The 11 Best Women’s Travel Pants of 2023

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Best Women's Travel Pants

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

The best travel pants combine fashion with function to ensure you're as comfortable as possible on the plane and will still look great when you land. Because suitcase space is often limited, travel pants should also be lightweight and able to serve many different purposes, from withstanding adventurous activities to fitting in at pubs and restaurants. Features to look for in travel pants include stretchy, quick-drying fabric, zippered pockets, and the ability to resist wear and tear. You may also consider cut and color.

Read on for the best women's travel pants below.

The Rundown

Best Overall: prAna Women’s Halle Pants at Amazon

"An exceptionally comfortable travel companion."

Best Budget: AJISAI Women's Joggers Pants at Amazon

"The cuffed hem makes these joggers great for day to night."

Best Curvy Fit: Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Pants at Amazon

"Looks great on ladies with fuller hips and thighs."

Best for Hot Weather: Everlane The Easy Chino at Everlane

"You'll stay cool thanks to its lightweight cotton twill construction."

Best for Cold Weather: Outdoor Ventures Pants at Amazon

"The ideal solution for women who are traveling somewhere cold."

Best for Comfort: Lululemon Keep Moving Pant 7/8 High-Rise at Lululemon

"Made of the brand's signature Luxtreme fabric."

Best Active: Black Diamond Alpine Women’s Pants at Amazon

"Purpose-built for scaling cliff faces and tackling challenging hiking trails."

Best Convertible: Columbia Women’s Pants at Dick's Sporting Goods

"Zip them off at the knee to create shorts when you get too hot."

Best Skinny Fit: prAna Women’s Briann Pants at Amazon

"Looks just as great with heels as it does with hiking boots."

Best Leggings: Girlfriend Collective Compressive Legging at Girlfriend Collective

"These leggings provide major support without feeling restrictive."

Best Overall: prAna Women’s Halle Pants

prAna Women’s Halle Pants

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Hidden pocket for valuables

  • Choice of inseam length

  • Built-in sun protection

What We Don't Like
  • Hand wash only

Made from a light, breathable Stretch Zion fabric (97 percent nylon, 3 percent spandex), the prAna Halle Pants make for an exceptionally comfortable travel companion—especially on long plane journeys. A water-repellent DWR coating means they also dry quickly and four-way stretch and articulated knees give you the flexibility you need for adventurous activities like hiking and climbing. Additionally, UPF 50+ protection prevents you from getting burned during sun-heavy outings.

These comfortable pants also look as good as they feel and can double as pants for dinner with friends. They feature trouser styling with a button front fly, a straight leg, and mid-rise height. The relaxed fit suits most body types and leaves room for movement. You can also customize your look using the roll-up leg feature, which includes a button and tab closure. Four pockets and a hidden zip stash on the upper leg for your phone and cards are a bonus to these pants. The pants are available in sizes 00 to 22 with a short, regular, or tall inseam. Colors range from Equinox Blue to Green Jasper.

Price at time of publish: $85

Sizes: 00-22 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable

Best Budget: AJISAI Women's Joggers Pants

What We Like
  • Comfortable elastic waistband

  • Quick dry material

  • Tons of colors

What We Don't Like
  • Sizing can run small

Over the last few years, joggers have become a prevalent and stylish version of sweatpants. They have the comfort, stretch, and drawstring waistband of sweats but look slightly more elevated. That chic style comes in handy when you want to go straight from the airport to casual drinks.

The AJISAI joggers have a cuffed hem that hits right at the ankle, flattering for various sizes and heights. The overall style isn’t super skinny but still has a fitted, tapered cut. The 25 percent stretch adds to the comfort factor, too. Plus, these pants feature two deep pockets, so you can carry small essentials if you choose to nix the purse or a bag. These budget-friendly joggers can easily become a travel go-to, whether you’re running through the terminal to make your flight or taking a walking tour in your favorite city. 

Price at time of publish: $37

Sizes: XS-XXL | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable

Best Curvy Fit: Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Pants

What We Like
  • Bulk-free and easy to pack

  • Great for layering

  • Machine washable

What We Don't Like
  • Side pockets are small for most phones

The Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Pants offer a slightly curvier fit that looks great on ladies with fuller hips and thighs. The mid-rise height sits just below your natural waistline, and the classic cut is both flattering and relaxed for ultimate comfort. Available in sizes 0 to 24, the pants come in four different inseam lengths, ranging from petite to plus. Two-way stretch Flexion fabric blends nylon and spandex to create a quick-drying product that’s both lightweight and easy to pack without taking up much space.

Other highlights include its durable, water-repellent finish and integrated Freeshade UPF 50+ sun protection. You can keep essentials like keys, and cards close at hand in one of two zippered cargo pockets. These Eddie Bauer pants come in six dark colors that are naturally slimming and great for hiding dirt. Options include med indigo, slate green, and maroon. If you’re planning a trip to colder climates and need some extra insulation, the pants are stretchy enough to wear over your base layers. 

Price at time of publish: $55

Sizes: 0-24 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable

Best for Hot Weather: Everlane The Easy Pant

What We Like
  • Relaxed fit in the thigh area

  • Available in sizes 00 to 16

What We Don't Like
  • Only one hem length

When traveling during hot summer months, you'll want breathable, breezy pants that won't leave you drenched in sweat. Enter these chino-style pants from Everlane, one of the brand's bestselling products. You can rest assured knowing you'll stay cool and comfortable thanks to its lightweight cotton twill construction (98 percent cotton, 2 percent elastane). The Easy Pants also feature a pull-on waistband and tapered leg for a flattering, relaxed fit. Available in five stylish colors—pewter green, black, cream, espresso brown, and cobalt blue—these Everlane's the Easy Pants are great outside of travel, including for casual workwear, to run errands, or around the house.

Price at time of publish: $88

Sizes: 00-16 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable

Best for Cold Weather: Outdoor Ventures Sleek Fleece-Lined Pants

What We Like
  • Durable, waterproof exterior

  • Adjustable waist

  • Works well with different shoes

What We Don't Like
  • Sizing runs small

These fleece-lined pants from Outdoor Ventures are the ideal solution for women traveling somewhere cold and wanting to stay warm without wearing additional layers. The polyester and spandex outer layer is fully windproof and waterproof and available in black, dark blue, purple, and purple camouflage. This means you can venture out into the snow and ice without worrying about the cold seeping through. Even better, the inner lining is made from 100 percent polyester fleece for unparalleled warmth and comfort.

Although these pants are noticeably thicker than the others on this list, four-way stretch affords the flexibility you need to go snowshoeing, skiing, or climbing. Zippered bottoms allow the pants to fit easily over your snow boots or hiking shoes, while an external waist adjustment system lets you alter the width by up to 2 inches. The hand pockets are zippered for extra security and have reflective pulls for low-light visibility (especially handy in countries with limited daylight hours). The comfortable pants are bootcut with a regular fit and come in sizes XXS to 2XL.

Price at time of publish: $50

Sizes: 2-16 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable

Best for Comfort: Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Crop 23'' Pant

What We Like
  • Versatile for travel and beyond

  • Breathable

  • Sweat-wicking

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

Stay comfortable without sacrificing style with these joggers from Lululemon. These relaxed-fitting pants are versatile enough to wear to grab brunch with friends, on a hiking trail, or during a day trip. Best of all, the pants feature Luxtreme fabric—the brand's signature, four-way stretch fabric that's sweat-wicking for a breathable and cool feel. Plus, there's an adjustable drawcord to modify your fit. The simple, high-rise pants come in two versatile colors—black and navy—and should flow with and shape your body.

Price at time of publish: $98

Sizes: 0-20 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable

Best Active: Athleta Trekkie North Jogger

What We Like
  • Range of sizes

  • UPF 50+

  • Material resists snags

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

Whether your outdoor activities involve hiking, biking, camping, or anything with tons of action, Athleta's Trekkie jogger pants are a winner. The two-way stretch allows easy movement, and the recycled nylon and spandex material dries quickly and wicks away sweat.

Also, a large bag might be inconvenient when you're on the go. Luckily, these pants have three zipper pockets to store all your essentials, with one in the back and two in the front for any items you might want more access to. The adjustable hem works for a range of heights or even activities. It is no wonder why these are beloved by customers.

Price at time of publish: $55

Sizes: 0-26 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable

Best Convertible: Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail II Convertible Pants

Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail II Convertible Pants

Columbia

What We Like
  • Regular and long inseam

  • Perfect for a range of temperatures or activities

What We Don't Like
  • Can feel tight in the thighs

The Columbia Women's Saturday Trail II Convertible Pants are standard mid-rise, straight-leg pants. That is, until you get too hot, and zip them off at the knee to create shorts with a 10-inch inseam. This versatility is handy if you have limited packing space or are traveling to an area where temperatures vary greatly throughout the day. The fabric combines 94 percent nylon with 4 percent elastane for unrestricted movement. Articulated knees and a gusseted seat also guarantee your flexibility and the pants' overall active fit.

Use the leg hem cinches to achieve a tighter closure around the top of your boot to prevent dirt or insects from finding their way inside. The Columbia women's pants also benefit from water and stain-repellent technology and built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, ensuring you're ready for all kinds of adventures at a moment's notice. You have two Velcro-secured pockets on the back, two standard front pockets, and one zippered security pocket on the thigh. Color options include black, pond, truffle, and British tan. Plus-sizes are available for curvier ladies. 

Sizes: 2-16 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable

Best Skinny Fit: prAna Women’s Briann Pants

What We Like
  • Three inseam lengths

  • Neutral tones that work for all occasions

What We Don't Like
  • Mid-rise waist isn't great for intense activities

Ladies who like the slim silhouette of skinny jeans will love prAna’s Briann Pants. Their fitted design looks just as great with heels and a smart top as it does with hiking boots and a waterproof jacket, giving you the freedom to go from backcountry to bar with a simple change of accessories. The pants are mid-rise, with traditional five-pocket styling. Thanks to the brand’s unique Stretch Zion fabric, they don’t feel restrictive despite their snug fit. You’ll still have all the flexibility to jump in and out of safari jeeps or run through the airport terminal as you make flight connections.

The fabric is also water and abrasion resistant and won’t wrinkle, so you can wear the pants straight out of your suitcase. If you get caught in a downpour, they’ll dry in minutes, and a UPF 50+ rating protects you from the sun’s damaging UV rays. To ensure a good fit, prAna offers three different inseam lengths: short, regular, and tall. Color options are nature-inspired and include thistle, moonrock, wedge wood, and cargo green.  

Sizes: 00-18 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable

Best Leggings: Girlfriend Collective Compressive Legging

Compressive High-Rise Legging

Girlfriend Collective

What We Like
  • Available in more than a dozen colors

  • Made from eco-friendly materials

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

Leggings aren’t just those bland pants you put on as an afterthought. They can actually be quite flattering and great for tons of activities. Girlfriend Collective’s leggings have all the necessary stretch and compression support, plus a good high-waist fit. These are the pants you want to wear if you’ll be moving around a lot and need the waistband to stay in place. 

The website makes it easy to find a size that’s just right for you. The sizes range from XXS to 6XL, and there’s even the option to select the inseam length. This is perfect for those who are petite or tall, so there’s no more worrying about the material bunching or being too short. Bonus: These leggings also feature recycled materials.

Price at time of publish: $78

Sizes: XXS-6XL | Pockets: No | Care: Machine washable

Best Capris: CRZ YOGA Women's Stretch Cropped Pants

What We Like
  • Wrinkle-free material

  • Sweat-wicking

What We Don't Like
  • Long for petite women

These comfortable capris can take you from a unique yoga experience to street food downtown. They are fit for casual travel outings and hiking. The pants’ blend of polyamide and spandex means they’ll move with you and side pockets make them convenient to travel with. The subtly striped material is also breathable and quick drying. A wide elastic waistband with a drawstring closure makes the capri-length pants even more comfortable; they won’t dig into your waist even during long flights abroad. The inseam is 23 inches long.

Price at time of publish: $30

Sizes: XXS-XL | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable

What to Look for in Women's Travel Pants

Price

For travel pants that will last more than a season, expect to pay around $100. If you're looking for pants for a single trip, you can plan to spend less. When deciding how much you should spend, consider your budget and how often you'll use the pants. If these are going to be your new go-to travel and adventure pants, it might be worth getting a bit spendy. But if you use them a few times a year, go for a budget option.

Fit

Above all, travel pants should be comfortable. They should stretch and move with you, whether you’re sitting on a trans-Atlantic flight or exploring near the Spanish Steps in Rome.

Material

Pants made of cotton and linen are more breathable; however, they’ll also show wrinkles from a long day of sitting or touring. Cotton is also not the best option for outdoor activities. Look for pants made of comfortable, technical materials, such as nylon or Lycra.

Style

The best travel pants will have loads of versatility. They should be able to be dressed up or dressed down and take you through a day full of activities. Business travelers may seek a pair in basic black or another neutral color, while leisure travelers may look for clothing with more personality.  

Pockets

For many women, pockets are a must-have. They’re even more essential in travel pants. They’ll store your phone, hotel key card, or lip balm while you’re on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How should you wash your pants?

    Check the label and follow the instructions. If you’re traveling and have only packed one or two pairs of all-purpose pants, you may need to wash them while you’re away. You can wash your pants in the sink using warm soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly under the tap. Wring out any excess water with your hands and hang the pants to air dry. Because they are likely made of technical material, they won’t take long to dry.

  • How do you take your size measurements?

    First, you’ll need a measuring tape to gauge your size. To find your waist measurement, measure around the smallest part of your waist. Do the same with the fullest part of your hips for that measurement. For your inseam measurement, measure from your inner thigh to the bottom of your ankle. Alternatively, take your best-fitting pants and measure from the inside of the leg to the hem, then find a pair with similar measurements.

  • How do you know if they’ll be comfortable?

    Try on the pants in person, before or after you purchase them (and before removing the tags). Be sure to walk around in the pants and sit in them. Make sure the pants move with you and feel relaxed no matter how you move.

Why Trust TripSavvy

Author Jessica Macdonald is a freelance writer specializing in travel, scuba diving, and wildlife conservation. She is a two-time winner of The Telegraph's Just Back travel writing competition and has written extensively for a variety of magazines, travel agencies, websites, and PR companies. 

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