Finding the right thing to wear when traveling can be a little tricky. It’s tough to find something that is not only comfortable and stylish but can also keep up with all the demands of getting from point A to point B.
Believe it or not, there are plenty of great pants to wear when traveling. Whether you prefer something that looks a little more put together or are more concerned with being practical, our extensive guide rounds up the best travel pants for both men and women.
Top 14 Travel Pants Ultimate Table
Finding the Perfect Pants for Any Traveler
Everyone has a preference when it comes to travel attire. Some people put comfort above all else and will happily wear sweatpants or even pajamas on a long flight. Other people like to get dressed up and appear professional and put together at all times.
Of course, there’s more to travel than just getting there. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, what you’re wearing matters, too, whether it’s the beach, a business trip, a stylish city, or a cabin in the woods.
A great pair of travel pants will serve you well both during the journey and once you get to your destination. You can find them in a variety of different departments – athletic, outdoor, casual dress. Wherever you find them, there are three main characteristics to consider when looking for the best travel pants for you: comfort, function, and versatility.
Comfort
Comfort is probably most important when you’re en route, whether you’re driving, flying, or riding a train. That said, you never really want to be uncomfortable, especially when you’re on vacation, so comfort is always important to consider.
- Fabric – The fabric is an important thing to consider for any clothes you’ll wear when traveling, but especially pants. Choose something that is lightweight and breathable so that you won’t get overheated. Look for a pair that moves with you and isn’t stiff or restricting.
- Waterproof – While it’s not necessary for all travelers, having a pair of waterproof pants is a great idea for people traveling to destinations where they’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Waterproof materials have come a long way and are now as soft, stylish, and comfortable as any other fabric.
Function
The pants you purchase should be functional. Pockets, hooks, snaps and zippers are all important features to take into consideration are you compare options.
- Regular Pockets – A big aspect of functionality is something pretty simple – pockets. Though not everyone will agree that they can’t live without pockets when traveling, to some, they are indispensable. There is no more convenient place to keep you phone, keys, wallet, or passport.
Some pockets have added security with snaps, hooks, or zippers to keep them shut; this is ideal because you can relax a bit knowing that there’s something that’s not only helping to secure them but also preventing other people from seeing what you have. No one likes to think about having things stolen from them, especially when on vacation, but it does happen. Keeping valuables secure in sealed pockets is one small way to deter a thief.
- Concealed Pockets – There are even some pants that come with concealed pockets in the waistband or on the upper thigh; this is an exceptionally safe place to keep jewelry, especially engagement rings or wedding bands that you’d like to keep hidden. They’re great if you’re participating in a lot of outdoor activities, too, because they lower the risk that the jewelry will get damaged while still keeping it right where you can see it.
Versatility
The right pair of travel pants can even help you reduce how much you have to pack. If you have one pair of pants that can keep you comfortable on the plane, look great paired with a shirt and tie or a nice blouse for dinner, and work with a tee shirt for a day of sightseeing, you’ll get multiple outfits from one pair of pants. For a trip that lasts one to two weeks, you could easily get away with taking two or three awesome pairs of travel pants and the bottom half of your outfits would be taken care of.
It’s also important to pay attention to how to care for your travel pants. Most of them are machine washable while others should be hand washed. Make sure you know how long it takes for them to dry because if you need to wash them at night and use them the next morning, it’s nice to have quick drying fabrics like nylon or polyester.
Remember that cotton tends to wrinkle a lot, so if you know you won’t have access to an iron, it’s probably best to avoid it. You will find a few that will need to be dry cleaned which would be better worn on a trip with access to that kind of amenities.
Top 14 Best Travel Pants Reviewed
1. Columbia Women’s Anytime Outdoor Bootcut Pant
Another great pair of outdoor pants that translates easily to travel, Columbia’s Women’s Anything Outdoor Bootcut Pants block harmful UV rays and are made of stretchy nylon that helps you stay comfortable. No worrying about tight waistbands or fabrics that won’t give.
They’re great for travel because they’re water and stain repellant, two things you will undoubtedly encounter on any trip. In case anything does happen, they’re machine washable and wrinkle resistant so you can just toss them in your suitcase once they’re dry. They have a comfortable and secure drawstring, snap, and zipper closure.
You get some different color options with these, too: black, light grey, tusk (tan), and nocturnal (navy). These pants are the perfect blend of fashion and comfort. With their boot cut legs, they’ll easily work with any shoe so you can dress them up or down while you’re on the road.
2. TRU-SPEC Men’s Lightweight 24-7 Pant
These are designed for police officers but are yet another pant designed for something else that translates perfectly to travel. They’re cut for unrestricted movement, making them ideal for long periods of sitting, standing, or waiting that inevitably come along with traveling anywhere.
The Teflon-coated polyester fabric makes them resistant to any stains or dirt you’ll come in contact while the comfort slider waistband prevents any bunching and gathering. They’re machine washable and wrinkle resistant, easy to keep clean and toss in your bag when it’s time to move to your next stop.
You get a lot of pockets with these pants. Back pockets that expand and close securely with a hook and loop, two accessory pockets with stiff inner lining, and two thigh cargo pockets with hook and loop closures. In addition to all this, they look stylish and can be worn almost anywhere.
3. prAna Men’s Stretch Zion 30-Inch Inseam Pant
PrAna Men’s Stretch Zion Pant are ideal for travel. They are both durable and comfortable; designed originally for climbing and hiking but also great for traveling.
They’ll follow your every move, whether it’s running to catch a cab or waiting in a long line at customs. Plus, you don’t need to wear a belt, which is perfect for a long flight or car ride.
These pants have a special waistband that cinches to hold the pants up, so there’s no somewhere where you’ll need to dress a little more formal, there are belt loops so you can add your favorite belt if you want to.
The surface is water repellant. The cuffs can quickly easily be rolled up to make you a little more comfortable on hot days. Tossing them in a bag to bring with you is easy since you don’t have to worry about wrinkles. You can travel comfortably and arrive in style when you wear these pants while on the road.
4. INFLATION Men’s 100% Cotton Wild Casual Pants
These 100% cotton pants are soft and breathable and perfect for a casual travel look. They’re easy to wash, wrinkle resistant with minimal pilling and fading. Perfect for pants that will be worn for extended periods of time in all different circumstances.
If you want to wear a belt, these pants have belt loops, although the fit is such that you generally won’t need them. You can dress these up or down with a tee, polo, or dress shirt which means fewer pairs of pants to pack for your trip. They even come in seven different colors: black, dark gray, dark green, khaki, navy blue, shrimp red, and wine red.
There’s even two side slash pockets and two rear pockets with button closures, so you have a safe place to carry keys, passports, or a wallet. These pants are cut for medium to athletic builds so make sure you read the sizing chart carefully.
5. FlyHawk 100% Cotton Wild Cargo Pants
For a pair of casual cargo pants with a lot of travel-friendly features, take a look at the FlyHawk Wild Cargo Pants. Made of 100% cotton, they’re soft and breathable but don’t fade or pill easily when washed. No need to worry about look presentable after a long flight as these pants are wrinkle resistant as well.
If you like to have a lot of pockets when you travel, these pants have six total. Two slide slash pockets, two rear pockets with button closures, and two large cargo pockets on the legs with button closures. Plenty of room for your keys, smartphone, passport, wallet, and travel itinerary.
These pants have a vintage look to them and come in four colors – black, deep gray, deep green, and khaki. Pair them with a nice shirt or a hoodie to suit any situation. You can pack fewer clothes because you can wear these pants with just about anything.
6. Krazy Larry Women’s Pull on Ankle Pants
Krazy Larry Pull-On Ankle Pants are designed to be worn from work to the weekend and everywhere in between. They’re soft and comfortable with a wide waistband. The material is stretchy and easy to care for; great qualities for travelling.
If you’re someone who typically travels in sweats or yoga pants, these are a step up. They’re just as comfortable while making you look a bit more put together. A slimming, tummy control panel helps them smooth your silhouette any they come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, gray, red, and white as well as several geometric patterns.
There are a few small downsides to these pants. They don’t have any pockets and it’s recommended that they be dry cleaned. If these are things you can live with, these are a stylish and comfortable pair of travel pants.
7. UnionBay Men’s Rainier Travel Chino Pants
For an ideal pair of casual but polished looking cargo pants, the UnionBay Travel Chino Pants are comparable to much more expensive brands while offering some things that they don’t. These stylish pants come in black, khaki, and charcoal.
They’re made of a durable, soft, stretch material with a soft fabric around the waistband. They’re quick drying and water resistant, great qualities to have in a pair of pants that might be going on a trip into different climates and weather patterns.
You get a good amount of pockets with these pants, too. One leg pocket and two back pockets with secure zipper closures and two side pockets, all lined with mesh. These aren’t as easy to wash as some others and need to be washed in a gentle cycle with like colors and tumble dried on a low setting.
8. Lucy Women’s Get Going Capri
A stylish alternative to sweats or ordinary yoga pants, the Lucy Get Going Capri is a great choice for any woman who likes to dress comfortably and casually for travel but still likes to look put together. They come in a variety of colors, from navy to olive including striped and Heather options.
These have a relaxed fit and aren’t tight and restrictive like some yoga pants. There are hand pockets where you can keep small, flat items like cash, a passport, or a credit card. There’s also a small pocket located in waistband where you can keep anything valuable. This is a great place to put an engagement ring or any other small piece of jewelry you’re not comfortable wearing in public when you’re traveling.
These aren’t quite as easy to care for as some of the other “wash and wear” choices, but they can be washed in a washing machine on a delicate cycle and put through the dryer on a low setting.
9. Lucy Prana Men’s Brion 34-Inch Inseam Pant
The prAna Brion is a really nice, casual looking pair of pants that can is versatile enough to go anywhere. Add a shirt and tie, and you’re ready for a nice dinner. Throw on a polo and head out for a walk around Main St. Wear them with sneakers and a hoodie and enjoy a bonfire on the beach. They come in a wide range of colors, too: black, indigo, charcoal, and brick to name a few.
These pants are a slim cut with slightly tapered legs. They’re water and abrasion resistant so they can stand up to just about anything, which is something you want in a pair of pants when you travel. Anything can happen, and you want to be prepared.
Another great thing about these pants that makes them ideal for travel is the pockets. There are four large ones – two front and two back – that are deep enough to comfortably hold onto keys, wallets, and cellphones.
10. Volcom Men’s Frickin Modern Chino Pant
The Volvom Frickin Modern Chino Pant is a great example of how stylish a comfortable pair of pants can look. They’re polished looking enough to wear to the office but stretchy and breathable enough for a stop at the skate park on the way home.
The asymmetric back yoke is a cool, modern detail. You get side pockets as well as rear pockets so there’s plenty of room to carry the important things you need when travelling. They’re just big enough for a cell phone, passport, or keys. The sit just below the waist and have a classic, straight cut.
These pants are pre-laundered, making them a little broken in. This is great because there won’t be any surprises in the way they fit after you wash them the first time. How many times have you worn a brand new pair of pants only to find that they completely lost their shape and feel after the first trip through the washer and dryer? With the Frickin Modern Chino Pant, you don’t have to worry.
11. prAna Women’s Regular Inseam Halle Pant
These pants look like nice trousers, but there’s actually a lot more to them than that. They look put together and casual but are perfect for long trips on airplanes or longer hikes in the mountains.
These pants are really durable and water resistant. They have articulated, reinforced knees for longer wear. The stretchy fabric is comfortable and moves with you, so it’s never tight and doesn’t pull. Another cool thing about these pants that makes them really versatile is they’re cross-functional. You can fold them up and button them for instant capris.
While there aren’t any standard pockets, there is one hidden stash pocket with a zipper on the upper right thigh. This is a great place to stash jewelry, cash, or anything exceptionally valuable while traveling. They come in a few colors, including coal, dark khaki, and cargo green and you can find them in short, regular, and tall inseams.
12. Lucy Women’s Everyday Pant
Lucy Everyday Pants are designed for athletes but really lend themselves well to travel. They have a flattering high waist and relaxed legs that complement various figures. The high-tech fabric is smooth, soft, and comfortable but still looks good enough to wear out to dinner or a movie after your flight lands.
They have side pockets that zip for extra security, a perfect way to keep important things like passports, cash, IDs, and even jewelry close to you while you’re traveling without have to worry about anyone being able to take it or even really know that it’s there. The moisture-wicking fabric will help you stay cool and dry no matter where you happen to be passing through.
You can easily throw these pants into the wash, and they’ll be ready to go again for the next stint of your adventure. You don’t have many color choices with these, but you can choose from black, fossil gray, and navy.
13. Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Pants
Another pair of outdoor pants that are a dream to travel in, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are designed to stand up to rigorous outdoor activities like hiking and climbing but are nice enough to wear out and about while still looking put together.
The fabric is durable and lightweight and allows for plenty of stretch and movement whether you’re out in the wilderness or trapped in the window seat of the plane. They’re breathable so you won’t overheat and the water repellent finish helps keeps you clean and dry on your trip.
There are belt loops if you want to add one but the drawstring at the waist is enough to keep these snugly in place without being tight or constricting. They have a lot of pockets, too, a trait shared by a lot of the best travel pants. You’ll find standard front pockets, back pockets with zip closures, and a pocket on the thigh that also has a zip closure where you can put smaller, valuable items to keep them close.
14. Spalding Women’s BootLeg Yoga Pant
If you’re not worried so much about pockets and just want to be comfortable, Spalding BootLeg Yoga Pants are good choice. They’re lightweight and comfortable with just enough spandex to provide a little bit of compression.
These bootleg cut yoga pants are also really versatile. Wear them with sneakers and a tee shirt and you’re set for a comfortable flight or a walk around a new town. Add some sandals, a flowy shirt, and some jewelry and you’re ready to go to dinner. Pants that can take you from day to night are ideal for travel and these definitely fit the bill.
The cut of these yoga pants is a little wider than other bootleg yoga pants, but that’s what makes them a little more versatile. You won’t look like you’re wearing workout pants when you’re out to dinner. Another thing to watch out for – they can shrink in the wash. Make sure you take the proper precautions.
Leave a Reply