Our travel activities are diverse, and we need pants that can cover all the bases. Thankfully, weve legged it just about clear across the country in the best travel pants for women and settled on this wardrobe of winners for your next trip.

　　While comfort and mobility are essential for an active traveler, we also looked for versatile styles that transfer easily to a night out on the town or even a work event. Weve worn top picks like the Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants everywhere from redeye flights to afternoon hikes, and cheaper options like the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pantsare great for padding out your travel choices.

　　Lead traveler Katie Griffith tested 13 different pairs of pants for this guide, wearing them all over the Western U.S. and beyond for almost 2 years. The broader testing team traveled as far north as British Columbia and all the way south to Joshua Tree, Calif., with countless stops in between. These pants have kept us cool during summer heat waves, comfortable on over 5,000 miles of road-tripping, and classy exploring downtown Vancouver, British Columbia.

　　We are active travelers, always seeking diverse adventures when we leave our front doors. When testing, we focused on comfort, style, versatility, durability, and relative value when comparing these pants. We’ve selected the best styles to keep you moving through the world, wherever you may go.

　　Check out our comprehensive Buyer’s Guide and Price Value sections for helpful tips. And have a look at our Comparison Chart if you need help in steering your decision-making.

　　Editors Note: We updated our Travel Pants for Women guide on November 11, 2024, to add a new Price Value section, as well as additional information on comparable pants to our top picks.

　　The Best Travel Pants for Women of 2024 Best Overall Travel Pants for Women: Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants Best Budget Travel Pants for Women: Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants Most Versatile Travel Pants for Women: Outdoor Voices RecTrek Pants Most Stylish Travel Pants for Women: Topo Designs Dirt Pants Best Weather Resistant Travel Pants for Women: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants Best Work-Ready Travel Pants for Women: Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants $99 at REICheck price at patagonia

　　Specs Fabric: 89% recycled polyester, 11% recycled spandex blend UPF Treatment: No DWR Finish: Yes Fit: Regular fit, tapered legs Pockets: Five with two zip pockets Weight: 9.3 oz. Pros Lightweight, breathable fabric Excellent mobility and stretch Sleek, versatile look DWR fabric is resistant to spills and stains Made in Fair Trade Certified factory Cons Zip pocket is not big enough for a phone No UPF rating Katie Griffith The Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants ($99) are constructed with the exact combination of fabric, style, and features that we’re looking for in a pair of travel pants. Newly updated, the Happy Hikes gain a wide waistband, knit cuffs, and a thigh pocket. With these winning marks, they took home the award for this year’s Best Overall Travel Pants for Women. 

　　Similar in style to our previous award winner, the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle pants, the Happy Hikes are made a fabric that is sleeker and easier to dress up. While we loved the Dynama Ankle pants, we found that after sustained use, the fabric stretched and tended to pill. So far, the polyester-spandex blend on the Happy Hike Studios has held its shape after repeated uses and washes. We felt that the extra $10 to jump up to the Happy Hikes was well worth it.

　　You can feel good about that fabric, too, as its all recycled polyester and spandex, and the waistband and cuffs are even made from NetPlus postconsumer nylon — recycled fishing nets. All these fabrics are Bluesign-certified, and the pants are sewn in a Fair Trade Certified factory. Thats a win for eco-friendly globetrotters.

　　We love how lightweight and breathable these pants are. Katie stayed cool and comfortable while hiking and climbing on a spring trip to Red Rock Canyon, where she encountered daytime highs in the 80’s. She only wished they had a UPF rating to better protect against the strong desert sunshine. 

　　While they’re great for active use, we especially love this pair because they also look put together for sightseeing or grabbing drinks. The DWR finish makes them resistant to spills and stains, which is essential on a longer trip. With the right combination of style, features, and fabrics, the Happy Hike Studio Pants could truly be the only pair of pants you bring on your next active vacation.

　　Read More Best Budget Travel Pants for Women Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants $85 at REICheck Price at Backcountry

　　Specs Fabric: 94% nylon, 6% elastane UPF Treatment: 50 DWR Finish: Yes Fit: Slim, tapered leg Pockets: Four, with one zip thigh pocket Weight: Unavailable Pros Lightweight and breathable fabric Versatile style for both active use and casual wear Stretchy fabric offers great mobility Zip pocket Cons Waistband sags a bit when a phone is carried in the zip pocket Fabric pills and stretches out over time Katie Griffith Building out your wardrobe for your next trip? Look no further than the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants ($85). The stretch-woven nylon fabric is extremely lightweight, making it perfect for an active day of exploration in the heat, and the price is right to even grab a couple to rotate through on longer trips.

　　The high elastic waistband offers maximum comfort, while the faux zipper gives the pants a sleeker look. The functionality of these pants doesn’t sacrifice style, either. With a tapered leg and low-profile pockets, you’ll transition seamlessly from crushing at the climbing wall to exploring around town.

　　We brought these on a multi-sport camping trip to Squamish, British Columbia, and didn’t need another pair of pants the entire weekend. From climbing classic routes to going out for gelato in the bustling mountain town, these pants did it all. Talk about versatility. Similar styles include the Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants, which is a bit thicker weave than these, making the Dynamas the choice for warm weather.

　　With sunny weather in the upper 80s on this trip, and we appreciated the high UPF rating, which measures how much the fabric protects against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The lightweight fabric kept us cool despite the steamy conditions, and these pants are so comfortable we even fell asleep in them!

　　After plenty of days exploring, the Dynamas hung tough, and for the money, we were impressed. They’re also comfortable, attractive, and highly versatile, making the Dynama Ankle pants a great overall option for any active traveler needing a few extra solid pants to get in the rotation.

　　Read More Most Versatile Travel Pants for Women Outdoor Voices RecTrek Pants $49 at REI

　　Specs Fabric: 90% nylon, 10% elastane UPF Treatment: N/A DWR Finish: Yes Fit: Slightly roomy, mid-rise Pockets: Three, with two identical side zip pockets Weight: Unavailable Pros Big enough zip pockets to fit a phone, wallet, and keys Weather resistant fabric Excellent mobility Comfy, roomy fit Cons Less breathable in warm weather Fabric pills quickly Katie Griffith Outdoor Voices calls the RecTrek Pants ($98) its MVP or “Most Versatile Pants,” and we have to agree. In fact, these also made it onto our list for this year’s Best Women’s Climbing Pants. The RecTreks offer a high level of mobility and durability without looking too sporty or technical, which is the multi-purpose vibe we’re looking for in every pair of travel pants. 

　　Since she started wearing the RecTreks while updating the climbing pants guide, lead tester Katie has been doing everything in them. She is a Joshua Tree local and was able to put these to the test in some stormy spring weather in the desert. The water-resistant fabric held up well on a windy, wet day exploring the national park. When temps warmed up, she noticed that the pants felt less breathable than lighter options like the Mountain Hardwear Dynama.

　　We love the big zip pockets for securing a wallet or keys. They’re even deep enough to stash a phone, which is a rare feature in women’s pants. We also like the elastic waistband and roomy fit for all-day comfort. One thing we would have liked to see is a hidden ankle drawcord. Katie found herself stuffing the bottoms of the pants into her socks to prevent a draft on windy days. She also noticed the fabric starting to pill after a few months of heavy use. 

　　Despite those few adjustments, Katie has been wearing these pants almost daily. She has logged ten-hour driving days, hiked and climbed in blustery desert weather, dressed them up with a crop top for drinks, and fallen asleep in them more often than not. For a go-anywhere, do anything pant, look no further than the RecTreks.

　　Read More Most Stylish Travel Pants for Women Topo Designs Dirt Pants $99 at REICheck Price at Backcountry

　　Specs Fabric: 98% organic cotton, 2% spandex UPF Treatment: No DWR Finish: No Fit: Straight leg Pockets: Four, with one internal zipper pocket Weight: 8.2 oz. Pros Good amount of stretch Cute colors and trendy cut Optional ankle drawcord Hidden zipper pocket Cons Showed significant wear after one year of hard use Less ideal for active use Katie Griffith Topo Designs sent us a pair of the Dirt Pants ($99) when we first tested the more climbing-specific Boulder Pants. Even though they weren’t the pair we were originally after, we found ourselves living and traveling in the Dirt Pants so much that we recommended them for this year’s line-up. With a casual style that just wont quit, these pants are our choice for cutting around remote downtowns and markets.

　　The organic cotton is soft and comfortable, and the 2% spandex provides just enough stretch for us to consider these suitable for travel. Katie has worn these on flights, to outdoor concerts, out to dinner in Palm Springs, and on long road trips up and down the West Coast. She doesn’t typically choose them for high-intensity activities like climbing or hiking, but theyve got enough durability to make it happen every now and then.

　　As a climbing guide, she doesn’t have many pairs of non-technical pants in her wardrobe rotation; these were one of two. She wore them hard all year, enough that she developed a wear spot on the backside of the pants. Some of the fabric around the elastic waistband is also starting to fray. 

　　While not quite as durable as we hoped, we loved the fit and style so much that she still wants them in another color (and they have great colors!) As someone who has a hard time finding pants that are small enough in the waist and big enough in the thighs, Katie liked the elastic waistband and straight-leg style. At five foot two, she’s shorter than average, and the length worked well for her; taller people should expect them to hit above the ankles. 

　　For trips that involve a lot of hiking or other outdoor activities, we’d recommend pants with a bit more mobility and breathability, like the Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants. But for sightseeing, air travel, road trips, shorter hikes, and simply everyday life, the Dirt Pants are a cute and comfortable option.

　　Read More Best Weather-Resistant Travel Pants for Women Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants Check Price at Eddie Bauer

　　Specs Fabric: 95% nylon, 5% spandex UPF Treatment: 50+ DWR Finish: Yes Fit: Moderately curvy Pockets: 2 zip thigh pockets, 2 hand pockets Weight: 9.9 oz. Pros Bluesign-certified fabric ensures safe and sustainable textile production Great water resistance Two-way stretch fabric offers plenty of mobility Wide range of size options Cons Slightly heavy fabric Visible logo Katie Griffith If you’re planning a trip with lots of mountain time, the Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants ($85) are the perfect pair to pack. They boast a burly weave, UPF protection of 50+, and a DWR finish that sheds light rain or spills, making the Guide Pros optimal for outdoor activities.

　　The visible logo on the side detracts a bit from aesthetics, but we like the low-profile zip pockets better than the traditional cargo-style look of many women’s travel pants.

　　Katie wore these on a hike to the top of the Stawamus Chief in Squamish, British Columbia. She found the fabric a bit heavy for warm, summertime temps but expected they’d be great on a mission higher in the mountains or during cooler weather. The zip pockets on the side were a bit too small to fit her phone, which she likes to keep handy on hikes for navigation purposes.

　　These pants run about a size bigger than most of the other styles we tested, and the fit is moderately curvy. We needed a belt to keep these from sliding down while hiking, so the belt loops were a plus! We appreciate how many size options Eddie Bauer offers in this style; they’re made in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes to help you dial in the perfect fit. 

　　Overall, for active pursuits where you may find yourself subjected to the elements, the Guide Pro Pants are a great pair of women’s travel pants to own. If you dont need the full-tilt protection these pants offer (but still want to take them near-anywhere), the Outdoor Voices RecTrek Pants are a great pivot.

　　Read More Best Work-Ready Travel Pants for Women Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants check price at athleta

　　Specs Fabric: 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane UPF Treatment: 40+ DWR Finish: No Fit: Semi-fitted Pockets: 2 zip pockets, 2 hand pockets Weight: Unavailable Pros Great style, fun color options Silky, wrinkle-resistant fabric Quick-drying Hidden zip pockets Cons Less versatile for highly active use Katie Griffith The Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants ($99) are our top choice for work travel, with a professional cut and wrinkle-resistant fabric. They win big in the comfort department, too, with silky, ultralight fabric that moves easily with you wherever you go. These would be perfect for a long flight followed immediately by a work meeting or social engagement.

　　Katie wore these on a visit to the Seattle Aquarium with her highly active 2-year-old niece before grabbing lunch downtown. She loved the freedom of movement they allowed her while chasing after a toddler, and she felt chic exploring the city.

　　After packing them haphazardly in her duffel bag for her trip, she also discovered that the silky fabric is also surprisingly resistant to wrinkles. She also liked the hidden zip pocket in the back for stashing a small key or credit card while out and about. 

　　We wouldn’t recommend the Brooklyn Ankle Pants for highly active pursuits like hiking or rock climbing, but they are one of the only women’s travel pants we tested that would transition seamlessly from a plane to the office. Made from recycled polyester sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles, they also score bonus points for sustainability.

　　Read More Best of the Rest Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pants Check Price at Backcountry

　　Specs Fabric: 88% nylon, 12% spandex UPF Treatment: 40+ DWR Finish: Yes Fit: Slim, tapered leg Pockets: Five pockets with one zip thigh pocket Weight: 10 oz. Pros Lightweight, breathable fabric with good stretch Stylish fit Zip pockets Two inseam lengths available Cons Ankle zippers make the length less flexible Katie Griffith Patagonia combines style and mobility with the Skyline Traveler Pants ($99). They’re high-waisted and form-fitting with slim, tapered legs in a cut similar to skinny jeans. Scoring big points in versatility, these pants are easy to dress up or down.

　　The stretch-woven blend of nylon and spandex is lightweight and breathable and allows good mobility. With a low-profile side zip pocket, these pants check a lot of boxes for us.

　　During a heatwave in Washington, Katie stayed comfortable wearing these pants while car camping. She said they felt cool and breathable, even in sweltering conditions. Boasting a UPF rating of 40+, the Skyline Travelers also provide solid sun protection, and the DWR finish curtails light moisture.

　　Our lead reviewer passed these on to a taller friend because the regular inseam seemed to run a bit long. Additionally, the ankle zippers make it difficult to adjust the length because it’s awkward to wear them rolled up.

　　Patagonia does make these in a 28-inch and 30-inch inseam, so we recommend trying them on to increase the odds of finding a good fit. 

　　Read More prAna Sancho Boyfriend Pants $95 at REIcheck price at backcountry

　　Specs Fabric: 98% organic cotton, 2% Lycra elastane UPF Treatment: No DWR Finish: No Fit: Relaxed, boyfriend fit, mid-rise Pockets: Four drop-in pockets Weight: Unavailable Pros Soft, comfortable cotton Belt loops Big pockets Cons Inconsistent fit Less ideal for active use Katie Griffith For when you need to look a bit more put together on the go, the prAna Sancho Boyfriend Pants ($95) are a great option. With a relaxed fit, these are great for checking out museums and urban sightseeing. They could even be dressed up a bit for a casual work meeting or lunch. 

　　The fabric blend is similar to the Topo Designs Dirt Pants; the organic cotton is soft and cozy, while the elastane provides just enough stretch for these to fit in our travel pants category. They’re less optimal for highly active travel but great for all-day wear.

　　The roomy, relaxed fit also makes them comfy enough for air travel or long drives. Katie brought them on a road trip to Bend, Oregon, where she wore them while checking out bookstores and breweries around town.  

　　Our main complaint is the inconsistency of the fit. Weve has owned several pairs of prAna pants, and always have a hard time predicting how different styles will fit. Sure enough, the Sancho Boyfriend Pants were way too big in the waist and thighs. Luckily, they have belt loops, but wearing them with a belt made the fabric bunchy around the waist. If buying another pair, we would size down from our normal prAna fit.

　　Besides the legwork of finding the right fit, the Sancho Boyfriend Pants have a lot going for them. The loose boyfriend fit is a comfortable option to jump into for long days in the saddle, and they look dang good to boot.

　　Read More

　　We legged it across the country in these pants, and the lineup weve cultivated is just about the best weve worn to date; (photo/Taylor Gerlach) Travel Pants for Women Comparison Chart

　　Theres likely a traveling pants joke to be made here, but well refrain; (photo/Taylor Gerlach) Our Expert Testers The author of and main contributor to this guide, Katie Griffith, works as a seasonal climbing guide and spends much of the year traveling for work in her cargo van. When she’s on the road, her wardrobe is limited to whatever she can fit in a duffel bag, so she knows well the value of multi-purpose, wrinkle-proof clothing.

　　Katie regularly hosts camping-based climbing and yoga retreats, where she needs to present a trustworthy, professional appearance to her clients. After a day of guiding, she often takes clients out to dinner at local restaurants. If one pair of pants can carry her through the whole day, that’s a definite win.

　　We ask a lot of travel pants, and only those that were up to the task hit our list; (photo/Taylor Gerlach) Our Testing Process and Testing Grounds Our team of testers has worn these pants while traveling all over the American West, from the desert to the rainforest to the cityscapes of Seattle, San Francisco, and Portland. We even made it up to British Columbia to scale the granite cliffs of Squamish and explore the international cuisine of Vancouver. We’ve worn different styles while climbing, hiking, and biking, visited museums and aquariums, hosted dinners for clients, and logged (too many!) long days of driving.

　　Our travel needs are diverse, so were looking especially for versatility. If we wanted a technical pair of climbing or hiking pants for a specific objective, we’d pull from our gear guides detailing the Best Climbing Pants or Best Hiking Pants for Women.

　　For travel, we want pants that can do all of the above. They need to have enough comfort and mobility for active exploration while still looking put together for an evening out. Bonus points if we can sleep in them, too. Pants with large logos or super sporty styles did not make the cut, and neither did pairs that restrict movement or limit comfort.

　　While on the road, our access to laundry is limited, so wrinkle and stain-resistant fabrics are also highly desirable. A durable water-resistant (DWR) finish can help prevent fabrics from absorbing liquids, and a UPF rating protects us from the sun. Pockets are also a must, ideally deep ones that secure phones, wallets, and keys. At least one zipper pocket is a huge plus for added security.

　　We’ve scrutinized every detail of the pants in this guide, to make sure that they are up to these standards. Whether you’re hopping on a flight overseas or planning a cross-country road trip, we know these styles will serve you well.

　　(Photo/Taylor Gerlach) Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Travel Pants for Women Finding the best pair of travel pants depends on the type of trip you’re planning. We tested a variety of styles, some of which would fare better on a trip that’s heavy on outdoor activities, while others looked sharper for a fancy dinner or work event.

　　All must be comfortable while in transit, whether you’re road-tripping or traveling by air. Read through the categories below and consider the most important elements for your adventure.

　　Versatility

　　Consider what youll be getting up to once you land as well when deciding on travel pants — those that can do double-duty earned high marks; (photo/Taylor Gerlach) A pair of travel pants need to do more than just go for a hike. They should be in line with current styles, be appropriate to wear to a work function or dinner if needed, and include special features that make the travel experience a breeze.

　　The Outdoor Voices RecTrek Pants easily transition from activewear to everyday life, making them our top choice for versatility. The Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pants excel in several of the categories below, which is why they were in close second place for the versatility prize. We like how neither of these styles looks super sporty, but their fabrics are actually pretty technical. They both are quite stretchy, quick to dry, and water resistant. And both have great zip pockets.

　　The versatility competition between these two depends mostly on your personal style; do you prefer a skinny leg or a roomy fit? The RecTrek Pants are also a tad less breathable than the Skyline Travelers.

　　Comfort and Mobility

　　Comfort is paramount in a pair of pants for traveling in; (photo/Taylor Gerlach) An overseas flight or cross-country road trip always brings a certain level of discomfort. You might spend hours jammed in the middle seat of an airplane, or perhaps you’ll end up sleeping in your car at a rest stop. Exploring a new destination often means hours of walking through museums, riding bikes around town, or venturing into the mountains.

　　When you’re away from the comforts of home, your wardrobe makes a big difference. Knit waistbands, fabric blends that include elastane (spandex), and lightweight materials all increase comfort and mobility factors. The comfort of the Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants and the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle pants don’t sacrifice style and function, making them both excellent pairs of women’s travel pants to consider.

　　Fit

　　Many pants today are available in a number of different cuts, including slim, tapered, or roomy fits; (photo/Taylor Gerlach) While the ideal fit varies depending on body type and preference, the best travel pants keep you looking sharp, no matter the activity. Baggy lounge pants or cargo styles lost points with us, and we didn’t include any leggings or sweatpants on this list.

　　The pants that made the cut represent a variety of fits, so you can choose according to your personal taste. One of the main differences between styles is leg width. The Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pants and the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants have slim, tapered legs, while the Outdoor Voices Rectreks and the Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants have a more roomy fit. Despite differences in fit, all of the styles above have enough stretch to be comfortable.

　　While it’s always nice to try clothes on in person, we realize many folks shop online out of necessity. So, another helpful tidbit is the relative fit of the various options. We found the Lululemon Stretch High Rise Joggers to run a bit small compared with the other styles, while the prAna Sancho Boyfriend Pants run large. Patagonia adjusted the fit this year for the Happy Hike Studio Pants, so these run a bit slimmer than in past seasons.

　　Shoppers will find the widest size range in the Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants, with sizes from 00 to 26. The Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants also make it easy to dial in the perfect fit, with regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes up to 24W.

　　Style

　　You may as well look good when traveling, and these pants make the grade; (photo/Taylor Gerlach) The best pairs of women’s travel pants include aesthetic details and a flattering fit while retaining mobility and comfort.

　　The ideal style for your trip depends on your intended activities. Do you plan to spend a lot of time outside, hiking, biking, or climbing? A pair of high-stretch joggers like the Happy Hike Studio or the Dynama Ankle Pants will suit you well. With elastic around the ankles, the fabric won’t get stuck in bike spokes or get in the way of your climbing shoes.

　　For checking out museums and art galleries, you might feel more put together in a cotton style like the prAna Sancho Boyfriend Pants or Topo Designs Dirt Pants. We like the faux zipper and side panels of the ultra-comfortable Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants, details that help make them our favorite pair while traveling for work.

　　Pockets

　　Zippered pockets can be essential for storing items you cant afford to lose, but dont count out easy-to-access pockets for frequently needed kit like your phone; (photo/Taylor Gerlach) We love a pair of travel pants that keep our credit card, keys, and phone safe with functional zip pockets. Since we’re also keeping style in mind, a low-profile zip pocket is preferred over bulky cargo pockets. Almost all of the women’s travel pants we tested have at least one zip pocket. We like the hidden zips of the Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants for added security, though these would only fit a small key or credit card.

　　Our favorite pockets are the two big zippered ones on the Outdoor Voices Rectrek Pants. With the roomy fit of these pants, we were able to secure keys, phone, and wallet in the depths of these pockets without them showing much bulk.

　　UPF Treatment

　　A good UPF rating helps cut down on our sunscreen use; (photo/Taylor Gerlach) Whether you love walking around cities or exploring the mountains, traveling typically means more time spent outside. Clothing treated with UPF, which stands for ultraviolet protection factor, makes it easier to keep your skin protected during long days in the sun.

　　When a fabric boasts of UPF treatment of 50+, it offers your skin the maximum possible protection. The minimum rating you’ll see is UPF 15 — anything lower doesn’t provide much protection from UV rays. A pair of pants with a high UPF rating and fabric light enough to wear on a hot day is a win — yet another reason why we love Mountain Hardwear’s Dynama Ankle Pants!

　　Fabric Weight and Breathability

　　Keep in mind the climate youll be traveling to, as thicker pants can be stifling in warm and humid locales; (photo/Taylor Gerlach) Unless you’re headed for a winter destination, lightweight, breathable fabric is key to a good pair of travel pants. Remember, you’re going to be hauling your luggage through airports, back and forth from hotels, or possibly hiking into the mountains, so weight matters for all of the products you pack. Lighter fabric also packs down to a smaller size, reducing bulk in your luggage.

　　If you’ll be traveling in warmer weather, a breathable fabric will promote better moisture transfer as you work up a sweat. This will keep you more comfortable if you want to wear longer pants or sleeves to protect against the sun’s UV rays. The lightest and most breathable pants on this list are the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle pants. These have become our go-to pants for hot-weather activities. The Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants are also quite lightweight.

　　On the heavier, more weather-resistant end of the spectrum are the Outdoor Voices RecTreks and the Eddie Bauer Guide Pros. These fabrics performed better in windy, cooler conditions; we loved the Rectrek pants during an unseasonably cold desert trip this spring. Cotton fabrics will also feel heavier and less breathable than those made with nylon or polyester.

　　Water-Resistant and Wrinkle-Proof Fabric

　　A good wrinkle and water-resistant fabric means you can go longer between washes — a boon for hectic travel schedules; (photo/Taylor Gerlach) When access to laundry is limited, spill-resistant fabric is a big benefit. Several of the styles we tested, including the Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants and the Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants, are treated with a light DWR finish that causes liquids to bead and run off without leaving a stain. This also makes them more water-resistant if you find yourself out and about when a storm rolls through.

　　The cotton styles we included won’t perform as well against spills or rain; the Topo Designs Dirt Pants and the prAna Sancho Pants are slower to dry and less water resistant than those made with nylon or polyester. We didn’t include any travel jeans on the list, but denim performs similarly to cotton when it gets wet. In fact, we would probably only consider jeans to be “travel” jeans if they had added stretch from elastane or spandex.

　　On most adventures, your life is packed into a backpack or suitcase. Even the most meticulous clothing folders benefit from wrinkle-resistant fabric. If a pair of pants look fresh a week into a Europe trip, we’re stoked. We were surprised with how sleek the Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants looked after weeks of being stuffed in a duffel bag.

　　Price Value

　　Plane tickets or gas for the rig adds up, so were after a good value when it comes to travel pants; (photo/Taylor Gerlach) Budget It seems that to find the features we’re looking for — versatility, style, comfort, and good pockets — you’re likely to pay around $100. Almost all of the pants we included here fall between $95 and $100.

　　One of our favorites, the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants, came at a slightly lower price tag of $85. We have noticed over time that this pair doesn’t hold up quite as well as some of the others; the fabric tends to stretch out and pill over years of use. However, that is also true of some of the more expensive options.For padding out your travel wardrobe, were willing to mend a few holes here and there.

　　Mid-Tier Bumping up a little (and we do mean a little) in price nets you a bit more versatility, durability, and style. The Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants ($99) are versatile enough to wear from the yoga studio to the airport, and nets you nicer materials overall, including recycled polyester and spandex, as well as a number of pockets (and a few with zippers).

　　Spending a bit more can also get you a pair of pants that you can stretch the utility of into different aspects of life, like the work-ready Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants($99) or the stylish Topo Designs Dirt Pants($99).

　　Premium On the higher end, you’ll find the Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants clocking in at $150. These are constructed with more technical fabrics, which likely explains the higher price tag. With stronger wind and water resistance, the Guide Pros are made to withstand a wider variety of elements. This is typical of premium pants, which will lean further into the speciality realm and while theyll do excellent at what theyre made for, they might not do it all perfectly.

　　Frequently Asked Questions What are travel pants made of? Travel pants are made with a variety of fabrics, but most include some elastane (spandex) for stretch and mobility. The higher the percentage of elastane in the fabric, the stretchier the pants.

　　Nylon and polyester are other commonly used fabrics due to their quick-drying and moisture-wicking capabilities. The prAna Sancho Boyfriend Pants and the Topo Designs Dirt Pants are the only pairs we tested made with cotton, but they both still include 2% elastane or spandex for added stretch.

　　Are cargo pants good for travel? Pants with big cargo pockets are common in the hiking and travel pant lineup, but they’re not the only options around. The deep side pockets do provide some convenience when you want to stash a phone, wallet, or keys while exploring.

　　For added style, we like low-profile side zip pockets, like those on the Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pants or the hidden zip pockets on the Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants.

　　What are the best travel pants to wear on an airplane? When you’re crunched in a middle seat, your clothing should be as comfortable as possible. Soft fabric with elastane blends adds stretch when you’re in a contorted position.

　　Wrinkle-resistant fabric with a stylish fit allows you to deplane and go straight out to dinner without needing a wardrobe change. Several of the styles we tested blend all three of these factors, including the Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants and the Patagonia Skyline Travelers.

　　How many pants should I bring on a vacation? The best travel pants allow you to only pack one or two pairs for your entire trip. That’s why we looked for versatile styles that you can either take hiking or out to dinner.

　　Quick-drying fabrics make it easier to clean your pants in a sink while en route and DWR finishes prevent spills from soaking into the fabric in the first place. The Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants and the Outdoor Voices RecTrek Pants had the best DWR finish of the styles we tested.

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