Travel Pants: Best Stores For City Walkers

When it comes to travel pants, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, the material should be breathable, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and elastane are often used in travel pants due to their anti-wrinkling properties. Pockets are also an important consideration, especially for travellers who want to keep their valuables close at hand. Additionally, the fit of the pants is crucial – they should be comfortable and allow for a full range of motion. Other features such as convertible designs, integrated belts, and sun protection can also be beneficial. Lastly, durability and value for money are important considerations when choosing travel pants.

Best Lightweight Travel Pants

For men, there are a variety of lightweight travel pants available on the market. Here are some of the best options:

• Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants: These pants are made from a blend of recycled polyester, polyester, and spandex, giving them a four-way stretch. They feature nine functional pockets, five of which zip shut, making them ideal for travel. The lightweight fabric dries quickly and the pants are more comfortable than most on the market.
• UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Chinos: These budget-friendly travel pants are made from a nylon-spandex blend, offering a full range of motion. They feature three zippered pockets and two hand pockets, big enough to secure a passport, phone, or wallet. They are quick-drying and rated for sun protection, making them suitable for light hiking as well.
• LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants: These pants are designed for both travel and adventure. They are made from a blend of nylon and spandex, giving them a lightweight and athletic feel. They feature seven pockets, most of which are zippered, providing ample storage for gadgets, wallets, and other essentials. The fabric is quick-drying and breathable, making them ideal for warmer climates.
• Western Rise Evolution 2 Pants: These pants are a great option for those seeking a balance between durability and packability. They are made from a nylon-elastane blend, giving them a four-way stretch and increased flexibility. The jean-like design makes them suitable for both travel and outdoor activities. They feature five pockets, including a hidden zippered pocket for added security.
• Jack Archer Jetsetter Tech Pant: These pants are designed for those seeking a fashionable option for travel. They are made from 100% PTT polyester fibers, giving them a four-way stretch and natural wrinkle-resistance. They feature a mix of zippered and drop-in pockets, providing ample storage for travel essentials. The pants are comfortable and flexible, making them suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
• Teren Lightweight Traveler Pants: These pants offer a balance between style, function, and durability. They are made from a nylon-spandex blend, giving them a lightweight and flexible feel. They feature six pockets, three of which zip shut, providing secure storage for valuables. They are treated with insect repellent and offer UV protection, making them ideal for outdoor adventures.
• State and Liberty Tech Chino: These pants are designed for those seeking a sleek and functional option. They are made from a nylon-spandex blend, giving them a soft and flexible feel. They feature a mix of drop-in and zippered pockets, providing storage for essentials. The pants are quick-drying and durable, making them suitable for travel and outdoor activities.
• Mountain Khakis Rover Hybrid: These pants are ideal for those seeking a durable and lightweight option for travel and outdoor adventures. They are made from a nylon-spandex blend, giving them stretch and mobility. They feature a mix of pockets, including zippered and slash pockets, providing storage for essentials. The pants pack up small and offer sun protection, making them a versatile option.

For women, there is also a wide range of lightweight travel pants available. Here are some top options:

• Athleta Brooklyn Mid-Rise Ankle Pants: These pants offer a blend of comfort and functionality, ideal for travel. They are made from a recycled polyester-elastane blend, giving them a silky-smooth feel. They feature four pockets, two of which are zippered, providing storage for travel essentials. The pants are quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and abrasion-resistant, making them a versatile option.
• Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pants: These budget-friendly travel pants are made from a nylon-elastane blend, offering breathability and quick-drying capabilities. They feature three pockets, one of which is zippered, providing secure storage. The pants have a flared design, covering the top of the shoes, and are suitable for outdoor activities as well.
• Athleta Headlands Hybrid Mid-Rise Tight: These travel leggings offer ample storage with six zippered pockets. They are made from a recycled nylon-spandex blend, providing comfort and mobility. They feature an internal drawcord for a customizable fit and are quick-drying, making them ideal for travel and outdoor activities.
• Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants: These travel pants are designed for comfort and mobility. They are made from a recycled polyester-spandex blend, giving them a smooth and stretchy feel. They feature five pockets, two of which are zippered, providing storage for essentials. The pants are quick-drying and hold their shape well, making them a versatile option.
• Alder Open Air Pant: These travel pants offer a balance between style and functionality. They are made from a modal-spandex blend, giving them a flattering and comfortable fit. They feature seven pockets, four of which are zippered, providing ample storage. The pants are available in a range of sizes and inseam lengths, making them suitable for various body types.
• Outdoor Research Ferrosi Transit Pants: These travel pants are designed for both outdoor activities and everyday use. They are made from a nylon-spandex blend, giving them a stretchy and flexible feel. They feature four pockets, two of which are zippered, providing storage for essentials. The pants are quick-drying, breathable, and offer sun protection, making them a versatile option.

These options offer a range of features, including wrinkle-resistance, quick-drying capabilities, and ample storage, making them ideal for travel and city walking.

Best Travel Pants for Women

When it comes to travel pants for women, there are a variety of styles, fabrics, and features to consider. Here is a guide to help you choose the best travel pants for your needs:

Best Overall Women’s Travel Pant:

Athleta Brooklyn Mid-Rise Ankle Pant offers a chic and classy design that can be easily dressed up or down. The lightweight and breathable fabric is quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant, making it perfect for long flights and adventures abroad. It features a mix of 86% recycled polyester and 14% elastane, providing comfort and ease of movement. The rib-knit waistband and side panels offer a secure and flexible fit, while the practical storage layout includes two deep hand pockets and two zippered back pockets.

Best Budget Women’s Travel Pant:

Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pants are an excellent value for travellers, offering a blend of 96% nylon and 4% elastane. They are lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, making them versatile for both outdoor adventures and exploring the city. While the fabric may feel cheaper than pricier options, these pants are a great choice for occasional travellers and those on a budget.

Best Women’s Travel Leggings:

Athleta Headlands Hybrid Mid-Rise Tight stands out for its impressive storage capacity, featuring six zippered pockets to securely store all your essentials while on the move. The high-waisted elastic waistband includes a drawcord for a customisable fit, and the nylon-spandex blend fabric offers comfort and mobility. At $119, these leggings are an investment, but they cross over well for hiking and other activities, justifying the cost.

Best Hiking-Ready Travel Pant:

Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants are designed for hiking but double as an excellent travel companion. The smooth and stretchy polyester-spandex blend fabric provides exceptional mobility and breathability, and the pants dry quickly when hand-washed. They feature two hand pockets, a zippered stash pocket, and a zippered rear pocket, although the pocket placement could be improved for better functionality. These pants are made with sustainability in mind, using recycled and bluesign-approved fabrics.

Best Versatility for Dressing Up or Down:

Alder Open Air Pant offers a versatile option that can seamlessly transition from the plane to the hiking trail to a nice dinner. These pants feature a flattering cut and come in a wide range of sizes, from XS to 6X. The fabric is a blend of 94% modal and 6% spandex, providing comfort and ease of movement. They include a total of seven pockets, four of which are zippered, offering ample storage for your essentials. At $155, these pants are an investment, but they deliver on style, functionality, and versatility.

Best Travel Pants for Men

Whether you're commuting, travelling, or hiking, a good pair of travel pants can make all the difference. Here are some of the best travel pants for men, tried and tested by style editors and travel enthusiasts.

Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Pant

These pants are comfortable, stylish, and versatile. They are made with sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric and have a four-way stretch, making them perfect for travel. They also have a gusset at the crotch and thigh areas to relieve tension while walking.

Everlane The Performance Chino

These slim-fit travel trousers are comfortable and versatile, with a four-way stretch that allows for a wide range of motion. They are sweat-wicking and quick-drying, making them suitable for hot summer days. They also have deep pockets and a business-casual veneer, making them perfect for travelling, the office, or everyday wear.

Mack Weldon Radius Flex Pants

These pants are comfortable, stretchy, and quick-drying, with a sleek cut and utility pockets. They are made with a blend of tough polyester and spandex, making them water-repellent and stain-resistant. They also have an elastic waistband and stealth zip pockets for a streamlined look.

Kuhl Radikl Pant

These pants are versatile, durable, and quick-drying, with a stretchy material that runs along the inseam, thighs, and waist. They have a non-adjustable waist, giving them a dress-slack appearance, but they provide full freedom of movement. They are lightweight, breathable, and flexible, making them suitable for a variety of activities.

Eddie Bauer Men's Guide Pro Pants

These pants are comfortable, lightweight, and breathable, making them perfect for hiking or travelling. They are made with spandex, which provides stretch and mobility, and they have an odour-control waistband to keep them fresh. They also have multiple pockets and are water-resistant.

Patagonia Men's Daily Sweatpants

These sweatpants are comfortable, breathable, and well-made. They are made with organic-certified French terry fabric, which is soft and stretchy. They have a drawstring for adjustability and multiple pockets, although the waist may sag if you carry a lot of items in the pockets.

L.L.Bean Men's Venture Stretch Five-pocket Pants

These pants are breathable, light, and stretchy, with a trim fit that looks more like relaxed slacks than joggers. They have deep pockets and a wide range of motion, making them suitable for a variety of activities. They are also water-repellent and abrasion-resistant.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants

These pants are comfortable, breathable, and stretchy, with a high percentage of spandex for added mobility. They are durable and lightweight, making them perfect for hot weather, although they may not be ideal for cold, windy days. They also have deep pockets and drawcord cuffs to cinch them up higher on the calves if needed.

REI Co-op Trailmade Pants

These pants are comfortable, lightweight, and breathable, with an athletic fit and multiple pockets. They are made with a thin, supple fabric that feels great against the skin, and they have a DWR finish for water repellency. However, they are not very durable and do not have any ankle cinch mechanisms.

Arc'teryx Gamma Pant

These pants are comfortable, stretchy, and water- and wind-resistant, making them ideal for cool, wet weather. They have a drawstring at the cuff to cinch them up over the knees, and an integrated belt. However, they are expensive and do not have any rear pockets.

Royal Robbins Alpine Road

These pants are comfortable, versatile, and stylish, with a French fly for added security. They have a more formal "office style" but can also be worn for hiking or climbing. They have an elastic cinch cord in the ankles and a discreet thigh pocket, although there is only one zippered pocket.

Prana Brion II Pants

These pants are comfortable, versatile, and affordable, with a simple design and good ventilation options. They have a slim fit, but the stretchy fabric allows for a full range of motion. They also have an ankle cinch and multiple pockets.

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible

These pants are comfortable, versatile, and affordable, with removable legs that can be easily pulled off over shoes. They have multiple pockets, including side cargo pockets, and they provide decent water and wind resistance. However, the leg zippers can rub and cause discomfort, and the side pockets have small openings that make it difficult to access items.

Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible

These pants are comfortable, lightweight, and water-resistant, with removable legs that can be easily pulled off over shoes. They have multiple pockets, including deep front pockets, and they are breathable and quick-drying. However, they are not very durable and take a long time to dry.

Best Budget Travel Pants

When it comes to travel pants, you want something that's comfortable, lightweight, and durable. The best budget travel pants for men and women should also be wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and have plenty of pockets. Here are some of the best options for men and women:

• UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Chinos are an Amazon favourite, offering a full range of motion with their nylon-spandex blend. They feature three zippered pockets and two hand pockets, and are rated UPF 50 for sun protection.
• Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants are durable and roomy, with zip-off legs for versatility in different weather conditions. They also offer sun protection and moisture-wicking technology, and have two zippered pockets for valuables.
• LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants are lightweight, stretchy, and durable, with plenty of pockets for storage. They have a drawstring inside the waistband for an adjustable fit, and the fabric is made from recycled fishing buoys, so they're an eco-friendly choice.
• Western Rise Evolution 2 Pants are a five-pocket jean-style pant with a slim fit. They're durable, lightweight, and packable, with a hidden zippered pocket for valuables.
• Jack Archer Jetsetter Tech Pant is a new entry to the market, with a four-way stretch fabric that's stain- and wrinkle-resistant. They feature multiple pockets, including a hidden phone sleeve, and have a comfortable elastic waistband.
• Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pants are a great budget option, offering a lightweight and breathable nylon-spandex blend. They feature three pockets, with a secure zippered pocket at the back, and have a mid-rise waist with an external drawstring.
• Athleta Headlands Hybrid Mid-Rise Tight leggings offer a whopping six pockets, all with zippers, for storing valuables while on the move. They also have an internal drawstring to adjust the fit, and the nylon-spandex blend is breathable and quick-drying.
• Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants are silky smooth and highly mobile, with a mid-rise elastic waistband and two zippered pockets. They're made with recycled and bluesign-approved fabrics, and are Fair Trade certified.
• Alder Open Air Pant is a versatile option that can easily be dressed up or down. They feature a high waist, an elastic waistband, and seven pockets, four of which are zippered.
• Outdoor Research Ferrosi Transit pants are a travel-friendly version of their popular Ferrosi hiking pants. They're lightweight, quick-drying, and offer UPF 50+ sun protection, with two hand pockets and two zippered rear pockets.
• Prana Koen Pant is a great option for warmer climates, with a lightweight, breathable fabric and a mid-rise elastic waistband with a drawstring. They have two deep zippered pockets, but only come in a slim fit.
• Kuhl Freeflex Dash pants are comfortable and versatile, with a lightweight and soft fabric, a mid-rise elastic waistband with a drawstring, and six pockets, four of which are zippered.

Best Travel Pants for Hiking

When looking for the best travel pants for hiking, it's important to consider the material, weight, pockets, and other features. Here are some of the top options on the market:

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants

These pants are made with a blend of 86% nylon and 14% spandex, making them stretchy and unrestrictive. They are highly breathable, lightweight, and comfortable, perfect for hot weather hikes. However, they may not be ideal for cold and windy conditions.

Arc'teryx Gamma Pant

The Arc'teryx Gamma Pants are great for cooler and wet weather hikes. They are made with 88% nylon and 12% elastane, providing good water and wind resistance. These pants also feature a drawstring at the cuff, allowing you to adjust them as needed.

Patagonia Quandary Pants

The Patagonia Quandary Pants are a good balance of comfort and mobility. They are made with 94% nylon and 6% spandex, offering a good range of motion. They also have a water-repellent finish and UPF 50+ sun protection.

Royal Robbins Alpine Road

The Royal Robbins Alpine Road pants are designed for both the trail and town. They have a more formal look with a discreet thigh pocket, making them suitable for office wear as well. They are made with 66% nylon, 31% polyester, and 3% elastane, offering a good balance of stretch and breathability.

Prana Brion II Pants

The Prana Brion II Pants are slim-fitting and stylish. They are made with 66% nylon, 31% polyester, and 3% spandex, providing a good balance of stretch and durability. They also have a water-repellent finish and UPF 50+ sun protection.

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible

The REI Sahara Convertible pants are a versatile option, as they can be converted into shorts. They have plenty of pockets and provide decent water and wind resistance. However, the zipper around the leg can be a bit uncomfortable.

Fjallraven Vidda Pro

The Fjallraven Vidda Pro pants are a durable option for rugged adventures. They are made with 65% polyester and 35% cotton, making them thick and sturdy. They also have seven pockets, including three cargo pockets and a hatchet sleeve. However, they are on the heavier side and may not be suitable for warm weather hikes.

These are just a few examples of travel pants that are suitable for hiking. When choosing a pair, consider the climate and conditions you'll be hiking in, as well as the features and style that are most important to you.

Frequently asked questions