Finding the perfect pair of travel pants can feel like searching for a mythical creature. You’d think, with pants being a fundamental part of human attire for centuries, that finding travel-ready trousers wouldn’t be an epic quest. Yet, the reality is often a frustrating gap between everyday clothing and overly technical outdoor gear. Many so-called “travel pants” miss the mark, failing to blend style with the performance features needed for life on the road. If you’re anything like me, you value both looking good and being comfortable and practical, whether you’re navigating bustling city streets or exploring rugged landscapes. That’s why the quest for the best men’s travel pants is a journey worth undertaking.
“Just grab any pair of pants, what’s the big deal?”
If only it were that simple! But for discerning travelers who appreciate quality and versatility, the details matter.
The Frustrating Reality of Most Travel Pants
The core issue is that many outdoor brands seem to design exclusively for hardcore hiking, not for the multifaceted nature of modern travel. They create hiking pants, which, while excellent for trails, often fall short in urban environments or when you need to look presentable. These companies often overlook a crucial aspect of travel apparel: form is function. Style isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about versatility and adaptability.
Royal Robbins Zip
Imagine arriving in a chic European city wearing pants with an elastic waistband, a built-in belt, zip-off legs, and an array of cargo pockets. While practical in certain situations, this look screams “tourist” and lacks the style needed for many travel scenarios. Many travelers juggle packing separate wardrobes for outdoor adventures and more sophisticated settings. But why should we have to compromise? Why can’t travel pants bridge this gap?
The answer lies in thoughtful design and fabric choice. Performance fabrics are key for travel – they should be quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and breathable. Style, on the other hand, simply requires restraint. By avoiding unnecessary embellishments and focusing on classic designs, manufacturers can create travel pants that are both functional and fashionable. This dual functionality is essential for efficient packing, allowing you to travel lighter and more efficiently, perhaps even with just a carry-on backpack.
Unfortunately, many outdoor brands seem to disregard style altogether, prioritizing overly technical aesthetics. They overload garments with zippers, logos, reflective strips, and racing stripes, rendering them unsuitable for anything beyond the trail. This forces travelers to pack multiple pairs of pants, negating the very efficiency that performance fabrics are supposed to offer.
These companies may believe they are maximizing functionality, but by neglecting style, they actually hinder it. Having to pack extra clothing due to a lack of style-versatility is a significant performance drawback. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand that:
Style is a Performance Advantage.
What Defines the Ideal Men’s Travel Pants?
The recipe for the perfect travel pants is surprisingly simple: use high-quality performance fabric and avoid unnecessary, unflattering design elements. Yet, finding this combination feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Here’s my checklist for what to look for in the best men’s travel pants:
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Performance Fabric: The fabric is paramount. I prioritize materials that are quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and breathable. Ideally, they should also feel reasonably normal against the skin, not like wearing plastic wrap. Cotton is generally a no-go due to its slow drying time and wrinkle-prone nature. Some natural fabrics like hemp or Tencel could work, but they are unfortunately rare in performance travel wear. Nylon and polyester blends are the most common and practical choices. Stretch fabrics, especially those incorporating elastane or spandex, are highly beneficial, particularly in slimmer-fitting pants, allowing for greater freedom of movement.
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Casual and Versatile Styling: Subtlety is key. Avoid pants with visible zippers (beyond the fly), excessive logos, zip-off legs, or built-in belts. Cargo pockets can be acceptable if they are low-profile and well-integrated, but ideally, a pair of travel pants should resemble regular chinos, khakis, or even jeans. While zip-off cargo hiking pants have their place, the goal is to find pants that are equally at home on a hiking trail and in a sophisticated urban setting.
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Hidden Security Pockets: Security is a major concern for travelers. Hidden pockets are invaluable for protecting valuables from theft. Two hidden security pockets are usually sufficient: a zippered back pocket for a wallet and a zippered hand pocket for items like a phone, passport, or small camera. This feature can eliminate the need for a bulky and often uncomfortable money belt. Jeans-style front pockets, with their deeper, horizontal design, are also preferable as they prevent items from falling out when seated, a surprisingly rare feature in travel pants.
Finding pants that combine these three elements – performance fabric, casual styling, and hidden security pockets – is surprisingly difficult. Many pants might offer two out of three, but in the world of travel apparel, close enough isn’t good enough. We need pants that ace all three categories.
Top Picks: The Best Men’s Travel Pants Available
Despite the challenges, some companies are indeed creating exceptional travel clothing – garments that blend performance fabrics with everyday style, avoiding unnecessary technical gimmicks. These brands understand the needs of the modern traveler. So, let’s explore some of the best men’s travel pants currently available, updated for today’s traveler.
Option 1: The Versatility of Performance Chinos
For many, performance chinos represent the sweet spot in travel pants. They offer the classic look of khaki chinos, making them suitable for a wide range of situations, from casual sightseeing to smart-casual dinners. Crucially, the best performance chinos incorporate hidden zippered pockets for security and are made from performance fabrics that are quick-drying, durable, and packable.
1) Bluffworks Chinos
Bluffworks Chinos: The ultimate do-it-all performance travel pant for men.
Bluffworks was born from a simple need: pants that could withstand the rigors of travel and daily life without requiring constant ironing. The founder, drawing on his experience with performance travel clothing, created office-appropriate khakis that were wrinkle-free and low-maintenance, and a company was born.
Bluffworks Chinos are renowned for their durability, wrinkle resistance, quick-drying properties, and lightweight nature. But what truly sets them apart is their normal, everyday appearance. They don’t look like technical hiking pants, making them a top recommendation for travelers seeking performance with classic style.
Bluffworks offers two main fabric options: the original, non-stretch fabric, and the Chinos fabric, which is softer and incorporates stretch. I personally prefer the Chinos for their enhanced comfort and flexibility. While the original fabric might be slightly more breathable due to its thicker yarns, both are lightweight enough to prevent overheating. The Chinos do exhibit a slight synthetic sheen, typical of polyester, but it’s less pronounced than in many other performance pants.
Bluffworks Chinos are packed with features, including a total of seven pockets, three of which are zippered and cleverly hidden, offering exceptional security. They are available in various fits, including slimmer options in the stretchy Chino fabric.
Read a review of the original Bluffworks Khakis and a review of the Bluffworks Chinos.
You can purchase Bluffworks Chinos here.
2) Rohan Fusions
Rohan Fusions Trousers
Rohan Fusions: Remarkably normal-looking travel pants with hidden performance features.
Rohan is a brand that consistently delivers on the needs of travelers, especially when it comes to pants. Their entire range seems to prioritize minimal branding and incorporates multiple hidden zippered pockets.
While Rohan offers a wide array of travel pants, the Fusions trousers stand out for their exceptionally normal appearance combined with essential travel features. They are crafted from a lightweight, non-stretch performance fabric, similar to what you’d expect in hiking pants, but with a more refined aesthetic. They also include hidden security pockets for peace of mind.
The back pockets have a slightly unique sewn-down design, which is a subtle departure from typical casual pants, but it’s understated enough not to be distracting. For a more classic and upscale look from Rohan, also consider their Grand Tour Chinos. Rohan’s sizing tends to run a bit smaller, especially compared to US standards, so it’s advisable to size up in the waist for optimal comfort.
Rohan has a dedicated US website separate from their UK site.
Update: Rohan recently introduced the Jeans Plus, travel-friendly jeans that blend the look of regular jeans with hidden security pockets and performance features. Read a review here.
Option 2: The Comfort and Versatility of Soft Shell Khakis
Soft shell pants offer an excellent alternative to traditional hiking pant fabrics. Typically constructed with a double-sided fabric – a durable nylon exterior and a soft polyester interior – they provide a unique combination of resilience and comfort. Soft shell fabrics can vary in thickness, but they are consistently durable, breathable, quick-drying, and exceptionally stretchy, often offering enough flexibility for activities like yoga or climbing. Many soft shell pants also feature a weather-resistant finish, making them incredibly versatile across diverse climates and activities.
Explore a comprehensive list of excellent soft shell pants for a deeper dive into their characteristics and benefits.
3) Proof Nomad Pant
Proof Nomad Pant: Super-stretch soft shell pants with office-ready style and security features.
Huckberry has revived the Proof brand, formerly Proof NY, and launched with the Nomad Pant, a soft shell pant designed with office-appropriate styling and a hidden security pocket. Remarkably, the Proof Nomad Pant is also surprisingly affordable, especially considering the typically higher price point of soft shell garments. These pants seamlessly transition from travel to office environments.
The back pockets and waistband feature snap closures, enhancing security. The hidden zippered pocket, discreetly integrated into one of the front hand pockets with an “invisible” on-seam zipper, is a particularly well-designed security feature.
The Proof Nomad Pant is incredibly stretchy, offering unrestricted movement, yet the reinforced waistband prevents sagging and maintains its shape throughout the day. The fabric is also lightweight for a soft shell, making it suitable for moderate to warm weather. Lightweight soft shells are surprisingly versatile, even in colder climates, as the polyester inner lining provides some insulation, making them adaptable for year-round use, unlike heavier soft shells which are often too warm for anything but winter.
Having tested the Proof Nomad Pant, I can confirm it perfectly embodies the ideal of soft shell pants, and it’s one of the most affordable options in its category. Concerns about the snap closure waistband proved unfounded during testing.
Purchase the Proof Nomad Pant here.
4) Seagale Active Stretch Chinos
The Seagale Active Stretch Chinos.
Seagale, a French brand, offers compelling travel clothing options, especially for those in Europe, though international shipping may pose a consideration for those outside the region.
These chinos boast a casual yet refined appearance and incorporate a security pocket within one of the front hand pockets. A distinctive slide button closure is a thoughtful design detail.
The fabric weight of 230 grams per square meter places them in a mid-range category – more substantial than ultra-lightweight hiking pants but not overly heavy. This makes them a solid choice for most seasons, excluding extreme temperatures. However, the inner lining might make them slightly warm in hot, humid climates for individuals prone to overheating. For year-round versatility, they are excellent, though shorts might be preferable in tropical summers.
Seagale uses metric sizing. They also offer a jean-pocket version for those preferring that style.
Find the Seagale Active Stretch Chinos here.
Option 3: The Familiar Comfort of High-Tech Jean Styling
My affinity for jeans is well-documented. The horizontal front pockets are incredibly practical, securely holding keys, coins, phones, and other essentials. This pocket design is a primary reason I often choose jeans, especially when traveling. They also offer better pickpocket resistance compared to some other pocket styles. Adding a hidden zippered pocket elevates travel jeans to another level of security and functionality.
I’ve previously compiled a more extensive list of soft shell jeans (though many lack security pockets). For classic denim blue options with security pockets, see this guide to travel jeans, which feature cotton-synthetic blends.
5) Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant
Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant: A near-perfect blend of jean style and performance technology.
The Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant quickly became a favorite upon first wear. They seamlessly blend classic jean styling with casual colors and incorporate a hidden zippered back pocket. The fabric is robust, stretchy, and remarkably close to the feel of natural materials.
Unlike typical soft shells, the fabric is single-sided and utilizes thicker yarns instead of finer ones. This single-sided construction enhances breathability compared to double-sided fabrics as it lacks an insulating polyester inner layer. The thicker yarns contribute to a more natural look and feel and further improve breathability. Despite being the heaviest pants on this list, they remain surprisingly breathable, even during physical activity. The breathability and lack of a heat-retaining lining make a significant difference, even for someone prone to overheating.
The primary drawback is the smaller pocket size, which can make accommodating larger smartphones challenging. They are also not as exceptionally stretchy as true soft shell pants. However, for everyday wear and light activities, including hiking, they excel. For activities requiring extreme flexibility, soft shell pants might be more suitable. Read an in-depth review here.
Purchase the Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant from Western Rise or Huckberry.
Update: Be sure to check out the newer Evolution Pant from Western Rise! It’s two-thirds the weight of the AT Slim Rivet Pant and incorporates deeper pockets based on user feedback!
6) Thunderbolt Jeans Lite
Thunderbolt Jeans Lite: Lightweight soft shell jeans for year-round versatility.
Thunderbolt Jeans have been available for some time, but the introduction of the lightweight “Lite” version makes them an excellent year-round option. They are true soft shell pants, utilizing a Swiss-made fabric that has inspired many others in the category. The fabric features a double-sided construction with a durable nylon exterior and a soft polyester interior.
These pants feature classic jean styling and incorporate a zippered back right pocket for security. While Thunderbolt describes the waistband as non-stretch, it is designed to stretch slightly without over-stretching or sagging, offering a comfortable and secure fit. The rest of the fabric is highly stretchy, making them suitable for athletic pursuits.
Using a lighter fabric than most soft shells (similar in weight to the Proof Nomad pant), the Jeans Lite are more versatile than the heavier original Thunderbolt Jeans, which are best suited for cold weather or high-altitude hiking due to their heavier fabric and polyester lining. Lightweight soft shells are generally more adaptable as they tend to retain heat more readily than dissipate it, making them more suitable for year-round use.
Having tested the Thunderbolt Jeans shorts, I find the new lightweight version significantly more appealing than the original heavy-duty model.
Find Thunderbolt Jeans Lite here.
Option 4: Refined Style for Business Travel
While my personal travel style leans more towards adventure and exploration, I recognize the needs of business travelers. Traditional dress slacks often lack travel-friendly features, particularly security pockets. While brands like Bluffworks, Rohan, and Travelsmith offer options that could fit this category, I wanted to highlight a couple of standout choices that specifically cater to business travel while incorporating security and performance. These options prioritize a more formal aesthetic and are not designed for rugged hiking, but they offer enhanced durability and travel-friendliness compared to typical dress pants.
7) Makers and Riders Wool Trousers
Makers and Riders Wool Trousers: A unique and travel-ready merino wool option for refined style.
I’ve been a long-time admirer of Makers and Riders trousers. With the addition of a hidden zippered security pocket, they are a worthy inclusion in this list. Having tested recent versions with the security pocket, I can attest to their travel-friendliness.
These trousers blend merino wool, a favorite travel fabric for its natural odor resistance and temperature regulation, with durable, quick-drying polyester. This combination creates a pant that is surprisingly robust for wool. The addition of spandex enhances flexibility, making them more comfortable than typical dress pants. The hidden zippered security pocket in the back right pocket provides discreet security for your wallet.
Makers and Riders also offer a jean version, which I personally prefer. However, for a classic dress pant style, the wool trousers are an excellent choice. Within their range, the “4-Season” labeled options are more versatile, especially in warmer climates, compared to their “3-Season” counterparts. The fabric is lightweight, similar to light dress pants, which is essential for wool in warmer weather. The wool is not the softest and has a slightly scratchy feel, and they are not exceptionally stretchy, making them best suited for casual or business wear rather than intense athletic activities.
Purchase Makers and Riders Wool Trousers here.
8) Journeyman Suitable Pant
The Journeyman Suitable Pant: A focused approach to travel-ready dress pants with essential security.
Journeyman Clothier currently focuses on a single product: the Suitable Pant. These are dress pants crafted from a quick-drying fabric blend and feature a zippered security pocket in a front hand pocket.
The fabric is a blend of polyester, rayon, and spandex, combining the quick-drying properties of polyester with the softer, more absorbent qualities of rayon. This blend is commonly used as a wool alternative in suit jackets and pants. While the fabric composition is similar to many readily available wool-alternative dress pants, the Journeyman Suitable Pant distinguishes itself with the inclusion of a hidden zippered security pocket, ideal for safeguarding passports and other valuables. This feature is surprisingly rare in dress pants. The primary fabric component is polyester, contributing to a faster drying time compared to rayon-dominant blends. However, this does result in a slightly “swooshy” sound when moving.
Having tested the Journeyman Suitable Pant, I can confirm they look sharp and professional. While not dramatically different in fabric from budget-friendly wool-alternative dress pants, the crucial addition of the security pocket makes them a standout choice for business travelers seeking both style and practicality.
Explore the Journeyman Suitable Pant here.
Is That Really All?
Yes, surprisingly, this list largely encompasses the readily available best men’s travel pants that effectively blend style, performance, and security. It remains bafflingly difficult to find truly exceptional travel pants for men. For some reason, many outdoor clothing companies seem determined to overload their pants with unnecessary technical features that compromise style and subtlety.
While I opted to exclude dedicated “hiking pants” from this curated list, acknowledging that some hiking pant styles can be reasonably stylish, their availability is often inconsistent and requires frequent updates. However, brands like Royal Robbins, ExOfficio, Marmot, REI, and Railriders do offer decent hiking pant options at generally more accessible price points than the featured pants. While they may not represent the absolute pinnacle of travel pant design, they are certainly functional and can serve well, particularly for budget-conscious travelers. Having been spoiled by the best-in-class options, these hiking pants are not my personal favorites, but they are undoubtedly capable.
For now, this concludes the quest for the best men’s travel pants. The landscape may be limited, but the options presented here offer a solid foundation for building a versatile and stylish travel wardrobe. With these choices, you can confidently explore the world in comfort, style, and with peace of mind knowing your essentials are secure. And who wouldn’t want to travel the world feeling both prepared and looking their best?
