Are you tired of packing separate wardrobes for adventure and everyday wear? For those in the know, finding the perfect pair of travel pants is akin to discovering a hidden gem – and I, as a seasoned traveler obsessed with ultralight gear, am here to guide you. While the quest for stylish and functional travel clothing continues, the realm of travel pants presents a unique challenge. It seems paradoxical that something as fundamental as pants, unchanged for centuries, can be so difficult to get right for travel. The divide between casual wear and high-performance apparel leaves a frustrating gap, making truly versatile travel pants surprisingly elusive.
“But surely there are plenty of travel pants out there? What’s the big deal?”
Because many of them just don’t cut it, and I’m here to tell you why.
The Frustrating Truth About Most “Travel Pants”
The core issue? Outdoor clothing brands seem to miss the mark when it comes to travel pants. They excel at hiking pants, which, ironically, are often ill-suited for actual travel. They fail to recognize a fundamental truth: in travel, style is function.
Image: A close-up of Royal Robbins Zip N Go convertible pants, showcasing their zip-off leg feature and cargo pockets. Alt text: Royal Robbins Zip-N-Go convertible travel pants with zip-off legs and cargo pockets, highlighting features often unsuitable for stylish travel.
Imagine this: elastic waistbands, built-in nylon belts, zip-off legs, and an abundance of Velcro cargo pockets. While practical for the trail, these features scream “tourist” and are hardly ideal for blending in or making a good impression. Many travelers juggle diverse activities, from wilderness treks to city explorations. Packing separate outfits for each scenario is inefficient.
Why can’t travel pants bridge this gap? High-performance is all about the right fabric, and style is about thoughtful design. It’s a simple equation, yet often overlooked. Combining both allows you to pack lighter and travel smarter, just like I did on my 9-month trip with a 20-liter daypack.
Sadly, many outdoor brands seem to view style with disdain. They overload garments with unnecessary zippers, multiple logos, and garish reflective trims. These design choices render the clothing impractical for any situation requiring a touch of sophistication, like a wedding or a business meeting. For such events, you’re forced to pack extra, style-conscious clothing.
These companies believe they’re maximizing efficiency, but by neglecting style, they force travelers to double their wardrobe. This leads to a crucial realization:
Style is not just about aesthetics; it’s a significant performance advantage for travelers.
Defining the Ideal Travel Pants: What to Look For
The recipe for perfect travel pants is straightforward: prioritize quality fabric and avoid unnecessary, unflattering details. Yet, finding this combination feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Here’s my checklist for the Best Travel Pants:
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Performance Fabric: Essential for travel is fabric that’s quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and breathable. Ideally, it should also feel reasonably comfortable, not like wearing plastic wrap. Cotton is generally a no-go, although some natural fabrics like hemp or Tencel could work, but are rare. Nylon and polyester are the practical frontrunners. Stretch fabrics, especially for slim-fit styles, are a welcome bonus.
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Casual Styling: Discreet is key. No exposed zippers, prominent logos, zip-off legs, or built-in belts. Cargo pockets are acceptable if they are subtly designed, but ideally, a pair without them is also desirable. While zip-off cargo hiking pants have their place, a versatile travel wardrobe also needs pants that resemble regular khakis or jeans.
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Hidden Security Pockets: Security is paramount for peace of mind while traveling. Hidden pockets are crucial for safeguarding valuables. Two are ideal: a zippered back pocket for wallets and a zippered hand pocket for items like a phone or passport. This negates the need for an uncomfortable money belt. Jeans-style pockets, which prevent items from falling out when seated, are a highly desirable, yet surprisingly uncommon feature in travel pants.
Finding pants that tick all three boxes is surprisingly difficult. Many manage two out of three, but in my book, that’s simply not good enough. It’s time for apparel makers to step up their game.
Top Travel Pants for Men: My Curated Selection
It’s not all doom and gloom. Some companies do understand the concept of travel clothing – regular-looking garments crafted from performance fabrics, free from unnecessary outdoor-gear embellishments. Kudos to these brands! The rest of the industry, take note!
I’ve compiled a list of the best men’s travel pants currently available (updated for 2024!). These are truly exceptional options that blend style and functionality seamlessly.
Category 1: Performance Chinos – The Versatile All-Rounders
For most travelers, performance chinos represent the sweet spot. They offer the classic khaki aesthetic, complete with hidden zippered pockets for security, all while being constructed from high-performance, quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and packable fabrics.
1) Bluffworks Chinos: The Office-to-Adventure Pant
Image: A man wearing Bluffworks Chinos in a casual urban setting, showcasing their versatile style. Alt text: Bluffworks Chinos travel pants in a casual style, demonstrating their suitability for both travel and everyday wear.
Bluffworks Chinos were born from a simple need: a desire for office-appropriate pants that didn’t require ironing. The founder, familiar with the benefits of travel clothing, created his own wrinkle-free, performance khakis. Ironically, his solution led him away from the office life that inspired them, but it gifted us with a fantastic travel pant option.
These pants are incredibly durable, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and lightweight, all while maintaining a normal, stylish appearance. This combination makes them a top recommendation for performance pants with a casual aesthetic.
Bluffworks offers two main versions: the original fabric (non-stretch) and the Chinos (stretch fabric). Having tested both, I strongly prefer the Chinos for their enhanced comfort and flexibility. While the originals are slightly more breathable due to their thicker weave, both are lightweight enough to prevent overheating. The Chinos do have a slight synthetic sheen, typical of polyester, but it’s less pronounced than in other similar pants.
For deeper dives, check out my reviews of the original Bluffworks Khakis and the Bluffworks Chinos. Both models feature the same pocket layout, including a generous seven pockets, with three cleverly hidden zippered pockets for superior security.
You can find them here.
2) Rohan Fusions: Understated Style Meets Travel Functionality
Rohan Fusions Trousers
Image: Rohan Fusions trousers laid flat, highlighting their minimalist design and classic cut. Alt text: Rohan Fusions travel trousers, showcasing their normal and understated appearance suitable for various travel situations.
If you are looking for a one-stop shop for travel apparel, Rohan is a brand worth exploring. Their extensive pants collection, in particular, is characterized by minimalist designs and multiple hidden zippered pockets across seemingly all models.
The Fusions trousers stand out as one of their most “normal-looking” options while still incorporating hidden security pockets and a performance fabric. They are lightweight and non-stretch, similar to traditional hiking pants in feel. The back pockets have a slightly unique sewn-down design, but it’s subtle and doesn’t detract from their overall classic appearance. Also consider their Grand Tour Chinos, which offer a more refined and upscale look. I debated between including those and the Fusions, showcasing Rohan’s strong lineup. Note that Rohan’s sizing tends to run small, especially by US standards, so sizing up in the waist is advisable.
Rohan has a dedicated US site separate from their UK site.
Update: Rohan recently sent me their Jeans Plus, travel-friendly jeans with hidden security pockets and performance features that genuinely resemble regular jeans. Read my review here.
Category 2: Soft Shell Khakis: Stretch, Comfort, and Security
Initially, soft shell pants were in a separate category, but given the emergence of security pockets in newer models, they deserve inclusion here.
Soft shell pants offer a compelling alternative to standard hiking pant fabrics. They typically feature a double-sided construction, with a durable nylon outer layer and a soft polyester inner layer. They range in thickness but are consistently durable, breathable, quick-drying, and exceptionally stretchy – often flexible enough for activities like yoga or climbing. Their weather-resistant finish adds to their versatility across diverse climates and activities.
Explore a comprehensive guide to soft shell pants for more details on their look and feel.
3) Proof Nomad Pant: Affordable Soft Shell Versatility
Image: A close-up of the Proof Nomad Pant fabric and pocket details, highlighting its soft shell texture and design. Alt text: Proof Nomad Pant showcasing the soft shell fabric and pocket design, emphasizing its stretch and security features.
Huckberry revived the Proof brand (formerly Proof NY) with the Nomad Pant, a soft shell option that balances office-appropriate styling with a hidden security pocket. Its surprisingly affordable price point, especially for a soft shell pant, makes it even more appealing. It’s versatile enough for office wear upon your return home.
The back pockets and waistband feature snap closures, adding an extra layer of security to the back pockets. The hidden zippered pocket, integrated into one of the front hand pockets, uses a discreet “invisible” on-seam zipper, making it virtually undetectable even if the main pocket is slightly open.
The Nomad Pant is incredibly stretchy, offering unrestricted movement. Despite this flexibility, the reinforced waistband prevents sagging or stretching out throughout the day. The fabric is also lightweight, making it suitable for moderate to warm weather, unlike heavier soft shells designed for winter or mountain use. I find lightweight soft shells more adaptable, capable of handling colder conditions more readily than heavyweights handle warmer conditions. This makes the lightweight Nomad Pant a potential year-round option.
Huckberry provided a test sample, and the Proof Nomad Pant perfectly embodies the ideal soft shell pant, and it’s the most budget-friendly option in this category I’ve encountered. While I initially had concerns about the snap waistband, it has proven secure in use.
Get yours here.
4) Seagale Active Stretch Chinos: European Style and Function
The Seagale Active Stretch Chinos.
Seagale, based in France, might present shipping and return challenges for those outside Europe. However, for European travelers, they are a brand to watch. They offer a comprehensive range of travel clothing.
These chinos come in versatile casual colors, maintain a completely normal appearance, and feature a security pocket within one of the front hand pockets. I appreciate the thoughtful detail of the slide button closure.
With a mid-weight fabric (230 grams per square meter), they are more substantial than lightweight hiking pants, making them a solid choice for most seasons, excluding extreme temperatures. The inner lining might make them slightly warm for those prone to overheating in hot weather. However, they can be suitable year-round, provided you avoid tropical summers and similar hot climates where shorts would be more appropriate.
Seagale uses metric sizing. They also offer a jean-pocket version for those preferring that style.
Find them here.
Category 3: High-Tech Jean Styling: Denim Reimagined for Travel
I’m a big fan of jeans, particularly for travel. Their horizontal front pockets are excellent at preventing items like keys and phones from falling out, a major plus when on the go. They are also naturally more pickpocket-resistant. Adding a hidden zippered pocket elevates them to the ultimate travel pant.
I’ve previously compiled a longer list of soft shell jeans (though most lack security pockets, unlike the options below). If you prefer classic blue denim, see this list of travel jeans, all of which do have security pockets and utilize a blend of cotton and synthetic materials.
5) Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant: My Holy Grail of Travel Jeans
Image: The Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant in a cloud color, showcasing its denim styling and slim fit. Alt text: Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant in cloud color, highlighting its jean-like appearance with a modern slim fit for travel.
The Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant immediately soared to the top of my list upon trying them. They combine classic jean styling and casual colors with a hidden zippered back pocket and a robust, stretchy fabric that feels remarkably natural. I initially purchased a pair myself, and after expressing my enthusiasm to Western Rise, they kindly sent me a second pair.
What sets this fabric apart from soft shells is its single-sided construction and use of thicker yarns. The single-sided fabric is cooler than double-sided options because it lacks the insulating polyester inner layer. Thicker yarns contribute to a more natural look and feel, and enhance breathability. Despite being the heaviest pants on this list, I find them surprisingly breathable, even during physical activity. The breathability and absence of a heat-retaining lining make a significant difference, even for someone like me who tends to overheat easily.
The only minor drawback for me is the somewhat small pocket size, which can make accommodating larger smartphones a bit tight. They are also not as supremely stretchy as true soft shell pants. However, for everyday wear and light activities, they are perfect. For more intense activities requiring maximum flexibility, a true soft shell might be preferable. For a detailed analysis, see my in-depth review here.
Purchase them from Western Rise or Huckberry.
Update: Be sure to check out the newer Evolution Pant! It’s two-thirds the weight and includes the deeper pockets I wished for!
6) Thunderbolt Jeans Lite: Lightweight Soft Shell Jeans for All Seasons
Image: Thunderbolt Jeans Lite laid out, showing their denim style and lightweight fabric texture. Alt text: Thunderbolt Jeans Lite, highlighting their lightweight soft shell material and classic jeans styling suitable for year-round travel.
Thunderbolt Jeans have been around for a while, but their lightweight “Lite” version makes them excellent for year-round use. These are true soft shell pants, utilizing a Swiss fabric that inspired many others, featuring a double-sided construction with durable nylon on the exterior and soft polyester on the interior.
They maintain classic jean styling, and the back right pocket includes a zippered closure. While the waistband is described as non-stretch, it’s intended to be slightly stretchy without over-stretching and sagging, a desirable balance. The rest of the fabric is highly stretchy and well-suited for athletic activities.
Using a lighter fabric than most soft shells (similar to the Proof Nomad Pant), the Lite version is more versatile than the original, heavier Thunderbolt Jeans, which are lined with polyester and best suited for very cold conditions. Lightweight soft shells are generally more versatile as they tend to retain heat more easily than dissipate it, making them more adaptable across temperatures.
Thunderbolt sent me their shorts version for testing, and I definitely prefer the new lightweight version over the heavier originals.
Find them here.
Category 4: Business Travel Pants: Polished and Practical
While not my typical travel style, I wanted to include a category for business travelers. Traditional dress slacks often lack travel-friendly security features. While brands like Bluffworks, Rohan, and Travelsmith offer suitable options, I wanted to avoid redundancy and highlight these unique picks. These options are not designed for rugged hiking, but they are more travel-ready and durable than standard dress pants.
7) Makers and Riders Wool Trousers: Merino Comfort for the Boardroom
Image: Makers and Riders wool trousers in a dress pant style, showcasing their refined and professional look. Alt text: Makers and Riders wool trousers, presenting a professional dress pant style made with merino wool suitable for business travel.
I’ve been a fan of Makers and Riders Wool Trousers since I first tried them. With the addition of a hidden zippered security pocket in their updated lineup, they definitely deserve a place on this list. Having tested recent versions with the hidden pocket, I can attest to their travel-worthiness.
These trousers blend merino wool, a favorite travel fabric, with durable, quick-drying polyester, making them surprisingly robust for wool pants. Spandex adds flexibility, and the hidden security pocket in the back right pocket ensures wallet safety.
They also offer a jean version, which I personally prefer, but a classic dress pant style felt more fitting for this category. Among their options, the “4-Season” line is more versatile, especially in warmer climates, than their “3-Season” products. The fabric is similar to light dress pants, necessary for wool to remain cool. The wool isn’t the softest and they are not exceptionally stretchy, making them better suited for casual or business wear rather than intense athletic activities.
Get them here.
8) Journeyman Suitable Pant: The Dedicated Dress Travel Pant
Image: Journeyman Suitable Pant in charcoal, highlighting its dress pant style and fabric texture. Alt text: Journeyman Suitable Pant in charcoal color, demonstrating its dress pant style and professional appearance for travel.
Journeyman Suitable Pant is currently a single-product company, focused on creating the ultimate dress pant for travel. They offer dress pants in a quick-drying fabric blend with a zippered security pocket in a front hand pocket.
The fabric is a blend of polyester, rayon, and spandex, combining quick-drying synthetic fibers with softer, more absorbent rayon. This blend is common in wool-alternative suit jackets and pants, making them similar to department store options. However, the key differentiator is the hidden zippered pocket, ideal for securing passports or other essentials. This feature is rare in dressy travel pants. The majority polyester content ensures quicker drying than rayon-heavy blends, though it may produce a slight “swooshy” sound.
I tested a sample of these, and they definitely look sharp. While the fabric composition isn’t radically different from budget-friendly wool alternatives, the inclusion of a security pocket in a dressy style is a significant advantage, making them worthy of inclusion.
Explore them here.
Is That All? Surprisingly, Yes.
Yes, that concludes my list. It remains surprisingly difficult to find men’s travel pants that perfectly balance style and function. For some reason, many outdoor brands insist on adding unnecessary features that scream “tourist.” It’s a frustrating oversight.
I intentionally excluded “hiking pants,” even some decent-looking options, due to their fluctuating availability and the need for frequent updates. However, brands like Royal Robbins, Ex Officio, Marmot, REI, and Railriders offer good, more affordable alternatives. While not my top picks, they are certainly functional. I’ve become accustomed to the best-of-the-best, but these brands will definitely get the job done.
That’s all for now. After extensive research, I’m ready to move on from obsessing over men’s travel pants! They should be aspiring to my standards in pants! Fortunately, we now have enough excellent options to travel the world in both comfort and style. And who wouldn’t want that?
