9 Amazing Travel Pants for Long Flights and Beyond

Travel restricts you to a limited wardrobe. So you want to ensure the pieces you’re packing provide maximum functionality and adaptability. Good travel pants do both, incorporating key features to help you pack less while getting more out of your gear. So what should you look for in a travel pant?

Durability

Traveling is hard on your gear, including your clothing. Travel pants need to be durable enough to withstand extended use. Tough, abrasion-resistant fabrics and reinforced stitching help your travel pants embrace a wider variety of environments and activities.

Inbuilt stretch

Travel pants should offer at least some degree of stretch for freedom of movement and comfort on the go. The degree of stretch you’ll need depends on what you plan to do with them. Active use such as cycling, hiking or climbing will require a little more stretch than urban sightseeing trips or business travel.

Versatile aesthetics

Travel pants with understated, versatile aesthetics allow you to move from work to play and formal to casual with just one pant. Consider pants that you can dress up or down as required, with clean silhouettes and attractive fabrics that bring low-key style to your travels.

Feature set

We’re all a little different, but things like elastic waists, zip off legs and security pockets are some features to look for.

Stain and water resistance

Mitigate the inconvenience of unexpected showers or accidental spills by choosing pants with built-in water and stain resistance. Look for features such as DWR or other water-repellent coatings to help keep stains and liquids at bay. Not having to find a laundromat or wash gear in your accommodation saves you time and money which can be better spent enjoying your trip.

Quick drying and low maintenance

In the event your travel pants do get wet or need a wash, quick-drying fabric makes a big difference in reducing laundry hassles and not letting wet gear hinder you. You’ll also want to avoid options that require specialist cleaning. Machine or hand-washable pants that dry quickly and don’t need babying are ideal.

So with the above points in mind, unpack some top picks for travel pants that suit long flights and beyond…

BEST VALUE

Mountain Hardwear Men’s Hardwear AP™ Pant (from US$59.90)

A considered blend of stretch, durability and versatility makes Mountain Hardwear’s Hardwear AP™ Pant a solid pick for your packing list. And with its affordable pricing it won’t dent your wallet too much either. The Hardwear AP™ Pant moves easily from bike rides to bouldering to work settings, with a roll-up feature and reflective detailing for added functionality. There’s also a choice of pockets to stash smaller travel and EDC items.

BEST AFFORDABLE LADIES TRAVEL PANT

prAna Briann Pant (US$79)

The prAna Briann Pant offers an appealing mix of style and performance to handle a variety of travel environments. The fitted, skinny leg design features five pockets and comes in a choice of three inseams. Made with Stretch ‘Zion’ performance fabric with a DWR finish, the Briann Pant is breathable, comfortable, quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant. Plus it provides UPF 50+ sun protection for a little extra peace of mind.

BEST LADIES TRAVEL PANT

Western Rise Women’s AT Slim Rivet Pants (US$129)

A five-pocket performance pant that takes you from mountain tops to work meetings? No problem for the Western Rise Women’s AT Slim Rivet Pants. They’re made with a bluesign®-approved durable stretch nylon canvas featuring air-texturized fibers for an appealing hand feel. Tough yet comfortable for all-day use, they also have a DWR finish for water and stain resistance, as well as quick-drying convenience. You’ll also enjoy UPF 50+ sun protection from these pants.

EDITOR’S PICK

Western Rise The Evolution Pant (US$149)

Mike, Managing Editor: “The only pair of pants you need? A bold claim, but Western Rise have designed their Evolution Pant to be just that”. The highly versatile design is made with a unique bluesign®-approved stretch nylon Supplex® fabric. The fabric provides an impressive mix of comfort, durability, stretch, water and stain resistance, and breathability. The Evolution Pant offers six pockets for storing small essentials, and can be dressed up or down so you’re ready for outdoor adventures or a night on the town. A perfect blend of ruggedness, versatility and functionality, these are an exceptional pair of pants.

STAFF PICK

Olivers Apparel Passage Pants ($158)

Loved (and worn weekly) by our Senior Editor, David Vo, the Olivers Passage Pant are a lightweight, versatile and comfortable pair of pants that are a fine addition to any everyday or travel wardrobe. Made from a high quality 91% CORDURA grade nylon and 9% spandex blend, these have just the right amount of stretch, look great dressed up or down, and come in at a reasonable price. These are a touchdown!

BEST COLD WEATHER

Outlier Strong Dungarees (US$188)

Outlier’s Strong Dungarees are a rugged, no-nonsense approach to practical pants for everyday and travel use. Made with Strongtwill fabric, the Strong Dungarees are tough enough to embrace urban and outdoor environments alike, while becoming softer over time. They feature a slight two-way stretch and DWR finish, along with five pockets to keep small valuables and travel items within easy reach.

MOST COMFORTABLE

Alchemy Equipment AEM133 3XDRY Cotton Jogger (US$185)

*Currently on sale for $US95!

Looking for the comfort of a jogger with a little added style thrown into the mix? Alchemy Equipment’s AEM133 3XDRY Cotton Jogger delivers, merging smart-casual style with everyday comfort and practicality. The jogger features a 3XDRY finish for external water and stain repellency, moisture wicking internally, and quick drying times. There’s also concealed elastic in the back waistband for added comfort.

BEST CHINO

Alchemy Equipment AEM120 3XDRY Denim Chino (US$200)

Made with a technical denim from Schoeller, the AEM120 3XDRY Denim Chino gives your wardrobe a style boost while offering a range of useful travel features. The 3XDRY finish provides water and stain repellency while wicking moisture to help keep you cool. The fabric also features stretch for comfort, while the water-resistant phone pocket protects your tech on the move.

BEST ACTIVE

Mission Workshop The Signal Pant (US$225)

Mission Workshop designed the Signal Pant with long-lasting durability and freedom of movement in mind, rounded off with their signature sleek urban styling. Made in the USA with a military-spec four-way stretch nylon fabric from the USA, it’s also backed by a lifetime guarantee. Five pockets organize small essentials, while a DWR finish shrugs off water and stains. Durable, versatile and epic for moving around in – this is a pant that’s won a place in many a travelers’ kit.

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