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 Columbia 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.
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, $60
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
The North Face Aphrodite Motion Water-repellent Pants
Water-repellent fabric and The North's Face's FlashDry-XD wicking technology keeps you dry, while the ruched elastic waistband ensures a snug fit. Available in black and graphite grey, they're also super lightweight and have a hidden zip pocket at the right hip.
To buy: zappos.com, $60
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 six colors. One enthusiastic reviewer, who calls them "the only pants I wear anymore," says "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
Columbia Anytime Casual Omni-shield Outdoor Hiking Pants
These mid-rise pants are perfect for hitting the trail. Wicking fabric keeps you dry, while the Omni-Shade UPF 50 Protection is said to block harmful rays from the sun. They come in six neutral earth tones and feature a drawstring at the waist and a super comfortable fit.
To buy: macys.com, $50 (originally $75)
Athleta 'Bettona' Jegging
These comfy customer-favorites — they have almost 1,000 five-star reviews — are designed to be taken on an adventure and look good doing it. They're available in regular, tall, petite, and plus sizing.
To buy: athleta.com, $79
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
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
