them. I’ll admit I only wash my jeans once a week. By the end of the week, they need to be washed back into submission. Washing is easy. If you’re like me, I just throw them in the wash with everything else. No issues so far.

• Stretchy in all the right ways
• Great fit that doesn’t stretch out
• Lots of fit and color choices
• Free shipping and returns

Aviator USA Jeans

(“The best travel jeans in the world” – USAToday)

I have a pair of the summer travel jeans in Cool Faded Blue Indigo. These are definitely some of the best jeans I’ve had in years.

What makes them particularly well fitted for travel are two things. First, they are made to be lightweight, breathable and fast drying. In summer weather, I rarely ever wear jeans because they are too hot and constricting, but I don’t mind wearing Aviator jeans, because of their breath-ability.

The second thing that makes them great for travel is the hidden pockets. There are three pockets that are zipper protected and hidden away inside other pockets. You can easily store your valuables in these pockets. One of them is even large enough for your passport.

The front and back pockets of the jeans both are large enough to fit a Kindle, which is important to me while we’re traveling, so I have somewhere to store my Kindle while getting on and off the plane.

One of the worries we always have about jeans with stretch in them is that they’ll stretch out of shape and start to fit awkwardly while traveling. I tends to re-wear jeans a couple of times at least between washes. I was happy to find that the material recovers well and doesn’t stretch out too much.

If they had to be washed while on a trip, it wouldn’t be too big of a deal because they dry really fast.

Aviator jeans also come in an original fit and nine colors. They are made in a family-run factory in Los Angeles. If you order the wrong size, it’s not a problem. You can return them for a new size. Worldwide shipping is available.

Pros: Lightweight, breathable and fast drying. Fit really nicely and don’t lose their shape quickly. Abundant pockets, with added security.

Cons:   These jeans don’t come in differing lengths, so you’ll have to get them hemmed to fit when they arrive, or take advantage of Aviator’s free custom hemming.

⇒ Read our full review of these jeans here .

• Hidden security pockets
• Handcrafted in the U.S. (can be shipped worldwide)
• Free custom hemming

Aviator Travel Shorts

The Non Stop Travel Short 3.0

An updated, high design tailored short that does it all. Newly added to the design is a front right hidden zipper pocket. These are packed with features and made from an upgraded premium fabric that’s more durable, breathable and comfortable.

Elevated Everyday Jogger – SCOTTeVEST

These are my go-to fall and winter joggers. They have a nice heavy weight to them, so they offer more protection from the wind and chill. Maybe not ideal for summer because of the weight, unless you’re in a cooler environment.

One thing they do really well is pockets. These joggers have 10 perfectly placed and purposeful pockets, including hidden and zippered pockets. I really like the look of them – they are elevated after all – so they don’t look too casual.

Breeze Pants – Free Fly Apparel

I call these my comfy pants. They are absolutely perfect for long plane rides, a day out on the boat, or long road trips. They lightweight material is very breathable and they are UPF 50+ to provide a defense against the sun, if you’re out there all day. I like the casual style and how stretchy they are.

They have two seam pockets and one secure back zippered pocket. They come in 7 neutral colors, up to a size 3XL. For the Black, Blue Fog, & Cement colors, Free Fly suggests sizing up. I have the Storm Cloud color and my usual Medium fits perfect.

Lululemon Men’s Commission Pant

Lululemon Men’s Commission pants are great for all around active wear. They’re comfortable, they look great and they have additional features that travelers appreciate, like hidden zippered pockets and a 4-way stretch fabric.

One of the things I like the most about these pants is the amount of stretch and flexibility the fabric has, but they don’t get stretched out and retain their shape well. If you’ve ever worn Lululemon pants before, you migth already be aware of their ABC™ (anti-ball-crushing) fit. That’s a pro, for sure.

As for pockets, there are two front regular pockets that are not incredibly deep, two zippered rear pockets, and a zippered pocket on the thigh, which is deep enough to hold a cellphone.

Pros: Flexible, stretchy fabric that doesn’t lose its shape. Good middle of the road look – can be dressed up or down. Tons of colors available.

Cons: Available in slim fit only.

• Hidden zippered and buttoned pockets
• Reflective strip on pant leg when rolled
• Flexible, soft fabric and great fit
• Wrinkle free
• Available in a lot of colors

PrAna Brion Pants

The PrAna brand has a few different styles for men. The Brion is for every day wear and for when you want something more multi-functional. They are cut slimmer with straight legs and a fixed waistband, so they look decidedly less “adventurey” and more able to blend into any situation.

The Zion style is best for really active adventurers who will be wearing them for hiking and climbing.

The black pair can easily be dressed up and look nice enough for a classy restaurant. The slimmer fit doesn’t make them any less practical as travel pants. They are water-repellent, quick to dry and are very lightweight for packing purposes. The stretch fabric is made specifically to allow maximum comfort when moving around.

The only thing to be aware of is that the pockets in the Brion are not nearly as functional for people who like to keep multiple items in there. The front pockets are pretty deep and can hold a wallet and keys, and the back pocket can hold a wallet. There is no leg cargo pocket.

Pros: Slim fit, perfect for most every day use, can be dressed up easily

Cons: Pockets aren’t ideal

• Straight-leg pant featuring five-pocket styling
• Durable water repellent technology
• Wrinkle resistant
• 4-way stretch

Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Pant

These pants are 100% nylon with plenty of flexibility of movement. They have an exterior waistband adjuster to easily take them in or out. Columbia is always good at including extra features to combat the elements in their clothing, so it’s no surprise that these pants have moisture wicking and SPF 50 protection built in.

Though they aren’t water-resistant, they are quick to dry due to the moisture-wicking technology. The material is soft and comfortable, and they don’t make much of a swishing sound when you walk. Although the waistband says it’s partially elastic, it’s still pretty unforgiving, so proper sizing is important.

We’ve found that the belt it comes with is pretty useless. It can easily be removed. We’ve also noticed that the inseam doesn’t seem to be correct, so it might take a few tries to find the right fit if ordering online. There are six pockets in these pants. The front two regular pockets and two rear pockets with tab closure and velcro to secure them shut.

There is also one pocket on each leg, one with velcro and one that is zippered. I don’t think anything would fall out of any of those four pockets, but it’s nice to have the zippered one for added security.

Pros: Plenty of pockets, lightweight and good for summer

Cons: Difficult to find the right fit

• Omni-Shade UPF 50 fabric
• Omni-Wick technology pulls moisture away to keep you cool and dry
• Zip-closure security pocket, side pockets with hook and loop closure, and mesh pocket bags
• Partial elastic waist and gusset detail for added comfort
• Classic fit for ultimate versatility

Travel Pants For Men – Must Haves

⇒ breathable.

The most important thing in men’s travel pants is breath-ability. Sweating all day in material that doesn’t breath is not a good way to go.

⇒ Deep Pockets

That time when my ID fell out of my pocket in the taxi on the way to the airport immediately comes to mind as the top reason for needing deep pockets. I keep my wallet, keys, change and phone in my pockets, so if the pockets aren’t deep enough to hold those things, the pants don’t make the cut.

⇒ Water-resistant

Materials that typical pants are made of are usually not water-resistant. A good pair of travel pants have to be water resistant, so you don’t get soaked in a sudden downpour or ruin your pants when you spill wine on them.

⇒ Quick Drying

I often take half the clothes I need on longer trips and wash them in the sink halfway through a trip. They need to dry quickly so they can be worn again the next day. A pair that takes a full day to dry is just not going to work.

With all of these great choices, you should be able to find the best travel pants for you . I have a pair of each of them and use them in different situations. What I love the most is that I can easily pack a few pairs in my backpack in a fraction of the space it would take to pack regular jeans, so I can have a much greater variety of things to wear, while still packing light.

If there are any pairs of travel pants for men that you love that I left off the list, let me know and I’ll review those as well.

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Nick Lynch travels the world in search of great experiences, food and drink. While he primarily provides photography and website support, he occasionally writes about his journeys, too.

22 thoughts on “ 8 Best Travel Pants for Men (Versatile & Comfy) ”

Thanks for the best travel pants suggestions!

No problem, Radhika

Good Article !. Very useful.

Thanks Fances

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Great article. Thanks for sharing the information with us. Learned a lot of things.

Thanks so much for this round-up! As a short (5’3″), curvy-ish woman, I’ve had real difficulty finding hiking/active/travel pants that fit me properly. However, it seems that manufacturers are finally paying attention.

Based on your advice, I headed down to REI earlier today with hopes of finding something that would actually work on my body. The trip was a success! The Columbia Saturday Trail pants are a little big in the waist but can still be worn without a belt. The prAna Halle’s have too low of a rise to fit me comfortably, but the Kuhl Spire Roll-up pants are very similar in a mid-rise and have the added drawstring (with the button and zipper closure) for a more secure fit around my waist.

I normally wear a 6, but I came away with size 8 in both of these trousers—8 short for the Columbias and 8 regular for the Kuhls; I’ll have to hem the Kuhls by a couple of inches, as the short and long lengths won’t be available again until August 2018 (according to the Kuhl website). Also, I’ll give a plug for the REI Taereen pants which very nearly made it into my shopping bag, if not for color considerations.

Jennifer, I’m so glad to hear that you had success with some of our recommended pants. I always had such a hard time finding good ones too. It’s good to know about the rise on the PrAna. I didn’t think they were too low, but maybe they’ve changed their design slightly. I’ll look into the Kuhl Spire as an alternative.

RE rise… Maybe a manufacturing change, or maybe just the way different bodies are built. I forgot to mention that each pair of pants I tried on was also subjected to the “phone test”—whether any of the pockets could easily accommodate my Nexus 5X. 🙂

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Nice article. Thanks for sharing the information with us. i am Learned a lot of things.

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Wow super collection. It’s nice blog. I like it. Thanks to sharing this blog………… https://www.jigno.com/men/bottom-wears/jeans.html

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Enjoyed reading your article, very informative. I’m looking for the attributes you mentioned in a stylish pattern (today’s men’s fashion especially in Europe).

I hope you’re able to find some! We don’t see patterned styles for travel very often.

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None of these are available in men’s plus sizes. Finding security pants for travel in larger sizes is almost impossible.

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These Are My All-time Favorite White Linen Pants for Hot, Humid Destinations — Plus, 13 More Options From $27

They’re airy, not see-through, and easily the best thing I packed for Southeast Asia.

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Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

I’m a frequent traveler who’s typically pretty chill about packing — I might start an hour before I plan to head to the airport and figure if I forget anything, I can just buy what I need at my destination. But last summer, when I was tasked with picking out what I’d wear for a whirlwind press trip to Southeast Asia (spending four nights in Phuket, Thailand, one night in Bangkok, and two nights near Ubud in Bali, Indonesia), I definitely felt more pressure to really get it right. There were seemingly endless plane rides ahead, some fancy dinners, and much exploring to be done, with little down time to pick up new outfits. Also, it was June and 90 degrees Fahrenheit in Thailand. Truly breathable clothing was essential, to say the least. 

All of this leads me to the summer travel wardrobe staple that has saved me whenever I’m faced with these more crucial packing moments: the Angie Crop Wide Leg Pant from Splendid. These high-waisted, comfy drawstring white linen pants (which you can get at Nordstrom) come with me on all of my warm-weather trips, and they were especially clutch during my travels across Southeast Asia. They’re incredibly light and airy, and somehow didn’t hold onto any sweat smells even after being worn at least five times throughout my trip. Made from 73 percent lyocell and 27 percent linen, they withstand creasing more than purely linen pants (always a plus while traveling).

Splendid Angie Crop Wide Leg Pant

During my trip, my group stayed at Banyan Tree Veya in Phuket, Banyan Tree Bangkok , and Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape in Bali. These resorts — and the people working and staying there — are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, so I wanted to look nice enough to fit in. In other words, this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, where I planned to take about 3 million photos, so selecting solid, workhorse pieces that were easy to mix and match, dress up or down, and could keep me cool, was key. I’m also a staunch carry-on-only gal, so I have a high standard for what makes it in my small suitcase. These pants fit the bill. They’re classic and stylish, which meant I could use them on tourist outings in Phuket spent walking through steamy markets and sight-seeing on tuk-tuks, and to upscale lagoon-boat-ride dinners. For daytime, I’d style them with sandals, a one-shoulder tank, and a scarf (for coverage at temples), and at night, I’d pair them with chunky wedges, a colorful halter top, a woven belt, and a matching linen button-down. The slightly cropped length is great for shorter people like me (I’m 5’4”), who often deal with dragging hems.

Linen basics certainly aren’t anything new, but as any tropical traveler knows, finding the perfect pair of “Big Pants,” aka flowy but flattering, wrinkle-resistant, and not see-through bottoms you can wear with anything, is no small task. After sweating my way around Thailand and Bali in the heat and humidity, trying to look hot without feeling it, I’m confident that these are the ones you buy to end your search for good. 

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Canning

Everything I have from Splendid, which was founded with the goal of creating the ultimate comfy T-shirt (something I can definitely get behind!), has really impressed me when it comes to quality, has lasted through years of regular wear, and is totally worth the investment. They have a plethora of versatile and durable basics that make them a great brand to peruse for solid travel items — I have these pants in white and black, and I want to get even more. 

Better than all the benefits of the fabric blend, style, and construction of these pants was the way they made me feel. Big Pants are a lifestyle. When you have them on, you just feel free, like you should be dancing near a palm tree, drinking out of a coconut, or swaying in a hammock. Buahan, the adults-only Banyan Tree resort in Bali that’s made up of 16 private villas tucked into a jungle hillside (there are no walls separating you from nature, only curtains), is frankly the most stunning destination I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting, but it’s not a place you really dress up. It’s sexy and relaxed, and in these pants, paired with a patterned scarf tied up as a top, I felt comfortable with and appreciative of my body, and I melted right into the sensual vibe. Certain clothes can get you into vacation mode mentally, help you transition into the laid-back version of yourself more easily. For me, these pants have that power. Whether I was trekking to the Tjampuhan Waterfall, exploring rice paddies filled with fireflies, or touring Taro, one of the oldest villages in Bali, and enjoying some jamu and laklak, this pant was my trusted companion. 

If you’re feeling inspired to stock up on some breezy linen pants for your upcoming summer trips, the ones below are other gorgeous options I’ve been eyeing, in all kinds of styles and colors, and at various price points. May you be kicking back in Big Pants soon!   

Abercrombie Women’s Linen-Blend Pull-On Pant

Abercrombie & Fitch

These minimalist, linen-viscose blend pants are totally effortless. They’re lined and have a hidden drawcord for more adjustability. Reviewers love ’em and say they’re “not see-through at all” — a major feat for any white pants.

Athleta Women’s Retreat Wide Leg Linen Pant

Athleta makes some of my all-time favorite workout leggings and bras, so I trust that these 100 percent linen pants have a comfortable and flattering fit. This pair stands out thanks to its split hem and zippered front pockets. 

Quince Women’s 100% European Linen Pants

These mid-rise, ankle-cropped pants also feature sustainable linen sourced from Europe for a great price (which Quince is known for). If you’re dipping your toe (er, leg) into the 100 percent linen pants world for the first time, these laid-back, affordable capris are a great place to start.

Madewell Women’s Harlow Wide-Leg Pant in 100% Linen

I’m obsessed with the blue and white striped pattern on these Madewell trousers (the distant surplus color is equally as gorgeous). They’re a more tailored option, with belt loops, subtle pleats, and buttoned back pockets, but the wide leg and light fabric keeps them breezy. Wear them with the matching Scoop Neck Crop Tank and you have yourself the ultimate flattering vacation dinner outfit. 

Everlane Women’s Linen Easy Pant

These 100 percent linen trousers, with their pull-on waistband and sleek, straight-leg fit, are the definition of casual chic — perfect for dressing up or down. They’re full length without pooling on the ground, and I love that they can be paired with the Linen High-Neck Tank to make a matching set, so you can devote exactly zero energy to putting a cute, breathable outfit together when you’re on vacation. Also cool: The fabric is made from flax fibers that are cultivated according to the European Confederation of Flax and Hemp, which means they’re sourced from Belgium, France, and the Netherlands via a more sustainable, environmentally friendly operation. 

Utcoco Women’s Cotton Linen Drawstring High Waisted Pants

These wide-leg, drawstring pants — made from an 80/20 linen-cotton blend — are the perfect loose-fitting, lightweight bottoms for tourist-ing around coastal towns and hanging out at the beach (particularly in this soothing sage green color). I’d pair them with a white tied-up T-shirt or a bikini top and a breezy, open button-down. 

Anrabess Women’s Linen Pants

These super high-waisted, slightly cropped, flowy drawstring pants (made from 30 percent linen and 70 percent rayon), look like the pants you need when you’re planning to eat a bunch of delicious, new-to-you foods at three different restaurants in one day and may end up just a wee bit bloated. They look extremely comfortable, flattering, and easy; the ruffled waist is a cute detail, too. 

Athleta Women’s Retreat Linen Jogger

Made with 100 percent linen, these jogger-style pants (with the same zippered front pockets as the wide-leg pair from Athleta) would look cute with tennis shoes, chunky sandals, or even wedges. If you love sweats with cuffed ankles, these are an elevated (and airier) swap that will still feel comfortable on vacay. 

Anrabess Women’s Linen Palazzo Pants 

Seemingly designed specifically for lounging on a pool chaise in the tropics, these 70 percent rayon, 30 percent linen pants are begging to be packed for your next trip. The thick, smocked waistband looks extremely stretchy and comfortable, and I love the extensive range of colors. The only downside: The care instructions recommend dry cleaning only.

Iximo Women’s Tapered Pants 

If you’re looking for a tapered pant that leans more trouser than jogger, this is it. The 100 percent linen bottoms have a slim fit, and a unique waistband with a drawstring in front and elastic scrunch in the back. One note: Care instructions call for hand washing only. 

Madewell Women’s Pull-On Straight Crop Pant

Something about this sky baby blue pant and button-down combo screams breezy, sun-soaked getaway. The pants are made from a linen-viscose blend (using a viscose that takes less resources to produce), and the crop and pin tucks help strike that balance between tailored and relaxed. 

J.Crew Women’s Soleil Pant in Linen

This is just a perfect, classic pair of 100 percent linen drawstring pants that could honestly become a wardrobe staple outside of travel. I appreciate the bright, vacation-worthy color options, and the wide size and height ranges. 

BDG Urban Outfitters Women’s Cocoon Cotton & Linen Cargo Pants

Sneakers or sandals would look great with these cool cargo pants made of 65 percent cotton and 35 percent linen. The baggy, low-rise style would be cute with a fun crop top, too, and the denim-all-day girlies can get a similar vibe with these when it’s simply too hot and muggy for jeans. 

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