Tested: The Best Men’s Travel Pants for Your Next Adventure

Unless you have a strong proclivity for exploring the globe or frequently have to hop flights for work, chances are you’ve never spent much time thinking about travel pants, as our luggage, electronics, and other gadgets tend to receive the lion’s share of the attention when purchasing travel gear. The reality is, however, that travel pants are an incredibly important piece of one’s travel kit and can make an enormous difference in one’s overall travel experience. So, with this in mind, we’ve thoroughly scoured the sector, bringing you the latest and greatest the segment has to offer in this handpicked guide to and hands-on review of the best travel pants for men.

Selection & Testing

When seeking out the best travel pants on the market, we started by honing in on details such as material selection, cut and fit, features and trim, performance properties, and overall appearance and presentability. Scrutinizing these elements allowed us to then generate a shortlist of pairs that we suspected of representing some of the best currently out there — before proceeding to get hands-on with each pair and individually put them to the test. 

Because they’re intended for travel use, you can probably guess how we went about testing our favorite travel pants. For the last year or so, these travel pants were worn for any long-distance traveling I did, whether that be catching a domestic or international flight, taking a train, or going on a road trip or out-of-state drive. This allowed me to get a comprehensive sense of how comfortable each pair felt, as well as a much better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Because travel pants need to be packed away in a backpack or suitcase when not being worn, we also paid attention to how packable and compact each pair was. 

To get a better sense of how each pair performs once you arrive at your destination, we also spent several days wearing each pair to work, which also helped provide a better overall understanding of what it’s like to live with each pair, as well as how versatile each pair was. It didn’t end there, as we also performed a wrinkle resistance test, where each pair of pants was balled up and stuffed in a bag overnight before being unfurled the next day and placed on a hanger — allowing us to see how well each pair unwrinkled, and roughly how long this process took. Also taken into account was how restricted or unrestricted the mobility and range of motion was on each pair we tried. 

Measurements: I stand at a fairly skinny 6’2” and wear a size 34” x 32” pants. Because of my body type and build, straight and slim-cut pairs of pants tend to fit me best. 

Roark Layover 2.0 Travel Pant

Best Entry-Level Pick: It’s unsurprising that some of the best travel pants on the market were designed from the ground up for jet-setting and globetrotting use. And that’s exactly what we’ve got here with the Roark Layover 2.0 Travel Pant, as they weren’t only formulated exclusively for travel, but they also benefit from a host of feedback and requests from the public following the release of the brand’s first-generation pair. 

The Good

Though they resemble your average khaki or chino construction, the Layover 2.0 Travel Pant is actually made from Embarq Durastretch — a cotton-nylon blend that’s been infused with a bit of elastane in order to afford it with some stretch properties. It also feels a lot thinner and airier than denim or regular cotton khaki constructions. Despite being the cheapest pair of travel pants on this list, Roark’s second-gen Layover Travel Pant doesn’t feel at all cheap or poorly crafted and instead boasts an overall level of build quality that’s on par with pairs costing up to three-times-as-much. 

Instead of a normal button and fly front entry, this pair employs a board short-inspired drawstring setup with four eyelets positioned above a zippered fly. It wasn’t until even hopping a flight that I realized that this pair’s use of a full drawstring in lieu of belt loops and a belt meant I didn’t have to take a belt off and could breeze through security that much easier. Sure, this may not sound like a huge deal, but it’s the small details like this that make your travel experience easier, more comfortable, and more convenient that make travel pants so worthwhile.  

Supplementary Strengths

The slim (bordering on straight) cut makes for a comfortable pair thanks to the construction’s added flex. The gusseted crotch and the free range of motion it affords further aids in this area. Same goes for the vented mesh pane at the back yoke. They’re definitely true-to-size as well. The way the fit on the body reminded me a lot of the chinos and Dickies I wore in high school with Vans and Chucks. This also makes these travel pants particularly versatile, as they lend themselves to just about everything other than formal attire — ass their drawstring setup is just a bit too casual for anything remotely fancy. 

In total, you get five pockets; two front/side hand pockets; two rear pockets; and a hidden fifth rear pocket. All but the hidden pocket feature zipper-secured entries too. There’s also an extremely well anchored loop for clipping keychains, carabiners, or wallets to. I not only love the security the zipper-secured pockets provide, but I also applaud Roark for covering the tracks so that the pants are able to a achieve a more formal and presentable appearance. Ultimately, they do a really good job of balancing comfort and presentability, which is really all you can ask for from travel pants. 

The Not So Good

It’s pretty common for the cheapest item I test on a guide to have the most problems or downsides, so I went into this review expecting things to be the same. When I began wearing and then eventually examining Roark’s gen-two Layover Travel Pant, I kept waiting to uncover downsides, though the reality is there just aren’t that many — and the ones that do exist are all pretty minor. For instance, while I really prefer a drawstring closure for travel pants, I also have to acknowledge that they make them a bit less presentable and a lot more casual-looking. These second-generation travel pants are also devoid of any type of waterproofing construction or treatment, and it absorbs water quickly and dries slowly — which could be a downside depending on the regions you’re traveling in. 

Verdict: The Roark Layover 2.0 Travel Pant is a value-laden pair of globetrot-ready trousers that doesn’t require you to make sacrifices in terms of comfort, presentability, or quality, despite its accessible price point. If you’re looking for ample value — and versatility — this pair is a fantastic choice. 

Proof Rover Pant HB Straight

Most Versatile Pick: While most of the pairs on this list were developed from the ground up to be travel pants, there are some pairs of regular pants that happen to be so conducive to travel that they’ve actually earned themselves a spot on this list. One such example comes to us from Huckberry-owned label Proof with its Proof Rover Pant HB Straight. 

The Good

The Rover Pant is composed of a Lycra-infused blend of cotton and TruTemp365 Blend — the latter of which is spun from up-cycled water bottles and affords moisture-wicking and thermoregulating properties. Because of how thick, heavy, durable (and frankly canvas-like) this material it, it’s wildly impressive that it features those aforementioned traits and properties — plus it allows for the best of both worlds in many ways. They also sport just a bit of workwear influence that I really appreciate — plus they’re legitimately tough enough to actually be used as a piece of workwear and I regularly wear mine when wrenching under the hood or swinging a hammer. 

When it comes to flying, the incredible versatility of these pants also means that once you get off your flight, there’s no need to change pants, allowing you to go straight to your destination or dive straight into experiencing the local sights, sounds, and tastes. It’s not just their appearance and durability that makes them so versatile, but also their fantastic range of motion — with this area being owed to a gusseted crotch and dart seams behind the knees. 

Supplementary Strengths

Full disclosure, I happen to personally own a pair of these pants. And while they didn’t influence my decision to include them on this list, it does afford me the ability to report on how they hold up over time — which is exceedingly well, as they look just about as good today as they did when I got them several years ago. I’ve worn mine to a baby christening, on date night, when running errands on weekends, when working in the shop, and I routinely wear them to the office. Short of full-on-formal attire, there’s really no type of outfit these pants can’t go with. Their versatility is unlike any other pants I’ve ever owned. Huckberry also offers these pants in over half-a-dozen color options across a trio of different cuts (Slim, Athletic Tapered, and Straight). 

In terms of fitment, this pair is the epitome of a straight cut. Sizing is spot-on-true-to-size as well. The fit is ever-so-slightly relaxed, but far from baggy. They’ve got an almost vintage-inspired aesthetic to them as well. It’s not often you can get a pair of pants that can genuinely offer a lifetime of use for less-than-$100, but that’s exactly what we’ve got here with the HB Straight version of Proof’s Rover Pant. This pair’s MSRP is made all the easier to justify by its off-the-charts versatility. 

The Not So Good

I did come across a few minor gripes when testing these Proof pants. This garment-dyed construction is a bit stiff and almost feels like a soft canvas. This does slightly mitigate comfort compared to cotton constructions, but it’s this little bit of stiffness that also makes these pants so durable and abrasion resistant. They do have a bit of stretch to them, but not much (at least compared to the other travel-specific pants on this list). 

The blacked out waist button is another cool touch, though the black finish does scratch and fade quite a bit over time, revealing a copper/brass color beneath. The biggest issue with these pants — at least when being judged as travel pants — is that, unlike most of the other pairs on this list, they weren’t designed or even intended for travel use (though they are quite conducive to it). As a result, they lack the typical features of travel pants like stretch properties, zippered pockets, and the like. 

Verdict: Characterized by its off-the-charts versatility, ample durability, and unrestricted range of motion, the Proof Rover Pant HB Straight is a do-it-all pair of slacks that’s built-to-last and offered at a beyond-fair price. While they weren’t technically designed to be travel pants, they more than make up for it with everything else they’ve got going for ‘em. 

Topo Designs Dirt Pants Classic

Best Jogger Hybrid: If you made a list of all of the properties and traits that you’d want from a pair of travel pants, Topo Designs’ Dirt Pants Classic would tick 90% to 95% of those boxes. As such, it should come as no surprise that these versatile and athletic bottoms have earned a spot on our list of today’s best men’s travel pants.

The Good

The Dirt Pants Classic feature an 8.2-ounce Spandex-infused cotton construction with a garment-dyed wash. The choice of an 8.2-ounce construction was a solid one as well, as it’s beefy and robust enough to be fairly hardwearing while being light and airy enough to be comfortable even when worn for extended periods (like, on a 12-hour flight). Sure, you don’t get a bunch of quick-drying, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial properties or anything, but it’s still a comfortable construction — and an all-around sensible choice for a pair of travel pants. 

Though they look like a pair of chinos, khakis, or slacks with a front drawstring, they feel far more like wearing a pair of sweatpants or joggers — which is a major plus both in terms of comfort and athletic use potential. This pair’s cut is a slightly relaxed straight fit that I found to be a little tight around the thighs before tapering down to the hem. It’s just roomy enough to be comfortable while still presentable enough to not just be worn at airports or on flights. In typical Topo fashion, sizing is true-to-fit as well. The pair also feels broken in/lived-in right off the rack — further bolstering comfort. 

The pants sport a traditional four-pocket setup — albeit with a clever twist. At the front/sides you get a pair of normal hand pockets while out back there’s a set of regular back pockets. Hidden just behind the top of the back right pocket, however, is a hidden fifth zipper-secured pocket. The zipper is now only hidden, but it lays and locks flat, and is color-matched to the pants’ construction. The build quality was above average in my opinion, and not only did the stitching look uniform throughout, but I also really love how Topo opted for a perfectly-color-matched threading. 

Supplementary Strengths

At the front of the waist there’s a drawstring closure set above a hidden, stacked button fly. I also found that the drawstring was easy to tuck away and hide, at which point they look like an ordinary pair of slacks — thereby making for an exceedingly versatile pair of pants that lend themselves to far more than just travel use. From the color-matched embroidered logo patch adorning the rear right pocket to the drawstring’s custom Topo-branded end-caps, there are numerous small details present on these pants that come together to really elevate the pair as a whole — and give them a decidedly premium feel all-around. 

With some light stretch properties coupled with an adjustable hem and articulated knees, the Dirt Pants Classic have an incredibly athletic design with the best range of motion of any of the pairs I tested — and by a pretty significant margin. This is particularly cool because it allows you to wear them when traveling, and then use them again when jogging or working out while overseas, meaning you only have to pack a single pair of pants for both exercise and travel. 

The Not So Good

I really don’t have a ton to say in terms of complaints. With their visible drawstring and relaxed fit, Topo Designs’ Dirt Pants Classic do have a more casual appearance than most of the other pairs on this list, so while they’re still plenty presentable, they lack the more dignified and formal aesthetic possessed by pairs like Proof’s Rover Pant HB Straight or lululemon’s ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Warpstreme pants. And, while I found that they held up just fine during the time I spent testing them, I have seen reports that these pants sometimes suffer from inconsistent build quality — though again, I can’t speak on this from personal experience, so take it with a grain of salt. A little bit of water resistance or a DWR treatment would also be appreciated. 

Verdict: A casual-yet presentable pair of flight-ready pants, the Topo Designs Dirt Pants Classic are a fantastic choice for more athletic globetrotters as they can be worn when traveling and double as a great pair of workout bottoms. 

KÜHL Resistor Lite Chino Tapered

Best Outdoor-Ready Pick: Founded in 1983, KÜHL has long been delivering some of the best outdoor and adventure garments in the world, calling on hardwearing materials, rugged build quality, and genuinely useful features and systems that make its clothing truly mountain-ready. So, while the brand’s much more formal-looking Resistor Lite Chino Tapered Pants represent a change of pace for KÜHL, they nonetheless maintain the core qualities that have made its outdoor apparel so popular over the last 40+ years. 

The Good

Though they don’t look all that different from regular khakis — or from any of the other pairs I tested — the Resistor Lite Chino Tapered pants feature a markedly more lightweight construction that makes for a much more comfortable all-around wearing experience. The pants are cut from a 5.2-ounce construction known as Xkanvas Lite. Composed of a cotton-nylon blend infused with Spandex, this super abrasion-resistant material feels ridiculously comfortable and lightweight, plus features multis-way stretch properties. 

KÜHL didn’t just slap a few mountain logo patches onto the pants, say they’re outdoor-ready, and call it a day. Instead, the engineered a presentable-looking pair of chinos that are built using the brand’s normal MO. This means they offer a super unrestricted range of motion and a comfortable and lightweight yet durable construction with excellent abrasion-resistance. It doesn’t end there, however, as they’ve also been bestowed with UPF 50+ sun protection and even reflective inside the back pockets and across the bottom cuffs — I also love how these details provide utility while remaining out of sight when traveling. 

And, just like how Topo Designs’ Dirt Pants Classic allow you to pack a single pair of pants for both travel and exercise, KÜHL’s Resistor Lite Chino Tapered Pants let you bring along just one pair of pants for both jet-setting and outdoor use once you’ve arrived at your location. They’re conduciveness to outdoor use also makes them particularly versatile — which also increases their value and bang-for-your-buck. 

Supplementary Strengths

They feature a typical button closure with a zippered fly — though the custom-engraved stonewashed waistband button is a cool touch. In terms of pockets, the pants come loaded with a set of front angled hand pockets supplemented via two drop-in cell phone pockets and double-welt rear pockets. A bungee cord inside the pants’ bottom hem allows the area to be adjusted, too. In terms of fit, they sit on the body like your average pair of chinos — and are true-to-size, albeit a tad on the slimmer side. 

The material offers what’s unquestionably the best airflow and breathability out of all the pairs I tested. I was also pleasantly surprised to discover that water simply beads and rolls off of the Xkanvas Lite. construction thanks to what I imagine is a DWR finish — and a damn good one at that. In general, I really like that not of the features that make these pants conducive to outdoor use are outwardly visible — keeping them dapper and presentable-looking enough to make them perfect for flying. 

The Not So Good

Whether viewed through the lens of being hiking pants, travel pants, or just regular chinos, KÜHL’s Resistor Lite Chino Tapered Pants are simply a stellar pair of bottoms. The only real downside I can think of from my testing process is the fact that their super lightweight and airy nature that makes them perfect for warmer climates or seasons makes them less-than-conducive to use in colder settings. Having said that, I found they were warm enough that I wasn’t cold when wearing them on flights. 

Verdict: If you’re looking for a pair of travel-ready pants that can double as an exceptionally capable of pair outdoor or hiking pants, you’d genuinely be hard pressed to find a better option than the KÜHL Resistor Lite Chino Tapered Pants. They really are that good. 

lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Warpstreme Pants

Best Daily-Wear Pick: Since its inception in 1998, lululemon has built a name for itself by delivering sportswear and athletic garments that distinguish themselves from other items on the market through their athletic cuts, unique integrated features, and use of advanced high-performance constructions. And in many ways, lululemon’s ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Warpstreme Pants essentially take everything that the brand does well and sees this applied to the creation of a pair of travel pants. 

The Good

The cut is straight and is surprisingly flattering on my particularly skinner legs. They’re loose enough to be comfortable but are still decidedly dapper-looking. Like every other one of the many lululemon products I’ve tried, the sizing was true-to-fit. And, on top of being conducive to pairing with formal outfits, they also dress down surprisingly well, making them pretty versatile — and they’re even more versatile in some of the other color options they come in like dark coffee, true navy, or grey eucalyptus. This pair’s also sold in over a dozen color options in total. The waist uses a pretty standard button and zippered fly arrangement. 

The pants feature a standard four-pocket setup with two front/side hand pockets, and a pair of back pockets with over-flaps and hidden snap buttons. These hidden snaps go an extra step to ensuring you don’t ever lose your passport and boarding pass, or other vital documents, and a hidden zippered pocket provides a great place for stealthily stashing keys, credit cards, wallets, or other small valuables. The way the front hand pockets are slanted and angled enables them to disappear against my body. While they aren’t the deepest, they do a stellar job of being streamlined and falling against the wearer, ultimately resulting in a smooth-looking profile. 

Supplementary Strengths

What really makes these travel pants so special — and so deserving of a spot on this list — is their Warpstreme fabric. Custom-milled in Japan to lulu’s exact specifications, this 14.8oz construction is comprised of a knitted elastomultiester and recycled polyester blend that, despite its plain and unassuming appearance, actually boasts some pretty impressive performance characteristics, offering some light stretch, solid breathability, moisture-wicking abilities, and some light antimicrobial properties. The Warpstreme construction also resulted in them being some of the most wrinkle-resistant pants out of every pair we tested. 

The use of this material ultimately makes these pants more comfortable, and keeps them looking, feeling, and even smelling better for longer than normal pairs. It’s also crucial to note that this construction is incredibly soft to the touch, and because it’s used on the inside and outside of the pants, they feel great against your skin. The build quality was fine. Nothing special or to write home about, but nothing disappointing or concerning either.

The Not So Good

While it’s an overall great pair of travel pants, I did have a bone to pick with a few aspects of the ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Warpstreme pants. While they’re far more presentable than most pairs of travel pants, they are a bit less comfortable. There’s always going to be some tradeoff here, as pairs with lower crotches, baggier fits, and more stretch in their construction will always be more comfortable but at the cost of looking less presentable — and these lululemon travel pants just happen to sit a bit closer to the presentability end of the spectrum. 

Though they actually do sport a pretty athletic cut and a surprisingly unrestricted range of motion, I’d still feel a little awkward hitting the basketball court or going for a job in essentially what looks like a pair of chinos. As such, their athletic fit and mobility is sort of lost on me as I never really found myself putting it to use — granted I could see it being helpful if you ever need to run when running late catching a flight, bus, train, or ferry. In typical lulu fashion, these pants fit perfectly if you happen to have a slim, athletic, or muscular build. If you’re on the huskier side — or just have particularly muscular legs — these pants will have a more awkward fit. 

Verdict: Cut from a high-performance technical fabric, the lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Warpstreme Pants are an extremely versatile pair of travel pants that sport an ultra-presentable appearance and enough stretch, comfort, and wrinkle resistance to be conducive to jet setting. 

Mission Workshop Paragon Pant

Best USA-Made Pick: Good travel pants frequently benefit from technical designs and advanced performance materials. And with these two areas being part of Mission Workshop’s signature formula, it should come as no surprise that the boutique San Francisco brand happens to make some of the best travel pants that money can buy — even if they weren’t technically engineered for travel use. 

The Good

Made in Brooklyn in small batches to ensure meticulously craftsmanship and ultra-exacting quality control standards, the Paragon Pant is cut from an elastane-infused blend of cotton and polyamide. In addition to being highly effective at moisture wicking and also incredibly breathable, the material also offers ample four-way stretch, providing immense comfort, all while without sacrificing on durability — far from it in fact, as these are almost certainly the most rugged pants on this entire list. 

Custom-formulated by Mission Workshop before being custom-milled by Italy’s Mectex, this material was originally developed for MW’s Mission Jean, though has been employed on the Paragon Pant on account of its myriad of benefits and performance properties. The fit is pretty middle-of-the-road, being a somewhat relaxed straight cut. The way the pants have been cut has also resulted in a completely unrestricted range of motion. The advanced construction is pieced together using triple-needle stitching, further bolstering durability. It doesn’t even end there, as the Italian-made material has been further fortified via a next-gen DWR finish that sees liquid bead and roll off of it. 

Supplementary Strengths 

Mission Workshop has outfitted the Paragon Pant with seven pockets in total — plus a utility loop. Despite the workwear-style pocket setup, the pants are still remarkably versatile and exceedingly presentable. It’s actually difficult to think of a scenario or outfit where the Paragon Pant wouldn’t look right at home. Its hardwearing nature also means they have no problem standing up to use on the trails or in the shop or on the job site — after all, they’re actually intended to be chore pants, they’re just a particularly elegant pair of chore pants is all. 

The Not So Good

Mission Workshop’s Paragon Pant border on being a perfect pair of travel pants, so as far as complaints are concerned regarding its performance or user experience, I’ve got nothing. Having said that, I can’t ignore this pair’s nearly-$300 MSRP, as it’s objectively steep. Unlike some of the other pricier pairs of travel pants on the market, however, I actually think the price of the Paragon Pant is completely justified based on the highly-calculated design and the top-shelf materials and meticulous American manufacturing used to bring said design to life. 

Verdict: Made in America from an advanced stretch-woven technical fabric, the Mission Workshop Paragon Pant is a premium pair of trousers that offer such a strong combination of comfort, range-of-motion, and off-the-charts durability that they make for one of the best travel pant options currently out there — despite not technically being developed exclusively for travel use. Though they do come at a steep price, you really do get what you pay for here. 

Vollebak Planet Earth Suit Pants

Best Premium Pick: You’ll never see Vollebak releasing a cotton-based basics collection or a wool sweater or socks. Everything the brand does is defined by its innovation and envelop-pushing nature. All of its clothing is a result of Vollebak swinging for the fences, and such is the case with its Planet Earth Suit Pants. The bottom half to Vollebak’s Planet Earth Suit — with the upper half being the Planet Earth Suit Jacket — the Vollebak Planet Earth Suit Pants are the innovative outfit’s attempt to deliver a pair of travel pants for commercial spaceflight. As a result, the pants are cutting-edge in just about every way imaginable, while still sporting a super smart and presentable appearance. 

The Good

These travel-pants-of-the-future are cut from a custom material that’s made by combining nylon and elastane into a super fine yarn that’s then blended with a super fine cotton before all being densely woven together into a material that’s ultra-durable and abrasion resistant while also being soft, stretchy, and breathable — i.e. everything you could ever want in a travel pant construction. This next-level construction is then pieced together using a bound seam construction. They also do a terrific job of repelling water, which I assume is owed to a DWR treatment. 

Inside, the pants are lined with a silky material called cupro that comes courtesy of a mill in Northern Italy called Brunello that dates back to 1927. This give the interior a silk-like feeling that gives it an extraordinarily enjoyable feel on the skin. What’s more, this lining is also embedded with an advanced zinc-based antimicrobial technology that legitimately works wonders at killing bacteria and odors. Though the pair’s got a laundry list of major highlights, this is definitely one of them. Over the years, I’ve owned all manner of bacteria-fighting, antimicrobial clothing, and out of all the zinc and silver-ion-treated garments I’ve worn, nothing comes even remotely close to Vollebak’s Planet Earth Suit Pants when it comes to odor-mitigation. 

The Planet Earth Suit Pants feature four pockets in the usual places — two front/side hand pockets and two rear pockets — though they’re all zipper-secured using zippers that lock into place. The actual zipper tracks are hidden beneath covers (sort of like coated zippers on water-resistant AquaGuard zippers). This is a huge plus for travel pants as it makes it practically impossible to have your wallet, smartphone, boarding pass, or any other vital items or pieces of EDC gear fall from your pockets. While I didn’t think much of it when I first got my hands on these pants, the hidden zipper tracks actually became one of my favorite details — which speaks volumes considering just how many noteworthy and innovative elements these pants possess — as they offer the benefit of ultra-secured zippered pockets while sporting the more presentable appearance of a pair of pants with regular pockets. 

Supplementary Strengths

It has an almost-formal appearance, though the way it tapers around the ankles — sort of like a pair of joggers or active-cut sweat pants— gives the pair an overall more casual feel, while still being exceedingly presentable. This pair’s fairly relaxed cut and fitment plays a huge role here too. It’s very much true-to-size, too. In typical Vollebak fashion, the brand went above and beyond when designing this pair’s waistband, and its lightly-over-engineered setup sees the front closure consisting of a metal snap supplemented via a second inner button and paired with a zippered fly. The exterior of the waistband is lined with half-a-dozen 60mm belt loops, too. 

Not only does this pair weigh in at around 10oz, but it’s also extremely foldable and packable and can be broken down into a super compact form — same goes for its jacket counterpart. And, while they are manufactured in Vietnam, the craftsmanship and attention to detail on display is truly top-notch. This is a particularly important detail considering this pair’s price, as anything south of stellar build quality is pretty unacceptable at this price point. 

The Not So Good

My issues with Vollebak’s Planet Earth Suit Pants were few and far between, though nonetheless are worthy of mentioning. Pretty much every aspect of their performance scored off-the-charts, from comfort to breathability to stretch properties to moisture-wicking to its antimicrobial properties, however, one area these otherwise-stellar travel pants fell short in was wrinkle resistance. They were far from the worse we tested, by for how insanely calculated it seems like every other aspect of these pants were, I was a little disappointed that the wrinkle resistance of the pair was seemingly overlooked or ignored. If this one factor was fixed, I’d say you’ve got a now-perfect pair of travel pants. 

While it doesn’t impact its performance, I still feel the need to address the elephant in the room, and that’s this pair of travel pants’ roughly $500 price tag. Sure, you’re getting a fantastic pair of travel pants created using a spare-no-expense approach from start to finish, however, there’s no way getting around the fact that this pair comes at a high price — and very much requires you to pay the Vollebak tax to get your hands on. My only other beef with these pants is that the lining only adorns half of the interior. While there may be some logic or benefit to this design decision that I’m not privy to, I found it to be a bit disappointing as well. All in all, these gripes are massively outweighed by everything else these futuristic travel pants have going for them — which is a whole helluva lot. 

Verdict: Designed and meticulously crafted using a spare-no-expense approach across the entire process, the Vollebak Planet Earth Suit Pants are the British brand’s take on a pair of travel pants from the future, brilliantly balancing comfort and presentability, while also being incredibly soft-to-the-touch, highly breathable, abrasion resistant, equipped with multi-way stretch, and embedded with an ultra-effective odor-mitigating zinc-based antimicrobial technology. While they seriously don’t come cheap, these are almost certainly the best travel pants on the planet. 

Travel Pants Comparison Chart

What Exactly Are Travel Pants?

While there’s technically no hard definition, the vast majority of travel pants tend to share a host of common features and characterizing qualities. Primarily made to be worn to and from the airport and while flying, travel pants are almost always engineered with comfort in mind, and as a result often boast stretch properties, and loose and relaxed fits — but not overly baggy ones. With comfort being a top priority, many travel pants also feature waistband closures that often employ elastic and/or drawstrings over traditional buttons and zippers. 

These pants also have to be exceedingly comfortable while also still being somewhat presentable. Sure, old sweatpants or pajamas tend to be exceedingly comfy, but they leave you looking like you just rolled out of bed. Travel pants, on the other hand, aim to keep you comfortable, while also keeping you looking sharp. Because of this, travel pants are also often cut from materials that don’t wrinkle easily. 

They also have to be designed to be worn once you de-board your flight and arrive at your destination. Consequently, travel pants usually offer decent mobility and a fairly unrestricted range of motion. And, because the very last place you want your pants to rip, tear, or fail is when hundreds if not thousands of miles from home, travel pants also tend to be fairly rugged. It’s also not uncommon to see travel pants with quick-drying properties. Antimicrobial properties are also always appreciated on travel pants. It’s also not uncommon to see travel pants with special features just as ultra-secure zippered pockets or mesh ventilation channels. 

What To Consider When Shopping

Just like when buying any other type of pants, there are dozens of factors that can be scrutinized and taken into account when shopping. The reality with travel pants, however, is that there are really only a handful of key areas that you need to focus on when shopping — all of which we’ll briefly break down immediately below. 

Comfort: It goes without saying, but when buying travel pants, one wants something that’s immensely comfortable while still being dignified and presentable. Fidgeting and knee bouncing come with the territory of any airport or train station, but you don’t need to be extra antsy because your trousers are bothering you. Opt for pairs that are loose-fitting in the areas that matter (thighs, crotch), elastic around the waist, and built with a stretch.

Appearance: Travel pants need to strike a balance between comfort and presentability. As such, how these pants look is of extreme importance and should always be heavily factored into your decision when shopping. In fact, how well a pair balances comfort and appearance is almost certainly the single most important thing to consider when buying a travel pants. 

Storage: Ample and well-thought-out storage is another pivotal must-have for any decent pair of travel pants, as one needs to be able to securely accommodate the wearer’s passport, wallet, and other travel essentials that one can’t afford to lose. Consequently, we recommend looking for pairs of travel pants with Velcro or zipper-secured pockets. 

Packability: Considering these pants need to be stored in a bag or suitcase when not being worn, you’ll want to take into account how packable each pair is and how compact of a form they can be folded or broken down into. The weight of each pair also matters here for the same reason. Likewise, it’s also worth reviewing if a pair of travel pants can be stuffed into its own pocket. 

Durability: While you don’t need something that’s incredibly over-engineered, durability is another key trait for a quality pair of travel pants to possess, as the last place you want to have your pants suffer a tear or rip is when you’re hundreds, if not thousands, of miles from home. Look for sturdy materials that, perhaps with abrasion-resistance and moisture-wicking properties.

Performance Properties: How travel pants look and feel is unquestionably the most important things to consider when shopping, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also review the performance properties of these pants, as this area can actually have a pretty major impact on the overall user experience. When examining this area, you’ll want to look out for properties such being quick-drying, moisture-wicking, or anti-microbial.

Cut & Fit: Though it’s true that most pairs of travel pants sport a somewhat loose fit, just how relaxed these cuts are can pretty hugely differ from pair to pair, with some even bordering on baggy. Depending on your personal preferences for comfort and how formal or presentable you want to look, you’ll likely want to take cut and fit into account when making your purchase. 

Closure & Waist: Unlike your average pair of jeans, travel pants are offered with a wide range of different front and waist closures ranging from elastic to drawstring to snap buttons to more traditional zippered flies. Because this detail can impact comfort and fitment, we recommend reviewing it when shopping. 

Honorable Mentions

Offered in a whopping nine different color options, the Vuori Clothing Meta Pant sports a technical design that’s been engineered to offer an amalgamation of comfort and mobility. This pair’s proverbial secret sauce lies in its technical fabric construction. Used to bring a traditional five-pocket chino design to life, this material boasts four-way stretch along with quick-drying and  four-way stretch properties. Thanks to their immense comfort and presentable appearance, the Meta Pant are also incredibly versatile and make for just as great of a pair of daily-wear pants as they do travel pants. 

The Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants combine the best of both world’s from chinos and technical pants. The pants feature nine pockets in total — five of which are zipper-secured and two of which are designed for housing smartphones or other mobile devices. What makes this pair so special, however, is its custom-milled material. Cut from a combination of 10% Spandex, 33% polyester, and 57% recycled polyester, this custom 6.2-ounce heathered fabric construction is breathable, stretchy, wrinkle-resistant, and equipped with UV protection and moisture-wicking quick-drying properties. Rounding out this pair is a soft and stretchy waistband that further bolsters comfort.

As its name suggests, the Bonobos Travel Jeans are a pair of cotton denim pants that are engineered from the ground up specifically for globetrotting and jet-setting. Thanks to its construction being infused with elastane and a special thermoplastic engineering polymer, the Travel Jeans’ shell looks like ordinary denim while providing ample flex and stretch properties, massively increasing both range of motion and overall comfort. In addition to being offered in slim, slim tapered, athletic, or straight cuts, Bonobos’ Travel Jeans are also sold in more-than-half-a-dozen color options as well. 

What the Bonobos Travel Jeans are to regular jeans, the Unionbay Rainier Men’s Travel Tech Pant is to regular khakis. Fitted with an expandable waistband, the Rainier Travel Tech Pant is cut from a Spandex-nylon blend that’s been fortified via a water-repellent finish, with the former giving them multi-way stretch properties and the latter offering them the ability to ward off the elements. They also provide UPF50 sun protection, too. With zipper-secured back pockets, you can safely stash your passport, wallet, or boarding passes without worrying about ever dropping or losing them. And, with its super versatile look, these highly versatile pants can go straight from a flight to the board room to the pub without looking remotely out of place. 

The Mack Weldon Radius Flex Jogger is a stellar option for those looking for a comfortable pair of travel pants with a slightly more formal appearance that looks equally at home whether boarding a plane or in a board room. Produced in seven color options, the Radius Flex Pant is made from the renowned basics brand’s water, wind, and stain-resistant Performance Stretch fabric. These thoroughly calculated travel pants also feature a flexible stretch waist and belt loops, back-ribbed ankle cuffs, and regular hand pockets that are supplemented with back welt zip pockets and hidden zipper-secured stealth pockets.

The Best Travel Backpacks For Your Next Getaway

If you’re in the market for a pair of travel pants, there’s a pretty decent chance you could also use a proper globetrotting pack — the latest and greatest of which can be found in our hands-picked and personally hands-on-tested guide to the best travel backpacks for your next getaway.