Whether your next travel adventure involves biking, rock climbing, forest trekking, or waiting out a five-hour flight delay, comfortable pants are an absolute must-have. And while some ladies may prefer denim — looking at you, Sisterhood — there are plenty of pant styles and materials that can prove to be just as versatile in your travel wardrobe.
The best travel pants on the market right now not only include features like water-repellent and quick-drying material, they're also stylish — designed with smart, fitted silhouettes that are more tailored than a traditional cargo pant. From Athleta to Prana to The North Face, there’s no shortage of high-quality recreational apparel brands to choose from. And the best part? Most pairs are priced well under $100.
Related: 18 Pairs of Comfy Stretch Pants to Wear While Traveling
As with any travel-related purchase, it helps to do your homework and find the pants that will work best for you. When shopping for travel pants, in particular, consider where you’ll be wearing them.
Warmer destinations tend to call for a looser fit that's breathable, while stream-spotted trails and wet climates mean you’ll want quick-drying fabric. Will there be bugs? Shorts may be great for staying cool, but is it worth being covered in mosquito bites later on? Also, be sure to examine details like fit so you can move in your pants worry-free.
Ahead, eight of the best travel pants for women on the market right now.
Prana 'Briann' Pant
These fitted, mid-rise pants are made with Prana's proprietary performance fabric, Stretch Zion, and have a water-repellent finish. They also pack in five pockets and UPF 50+ in sun protection. One reviewer says her pair is "easy to dress up/look polished with a blouse or jacket, but it's still super easy to care for!"
To buy: prana.com, $79
Uniqlo Women’s Legging Pants
It's hard to go back to regular jeans after you discover Uniqlo's legging-pant hybrids. Superbly stretchy and comfortable, these high-rise skinny pants come in five solid colors and several washes of "denim". One enthusiastic reviewer, who calls them "the only pants I wear anymore," said "I have a smaller waist but larger hips, so the stretch is super important for me, and these are seriously one of the few pants I can find that are a comfortable fit. I own 10 pairs."
To buy: uniqlo.com, $30
Lululemon On the Fly Pants
These fitted joggers are designed to stay out of your way — on a flight, a hike, or a day of exploring the city. Sweat-wicking tech keeps you dry, while four-way stretch fabric makes for easy movement. They come in six neutral tones and feature a drawstring at the waist for a snug fit.
To buy: lululemon.com, $98
Athleta 'Wander Slim' Pant
These comfy customer-favorites — they just launched a month ago as part of the new “Commute” line and already have 59 five-star reviews — are designed to function as both workwear and workout attire, and look good doing it. The waistband features a hidden credit card pocket and the fabric stays this smooth-looking even after you've packed it. They're available in regular, tall, and petite sizing.
To buy: athleta.com, $108
Anatomie 'Skyler' Skinny Pant
if you're looking for something more polished, consider this slim-leg, wrinkle-resistant pair from Anatomie. They're available in five muted colors and can easily be dressed up or down.
To buy: neimanmarcus.com, from $225
L.L.Bean Stretch-tek Travel Pants
These have a more fitted look than standard technical pants, sitting lower on the waist with a silhouette that's similar to a jogger. The fabric is stretchy, water-repellant, and abrasion-resistant, so you can go straight from your morning hike to brunch just swapping out your hiking boots for a pair of easy sandals and tossing on a relaxed-fit tank.
To buy: llbean.com, $50 (originally $60)
The North Face 'Aphrodite' FlashDry Hiking Pants
Available in black, granite bluff tan, and graphite gray, these super-stretchy pants evaporate moisture and feel lightweight. They've got a drawstring at the waist to adjust the fit to your liking and triple-needle stitching for ease of movement. One reviewer purchased them for a summer trek through Iceland and "absolutely loved" them.
To buy: macys.com, $70
