When you’re travelling you want clothes that won’t get in your way or slow you down. This is especially true with pants, which can be some of the largest items of clothing you take with you. Travel pants are ideal for travelling light as well as comfortable as they are designed to be tough, lightweight, easy to pack and quick to wash and dry.

There are other considerations when traveling too. Changing climates can mean that one pair of pants are not suitable for all places, and traveling light can mean space limitations prevent you from bringing too much. Two pairs of travel pants can mean you have four options in total – two shorts and two pants. It is easy to see the advantage in this!

As we are all different, and each trip is different, it can be tough to decide which are the best pair of travel pants for you. This guide will show you what you need to know when looking for travel pants, and what the best options are.

Best Pants for Travel

Comparison chart of  the best travel pants

To help you find the best travel pants for your needs, all the key information from the reviewed pants is in the comparison table below. You can sort the table by clicking on any of the column headings.

As prices vary between different choices, colours and styles for the same pants the price is a range between the cheapest and most expensive pairs available.

What To Look For When Buying Travel Pants

There are a few important considerations when looking for travel pants over regular pants that perhaps you have never before had to consider! Travel pants should be lightweight and quick drying whilst offering you the durability and convenience that they are know for. Here are the key things to think about when looking for travel pants:

Quick drying

Quick drying is at the top of my priority list. If you can get a good pair of pants for travel then you are probably going to wear them frequently which will also mean frequent washing. A quick drying time is essential. Pants made of fabrics such as polyester and nylon can do well in this regard, as they are often water resistant and thus dry fast when washed. As a bonus, they will often be crease resistant too when drying. For travelers always on the go, it can be easy to see why this is advantageous.

Lightweight

Packing for travel is all about minimization. Not only is it important for pants to fit you well, but they need to fit in your bag too!

Fabric is important in regards to how lightweight the pants are, with nylon often being the lightest weight pants. The weight of the pants is equally as important when in use, especially in warmer climates. You will find lightweight, breathable pants ideal.

Durability

As your travel pants are designed to be taken anywhere around the world, durability is important. The durability of your travel pants should reflect the travel itself. Durability is important because travel can be both rough and unpredictable, the last thing you need is a hole right on the butt! Two-ply pants are often best, and be on the look out for pants with reinforced knees and pockets for added strength.

Convenience

Convenience really means deciding what is important to you. Some travel pants have zip off legs to transform into shorts. This has its benefits for warmer climates but may be less important to some. I also appreciate when good travel pants are stain resistant as it makes washing them so easy.

You may need larger pockets for your necessities, in which case make this a priority. If you are a woman, you will likely welcome the addition of pockets which always seem to be lacking in women pants! Or, you may just be looking for comfort! There are many travel pants that aim primarily at those looking for comfort and style.

Mens Travel Pants Reviews

Propper Men’s Lightweight Tactical Pant Review

The Propper Tactical Pant is the first of the best men’s travel pants, and these are the pants to suit hoarders. With 9 pockets, there really is space for everything in these pants. There is also a D-ring for you to connect keys and anything else with a loop.

These pants are made with a combination of polyester and cotton and have been designed to be fade and wrinkle resistant. They are also waterproof and stain resistant. What more could you ask for in practical pants.

These travel cargo pants are finished to a great level. They are top notch with perfect construction and come in a range of low-key colors. They are also very lightweight and breathable.

Please note, that in some travel pants sizing can be difficult, though in these particular pants they are very true to size, with a cleaner, truer fit than other pants, made for great casual wear.

Click here to read more about the Propper Men’s Lightweight Tactical Pant.

Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pant Review

The Columbia Silver Ridge pants are easily one of the best travel pants for men.

These pants are perfect for any climate, made with a zip at the knees to become shorts if need be. They are also are made of a special nylon that is not only durable but incredibly comfortable and come in a range of neutral colors. These are the pants that you wouldn’t mind being in for 24 hours when the situation calls for it.

The Columbia silver ridge pants are a straight leg design and quite attractive, being well fitted and not baggy. The pants are true to their sizes and even have an adjustable waistband for leeway!

These pants include both omni-wick technology for quick evaporation (they dry quickly) and omni-share UPF 50, therefore will protect you from the sun.

The pockets aren’t that big but still large enough to hold a cell phone and wallet.
In all a great pair of pants that look great too.

For more information and reviews on the Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pant click here.

TRU-SPEC Men’s Lightweight 24-7 Pant Review

The TRU-SPEC Lightweight 24-7 pants are made of a combination of polyester and cotton, this makes them work well in water, maintaining comfort while also drying quickly.

The pants include two cargo pockets on the exterior and 2 larger pockets inside. This makes them perfect for hiding your cell phone and wallet whilst traveling.

The waistband is sliceable on tabs, easy to adjust for comfort and makes it convenient in terms of not coming loose. This also makes it convenient for the inevitable weight gain during travel 😉

The pants feel great, are comfortable and casual enough to be worn anywhere, while keeping you cool and comfortable during your travels. From light to MultiCam you can pick any color to pick your style.

These light travel pants are truly some of the best travel pants men can find.

Read more about the TRU-SPEC Men’s Lightweight 24-7 Pant.

Reviews of The Best Travel Pants for Women

LOLE Women’s Refresh Pants Review

The LOLE travel pants are the next travel pants review, and are casual looking travel pants that come in two colors, black and brown, made mostly of polyester. This makes them comfortable for long-term wear but can also make them a little hot.

You can keep more important items safe in the zippered security pocket, and two hand pockets. However, these are slightly too shallow to hold anything comfortably (other than some lip balm!).

Both the waist and hem can be adjusted by a draw-cord. This adds to the convenience of the pants but can give them a paper bag look on some people, though the low-rise waistband makes them very comfortable.

Note also the pants are long, and will be suitable for taller people. Shorter people may need them adjusted. All in all, a great womens’ travel pant option.

Click here for more on the Lole Women’s Refresh Pant.

Skyler Pants Review

The Skyler travel pants are definitely fashionable and a far cry from other travel pants that fit the brief but may not fit the style. I think these pants look good and are very functional, as are the other Amatomie travel pants. They are sleek and fashionable and could be matched with almost anything.

They are skinny pants. The material is a stretchy and super-lightweight nylon/lyrca and dry very quickly. They are not designed to be the most useable, lacking pockets and storage, though there is a small back pocket.

The quality of these pants are excellent and durable, the stretch is malleable. Although probably not suitable for more conservative countries due to their tight fit, they are a great option for around town, and these are easily the best travel pants for women for comfort.

Read more about the Skyler Pants here.

Columbia Women’s Just Right Straight Leg Pant Review

The Columbia Just Right travel pants are attractive, fitted, quick dry, travel pants. These nylon pants are what you will want for warmer climates. Although they can look ‘paper baggy’ they can also just as easily look casual and attractive, as they can be adjusted to suit you. They generally fit well.

The pants tick my list in most regards – they are fast to dry and are airy and breathable. This also makes the pants lightweight and stretchy. These nylon travel pants are adjustable both at the top with the waistband and at the bottom with a pull on cord that can be adjusted to securely fit the ankles. This can provide both added warmth and a tighter fit.

You are free to choose either grey or black travel pants. The pants do an awesome job at resisting stains and water, and there is also a zip closed pocket. For added protection the pants are SPF 50 protected, giving you even more comfort in warmer climates.

These are an awesome pick for warmer places and hot days, and make for the perfect pants for traveling.

Click here to read more about the Columbia Women’s Just Right Straight Leg Pants.

You can also read our guides to the best compression socks, best travel backpacks and best luggage.

Need more help on packing light? Check out our European summer packing list  where lightweight and small-folding pants can make all the difference.

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