Tech & Gear Luggage The 13 Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2023, Tested by TripSavvy By Nathan Allen Nathan Allen Outdoor Gear Editor University of Missouri-Columbia Lindenwood University Nathan Allen is the Outdoor Gear Editor for TripSavvy. Nathan loves many outdoor activities but makes it a priority to run or bike on singletrack every day. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 02/10/23 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. PeopleImages / Getty Images Pants might be the first thing you think about when planning or packing for a trip, and prioritizing comfort on long—or short—trips is essential. A good pair of travel pants will be stylish and functional. Ideally, they’ll be suitable for multiple uses on a trip, like going from the trail to a restaurant. We’ve spent the past few months testing travel pants on flights, road trips, and various outdoor activities. Below are our top picks for the best travel pants available. The Rundown Best Overall: Vuori Ripstop Pant at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pants at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best Value: Coalatree Trailhead Pant at Coalatree.com Jump to Review Most Comfortable: KUHL Freeflex Jogger at Kuhl.com Jump to Review Best Denim: DU/ER Performance Denim Slim at Amazon Jump to Review Best Jogger: DU/ER No Sweat Jogger at Amazon Jump to Review Best Style: Chubbies The Everywear Pants at Chubbiesshorts.com Jump to Review Best for Work: DU/ER Live Lite Slim at Shopduer.com Jump to Review Best for Cold Weather: Oros Wayfinder Pant at Orosapparel.com Jump to Review Best for Adventure Travel: Stio Pinedale Jogger at Stio.com Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks Product Selection How We Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Vuori Ripstop Pant Vuori View On Nordstrom View On REI View On Vuoriclothing.com What We Like Super comfortable, look good, and don’t require a belt Rugged with durable proprietary ripstop fabric Seven color options available Include a zip pocket and organic cotton What We Don't Like Some might not like the slim fit Attracts dog hair like a magnet Vuori’s Ripstop Pants are my go-to for flights. The main reason is they’re comfy. Vuori’s proprietary ripstop fabric—a blend of organic cotton and elastane—has enough stretch and durability and looks good. I love pants that don’t require a belt, especially when moving through TSA. These pants have an elastic waistband with a drawcord. My one nitpick with these pants is that the material attracts my dog’s hair. But that’s probably not a bad thing, considering it makes me wash them more than I usually would. I’ve owned these pants for a couple of years now with zero concerns for durability or wear and tear. Price at time of publication: $98 Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: DuraTerra ripstop fabric (98 percent organic cotton and 2 percent elastane | Sustainability: Organic cotton TripSavvy / Nathan Allen Best Overall, Runner-Up Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pants Patagonia View On Backcountry.com View On Patagonia.com View On REI What We Like Four-way stretch is comfy DWR finish helps repel spills Can easily double as hiking pants Fair Trade Certified and contain recycled materials What We Don't Like A bit on the pricey side Limited sizing Patagonia’s Skyline Traveler Pants are my go-to road trip pants. The main reason is these pants feel a little less suited for airports and restaurants but perfect for hiking, backpacking, or moving around cities. These pants feature a nylon, polyester, and spandex blend that I’ve found exceptionally comfortable. The four-way stretch is excellent for mobility, and I love a good elastic waistband and drawcord design. I also love that these pants have five pockets, including one zippered on the thigh. And so far, a year into testing, I’ve had zero issues with durability or wear and tear. Because it's Patagonia, you also get feel-good features like recycled nylon and Fair Trade Certification. Price at time of publication: $129 Sizes: S to XL | Materials: 64 percent recycled nylon, 25 percent polyester, 11 percent spandex | Sustainability: Fair Trade Certified, recycled nylon TripSavvy / Nathan Allen Best Value Coalatree Trailhead Pant Coalatree View On Coalatree.com What We Like Come in slim and regular fit Eco-friendly DWR coating Four-way stretch and antimicrobial Very durable and will last a long time What We Don't Like Coalatree claims you could wear these to the office, but it’d have to be a pretty casual office I’ve owned this pair of pants longer than any other on this list, and they are still like new. That’s thanks to their tear-resistant construction, four-way stretch, and DWR-coating. The anti-microbial fabrics also help by reducing the number of times you’ll need to wash these pants. Because of all this, I’ve found these pants excellent for hiking, bike commuting, and traveling. We love that they come in both slim and regular fit, six colors, and both men’s and women’s cuts. Since they’re also one of the least expensive options on this list, we recommend stocking up on two or three pairs. Price at time of publication: $89 Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: FairWear 88 percent nylon, 12 percent spandex with DWR finish | Sustainability: FairWear and recycled materials TripSavvy / Nathan Allen Most Comfortable KUHL Freeflex Jogger KUHL View On Kuhl.com View On Scheels.com What We Like Pants and shorts styles available UPF 50+ protection Super lightweight and comfortable Could also work as hiking pants What We Don't Like No recycled/sustainable materials Kuhl says these pants feature a “luxuriously soft and lightweight softshell,” and we’d have to agree. These polyester pants are so comfortable; I’ve been using them as my loungers at home and travel pants. We also recommend these pants for anyone who tends to run warm or will be going on outdoor adventures where pants are necessary, but the temps outside are warm. In particular, we view these as solid desert or beach pants thanks to the UPF 50+ sun protection. These pants are breathable, wick away moisture well, and are quick to dry. And if you’re not into the jogger style, the same version of these pants comes in a traditional pants style. Price at time of publication: $99 Sizes: S to XXL | Materials: 50 percent polyester, 50 percent new polyester | Sustainability: Not listed TripSavvy / Nathan Allen Best Denim DU/ER Performance Denim Slim Amazon View On Amazon View On Shopduer.com Very comfy and stretchy Also offered in relaxed fit DWR finish Ideal for hiking, cycling, and going to the office or restaurant A bit pricey Anytime I see anything related to performance denim, I automatically think that it’s gimmicky. So I was skeptical when I first tried DU/ER’s performance denim pants. But, I must say, many bike commutes to the office and the local brewery later, these pants are the real deal. What stood out to me immediately about the pants is how much stretch they have. Because I usually hate bike commuting in denim for the very reason of lack of stretch. That’s thanks to a blend of organic cotton and polyester with a touch of spandex. These pants are also decent—not great, but decent—at wicking moisture, thanks to the CoolMax polyester. And an anti-bacterial treatment helps ward off stink, making these pants good for a few wears between washes. If the slim fit is not for you, the same performance denim pants come in relaxed and straight fits. Price at time of publication: $129 Sizes: 28 to 40-inch waist, 30 to 34-inch inseam | Materials: 70 percent organic cotton, 28 percent Coolmax all-season polyester, 2 percent Lycra spandex | Sustainability: Organic cotton TripSavvy / Nathan Allen Best Jogger DU/ER No Sweat Jogger DU/ER View On Amazon View On REI View On Shopduer.com What We Like No belt needed Zippered side pocket Stretchy and comfy Lots of colors to pick from What We Don't Like Pricey and no sustainable fabrics mentioned Limited sizing First things, first, these joggers are comfy. I definitely found myself reaching for these joggers while lounging at home, mainly when it’s chilly outside. But like the DU/ER performance denim pants above, I was skeptical about the gimmicky “No Sweat” in these jogger’s name. As mentioned, I burn warm and sweat easily. But I must say, these pants do a fairly good job of keeping sweat away. That’s because of the crazy blend of TENCEL Lyocell, Lycra T400 Polyester, and Lycra spandex. These pants also have some nice features like a zippered thigh pocket and a drawstring and belt loops. Price at time of publication: $129 Sizes: 28 to 40-inch waist, 29 and 31-inch inseam | Materials: 62 cotton, 34 percent TENCEL Lyocell, 3 percent Lycra T400 Polyester, 1 percent Lycra spandex | Sustainability: Not listed TripSavvy / Nathan Allen Best Style Chubbies The Everywear Pants Chubbies View On Chubbiesshorts.com View On Pgatoursuperstore.com What We Like More modern style Comfy four-way stretch material Could easily be worn from the plane into the office No belt required, but belt loops included, just in case DWR coating What We Don't Like Fit is a bit baggy for slimmer builds Chubbies, which dubs itself as the original “short shorts” brand, released its first pair of pants a couple of months ago. And while they’re not short, they are incredibly comfortable thanks to a polyester and spandex blend. We didn’t include a true chino on this list, but these are probably the closest to it because of their look and lightweight feel. We view these pants as best on the list for urban, golf, or beach travel. They just have that look, style, and feel about them. They’d also work well in the office or for work trips, but we’ve got a pair of pants specifically for work below. Price at time of publication: $95 Sizes: S to XXL | Materials: 90 percent polyester and 10 percent spandex | Sustainability: Not listed TripSavvy / Nathan Allen Best for Work DU/ER Live Lite Slim DU/ER View On Shopduer.com What We Like Good style and feel that will look appropriate in most work and office settings Limited logo and branding Very stretchy and comfy What We Don't Like Nothing yet We admit most pants on this list fall into the category of casual. And while the Live Lite pants from DU/ER will not cut it at a black tie event, they will work in most work and office settings. I took these to a semi-formal wedding in Bend, Oregon, and felt totally comfortable pairing them with a shirt and tie. I also love that these pants maintain the comfort and stretch of the No Sweat Joggers above (they have the same materials, just with slightly different percentages) but have a totally different look and feel. Price at time of publication: $135 Sizes: 28 to 38-inch waist and 30 to 34-inch inseam | Materials: 62 cotton, 30 percent TENCEL Lyocell, 6 percent Lycra T400 Polyester, 2 percent Lycra spandex | Sustainability: Not listed TripSavvy / Nathan Allen Best for Cold Weather Oros Wayfinder Pant OROS View On Orosapparel.com What We Like Highly engineered pants with front and back insulation No belt needed PFC-free DWR Could easily work for almost any adventure situation What We Don't Like Expensive Almost too warm, especially for plane travel Oros’ Wayfinder Pants are the most engineered and teched-out pants on our list. Highlighting that technology is some proprietary zero-bulk insulation lining the front and back of the pants for boosted warmth. Oros employs body-mapped insulation, kind of like a down or insulated jacket or sleeping bag, to give you warmth wear you need it and breathability where you need it. We also love that these pants have a PFC-free DWR coating to resist liquids. Because of the insulation and weight, we view these as pants for anyone who runs cold or is looking for a pair of cold-weather pants. Price at time of publication: $160 Sizes: S to XXXL | Materials: 91 percent nylon and 9 percent elastane | Sustainability: PFC-free DWR Best for Adventure Travel Stio Pinedale Jogger Stio View On Stio.com What We Like Also offered in pants (not joggers) DWR finish Regular fit is more inclusive Comfy four-way stretch What We Don't Like No back pockets Limited color options Stio’s Pinedale Joggers are the truest technical performance pants on this list. The Jackson Hole-based brand brings its proprietary Everlight Softshell material to a pair of pants for the first time and we’re down for it. If you’re looking for a pair of travel pants that will work for climbing, hiking, running, backpacking, or whatever activity you have planned, we recommend picking up a pair of these trousers. We love the DWR-finish, bluesign-approved materials, and two zippered front pockets so you don’t have to worry about anything falling out. We do wish the pants had back pockets and more color options. But besides that, these pants are perfect for adventure travel. Price at time of publication: $159 Sizes: S to XXL | Materials: Everlight Softshell Dobby Double Weave (63 percent nylon, 26 percent polyester, 11 percent spandex | Sustainability: Stio is climate neutral, and uses organic and recycled and bluesign-approved materials in about half of its products Best for Fishing Free Fly Apparel Men’s Stretch Canvas 5 Pocket Pant Free Fly Apparel View On Freeflyapparel.com What We Like Comfortable Suitable for the office UPF 50+ What We Don't Like Only three colors If you’re traveling specifically to fish—or if your trip will include fishing—we highly recommend including Free Fly Apparel’s Stretch Canvas 5 Pocket Pats. These pants are durable, comfy, and feature four-way stretch and UPF 50+ sun protection. We love that they also look stylish enough to fit in many office settings and restaurants. We wish these pants came in more than just three colors, but besides that, these are our go-to fishing pants. Price at time of publication: $98 Sizes: 30 to 40-inch waist, 30 to 34-inch inseam | Materials: 70 percent cotton, 28 percent bamboo, 2 percent spandex | Sustainability: Use of bamboo Best Lightweight Cotopaxi Veza Adventure Pants Cotopaxi View On Backcountry.com View On Cotopaxi.com View On REI What We Like Incredibly lightweight and stretchy Relaxed fit Comfy What We Don't Like Almost too baggy Drawstring is tough to get tight because of its stretch The Veza Adventure Pants are a classic from Cotopaxi. These super lightweight and relaxed pants are comfy and will fit many body types. We like the tapered legs that also allow plenty of room with the baggier fit and the “invisible” zippered stash pocket inside the wearer’s front right pocket. We do wish the flat elastic drawstring was easier to tighten and that these pants came in more than three colors. But those are just nitpicks on an excellent and comfortable pair of travel pants. Price at time of publication: $95 Sizes: S to XXL | Materials: 91 percent nylon, 9 percent spandex | Sustainability: Nothing listed Best for Rain Patagonia Granite Crest Pants Patagonia View On Patagonia.com What We Like Good sizing range Zippered at the cuffs for easy putting on and taking off 100 percent postconsumer recycled materials PFC-free DWR finish What We Don't Like None We don’t necessarily recommend wearing rain pants to the airport or on road trips. But if you’re traveling to a rainy environment, we recommend packing a pair. That’s where the Patagonia Granite Crest Pants come in. These lightweight and highly packable rain pants are excellent at repelling water. They also boast some helpful features like zippers below the knee to put on over shoes or boots, zipper and seam-seeled pockets, and a wide range of sizes. And because it’s Patagonia, you know our planet was taken into consideration with the construction of these pants. They’re made of postconsumer recycled ripstop nylon from recycled fishing nets and feature Patagonia’s proprietary H2NO DWR finish, which is free of harmful chemicals. Price at time of publication: $219 Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: 100 percent post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop made from recycled fishing nets | Sustainability: Fair Trade Certified, recycled nylon, PFC-free DWR finish Product Selection We selected products based on internet research and our knowledge of travel pants. We considered pants featured on other prominent sites and pants and brands we’ve already own and wear regularly. TripSavvy / Nathan Allen How We Tested We logged tens of thousands of miles traveling in these pants via air and road travel. Some testing lasted years, and others lasted months. We also spent time hiking, walking, and fishing in the pants. While testing, we considered attributes like comfort, stretch, durability, and weather- (and coffee-) resistance. What to Look for in Travel Pants Materials Most pants will have synthetic materials like nylon and polyester for their water-resistance, durability, and versatility. Some travel pants on this list and elsewhere primarily use cotton, which can be good for comfort but not as solid for moisture-wicking or breathability. We included pants of both types of material, because this comes down to personal preference. Generally, if your travel will include higher intensity movement, or you want to prioritize breathability, moisture-wicking, and stretch, we suggest looking for nylon and polyester-based pants. But if you’re not concerned about those features and prefer a softer pair of pants, look for cotton-based trousers. TripSavvy / Nathan Allen Durability This one is tough to judge just by looking at a pair of pants online, but there are some indicators to look for if durability is one of your priorities in purchasing a pair of travel pants (it probably should be). Look for “ripstop” materials if you’re looking for extra-durable pants. We only included pants on this list that have been particularly durable throughout our testing. Style Again, this is subjective and comes down to personal preference. But it is something to consider when picking traveling pants. We recommend having a pair of comfortable pants that will also be appropriate for work or nicer restaurants and a pair that will work for more active trips that involve hiking, fishing, or running. Frequently Asked Questions What are the best pants to wear on an airplane? The ones you feel most comfortable wearing! Think about temperature and movement. I prefer lightweight and stretchy pants because I tend to run warm and move a lot. Are you cold in airports and on planes? Consider some heavier-weighted pants. Do you fidget a lot? Definitely get some stretchy pants. But the answer to this question comes down to personal preference. Are chinos good for traveling? They definitely can be good for traveling, especially if you’re headed directly to work or an event. Chinos have the look of trousers but are generally lighter weight and offer more stretch and breathability, thanks to their lightweight twill or cotton construction. If your travel is more wilderness or outdoor-based, we recommend other pants on this list (like the Patagonia Skyline Pants). How do I care for and wash my travel pants? We always recommend reading the manufacturer's instructions on the pants or the company’s website. That said, travel pants are generally built to be durable and resilient. So most will be fine tossing into the washer and dryer. TripSavvy / Nathan Allen Why Trust TripSavvy Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor. He’s a frequent traveler who prioritizes comfort over all else regarding his travel clothing. Nathan has spent the past few months or years testing each of the pants on this list, logging tens of thousands of miles driving and flying. His current go-to pants are Vuori’s Ripstop Pants and Patagonia’s Skyline Traveler Pants. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 13 below. Continue to 9 of 13 below. Continue to 13 of 13 below.