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The Best Men's Travel Pants for Comfort and Style

These versatile pants will see you through long flights and whatever adventures your trip has in store.

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men's travel pants for comfort and style

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If you're generally a last-minute packer — you know, the kind who simply tosses your everyday go-to pair of pants into your carry-on bag — let us make a case for planning ahead. The best men's travel pants are one of the key elements to making your trip more comfortable and enjoyable, whether you're packing for a European adventure, a summer trek to Australia or a long cross-country flight.

This type of clothing is lightweight and easy to pack, plus offers a breathable, relaxed fit for all-day wear. Many even have added benefits essential to travel, like wrinkle-resistant finishes, quick-dry properties and plenty of hidden zippered pockets to keep your stuff safe.

To help you find the best men's travel pants, we scoured top retailers for the best-selling products, reading hundreds of reviews and specifications to ensure our recommendations will be comfortable, stylish and practical.

The Best Men's Travel Pants

1
Best Overall

Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Pant

ABC Classic-Fit Pant
Credit: lululemon

Pros

  • Wide range of colors
  • Secure zippered pockets
  • Wrinkle-resistant

Cons

  • Some users with larger thighs say that area is a bit snug

Lululemon's ABC Classic-Fit Pant is tailored for style, but constructed with its patented wrinkle-resistant "Warpstreme" fabric that's designed to stretch and move with you, whether you're adjusting your position on a long flight or sightseeing your way through Europe.

Users rave about how comfortable these pants are, plus they also have helpful features like back security pockets and a reflective strip to help cars spot you if you're walking around after dark. And we'd venture to guess you will be, since they look great during the day paired with a simple T-shirt and sneakers, but can easily be elevated with a dressier shirt for the evening.

They come in an impressive 13 shades, so you can pack the pair that best matches the majority of your clothing — or, more likely, stock up on a few colors. Just note: Users with larger thighs say this more tailored pair is a bit snug in that area.

Material53% elastomultiester, 47% polyester
Size range28-46
Lengths28-37
Colors13
2
Best Value

BROKIG Men's Lightweight Jogger Pants

On Sale
Men's Lightweight Jogger Pants
Now 53% Off
Credit: BROKIG

Pros

  • Zippered hidden pockets
  • Lightweight, breathable material

Cons

  • Some users say the back pocket is too bulky

You don't have to spend a ton of money to find a comfy pair of travel pants with plenty of function. These joggers are made of a lightweight polyester and spandex blend that wearers say allows air to flow right through the fabric, helping to keep them cool no matter where their travels take them.

Users say they have plenty of flex for added comfort, too, with an elastic waist that is easily adjustable with a drawstring. Meanwhile, the tapered ankle cuff shouldn’t be at all restrictive.

To help keep your valuables safe en route, the joggers also have a hidden zippered pocket on the right-hand side that's perfectly-sized for a phone or passport, though some wearers wish the back pocket wasn't quite so large and bulky.

RELATED: The Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts

Material90% polyester, 10% spandex
Size rangeS-XXL
Colors8
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3
Best Joggers

Vuori Ripstop Traveler Jogger

Ripstop Traveler Jogger
Credit: Vuori

Pros

  • Wider fit for increased mobility
  • Designed to be lightweight and stain-resistant

Cons

  • Only comes in one color

With the right pair of joggers, you can strike the perfect balance between style and comfort. These relaxed, wider-fit joggers have the same tapered style you know and love, but offer a little more room to move around.

The cotton and elastane fabric is lightweight and breathable, and will help you remain comfortable even during hot weather. Still, the pair has a special Teflon coating designed to improve the strength and stain-resistance of the pants.

Wearers say they're great for activities like biking, hiking and more — but plenty also praise their comfort. One wearer says they were the perfect pair of pants for a long travel day that included multiple flights and layovers. Note that some sizes are out of stock, but we're hoping inventory will be replenished soon.

Material98% cotton, 2% elastane
Size rangeXS-XXL
Length30
Colors1
4
Best Relaxed Fit

Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Utility Pant

On Sale
Men's Silver Ridge Utility Pant

Pros

  • Designed to be moisture-wicking and quick-drying
  • UPF 50+ sun protection

Cons

  • Run small, according to reviewers

It's no surprise sportswear brand Columbia makes some of the most popular pants for active men. This style has a relaxed fit that wearers say is nice and comfortable, whether you're sitting on the airplane or trekking through bucket-list destinations. You'll appreciate that the elastic waist pulls on easily and a belt keeps everything nice and secure.

Designed to be lightweight and moisture-wicking, we're impressed by the overall functionality of these pants, which the brand claims are made with a quick-dry finish and offer UPF 50+ protection against the sun’s rays. They also have a variety of pockets, including hand pockets on the front, cargo pockets on the back and zippered pockets above the knees.

If you're between sizes, we recommend considering the larger size. Some wearers report this style runs a bit snug, particularly if you have larger thighs.

Material100% nylon
Size range28-54
Length30-34
Colors9
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5
Best for Long Flights

Mack Weldon Ace Modern Fit French Terry Sweatpants

Ace Modern Fit French Terry Sweatpants
Credit: Mack Weldon

Pros

  • Five pockets, including one zippered
  • Soft and comfy, yet stylish

Cons

  • Not as ideal for the office or a night out

If you're comfiest in sweatpants but don't want to look like a schlub, opt for a more tailored style that tapers at the legs, like this pair from Mack Weldon. The brand is known for manufacturing great basics, and these cozy pants are no exception. They're made with soft terry cotton, so you should have no trouble getting comfy for a snooze on an overnight airplane ride.

Still, the sweatpants are functional enough for everyday wear and feature an elastic drawstring waist to help you get the right fit. Plus, in addition to the two hip pockets, these pants also have two back pockets and a discreet zip pocket for valuables on the right leg.

They aren't, however, the most versatile pair of travel pants. You'll also want to make sure to pack some more tailored pants, particularly if you plan to dine out or take some more elevated excursions at your destination.

RELATED: Best Men's Loungewear Styles

Material95% cotton, 5% elastane
Size rangeS-XXL
Length32
Colors4
6
Best With Zippered Pockets

Tbmpoy Men's Outdoor Hiking Pants

On Sale
Men's Outdoor Hiking Pants
Now 11% Off
Credit: TBMPOY

Pros

  • Wide variety of color options
  • Designed to be water-repellant and quick-drying
  • Included belt

Cons

  • Only available in one length per size

For a more utilitarian style that lends itself to long days sightseeing or adventures like hiking, try these relaxed fit pants, available in a whopping 32 different colors. They’re made from nylon and spandex that the brand says is lightweight and breathable. Plus, with a water-repellent and quick-drying finish, they should keep you comfortable in all kinds of weather conditions.

Adding to your all-day comfort, this pair has an adjustable stretchy waist complete with a belt to help you find the perfect fit. And you can be confident your essentials will stay put, thanks to zippered pockets at the sides and the back to keep everything safe and secure — no matter how much you're moving around or how crowded the city streets are.

If you're particularly tall or short, it's worth noting that these travel pants only come in one length per size, so you may struggle to find the perfect fit.

Material90% nylon, 10% spandex
Size rangeS-XXL
Lengths41.3-44.1
Colors32
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7
Best Convertible

Patagonia Men's Quandary Convertible Pants

Men's Quandary Convertible Pants

Pros

  • Can be worn as shorts or pants
  • UPF 40 fabric
  • Made of recycled materials

Cons

  • Run large, according to reviewers

Zip-off pants are one of the most versatile styles of men's travel pants — especially for those heading to destinations where it's cool in the mornings and evenings, but blazing hot during the day. (Think: an African safari or an adventure in Australia's bush.)

This lightweight pair of cargo pants zips right off at the knee to instantly transform from pants to shorts. No matter how you wear them, they're made to pull on easily and come with five pockets to stash your smaller on-trail essentials, as well as a carabiner loop. According to the brand, the fabric is rated UPF 40 for extra sun protection, too.

These travel pants are designed to be durable. The stretchy fabric, which is made of recycled materials, has a water-repellent finish — great for wet weather. Many wearers say they do run a bit big, though, particularly in length.

Material96% post-consumer recycled nylon, 4% spandex, PFC-free DWR treatment
Size range28-40
Colors4
8
Best for Hot Weather

Eddie Bauer Switch Jogger Pants

On Sale
Switch Jogger Pants
Now 50% Off
Credit: Eddie Bauer

Pros

  • UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Available in regular and tall sizes
  • Drawstring for a good fit in the waist

Cons

  • Some users say they weren't impressed by the water-resistance

When multiple wearers tout them as their "favorite pants of all time," you know you've stumbled on something good. Eddie Bauer's Switch joggers are made from ultra-lightweight polyester so they're designed to be breathable and wear well — even in hot weather. And, like all great men's travel pants, users say they're easy to pack. They also feature an elastic waistband complete with a drawstring to help you nail the fit. We like that these pants are also available in both regular and tall sizes

For warmer destinations like Australia or the tropics, the pants have the added benefit of sun protection, since the fabric is rated UPF 50+, according to the brand. They also claim to be moisture-wicking and quick-drying in case you find yourself working up a sweat, but some wearers say they weren't overly impressed by the pair's water-resistance.

Material100% polyester
Size rangeS-XXXL
LengthRegular, tall
Colors4
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9
Most Stylish

J.Crew 484 Slim-Fit Tech Pant

On Sale
484 Slim-Fit Tech Pant
Credit: J.Crew

Pros

  • Hidden zippered pocket
  • Very stretchy

Cons

  • Some wearers say sizing is inconsistent among colors

When you want to look sharp on a long flight, but don't want to sacrifice your own comfort to do so, try these J.Crew pants. Though they look just like any other pair of dress pants, they're made from a fabric blend that includes 10% elastane for plenty of stretch. There's also an interior elastic panel at the waist for added give.

The slant pockets are ideal for traveling, too. With a breathable mesh construction, there's also a hidden zip pocket to keep your most precious valuables safe on the go.

It's no surprise wearers love this pair so much that many say they've stocked multiple pairs in a range of colors. (Choose from eight shades!) Oddly, though, some report a discrepancy in sizing depending on the color selected.

RELATED: Best Work Pants for Men

Material60% cotton, 30% polyamide, 10% elastane
Size range28-38
Length30-34
Colors8
10
Best Extended Sizing

Lands' End Men's Straight Fit Travel Kit 5 Pocket Pants

Men's Straight Fit Travel Kit 5 Pocket Pants
Credit: Lands' End

Pros

  • Classic five-pocket design
  • Comes in regular, big, tall and big and tall sizing

Cons

  • Only one back belt loop

Do you struggle to find your Goldilocks pair of pants? We recommend this pair from Lands’ End, which comes in regular, big, tall and big and tall sizing, which is a more inclusive assortment than most other brands. We love the classic five-pocket design too, which mimics the look of your favorite jeans but in a more elevated khaki-like style.

Thanks to a small concentration of spandex, this pair has just enough stretch to help you get comfortable on long flights or sightseeing tours. The pants also have a hollow core technology that's meant to keep you cool in the heat and warm in the cold — they're a great all-season pick.

If there's any downside to these pants, it's a minimal complaint we heard from wearers: The back only features one belt loop, which could make it more challenging to get the most secure fit.

Material60% cotton, 37% recycled polyester, 3% spandex
Size range30-44
Colors5
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What type of pants are best for travel?

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When shopping for men's travel pants, it's wise to prioritize the following features:

✔️Material: Whether you have a long flight ahead of you or days of scheduled sightseeing in Europe, comfort is key. Look for pants constructed with lightweight, breathable fabric and some stretch. Materials like nylon, polyester and spandex are good bets — they're generally soft and form-fitting yet stretchy enough to move with you. Plus, synthetic fibers tend to be more wrinkle-resistant than their natural counterparts like linen or cotton. If you're headed on outdoor adventures or will be traveling in exceptionally hot weather, you may also want to look for moisture-wicking and quick-drying styles.

✔️Style: For maximum versatility, look for pants — like tailored chinos — that are casual enough for daytime wear, but can be elevated with a collared shirt or button-down.

✔️Convenience: Look for pants that have convenience features, like easily accessible pockets to keep your essentials — phone, wallet, passport and more — close at hand. For added security, you may also want to prioritize pants with zippered or hidden pockets. And, if the weather tends to fluctuate at your destination, you may want to consider a pair of convertible pants that can serve as shorts or pants, depending on the time of day.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience. She has extensive experience reviewing consumer products of all kinds, including clothing. For this roundup, she thoroughly researched the market and interviewed our travel and textiles experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute about what to look for when shopping for men's travel pants to help guide the recommendations in this story.

Amanda Constantine, home and apparel reviews analyst, researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab. For this story, she contributed her top picks, as well as shopping tips.

Headshot of Brigitt Earley
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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men's travel pants for comfort and style
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