For those in the know, the quest for the perfect ultralight travel gear is a real obsession. And when it comes to stylish travel clothing that performs as well on a rugged trail as it does navigating social settings, the search becomes even more critical. In this pursuit of the ideal travel wardrobe, one item consistently presents a surprising challenge: travel pants. It seems like it should be straightforward – pants have been around for ages – but the gap between everyday clothing and high-performance apparel makes finding truly versatile travel pants frustratingly difficult.
“But seriously, are you that picky about travel pants? There are tons out there!”
Yes, because most of them miss the mark. And frankly, for something as essential as travel pants, compromising on quality and style just isn’t an option for discerning travelers.
The Frustrating Reality of Most Travel Pants
The core issue is that many outdoor clothing companies seem to design exclusively for hiking, not for the broader spectrum of travel. Hiking pants, while functional for their specific purpose, often fall short when it comes to the versatility needed for travel. These brands often overlook a fundamental principle: when traveling, form is function. Style isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about adaptability and blending seamlessly into diverse environments.
Royal Robbins Zip
Image depicting Royal Robbins Zip-N-Go convertible hiking pants, illustrating the typical unflattering design of many travel pants.
Imagine trying to navigate a bustling city or enjoy a nice dinner while wearing pants with an overly elastic waistband, a bulky nylon belt, zip-off legs, and a multitude of Velcro cargo pockets. It’s simply not practical or stylish for many travel scenarios. While some travelers may compartmentalize their packing – wilderness gear for hikes and stylish outfits for city exploration – this approach leads to overpacking.
The ideal travel pant should bridge this gap, offering both high-performance features and a presentable style. The secret lies in fabric technology and thoughtful design. Performance fabrics deliver the necessary technical capabilities, while understated styling ensures versatility. When done right, this combination allows you to pack less, travel lighter, and be prepared for a wider range of situations – a key factor in efficient travel, whether you’re aiming for a minimalist 9-month trip with a 20-liter daypack or a weekend getaway.
Unfortunately, many outdoor brands seem to disregard style, prioritizing ruggedness and technical features above all else. The result is often clothing overloaded with unnecessary zippers, prominent logos, reflective trims, and sporty stripes – features that are completely out of place in urban environments or more formal settings.
These design choices force travelers to pack additional clothing to maintain a presentable appearance in different social situations. Outdoor gear companies might believe they are maximizing efficiency by focusing solely on performance, but neglecting style creates inefficiency by doubling the required wardrobe. This leads to a crucial realization:
Style is not merely an aesthetic preference; it is a significant performance advantage in travel.
Defining the Perfect Travel Pants
The formula for perfect travel pants is surprisingly simple: utilize high-quality performance fabric and avoid unnecessary, overtly “technical” design elements. Yet, finding this balance often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Here are the key criteria I consider when evaluating travel pants:
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Performance Fabric: The fabric is paramount. It should be quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and breathable to handle varying climates and activities. Ideally, it should also feel reasonably normal, avoiding the overly synthetic or “swishy” sensation of some performance fabrics. Cotton is generally undesirable due to its slow drying time and wrinkle-prone nature. While natural fabrics like hemp or Tencel could be excellent options, they are unfortunately rare in performance wear. Therefore, nylon and polyester blends often become the most practical choices. Stretch fabrics, particularly those with some elastane or spandex, are highly beneficial, especially for slimmer-fitting pants, providing enhanced comfort and freedom of movement.
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Casual and Versatile Styling: Overly technical or “outdoorsy” aesthetics detract from travel versatility. Avoid pants with visible zippers on pockets (except for discreet security pockets), prominent logos, zip-off legs, or built-in belts. While cargo pockets can be functional, they should be subtly designed and not overly bulky. Ideally, a travel wardrobe should include at least one pair of pants that closely resembles regular khakis or jeans in style – seamlessly transitioning from hiking trails to city streets and casual dining. While zip-off cargo hiking pants have their place, they shouldn’t be the only option in a travel pant collection.
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Hidden Security Pockets: Security is a major concern for travelers, especially in unfamiliar environments. Discreet, hidden security pockets are invaluable for protecting valuables like wallets, passports, and phones. Two secure pockets are generally sufficient: a zippered back pocket for a wallet and a zippered hand pocket for a phone or passport. These hidden pockets can often eliminate the need for a separate money belt, enhancing comfort and convenience. Jeans-style front pockets, with their vertical openings, are preferable to many angled pocket designs, as they minimize the risk of items falling out when seated. However, finding secure zippered pockets integrated into a casually styled pant is surprisingly rare.
Finding pants that combine all three of these criteria – performance fabric, casual styling, and hidden security pockets – is remarkably challenging. Many options might fulfill two out of three, but in the realm of travel gear, near perfection is often necessary.
Top Travel Pants for Men: My Curated Recommendations
Despite the challenges, some companies are producing excellent travel clothing – garments that blend performance with everyday style, avoiding unnecessary technical embellishments. These brands understand the needs of modern travelers who require versatility and functionality without sacrificing aesthetics.
Below are my top recommendations for men’s travel pants, updated for 2024, representing the best options currently available that strike this crucial balance.
Option 1: Performance Chinos
Performance chinos represent perhaps the most versatile category for travel pants. They offer the classic khaki styling that works well in a variety of settings, combined with hidden zippered security pockets and performance fabrics that are quick-drying, durable, and packable.
1) Bluffworks Chinos
Image showcasing a model wearing Bluffworks Chinos travel pants, highlighting their classic chino style suitable for various travel situations.
Bluffworks was founded to solve a common problem: the hassle of maintaining dress pants while traveling and working. The brand’s founder sought a better solution than wrinkle-prone office pants and created his own line of performance khakis that are office-appropriate, low-maintenance, and travel-ready. Bluffworks Chinos are durable, wrinkle-free, quick-drying, and lightweight, yet they maintain a normal, stylish appearance.
Bluffworks offers two main chino fabric options: the original non-stretch fabric and the stretchier Chinos. I personally prefer the Chinos for their enhanced comfort and slightly softer feel. While the original fabric might offer marginally better breathability due to its denser weave, both versions are sufficiently lightweight to prevent overheating in most climates. The Chinos do exhibit a subtle synthetic sheen, typical of polyester, but it’s less pronounced than in some performance pants that more closely resemble athletic wear.
For more in-depth information, you can find reviews of the original Bluffworks Khakis and the Bluffworks Chinos. Both styles share a similar pocket layout, including a total of 7 pockets with 3 zippered and hidden security pockets – offering exceptional security features within a stylish chino design.
Bluffworks Chinos are an excellent all-around choice for travelers seeking performance and style. You can find them for purchase here.
2) Rohan Fusions
Rohan Fusions Trousers
Image of Rohan Fusions Trousers, demonstrating their normal-looking style that blends seamlessly into everyday wear while offering travel-ready features.
Rohan is a brand that consistently delivers on the needs of travelers, particularly in their range of pants. Most Rohan pants feature a minimalist design aesthetic and incorporate multiple hidden zippered pockets, making them exceptionally travel-friendly.
Among their extensive pant collection, the Fusions trousers stand out as one of the most normal-looking options while still offering hidden security pockets and a performance fabric. These pants are lightweight and non-stretch, similar in feel to standard hiking pants, but with a more refined appearance. The back pockets feature a slightly unusual sewn-down design, which is not typical of ordinary clothing, but it remains subtle. For a more classic and upscale look, also consider Rohan’s Grand Tour Chinos. Note that Rohan’s sizing tends to run a bit smaller, especially by American standards, so sizing up in the waist is advisable.
Rohan has a dedicated US site in addition to their UK-based site.
Update: Rohan recently released their Jeans Plus, travel-friendly jeans with hidden security pockets and performance features that closely resemble regular jeans. A review is available here.
Option 2: Soft Shell Khakis
Soft shell pants offer a compelling alternative to traditional hiking pant fabrics. They are typically constructed with a double-sided fabric, featuring a durable nylon exterior and a softer polyester interior. Soft shells can vary in thickness, but they are consistently durable, breathable, quick-drying, and highly stretchy – often providing enough flexibility for activities like yoga or more active pursuits. Many soft shell fabrics also include a weather-resistant finish, further enhancing their versatility across diverse climates and conditions.
For a broader selection and deeper dive into the world of soft shell pants, explore this comprehensive list of soft shell pants, including a detailed explanation of the characteristics and benefits of soft shell fabrics.
3) Proof Nomad Pant
Image of Proof Nomad Pant, highlighting its soft shell fabric and casual design with added security features for travelers.
Huckberry revitalized 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. The Proof Nomad Pant is also notably affordable, especially considering the typically higher price point of soft shell garments. Its versatile styling allows it to transition seamlessly from travel to office environments.
The back pockets and waistband feature snap closures, adding an extra layer of security to the back pockets. The hidden zippered pocket, discreetly integrated into one of the front hand pockets, utilizes an on-seam, “invisible” zipper that remains concealed even if the main pocket opening flares slightly.
The Nomad Pant’s fabric is exceptionally stretchy, offering unrestricted movement. Despite the stretch, the waistband is reinforced to prevent sagging or stretching out over time. The fabric weight is relatively light for a soft shell, making it suitable for moderate to warm weather. Lightweight soft shells are often more versatile than heavier versions, as they can be adapted for colder conditions by layering, whereas heavyweight soft shells can become uncomfortably warm in milder climates. The polyester inner lining of double-weave soft shells tends to retain heat, making lightweight versions more adaptable for year-round use.
The Proof Nomad Pant delivers on the promise of soft shell performance with a practical design and accessible price point. While the snap waistband closure initially raised concerns about potential popping open, it has proven secure in real-world use.
You can purchase the Proof Nomad Pant here.
4) Seagale Active Stretch Chinos
The Seagale Active Stretch Chinos.
Image showcasing the Seagale Active Stretch Chinos, emphasizing their normal chino appearance combined with stretch fabric and a security pocket.
Seagale, a brand based in France, offers the Active Stretch Chinos as part of their travel clothing range. While international shipping and returns might be a consideration for some, for those within Europe, Seagale is a brand worth exploring.
These chinos feature a casual style, come in versatile colors, and incorporate a security pocket within one of the front hand pockets. A notable design detail is the slide button closure, adding a touch of refinement.
The fabric weight of the Active Stretch Chinos is in the mid-range at 230 grams per square meter. This provides a balance between lightweight breathability and substantial feel, making them suitable for most seasons except extreme temperatures. However, the inner lining might make them slightly warm for those prone to overheating in hot and humid conditions. For very hot climates, shorts would be a more appropriate choice.
Seagale uses metric sizing. They also offer a jean-pocket version of these chinos.
You can find the Seagale Active Stretch Chinos here.
Option 3: High-Tech Jean Styling
Jeans are a personal favorite for travel due to their practical pocket design. The horizontal front pockets effectively prevent items like keys, coins, and phones from falling out, especially during travel. Jeans are also generally more resistant to pickpockets. Combining these features with a hidden zippered security pocket creates an ideal travel pant.
For a wider selection of soft shell jeans, explore this list of soft shell jeans (note that many on this list lack security pockets). If you prefer classic denim blue, this list of travel jeans highlights options with security pockets, though they typically use a cotton-synthetic blend fabric.
5) Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant
Image of the Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant in cloud color, showcasing its jean-like styling and modern slim fit, ideal for stylish travelers.
The Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant quickly became a top pick upon trying them. They combine classic jean styling with casual colors, a hidden zippered back pocket, and a durable, stretchy fabric that closely mimics the feel of natural materials.
The fabric differs from typical soft shells by using a single-sided construction and thicker yarns instead of finer ones. This single-sided fabric construction enhances breathability compared to double-sided soft shells, as it lacks the 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, the AT Slim Rivet Pant remains surprisingly breathable, even during physical activity.
The primary drawback is the relatively small pocket size, which can be restrictive for larger smartphones. They are also not as stretchy as true soft shell pants. However, for everyday wear and light activities, including hiking, they offer excellent performance and style. For more details, an in-depth review is available here.
The Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pant is available from Western Rise and Huckberry.
Update: Western Rise has released the Evolution Pant, which is 2/3 the weight of the AT Slim Rivet Pant and includes deeper pockets.
6) Thunderbolt Jeans Lite
Image of Thunderbolt Jeans Lite, demonstrating their lightweight soft shell construction and jean-like appearance suitable for year-round travel.
Thunderbolt Jeans Lite have been available for some time, but the introduction of a lightweight version makes them ideal for year-round use. They are true soft shell pants, utilizing a Swiss-made fabric that has inspired many similar designs. The fabric features a double-sided construction with a durable nylon exterior and a soft polyester interior.
These pants maintain classic jean styling, and the back right pocket includes a zippered closure for security. While Thunderbolt describes the waistband as non-stretch, it is intended to stretch slightly without over-stretching and sagging, providing a comfortable and secure fit. The rest of the fabric is highly stretchy, making them suitable for athletic activities.
The lighter fabric weight compared to most soft shells (similar to the Proof Nomad pant) enhances their versatility. Their regular, heavier version, with a polyester inner lining, is better suited for colder conditions. Lightweight soft shells are generally more versatile, as they can be layered for warmth more effectively than heavy versions can adapt to warmer temperatures.
Thunderbolt also offers a shorts version of the Jeans Lite.
Thunderbolt Jeans Lite are available for purchase here.
Option 4: Business Travel
While my personal travel style leans towards casual exploration, business travelers have distinct needs. Dress pants often lack travel-friendly security features. While brands like Bluffworks, Rohan, and Travelsmith offer business-appropriate travel pants, Makers and Riders and Journeyman offer unique options worth highlighting in this category. These options prioritize a professional aesthetic while incorporating travel-friendly features, although they are not designed for heavy-duty hiking.
7) Makers and Riders Wool Trousers
Image of Makers and Riders wool trousers, emphasizing their professional appearance and merino wool blend suitable for business travel.
Makers and Riders Wool Trousers have been a favorite for some time, and with the addition of a hidden zippered security pocket, they are a strong contender for business travel pants.
These trousers blend merino wool, a favored travel fabric known for its temperature regulation and odor resistance, with durable, quick-drying polyester, making them more robust than typical wool pants. Spandex adds flexibility, and the hidden security pocket in the back right pocket provides secure storage for a wallet.
Makers and Riders also offer a jean version. The 4-Season Wool Trousers are designed for greater versatility, particularly in warmer weather, compared to their 3-Season counterparts. The fabric is lightweight, similar to light dress pants, which is essential for wool trousers intended for warmer climates. The wool fabric is not exceptionally soft and has a slightly scratchy feel, and the pants are not highly stretchy, making them better suited for business and casual wear rather than intense physical activity.
Makers and Riders Wool Trousers can be purchased here.
8) Journeyman Suitable Pant
Image of the Journeyman Suitable Pant, illustrating its dress pant style and discreet security pocket for business travelers.
Journeyman Clothier currently focuses on a single product: the Suitable Pant, a dress pant made from 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 often used as a wool alternative in suit jackets and pants. The key feature of the Journeyman Suitable Pant is the hidden zippered pocket, which is invaluable for securing passports or other small valuables. Hidden security pockets are surprisingly rare in dress pant styles. The polyester-dominant fabric blend ensures quicker drying compared to rayon-heavy blends, although it can produce a slightly “swooshy” sound.
The Journeyman Suitable Pant offers a practical solution for business travelers seeking dress pants with added security. While the fabric composition is similar to lower-cost wool alternatives found in department stores, the inclusion of a hidden zippered pocket sets it apart.
The Journeyman Suitable Pant is available here.
Is That All?
Yes, surprisingly, this list represents a significant portion of the best men’s travel pants currently available that meet the criteria of style, performance, and security. The persistent challenge in finding suitable travel pants highlights the industry’s tendency to prioritize overly technical designs over versatile functionality. Many outdoor companies continue to produce pants with excessive zippers and overtly “technical” features that compromise style and practicality for broader travel use.
While “hiking pants” were not the primary focus of this guide, some decent options exist from brands like Royal Robbins, Ex Officio, Marmot, REI, and Railriders. These can be more budget-friendly than the top-tier options listed above and can serve adequately as travel pants, though they may lack the refined style and optimized features of the recommended pants.
Ultimately, the options presented here offer a range of styles and features to suit diverse travel needs and preferences. Finding the perfect travel pants might require some searching, but the ability to travel the world in comfort, style, and with peace of mind is well worth the effort. Invest in a pair of high-quality travel pants and experience the difference they make on your next adventure.
