Men’s clothing has evolved far beyond slacks, chinos, and jeans. It is now possible to find pants suitable for any activity, occasion, or situation. There are, however, some pants that are better than others! In this blog post, we will guide how to choose the best men’s travel pants.
You’ll need a pair you can rely on when travelling, especially if you’re carrying only one bag. You can wear the best men’s travel pants for all the occasions you might encounter in course of your travels. From delicious dinners to serious scrambles or long layovers, a good pair will have it all covered.
A thoughtful blend of comfort, durability, and additional functionality like stain resistance and pocket storage rounds out this excellent pair.
We’ll also discuss the best men’s travel pants for long flights and short destinations for your needs. The recommended trousers for travelling will also be revealed in this article.
Best Men’s Travel Pants
Let’s get to the choices right away. To start, there are options other than jeans. These are five-pocketed men’s travel trousers that have the appearance of jeans but have the functionality of travel pants. Start with these types of best men’s travel pants if you wear jeans most of the time around the house.
Outlier Slim Dungarees: Best Men’s Travel Pants
Jeans-inspired high-performance pants that are lighter, more comfortable, and simpler to care for than their denim counterparts.
The Outlier Slim Dungarees are the best pants for travelling, according to Fred, who recommends them. In January 2015, I made my first purchase of a pair. I have been wearing the pair that I have now since 2017. I continue to bring them with me on all of my trips and use them often around the house.
The Slim Dungarees (SDS) have the appearance of jeans. But they are more comfortable to wear. Furthermore convenient to pack more durable than any other trousers you could ever purchase.
You won’t need any of the additional bells and whistles that come with other men’s travel trousers since you’ll look beautiful no matter where you go, even if it’s a trendy city. The Outlier Slim Dungarees are perfect for you if you’re the kind of person who likes to keep things straightforward.
Why They Are Appealing to Us
The Slim Dungarees feature the same five-pocket cut as jeans and come in comparable hues such as black, grey, and indigo. They also have the same silhouette as jeans. Because the Workcloth fabric has a textured appearance. They give the impression of being canvas work trousers when seen up close.
Packable: the SDs have a clean appearance and a comfortable feel, making them ideal for travelling. Whenever I fly, I almost always have it on. However, if you do decide to bring them with you, SDs will take up a considerably smaller portion of the space in your backpack since they are much lighter than jeans.
In contrast to jeans, SDs are already comfortable straight out of the package. The fabric features a twofold weave, with more robust nylon on the exterior. The softer nylon and polyester combination on the inside where it will be in contact with your skin.
They offer a moderate stretch in both directions in addition to a gusseted crotch that makes movement simpler. The nylon material has been treated with F0 DWR so that it is resistant to water and stains.
Western Rise Evolution Pant
A second option to high-performance denim that has a looser fit, an increased number of pockets, and more affordable pricing.
Jeremy’s Choice: Because the Western Rise Evolution Pant has more space in the thighs, my first pick is the Western Rise Evolution Pant rather than the Slim Dungarees. The Slim Dungarees can be adjusted to fit like yoga pants, even if you don’t have very muscular thighs.
The texture of the fabric, both on the exterior and the inside is somewhat more cotton-like than that of the SDS, and it does not bother my skin in any way. You may have faith that they will perform approximately the same if they fit your thighs more comfortably. Because of this, they are a bargain to a certain extent.
Why They Are Appealing to Us
- The Evolution Pant and the Slim Dungaree are two styles that are quite similar. The Evolution Pant is designed to look like jeans. The cut is similar to that of traditional five-pocket jeans, but the fabric is stretchier and more comfortable overall. You may wear them more like jeans or khakis thanks to the fact that Western Rise provides them in six different basic hues. Nobody will be the wiser to the fact that you are sporting “performance” or “travel” trousers.
- The Evolution Pant has more space in the thighs and is more forgiving and comfortable than the SDs from the crotch to the knee. The Evolution Pant has a thigh measurement that is an inch and a half longer than the Slim Dungarees for a size 32 waist. Before making a purchase, you should first compare the size recommendations of each manufacturer.
- Durable: The Evolution Pant is built to endure for a very long time. Crotch blowout is not something you need to worry about with this product since it has a gusset that is six inches long and is made of durable material. The stain-resistant coating performs very well in its intended role. Before I realized I needed a new pair, I had already put in close to three years of use out of my previous pair.
Here are a few other things you should know
- The Evolution Pant offers two un-minimalistic features that I never use (at least not as advertised):
- Behind one of the normal back, pockets is a hidden, zippered pocket. Although I haven’t found a use for it, it doesn’t bother me either.
- The right hip pocket is now equipped with a “phone pocket” instead of a change pocket. There is a larger and deeper phone pocket than a normal change pocket. Although I appreciate it for holding my AirPods Pro case, I do not keep my phone in it.
- Version 2.0: Western Rise just finished a campaign on Kickstarter to pre-sell their new Evolution Pant 2.0, which has not yet been distributed to the public. The new model looks to have just a few minor changes, the most notable of which is probably the far more stretchy material. Even though I haven’t tested them yet, and even though they could be better than the first version, I continue to recommend the 1.0 version, which is now on sale for a lower price. With the help of this infographic, you can compare the two different versions side by side.
Best Travel Joggers
Joggers make for comfortable travel trousers, especially on lengthy trips. They have the same suppleness, cosiness, and stretchability as your favourite pair of best men’s sweatpants for travel.
The ideal pair of joggers will outperform your cotton best men’s sweatpants for travel while yet maintaining a level of style that allows them to be worn outside of the airport.
We strongly advise against carrying any trousers with you that will solely be worn on the aeroplane. On your journey, you should wear and wear often any pants that you bring with you or pack.
Choose a chic pair of joggers to take with you on your vacation so that you may wear them even on the days when you won’t be travelling.
DUER No Sweat Jogger
Sweatpants with a modern upgrade that are comfortable and flexible and can be worn (nearly) anyplace.
Nick’s Pick: The DUER No Sweat Joggers look fantastic and feel even better thanks to its contoured silhouette, low-rise waist, and gusseted crotch. These are the jeans I wear when I want to “do everything and do it in comfort.”
Because of their high level of all-day comfort and chic appearance, they are the ideal pair of joggers to wear when travelling to a new location.
Why They Are Appealing to Us
- Considering that they are basically just a fancier version of sweatpants, the No Sweat Joggers provide a remarkable amount of adaptability for an article of clothing. I put them on for workouts, for going out to bars and restaurants, and for relaxing about my Airbnb. They are wonderful in any environment.
- The combination of cotton and technical fabric that they use is quite comfortable to wear and stretches well; I really like how sturdy but comfortable it is. Wrinkling is a non-issue. They have a nice elasticity to them while yet maintaining their durability, due to the reinforced seams and generally strong manufacturing.
- Plenty of colour possibilities: Offering a wide range of colour options is one of DUER’s strong suits, and the No Sweat Joggers are no exception to this rule. They are offered in a constantly developing palette of new seasonal hues, and each of those colours looks fantastic.
- They also contain a hidden pocket that is protected by a zipper, which is something that you won’t find in the majority of joggers. I’ve found that this comes in handy in a number of settings, but especially while I’m riding my bike. This is because most cycling shorts have a low-cut waist, which makes it more likely that you’ll lose your phone or wallet when you’re peddling. Not while wearing these trousers.
What Else You Ought to Be Aware Of
- The price of these joggers is not at all reasonable, coming in at $129. However, due to the fact that they are durable, purchasing a pair of pants that will last you for an extended period of time is an investment that is well worth making.
Lululemon ABC Jogger Warpstreme
The aeroplane version of the ideal pair of trousers.
Jeremy recommends the ABC Joggers from Lululemon since they are really comfortable and convenient to wear on aeroplanes, particularly lengthy journeys. They live up to your expectations in terms of comfort and longevity, and their functionality.
Although they are roomier and more comfortable than any of the travel trousers described before, they nevertheless have an excellent fit.
Why We Like Them
- The Lululemon ABC Joggers are more comfortable than traditional sweatpants, and they can be worn in a variety of settings without seeming to be too casual. The Warpstreme fabric from Lululemon has a four-way stretch and the majority of the qualities that are typical of technical clothing and equipment.
- Versatile: My wife purchased these jeans for me during the epidemic to accommodate our new lifestyle, which consisted of spending countless hours in front of computers and going on lengthy walks. They functioned faultlessly, which was the primary factor in the product’s meteoric rise to the point where it is now almost everywhere. They are also convenient for use when travelling. Particularly in the event that you want to spend some time working from your hotel room or Airbnb while also relaxing. If you’re heading to the airport, the lobby of a hotel, or even out to lunch, you won’t feel out of place wearing these joggers. Even light to moderate exercises, like weightlifting, may be done with comfort while wearing them.
- Their pockets are so deep that they can contain enough supplies for a whole day.
What Else You Ought to Be Aware Of
- The water-resistant fabric with the DWR treatment will cost you an additional $20 due to the cost of the DWR treatment. In the not-too-distant future, I hope that will be the norm.
- Before travelling to museums, upscale restaurants, or for a night out on the town, you should switch out these pants for a pair that is more traditionally associated with the best men’s travel pants.
Best Travel Chinos
Chinos are more appropriate for more formal occasions than joggers are. Joggers are more casual. There is a good reason why chinos are a classic.
As an alternative to jeans, they provide an appearance that is cleaner and more sophisticated. The finest chinos for travel are perfect for dressing up a little, travelling for business, or simply for a style that’s different from jeans or joggers.
Outlier Futureslimworks
A high-performance chino that gives off an expert vibe, is easy to move about in, and is suitable for use throughout warmer months.
The Alternatives Open to Fred: To answer your question, yes, I do intend to choose anything else from Outlier. I have no shame in admitting that I am a fangirl and that the vast majority of my bottom half is comprised of pants produced by the same company.
Even though there are a number of other brands of travel clothing available, I still choose Outlier because their materials not only look great but also function very well, and there are neither superfluous pockets nor any unnecessary fluff.
Despite the fact that there are a number of other brands of travel clothing available, I continue to choose Outlier. They provide you with everything you need while excluding everything that isn’t necessary for you to use, therefore meeting all of your needs.
I bought my first pair of Futureslimworks in 2016 when they were still called the Futureworks, and I now possess two pairs that were acquired in 2017 and 2019, both of which show no noticeable indications of wear at this point in time.
Why We Find Their Arguments Convincing
High-performance: while being made from an entirely different fabric, the Futureslimworks feature qualities that are comparable to those of the Slim Dungarees. Both offer exceptional elasticity in both directions, a gusseted crotch, resistance to stains and moisture, and good longevity.
Wrinkle-resistance: the fabric used for the Futureslimworks F.Cloth has a smoother texture than the Workcloth used for the Slim Dungarees, making it an excellent choice for chinos and providing superior performance in warmer climates.
The nicest quality of the material is that, despite the fact that it seems wrinkled when you first take it out of the bag, the creases smooth themselves out as soon as you put it on. Never before have I seen a cloth transition from looking like a rumpled mess to looking wonderful instantaneously with no effort required.
Dressier than jeans: The Futureslimworks function well in business settings and at dressier occasions since you can’t tell that they’re “technology pants” due to the fact that they don’t have any pockets or features that aren’t essential.
This makes them seem more put together than jeans. I’ve even spoken at a conference while wearing them, and they’re perfect for a laid-back wedding. Because these chinos don’t have a crisp crease but rather a gentle drape, they are more appropriate for the best men’s travel pants business casual attire than formalwear.
Additional Information Regarding Slim: The Futureslimworks are considered to be slim. It should come as no surprise that the name fits the SDs. The Futuredarts are constructed from the same F.Cloth fabric as the standard darts, but they include a broader top block and a lower leg that is tapered more than the standard dart.
Bluffworks Ascender Chino
A pair of high-performance best men’s travel pants that have the appearance of traditional chinos but are equipped with ten pockets and a generous amount of flexibility.
The Choice of Shawn: When I first started reviewing travel trousers, I fell in love with a pair called the Bluffworks Tailored Chinos, which have since been discontinued. However, the Ascender Chinos are the enhanced successor to what was already my favourite pair of travel pants.
The Bluffworks Ascender Chinos are wonderful bottoms to have if you want to look good while travelling without compromising on comfort. They are cosy, long-lasting, and fashionable, and they may be worn in any weather. They have served me well in both Dublin and Bali, where I wore them.
Why They Are Appealing to Us
- You wouldn’t know it by looking at them, but these trousers contain a total of ten pockets in the front and back of the garment. This number does not include the concealed internal zipper pockets.
- Stretch: These have a wonderful stretch to them without having the sensation of a pair of jeggings. These are the jeans that I wear when I rock climb. I do, in fact, climb rocks while wearing chinos.
- Packing without Wrinkles: Roll them up, pack them in, and go (although I usually wear these on my flights and long travel days).
What Else You Ought to Be Aware Of
- Belt needed: The waistline expands when the garment is worn more than once. These expand with time, just like any other pair of jeans with an elastic waistband. You should get in the habit of wearing a belt.
- It’s possible that some people may find it to appear too “nice”: I like wearing chinos, but there are times when I’d rather have trousers that have a more laid-back appearance or at the very least don’t call for a belt.
The Best Travel Pants by Category
The Most Comfortable Pants for Long-Distance Flights
Pick up some jeans that feel great on your skin and provide a little bit of stretch if you’ll be taking a lengthy trip. We suggest wearing joggers, such as the DUER No Sweat Jogger or the Lululemon ABC Joggers, during lengthy flights.
Fashionable Trousers for Travel
We propose the Outlier Slim Dungarees or the Western Rise Evolution Pant if you are looking for something that is not only comfortable but also fashionable.
Choose a pair of travel chinos such as the Outlier Futureslimworks or the Bluffworks Ascender Pants if you need to seem a little more put together.
Pants for travel that aren’t too heavy
Our top options for travel pants are all really lightweight, easy to roll up, and pack more efficiently than your typical pair of jeans.
Most Comfortable Travel Pants
If you want to be as comfortable as possible, you should go for a pair of trousers that is flexible and can stretch a little bit as you move. Joggers, such as the DUER No Sweat Jogger and the Lululemon ABC Jogger, are the most comfortable travel trousers, and they are also the ideal pants to wear on lengthy trips.
Both the Western Rise Evolution Pant and the Bluffworks Ascender Chinos include zippered pockets on two separate types of trousers: five-pocket jeans and chinos, respectively. These zipped pockets provide a little bit more protection than “regular” pants.
The majority of the trousers produced by both manufacturers are equipped with zippered pockets.
Pants with a Stretch for Travel
Because they are constructed more like sweatpants or gym shorts, travel joggers from DUER and Lululemon will provide the most amount of flexibility possible.
Travel Dress Pants
Wool dress trousers with a crisp crease running down the front are considered to be the most “formal” kind of dress pants. The vast majority of tourists will not need a pair of trousers that are considered to be so formal while they are away.
Chinos that have been slimmed down and fashioned to perfection, such as the Futureslimworks or the Ascenders, look terrific in almost any setting. Be sure that they are not excessively long at the bottom or too baggy at the top, and that they have a good fit overall.
Wrinkle-Free Travel Pants
The trousers that are advised in this article are all very resistant to the formation of wrinkles. If you wear the pants above to a beautiful evening out, you won’t have to worry about them appearing wrinkled or rumpled to an unacceptable degree.
Pants Made of Nylon for Travel
The aforementioned pair of trousers are constructed from a variety of woven materials, including nylon, polyester, and even cotton.
The Outlier Slim Dungarees (made of 82 per cent nylon), the Western Rise Evolution Pant (ma
Why You Should Trust Us
We are a group of adventurers that place a high priority on our gear.
In 2010, Jeremy Cohen and I, Fred Perrotta, co-founded the travel backpack firm Tortuga. Since then, we have been manufacturing, selling, testing, and evaluating many pieces of gear in the industry.
We produce travel bags. However, we also do research and tests on every piece of clothing and piece of equipment that you may put in those bags.
On our blog here at Tortuga, we often discuss topics like packing, clothing, and gear. In order to provide our clients with sound recommendations on what to pack, we need to have a thorough understanding of the subject matter. And we are huge fans of gear.
Since I purchased my first pair of “travel trousers” in 2015—more on that pair is provided below—I have been putting new brands to the test ever since, all the while comparing my findings with those of other travellers and our clients.
When the clothing in question may also be considered gear, guys love to discuss it. Backpacks are my work. But both my job and my passion for travelling have instilled in me a healthy respect for the clothing and equipment that I bring along with me.
Additionally, Nick Hilden and Shawn Forno helped with the writing of this essay. Both Nick and Shawn are independent travel writers who have vast expertise and contribute often to the Tortuga blog. Both of them have a passion for travel.
What To Look For
The reason you should get trousers that are created expressly for travel is that they should represent a significant improvement over the pants you presently possess. If that is the case, you have no business purchasing new trousers with your own money.
Do not let yourself be tricked into purchasing specialised travel clothing that you will never wear outside of your trip. The following is a list of characteristics that are ideal for a pair of travel trousers.
Comfortable
It is important that the clothing you wear be comfortable and flattering to your figure.
It doesn’t matter how many cool features a piece of clothing has if you can’t stand wearing it because of the way it fits or you feel self-conscious about it.
To get the most out of your money, invest in a pair of jeans that you can also wear around the house. Make sure that you enjoy the way the pants appear first before you even think about how well they function.
You should wear them often when you are at home. In the event that they are unique items, you will never receive your money’s worth out of them. Therefore, you should go for the traditional appearance.
When worn against your skin, your pants should feel comfortable enough to allow you to wear them all day and on lengthy trips.
Choose trousers that not only fit well but also have some elasticity to them so that you may move about freely. Later on in this piece, when we get to the part on fabrics, we’ll go into greater detail about stretch.
Because comfort is subjective, it’s best to purchase many pairs and try them on in order. Before placing an order, it is recommended that you compare the dimensions listed on the website to the measurements of the pair of trousers in your closet that fit you the best.
Price
Different companies provide distinct connotations to the terms “slim,” “tapered,” and “normal” fit. Place a couple of separate orders so you can evaluate how different sizes suit you.
Before placing a purchase, be sure to research the return policies of each business to avoid being taken aback by unexpected costs such as return shipping, handling, or restocking fees. Also, keep in mind that if necessary, you may have your pants changed to fit better.
The price of travel pants might be rather high. They should be seen as an investment. If you would look better and be satisfied with your purchase if you pay an additional $20 to achieve the correct length or a tiny taper, then it is money well spent.
Value
You are not seeking anything inexpensive but rather something that offers a decent value. The nice thing, just like any other piece of gear, comes at a price. However, the superior product should also have a longer lifetime and function better across its whole working life.
I’ve had my travel trousers for years now, and despite the fact that I wear them several times a week—even around the house—there are just a few very little snags here and there that are almost impossible to see.
Do not make the purchase of travel trousers if you do not intend to wear them while you are not on a trip.
You don’t need travel pants. You must get a high-quality pair of jeans that can withstand the rigours of travel.
The entire cost is an important consideration for your budget. However, you need to think about the cost per wear in order to obtain excellent value.
You may be making an investment, but what is the worth of a pair of trousers that you like, that you can bring with you when you travel, and that you can wear between 100 and 200 times each year for a number of years? Check your work.
We won’t be reviewing the items that are the least expensive; instead, we’ll be covering the items that are the greatest. However, we continue to place importance on value. We paid for our trip pants ourselves. We are both buyers and dealers of various types of goods.
What to Avoid
The pyjamas, cotton sweatpants, and flowing hippie pants categories will not be covered in this guide. Our selections are not only comfy but also suitable for day-to-day use. We do not advocate pants that you would just wear on the aeroplane and that you would not wear again while travelling.
The optimal balance of features is another goal of our selections. Many pairs of trousers designed specifically for travel come with an extensive number of extra features that serve no purpose other than to make the pants seem more unique and to call attention to the fact that they are travel pants.
All of it is unnecessary for you. It is sufficient to have only one zipped pocket. It is unnecessary and makes for an unsightly pair of trousers to have a long list of zipped and concealed pockets.
Materials
Travel Jeans
Let’s begin with the most prevalent kind of pants material: denim, which is made of cotton. Both jeans and pants with a higher level of functionality are great in my book. I still like wearing raw denim that has been broken in, and I wear jeans at least once a week.
I have no trouble packing pants for a weekend vacation or wearing them on a flight that is just a few hours long. On the other hand, I usually leave mine at home when I go on longer excursions.
If you are going on a longer journey, you will either need to wear your jeans on the lengthy flight, or you will need to stow them in your suitcase, where they will take up an excessive amount of room.
Neither of these options is really good. Even though your jeans are comfortable in normal settings, you will begin to question your choice to wear them on an international trip as you reach the tenth hour of the journey.
If you are a fan of jeans, you should check out our selection of trousers that have five pockets and a jean-style design. These pants are lighter, more comfortable, and they travel better than denim does.
Nylon Versus Polyester
Pants designed specifically for travel are often crafted from nylon or polyester, two man-made fibres recognised for their superior performance. Both are hardy and may be dried out in a reasonable amount of time.
In an article on the materials used for backpacks, we discussed both the parallels and the differences between nylon and polyester.
Both nylon and polyester are low maintenance fabrics that do not crease easily and do not absorb stains well.
Although nylon is not necessarily “stronger,” it is more comfortable to wear, it stretches more easily, and it has a greater strength-to-weight ratio than polyester.
Polyester is less likely to pill, is more resistant to abrasion, and better maintains its colour than nylon.
They are also distinct from one another in terms of their resistance to water.
Defiant Against Water Use
Nylon is a hydrophilic material, which means that it may stretch out when it comes into contact with water. Polyester, on the other hand, is hydrophobic, meaning that it pushes water away.
Pants made of polyester and nylon often have a durable, water-repellent (DWR) coating added to them by the manufacturer to boost their resistance to water.
If you’ve ever seen a video in which an accidental spill of coffee runs straight off a pair of trousers. The reason for this is not the fabric of the pants but rather a DWR coating applied to the finish.
The use of perfluorochemicals is the primary cause for worry with regard to these coatings (PFCs). It is considered that PFCs are harmful to the environment and that they are difficult to break down.
The majority of the outdoor and apparel industry has already transitioned away from the C8 (i.e., having eight carbon chains) DWR and toward the shorter-chain C6 DWR, which is less toxic and degrades more quickly. This move was made in an effort to reduce the environmental impact of these industries.
Patagonia and other leaders in the industry aim to transition to C0 DWRs, which are devoid of PFCs. The performance of the C0 DWRs is not quite as good as that of the C6 DWRs.
The advantages of trousers with a C0 DWR exceed the modest drawbacks in performance, which is why we suggest pants with a C0 DWR. You need to decide which of the available options you wish to put first.
Stretch
Pants intended for travel should have some elasticity to them so that the wearer may enjoy a larger range of motion.
But it will have superior “recovery,” which means that it won’t “bag out” like certain trousers, such as flexible jeans. You may have seen this happen with other types of pants.
Some textiles get their stretchiness through the addition of elastane, often known as spandex or Lycra, to the original fabric, which might be cotton or polyester. Elastane has fantastic initial stretch, but as it wears out, it may become misshapen and lose its initial elasticity.
Because of this, we like textiles that either have a mechanical stretch or a little bit of elastane incorporated into them. Fabrics that contain larger percentages (more than 5 per cent) of elastane should be avoided since they do not maintain their form as well over time.
Conclusion
Your vacation wardrobe should begin with a pair of trousers that are durable and fashionable. At the same time, you can wear it often without washing it.
The very best trousers for travelling are ones that can be worn for extended periods of time without causing discomfort, are simple to clean, and are portable enough to be rolled up and stored in a bag.
The true measure of a pair of jeans is whether or not you can wear them nonstop. While travelling and still find yourself reaching for them when you go back home.
Check the care instructions for your jeans before you purchase them. So that you are aware of how to maintain them and whether or not you will be comfortable wearing them while travelling.
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