rei men's travel shirts

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The 17 Best Men’s Travel Shirts for Style, Comfort, and Adventure

As much as I hate to admit it, the perfect men’s travel shirt doesn’t exist.  You might find comfortable travel shirts that look good – but those same “perfect travel shirts” may be too delicate to adventure hard in, dry too slowly, and get destroyed when you drop it off at a Southeast Asian laundry kiosk. On the other hand, a shirt may dry quickly and withstand a beating but be a little too ugly to be your only shirt. So what’s the solution?

The solution to the “perfect travel shirt” problem is to strategically pick a few shirts for your travels with a dedicated shirt for looking good, a few shirts for adventuring and wandering hard, and an all-purpose shirt that sits somewhere in between – and I think I’ve mastered this compromise.

Read on to discover my favorite shirts for traveling, adventuring, and still looking good along the way

CONTENTS OF THIS GUIDE TO THE BEST MEN’S TRAVEL SHIRTS

• My optimal travel shirt setup
• What to look for in a Good Travel Shirt Based on Your Travels
• Technical Flannel Shirts
• Travel Ready Dress Shirts
• Short Sleeve Oxfords
• Denim Travel Shirts
• Hawaiian Shirts
• My Favorite Travel Jacket: The Bluffworks Field Jacket

THE OPTIMAL SHIRT SETUP FOR TRAVEL

If you want your packing list to be ready for anything, pack the following shirts in addition to some travel-ready pants and travel-worthy shoes :

• One shirt for looking good and going out – a versatile button down shirt, ideally short sleeve oxford that is sweat wicking and wrinkle free or a denim shirt
• One shirt that doubles as a warmth layer but can be worn anywhere – I’m a fan of lightweight, technical flannel shirts
• Three or more travel friendly t-shits –a mix of short sleeves, V-necks, and Henleys made of wool, synthetic materials (polyester), or a proven active wear blend to dry quickly and resist funk

If you stick to these three options, you’ll keep your bags light while still being ready for any occasion or adventure.  Read on to discover my favorite options for Men’s travel shirts.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GREAT TRAVEL SHIRT

Keep in mind that though a shirt might be branded as a great “travel shirt” it still may be over kill (or inadequate) for your travels.  To pick the right travel shirt, that will keep you comfortable, looking good, and smelling good through whatever travels you have in store, think heavily about your destination and consider these points in your potential shirts…

What is the right style for your travels (if any) based on the destination if any?

What materials are best (polyester, wool, or an active wear cotton blend), durability: how hard will your adventures be on these shirts.

• Versatility: What situations will you need to dress for?

Smell and dirt resistance: How often will you be able to shower and do laundry?

If you’re going to Europe, having a nice short sleeve button down is highly recommended.  If you’re going to Southeast Asia, don’t even think about taking any long sleeve shirts.

If you’re doing the Banana Pancake Trail (Thailandà Laosà Vietnamà Cambodia) and the most you’ll do is a pub crawl, ditch the fancy stuff

And if you’re heading to Bali, plan on beachwear and your “nice clothes” being shorts and a nice short sleeve shirt.

In any case, think about the situations you’ll be in and the style required (or not required) to avoid extra clothing.  Here’s a quick cheat list to help

• Southeast Asia: You’ll be in sandals and shorts the entire time.  No long sleeves.
• South America: It may get chilly and adventurous, especially if you’re going to Patagonia, so a long sleeve flannel, an “island-ish” short sleeve button down, and plenty of Merino Wool/Quick Dry t-shirts will do you well.  Also, bring a set of nice clothes – as Buenos Aires, Rio, Cusco, and Medellin have some amazing nightlife
• Europe: You’ll only need one or two “adventurous” pairs of clothes at most (unless you’re trekking).  Dress for the seasons as  winter in Europe is vastly different than summer
• Middle East: Dress conservatively and plan for the deserts to be hot by day and cold by night. You’ll be surprised how far a wool t-shirt and flannel button-down will take you here.
• North America: Dress for the seasons and for specific locations.  We’re all across the board in the US and Canadialand.
• Central America: No long sleeves.  Plan to exist completely in shorts and sandals.

If you can afford it, wool is the most amazing material for shirts .  ( Read about how I decided to wear a wool shirt for a week straight to test the idea).  They resist funk, still keep you warm when wet, and dry quickly.  The only downside is these shirts will breakdown quicker than polyester – especial if you’re using an industrial washer.

Polyester/synthetic shirts are an excellent, cheap option, especially for hard adventuring.  You can purchase them at target for ~$10 or less and they stand up to heavy abuse.  Along the way, they dry quickly and insulate when wet. The downside is they don’t resist funk too well.  Personally, I always hike and travel (by bus, train, and plane) in synthetic shirts because they’re so cheap I don’t care if they get destroyed.  I recommend picking up at least a couple synthetic t-shirts for routine wear in hard conditions.

Cotton: Limit how much of your wardrobe is cotton.  Depending on how often you’re getting wet and how often you wash, cotton can be fine or can be a complete pain.  On the upside, some cotton shirts look good, they’re extremely durable, and they can stand to go a good amount of time between washes in a pinch (denim, not necessarily t-shirts). The only options I consider in cotton are Short sleeve button downs which class up very well, and denim shirts which are super durable, look good, and are a great protect layer for light adventures (like motorbiking in Asia .

The only upside of cotton is that it is much tougher than wool and polyester, with good abrasion resistance and actually gets better with wear.  This is why my denim shirt was my shirt of choice to wear during my motorbike ride through Vietnam , to save a little skin just in case I fell.  All the while, it still looked good enough for the bars.

If you’re in Europe and (should be) showering everyday and have laundry nearby, materials and worrying about getting smelly shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

On the other hand, if you’re moving super quickly through humid Southeast Asia or adventuring through South America and can only wash ever week and a half, do yourself a favor and get shirts made of technical materials (wool, polyester, etc.) that wick sweat, resist odor, and do more to keep you dry.

Now that you know what to look for in a travel shirt, let’s take a closer look at your options

THE BEST MEN’S TRAVEL SHIRTS

• T-Shirts (Wool, Polyester, and active wear blends – timeless, simple, near perfect travel shirts)
• Technical Flannel Shirts (every traveler should have one)
• Wrinkle Free Dress Shirts (great for looking good anywhere)
• Short Sleeve Oxfords (great for looking good anywhere)
• Denim travel shirts (the “all-arounder” and travel shirt underdog)
• Hawaiian Shirts (for Beachy Travel)

BEST T-SHIRTS FOR TRAVEL

(wool, polyester, and active wear blends).

As unexciting as it sounds, t-shirts are by far the best travel shirt option. They’ve been around for ages, worn in every activity, and performed well while staying stylish every step of the way.  If you take only one type of shirt traveling, stick to t-shirts.

In terms of style, you can’t go wrong with a well fitting t-shirt.

The small packing foot print of t-shirts makes them easy to pack and wash, lightening your load and making life easier.

Some might insist that t-shirts are too boring to wear for a year straight.  I disagree.

To stay looking good (and not get bored), avoid traditional crew neck t-shirts and light V-neck and Henley shirts in dark colors (grey, burgundy, darker blue, black).

For material, invest in at least two wool shirts and grab two cheaper synthetic shirts. 

I have been very satisfied with Wooly’s merino wool t-shirts, Bluffworks’ synthetic travel t shirt, Outlier’s insanely great Ultrafine Merino shirt, and a handful of others I’ve tested and highly recommend below. 

For active wear synthetic shirts, my go to is actually the Hylete Icon-2 performance Henley, designed as gym wear but looks so great I wear it on nights out. For a Target’s G9 Champion brand shirts which are comparable in quality, function, and style to Lulu Lemon’s men’s line and quite a few of Nike’s pieces, but available for ~$10 to $20 for us budget travelers .  

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves…read on for the 17 best travel t-shirts for men, and you’ll definitely find the perfect gear for your upcoming travels.

My Favorite T-Shirts for Travel

1. bluffworks threshold tee.

This amazing t-shirt was obsessively designed specifically for travel. If you’re trying to keep your bags light by getting a shirt that you can wear over and over (without washing) in a variety of conditions, the Bluffworks Threshold T is a perfect candidate.

High breathability, great odor resistance, and a feel softer than cotton make this a great shirt to wear. A unique synthetic blend keeps this shirt super light while drying quickly and making hand washes and line drying possible for “one bag” travelers”

Where to buy: Click to see more colors at Bluffworks Online

2. THE OUTLIER ULTRAFINE MERINO T SHIRT

This is insanely soft yet comfortable and durable shirt is absolutely the best wool shirt I have ever owned.

Made of 100% extremely fine Merino wool, this shirt naturally resists odor (I’ve worn the shirt for a week straight to test), dries quickly, and does a wonderful job keeping me cool even in tropical climates.

The construction is top notch, very durable and cut with a just slim enough and stylish fit. With 2 or 3 of these shirts, a traveler could easily wander the world with these as their only shirts.

Where to buy: Click to see more colors Outlier Online

3. THE HYLETE ICON HENLEY

The Hylete Icon 2 Henley is a perfect blend of style and function that fits daily life, adventure, and travel equally. The quad blend performance fabric (that is stretchy, odor resisting, and quick drying) and design are actually intended as hard core exercise that can be worn in everyday life. With the classic Henley stylish three button front, this dresses up nicely with Chinos and a blazer or will simply keep you looking good on long treks.

From the cool highlands of the Himilayas to the warm days and posh night clubs of Bali, this Hylete Henley has been a favorite piece of apparel in my pack and will continue to be. I highly recommend this affordable yet stylish piece of performance gear for your travels

Where to buy: Click to see more colors available at Hylete Online.

4. WOOLY CLOTHING

Woolly Clothing offers great wool clothing direct to you, which means its cheaper than many other options.  I own a few of their shirts (a V-neck and a Henley) and wholeheartedly vouch for the.  Great style.  Great performance

Where to buy: Check out the selection of Woolly Clothing on Amazon

5. C-9 CHAMPION TEES

Champion C9 is Target’s in house attempt to compete with active wear giants like Nike and Lulelemon for the men’s athletic wear market.  The result is great gym wear that wears beyond the gym for a great price.  I always load up on a few of these shirts for upcoming travels whenever I’m in the US.

Where to buy: $12.99 at Target

6. H&M ACTIVE WEAR V-NECKS

Though these shirts somewhat break my rule of avoiding cotton, the 95% cotton/5% Elastene blend works extremely well.  Not only do these shirts fit well and maintain that fit, they dry much quicker than normal cotton shirts and resist funk pretty well too.  I tested these shirts against high dollar “performance cotton” shirts from other brands (think $60-$80 per shirt) and the H&M slim fit shirts performed much better.

If you’re ever traveling and in a pinch need some shirts anywhere in the world, just drop by an H&M and pick these up. 

Where to buy: $24.99 for 3 at H&M Online

7. RIDGE MERINO JOURNEY TEE

The Ridge Merino Journey tee is an awesome, travel-ready wool tee-shirt design for durability, hard use, and quick-drying comfort while still fighting funk. This Merino Wool shirt combines 13% nylon into the fabric, making it twice as durable as your average, 100% Merino wool t-shirt. The result is a high performing wool t-shirt that you can abuse for years.

I’ve carried my Ridge Merino Journey tee shirt for just over 2 years of travel and worn it for a week straight without washing, and the anti-microbial nature of the wool keeps me smelling fresh. Hard use of trekking, hand washing, and abrasion from backpacks hasn’t damaged the shirt at all over the two years, proving this is one tough t-shirt

If you’re looking for a single, comfortable t-shirt that looks good and is adventure ready, check out the Ridge Merino Journey t-shirt.

Where to buy: Click to see availability at Ridge Merino online

TECHNICAL FLANNEL SHIRTS

A single technical flannel shirt is a priceless addition to the traveler wardrobe.  Wool flannel shirts are great (I have a Pendleton Board Shirt that I love) and there are plenty of other synthetic “technical flannel” shirts combine nylon and polyester to be just as warm, more durable, and are much lighter and easier to pack.

Additionally, the right flannel shirts can add a touch of style if you pick the right one.  My current flannel works in nearly any occasion, and my Uniqlo Oxford Travel shirt works in the rest of those classy sitauations.

I tested Eddie Bauer’s Traveler Flannel Shirt and fell in love (you’ll see pictures all over the site of me in it) and purchased 3 while it was on sale.  Plus, there are several other options for travel ready technical flannel shirts– read on to discover my picks

MY FAVORITE FLANNEL SHIRTS FOR TRAVEL

8. eddie bauer technical flannel.

A flannel shirt crafted perfectly for travelers.  Lightweight polyester and “FreeDry” technology insulates like a jacket when cold but wicks moisture and breathes to keep you cool and dry in the heat.  The fit on this shirt is more classic, giving you room to move make it great for exploring the outdoors and getting active.  The cuff accent colors offer a great touch too.

I’ve toted this shirt around for the last year, love it, and can’t recommend it enough.

Where to buy: From $35 to $70 at Eddie Bauer Online

9. THE PENDLETON BOARD SHIRT

The Pendleton Board shirt, originally rocked by surfers in the 60’s is a classic that goes anywhere, and being 100% virgin wool is extremely functional too.  It stays warm through the cold and the rain and still breathes in the heat.  I’ve worn mine around more campfires and in more national parks than I can remember – and with good reason.  Better yet, I can wear it right into the city and no one is the wiser.

A timeless shirt that you’ll literally be able to wear forever

Where to buy: $135 at Pendleton.com

10. ICEBREAKER LODGE SHIRT

Icebreaker’s new take on a classic.  100% Merino Wool, this shirt is as technical as it gets, performing in the outdoors (and traveling) while still looking good enough for city life. 

The Merino wool fights odor and stays warm throughout.  Pair with a Merino wool t-shirt for best results

Where to buy: $135 at REI online

TRAVEL READY DRESS SHIRTS

Most commonly labeled “easy care” and targeting business travelers, these shirts are a perfect “dress up” shirt for travelers.  They are usually sweat wicking, breathable, and wrinkle free but have the cut of a nicer button down Oxford.

Best yet, good options can be had for very cheap through Uniqlo and H&M and even better options can be found through Bluffworks that cost a bit more but are well worth the money.

One of my two current “dress up” shirts is actually a Uniqlo easy care oxford that I wore through the cold season of Europe and then came to Asia, chopped of the sleeves and had it sewn for ~$5, and now wear as my island shirt.  But there are plenty of shirts that you won’t have to chop in order to look good.  Read on for my faves.

11 . WESTERN RISE AIRLIGHT BUTTON DOWN

This high tech, travel focused, easy care button down gives you the style of a dress shirt and the durability/easy care you need for travel.

49% Nylon added to the fabric delivers abrasion resistance and easy care properties that make a good shirt to tuck in the bottom of your bag or bring as your only shirt.

Finally, the slim and stylish fit make this shirt perfect for daily wear and long term “one bag” travel just as much as outdoor adventures.

Where to buy: $109 at Western Rise | Click here to check available colors

12. UNIQLO EASY CARE DRESS SHIRT

If you’re on a budget and still need to look good during your travels, Uniqlo’s easy care dress shirts are a great option.  The technical materials breathe, wick sweat, and resist wrinkles so you can wear them longer without caring. I wore one of these through Europe and then chopped of the sleeves to make it my casual island shirt…worked like a charm!

Where to buy: $29.90 at Uniqlo.com

13 . BLUFFWORKS MEDIAN TRAVEL SHIRT

A completely “technical” dress shirt, blending 98% polyester and 2% spandex gives the sweat wicking, anti-microbial qualities so you can wear longer, along with wrinkle resisting qualities and freedom of movement so you can stay comfortable along the way.  If you need to “class up” on the road, the Bluffworks Meridian dress shirt is a safe bet.

Where to buy: $98 at Bluffworks

SHORT SLEEVE OXFORD SHIRTS

Though these commonly break the travel rule of “no cotton”, they actually manage to work very well.

First, the airflow you get from a button prevents you from sweating all over it and getting it completely nasty

Second, most people only wear button down shirts when lounging, so you get away with washing it infrequently.

Third, these shirts are always quite durable and can actually go a little longer without a wash than your common cotton t-shirt. 

Last, these are a classic style staple that can be had for cheap and worn with a bit of versatility.  My go to spot is the Gap – as the shirts always have a classic cut, have a more timeless design (fits just as well in the 1970’s as now and can be worn anywhere in the world), and you can always pay $5 to have the shirt tailored and the fit improved later on.

14. GAP OXFORD SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT

A classic shirt made simply and durably make this another one of my go-to shirts when traveling.  The construction is surprisingly good meaning it will work on hikes and in active situations if you feel like pushing it.  Though this shirt is cotton, it breathes well enough to avoid funk for longer than your active t-shirt.  Beyond the adventures, it looks good enough for most any situation.

Where to buy: Starting at $35 at Gap online

MY FAVORITE DENIM SHIRTS FOR TRAVEL

Denim shirts are the unsung hero of travel shirts.  There is a reason that Levis Strauss made his “can’t bust ‘em” gear for goldmining rough necks out of cotton denim – because it works.  Denim shirts are a great all around travel shirt that sits side by side with the technical flannel.

Granted, these denim shirts don’t insulate as well, suck when wet, and take forever to dry, but they look better than flannel and are better if you’re in a situation where you might get thrown around and need an extra layer of skin – like riding a motorbike anywhere in Southeast Asia. Plus, the denim shirt looks good.

A travel tip I got from my buddy “Dr. Strangelove” and his Spanish friends was to actually carry a denim button down on adventures to throw on for nice pics – instead of wearing that sweaty hiking shirt.  That’s actually excellent advice – but I’m a touch too apathetic to execute.

So, if you want a good all-around shirt, that looks good, and you won’t be getting too wet or sweaty, consider the denim shirt.

15. GAP DENIM SHIRTS

Classic cut and fit and constructed well enough to last through your travels.  I have a couple Gap denim shirts that I’ve worn for years and countless countries, and they keep getting better with age.  They’re durable and look good too.

Where to buy: From $40 at Gap

16. THE ORIGINAL: LEVI’S DENIM SHIRT

Levi Strauss did something right with his first couple of creations, cementing “denim” as a style staple.  If you’re going to pick up a denim shirt, you can’t go wrong with the original – Levi’s

Where to buy: Levis.com

HAWAIIAN SHIRTS

Though you wouldn’t expect to see it on this list, if you are venturing to hot or humid climates, Hawaiian shirts are an excellent option.  For one, they’re fun.  People may judge you, but those who don’t will automatically assume you’re fun.

Second, they’re traditional Hawaiian shirts for a reason.  They’re great in the heat and allow just enough breeze while blocking the sun.  They’re also perfect for when you’ve just gotten out of the water.  So, if you’re heading to the islands, consider having some fun and making a Hawaiian shirt your shirt of choice.

Where should you buy these?  Honestly…nowhere in the US.  Buy one on the road as a souvenir.  You can have a custom one made in Southeast Asia for cheap or buy the Balinese version (with real coconut buttons) when you’re in the area.

17. BONUS: THE ONLY JACKET YOU NEED FOR TRAVEL – THE BLUFFWORKS FIELD JACKET

So, you have your perfect travel shirt setup and now need something to layer over it to stay dry, warm, and stylish…what do you choose?

There are literally thousands of options to choose from, between waterproof puffy down jackets, to rainproof shells, but my travels have led me to…exactly one.

The Bluffworks Field Jacket .

This waterproof, windproof take on the classic M-65 military issue field jacket combines the best of style and function that travelers need.

Top of your torso by checking out this Bluffworks Field Jacket Review for full details and even better pictures…

Now that you have the top half of your wardrobe for travel worked out, what’s next?  Clearly you should figure out the best pair of bottoms for your trip by checking out the 15 best travel pants for men and the 5 best travel shorts for men followed closely by my 8 favorite travel shoes for men to create your perfect travel rig.

Like it? Pin it!

Other Great Travel Gear  Content:

• The 8 Best Travel Shoes for Men
• 5 Great Men’s Travel Shorts
• The Best Travel Pants for Men
• My Carry on Packing List

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

12 Best Travel Shirts for Men & Women

These 12 travel shirts aren’t going to stink up or wear down on you. They’ll last you through a hot day of taco hunting in Mexico City or a wet day trekking in the mountains of Nepal.

Shirts. Just how do you wade into the tsunami of options to pick out the absolute best travel shirts on the market?

Do you look for brand popularity? Couldn’t hurt. What about quality materials? Most definitely. How about intended uses? Certainly.

In fact, you should look at all these points and more. But don’t worry, I’ve done the nitty-gritty research for you. And I’ve emerged with the best travel shirts for both men and women.

All you have to do is sit back and absorb everything you need to know before purchasing travel clothes for your next adventure.

The backbone of any travel clothing ensemble is undoubtedly the T-shirt.

Low-key, low-maintenance and low-profile, the T-shirt is perfect for transiting busy airports, stepping out of the hotel to poke around a new city or just squeezing in a workout. The trick, however, is finding a T-shirt that can accomplish all of this, and not stink or look like a cow’s been chewing on it.

I’ve, therefore, picked out several of the best t-shirts for travel to cover everything from comfort to near indestructibility.

• Best Travel T-Shirt Overall: Ably's Bradley and Daffodil
• Most Versatile Travel Shirt: Bluffworks Threshold
• Best Merino Travel T-Shirt: Ibex Merino Tencel Short Sleeve Tee
• Best Travel T-Shirt for Hiking: Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
• Best Travel T-Shirt for Women: Eddie Bauer Favorite V-Neck
• Best Long Sleeve Travel Shirt: Unbound Merino Wool Long Sleeve Crew Neck
• Best Long-Sleeved Travel Shirt for Women: Icebreaker Zone Base Layer
• Best Travel Button Down Shirt: Bluffworks Meridian 2.0
• Best Travel Henley: Olivers Convoy Henley
• Best Travel Polo Shirt: Icebreaker Merino Tech Lite II Short Sleeve Polo Shirt
• Best Travel Hoodie: Unbound Merino Compact Travel Hoodie
• Best Travel Tank Top: Icebreaker Merino 125 Cool-Lite Speed Tank Top

Best Travel T-Shirt Overall

Ably's bradley and daffodil.

• Filium coating
• Cotton, but liquid-repellent
• Odor-resistant
• Quick-dry T-shirt

Most Versatile Travel Shirt

Bluffworks threshold.

• UPF 50 protection
• Wrinkle-resistant
• Gold and silver nanoparticle embedded material for odor-resistance
• Machine-washable
• Moisture-wicking

Best Merino Travel T-Shirt

Ibex merino tencel short sleeve tee.

• Very durable merino blend with nylon
• Temperature-regulating
• Anti-microbial

Best Travel T-Shirt for Hiking

Patagonia capilene cool trail shirt.

• Made completely from recycled materials
• Lots of odor control
• More affordable than most
• Great for everything from hiking to city travel

Best Travel T-Shirt for Women

Eddie bauer favorite v-neck.

• Budget-friendly T-shirt
• Minimal piling

Best Long Sleeve Travel Shirt

Unbound merino wool long sleeve crew neck.

• Wrinkle-free
• Odor resistant
• Merino wool material
• Moisture wicking

Best Long-Sleeved Travel Shirt for Women

Icebreaker zone base layer.

• Thumbholes for added comfort
• Very durable

Best Travel Button Down Shirt

Bluffworks meridian 2.0.

• Classic or slim fit options
• Machine washable

Best Travel Henley

Olivers convoy henley.

• Water-resistant

Best Travel Polo Shirt

Icebreaker merino tech lite ii short sleeve polo shirt.

Best Travel Hoodie

Unbound merino compact travel hoodie.

Best Travel Tank Top

Icebreaker merino 125 cool-lite speed tank top.

• Merino-Tencel blend for excellent durability

Ably's Bradley and Daffodil : Best Travel T-Shirt Overall

The Filium shirt treatment employed by Ably easily makes their product earn the title of one of the best travel shirts on the market. Liquid-repellent and quick-drying, these cotton shirts are absolutely perfect for wearing on back-to-back-to-back days and still looking fresh.

And, as an added bonus: Ably produces this almost odor-free T-shirt in both men’s ( the Bradley ) and women’s ( the Daffodil ). Just be aware that this T-shirt for travel comes at a price. And it’s also susceptible to shrinkage (remember it’s still a cotton shirt!).

• Pros & Cons
• Technical Specs
• Odor-resistant, so you can wear for long periods of time
• Quick-drying
• Susceptible to shrinkage if dried too long
• Moderately expensive

Bluffworks Threshold : Most Versatile Travel Shirt

Instead of relying on a material’s natural anti-microbial properties, such as merino, or secondary treatments for odor control, Bluffworks adopts the unique approach of embedded gold and silver nanoparticles. Recall that Bluffworks is always pushing for the very best in durability and style, and that’s exactly what they deliver here.

These gold and silver particles keep bacteria and odors at bay with ease. And they keep the Bluffworks Threshold smelling great after traveling, sleeping and also even exercising. Add UPF 50 protection and wrinkle-resistance, and you have what can definitely be one of the best travel T-shirts for both men and women . It’s certainly one to add to your packing list.

Remember, however, that these features come with a price tag, making this shirt fairly expensive, compared to an ordinary T-shirt.

• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Expensive compared to a regular cotton tee

Ibex Merino Tencel Short Sleeve Tee : Best Merino Travel T-Shirt

If sweaters, hoodies and long sleeves can all benefit from merino, then why can’t T-shirts? At least that’s what Ibex thought when they produced the Merino Tencel Short Sleeve Tee . This company has stylish longevity at the forefront of their line as they continuously produce high-quality men’s travel shirts and apparel to last for the long run.

The ultra-fine combo of merino wool and nylon accomplishes this goal by creating excellent temperature regulation and anti-microbial properties with extreme durability. So this produces a luxuriously soft T-shirt that will smell great and also hold up in the face of every travel escapade ever. The greatest drawback for me, however, is justifying paying $85+ on a T-shirt. But for this powerhouse combination, it may well be worth it for you. There’s a women’s version as well.

• Very expensive compared to other shirts on this list

Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt : Best Travel T-Shirt for Hiking

The best travel shirt in tee form doesn’t need to break the bank—and the Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt (also available for women ) is a perfect example of a functional yet affordable shirt. It’s made of a quick-to-wick 100% recycled polyester spun jersey blend that will keep you comfortable hiking a trail or around a new city.

It’s durable enough to be your sidekick for any and all of your travels, and it holds up to multiple washing cycles very well.

Fortunately, you won’t even need to wash it too often, as this shirt also has lots of odor control. You’ll have a solid unisex T-shirt for all your adventures—and since it’s made from recycled materials, you’ll be doing your part to help the environment!

• Less expensive than others on this list
• Comes in a wide array of colors
• Made from 100% recycled polyester
• The sizes seem to run smaller than normal—if you're a size small, you should probably get a medium

Eddie Bauer Favorite V-Neck : Best Travel T-Shirt for Women

For an inexpensive travel V-neck , Eddie Bauer puts forth their “favorite” T-shirt. Eddie Bauer has been equipping mountaineers and explorers for many years, and they bring that experience to all their clothes. Think: excellent quality along with a policy of standing behind everything they produce.

The cotton-polyester blend here follows this trend and makes for a comfortably soft fit, while the polishing helps prevent any annoying piling. This material, however, lacks any temperature regulation or anti-bacterial properties. So be prepared to wash it while traveling.

All this comes in at a very reasonable price that makes it an ideal addition to any informal travel wardrobe.

• Minimal pilling
• Not odor-resistant
• No temperature regulation

Unbound Merino Wool Long Sleeve Crew Neck : Best Long Sleeve Travel Shirt

Every traveler worth their salt needs a reliable and stylish long-sleeve shirt. This should be your go-to option for a day in the city or for an evening out. It can also act as a layer when the temperatures begin to drop.

Unbound is one of the best travel clothing brands and they put their proven quality and merino prowess to work to provide that exact go-to shirt in their long sleeve merino crew . I rank it among the best men’s wrinkle-free travel shirts – an important feature when you’re living out of a backpack.

This shirt embodies each and every one of the benefits of coveted merino wool—cool and moisture-wicking in warm weather, and temperature-insulating on cooler days. The wool is, furthermore, naturally anti-bacterial. Therefore it’s anti-odor, so you can wear it time and time again without washing.

But the time for washing will eventually come and, when it does, you may find merino wool to be a little more particular than your average T-shirt. While it can be machine washed, line drying is highly recommended to prevent shrinkage and premature wear. Unbound provides several very handy, but potentially headache-inducing, guidelines to keep this wool shirt in peak health.

While all the benefits of Merino make this shirt functionally perfect for nearly every traveling situation, the uncomplicated but stylish design by Unbound is the icing on the cake. Available in solid navy blue or black, this shirt will look perfectly comfortable as a layer on a skiing trip or as a standalone in a cafe or restaurant.

I, therefore, wholeheartedly recommend the merino crew from Unbound as one of the best travel shirts for men. Certainly the finest option with long sleeves. Stay warm when needed, cool when needed and classy always.

• Extra maintenance required
• Only two colors

Icebreaker Zone Base Layer : Best Long-Sleeved Travel Shirt for Women

Finding a reliable long-sleeve that can function as a layer, a standalone top for around town and an exercise shirt is no small task. Especially when you need to find the perfect travel shirt to last for as long as possible.

The Icebreaker Zone Base Layer , however, perfectly fills this niche. And it can easily become your favorite traveling top for any situation.

This incredibly comfortable merino top will keep smelling great through every aspect of your trip, while the nylon blend seriously increases the durability for absolute longevity. And the added thumbholes and inherent temperature regulation further add to the comfort.

Plus, the straight-black coloring and sleek design offer near-limitless versatility. Wear it for a run, a day out, during airplane travel or as a warm base, and look good in every situation.

Recall, however, that merino abhors dryers, and so line drying is the way to go. Furthermore, several users report that the shirt may feel itchy upon purchase. But a single wash usually clears this up without any further issues.

Icebreaker has been cranking out high-quality merino products for several years now. And this long-sleeve top for women certainly lives up to their reputation. All the benefits of merino, the durability of nylon, a sleek design and, of course, thumbholes all come together to make this long-sleeve the best travel shirt for women travelers.

• Extra merino care
• Can be itchy upon purchase

Bluffworks Meridian 2.0 : Best Travel Button Down Shirt

Looking to make an impression while on the road? Perhaps you’re headed to a high-stakes business meeting. Or maybe it’s a romantic evening out in a new city. It certainly pays to look your best while traveling. And the Meridian Dress Shirt 2.0 easily accomplishes this goal to the point that others will be thinking: “I wonder if his tailor travels with him.”

Bluffworks has invested an enormous amount of time and energy into developing a unique clothing line that lasts. And also a line that looks great. This shirt promises just that, making it the best travel dress shirt on the market.

The Meridian Dress Shirt 2.0 is entirely wrinkle-free. For example, pull it from your suitcase after a flight, and you’ll be good to go.

Plus, there’s no sense in smelling like a rumpled and rugged traveler. The Meridian, again, hurdles this obstacle with an anti-microbial treatment that keeps you smelling fresh for days. And the polyester material is perfect for keeping you cool in all conditions. But remember that it doesn’t offer much insulation.

That all said, when it’s time for a wash, the Meridian is also refreshingly straightforward. This shirt is 100 percent machine washable, and you can simply tumble dry it or throw it up on a line.

However, for all its benefits, I’ve found that the Meridian does have one chink in its armor. The button spacing seems to be ever-so-slightly large. Meaning that, when sitting down, the gaps between the buttons can open up to reveal your undershirt (or lack thereof).

• Wide button spacing

Olivers Convoy Henley : Best Travel Henley

The Henley adds a few degrees of style to the standard long-sleeve shirt with the addition of a three-button collarless placket. But now consider the travel Henley, Oliver’s 100 percent merino wool variant that is anti-odor, water-repellent, lightweight and always ready for the road.

Olivers provides a refreshingly large color selection, so you can pick what matches your vibe. And the straightforward solid color also creates a subtly pleasing style that is just as versatile as your travels. Airports, dinners, beach trips, workouts and everything in between—your Convoy Henley won’t even break a sweat, literally.

The 100 percent merino wool construction will remain cool in warm conditions, and while wicking moisture away from your body. But, when the thermometer takes a dive, the wool will also provide excellent insulation. Add its natural odor protection and Olivers’ added water-resistance, and you have a shirt that will keep up on all of your travel escapades.

The fit, however, can be a bit of an acquired taste. Olivers has opted for a very athletic fit. Meaning you casual wearers out there can expect a much tighter fit and significantly narrower sleeves. So, if this worries you, be sure to pick one size larger than usual.

What merino gives us travelers in temperature and odor protection, however, it takes back in maintenance. Be sure to read up on how to best protect your wool shirt, and do your best to make it last. Additionally, this shirt must always dry on the line or lying flat, which can be a bit of a drag to you quick-moving travelers.

Nevertheless, the mountain of benefits of merino wool far outweighs the additional maintenance. It’s, therefore, easily the best travel shirt for Henley lovers to add to their packing list.

• Athletic cut, especially in narrow sleeves

Icebreaker Merino Tech Lite II Short Sleeve Polo Shirt : Best Travel Polo Shirt

Whether it’s salsa night in your new city or you’re simply a polo aficionado, the Icebreaker Merino Tech Lite II Short Sleeve Polo Shirt is the best travel shirt for those looking for a classy collar. Combining all the benefits of merino wool with a stretchy nylon results in a stylish platform that hides a plethora of travel-friendly perks.

So let’s start with the style. First, Icebreaker presents a simple solid color pattern in two darker colors that look good in almost every circumstance. So from your travel day at the airport to an evening out with new friends, this polo shirt easily projects tastefulness without straying into the realm of preppy.

But, also, within this fashionable men’s shirt hides merino wool superpowers. So enjoy the benefits of your shirt being naturally odor-resistant, temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking, all of which are pivotal for the best travel shirt. Remember, however, that merino requires extra Tender Loving Care (TLC), and it cannot be tossed in a dryer.

In fact, while we’re discussing the downsides, beware that many consumers have reported that the chest region of this polo often fits snugly, bordering on tight. Apart from the tight feeling, this also leads to a lot of chest for all to see if you leave it unbuttoned. Consider sizing up if you prefer a more casual fit.

For combining fancy and function, gentlemen, you can’t go wrong with this polo from Icebreaker. The design and style will keep you looking good for every aspect of your trip. And the merino material will constantly fend off smells and uncomfortable temperatures. So that’s definitely a win-win that makes this the best travel shirt for men who love a good polo.

• Tight fit in chest and arms
• Merino requires extra maintenance

Unbound Merino Compact Travel Hoodie : Best Travel Hoodie

Enter: all the benefits of merino, with tons of extra perks (like being wrinkle-resistant), spun into an incredibly soft and compact hoodie that will keep you comfortable wherever your travels take you. I believe Unbound Merino has definitely hit a bullseye with this product. And it easily earns the title of one of the best traveling shirts.

Unbound Merino has targeted extreme adventurers for years with their line of comfortable yet durable merino wool products. And this particular hoodie embodies everything I love about their line.

The 97 percent merino wool will keep nasty odors at bay, even after days and days of wear. And, meanwhile, it will regulate your temperature in both warm and cool situations. Unbound Merino threw in 3% elastane, which seriously ups the durability of this garment, and it makes it ready to tackle everything from the trails to the trams.

Plus, this shirt is light and breathable, and fast-drying to boot—it’s absolutely perfect for backpack-toting travelers who may need to wash their clothes by hand. As always, keep in mind that merino needs a little extra love where maintenance is concerned. This is, furthermore, a very thin and lightweight travel shirt that, while perfect for traveling, may be prone to snags or tears.

Travelers looking for the perfect blend of comfort and durability, therefore, can’t go wrong with the Unbound Merino Compact Travel Hoodie .

• Light and breathable, and quick-drying
• Very thin material, may be prone to snags

Icebreaker Merino 125 Cool-Lite Speed Tank Top : Best Travel Tank Top

I spent a great deal of time searching around for the very best shirts for travel in each category, and Icebreaker simply kept appearing. They once again make my list, therefore, with their Icebreaker Merino 125 Cool-Lite Speed Tank Top that, again, ushers in an unbeatable merino-Tencel blend.

The merino easily handles the odor and comfort aspect to this travel tank, while the Tencel, in turn, shores up the durability and moisture-wicking/quick-drying aspects. Together, they make this stylish tank top ready to take on the world, from exploring an outdoor market to enjoying a nice meal to completing the best hike of your life.

The relaxed draping fit will also be comfortable for any and all parts of your adventure. Wear this under a blazer or cardigan, and you’ve got something slightly more formal. But take note here that the draping fit may not be for everyone. Those of you who prefer a more sporty athletic fit may want to consider moving one size lower. But this is seriously small potatoes for such an awesome shirt.

For serious traveling in hot climates, this tank is certainly one of the best travel shirts you can invest in. Smell fresh wear after wear, look great wherever you go, enjoy merino’s endless comfort and get a traveling tank that will last your entire trip. In short, you can’t get any better than that.

• Cannot tumble dry
• Drapes for a loose and relaxed fit. Drop down a size for tight athletic fit.

What Makes the Best Travel Shirt?

You may look at your closet and see plenty of shirts that you could pack, but would they really stand up to the rigors of travel and earn the title of travel shirt? Probably not. Travel shirts are a special breed that are specifically designed for all the hardship, odors and harsh weather conditions on your radar.

These special design points generally focus on materials, additional treatments and simply high-quality craftsmanship that all work together to make the best travel shirt last as long as your travels do. And always look good while doing it.

So, now that you know exactly what to look for in this essential piece of travel gear, these three points are key.

Tough Threads

Arguably the most important aspect of the best travel shirts is its material. Cheap or weak material is much more likely to prematurely fray and fail mid-trip. So this leads to an unscheduled and unanticipated shopping stop to replenish your travel wardrobe.

I, therefore, cannot overstate the importance of finding travel clothes that will complement, and not hinder, your travels. My best advice is to look for merino wool or an alternative.

• Merino: Merino wool is incredibly soft and feels great. And, more practically, it’s naturally anti-bacterial, which means that it’s anti-odor. It’s also temperature regulating. That said, it does need some more care, as it cannot be tossed in the dryer. And there are also certain chemical deodorants that some manufacturers say to steer clear of.
• Synthetic Alternatives:  Polyester, a manufactured synthetic material, is breathable and moisture wicking, but lacks insulation. Tencel is also employed as a more durable and quick-drying option to merino wool, and is often blended with wool to get the best of both worlds. Lastly, lyocell is a natural man-made fiber that is often deployed for its excellent moisture management and anti-microbial properties.

As an extra layer of awesomeness, you will often see many manufacturers adding their own material treatments to further bolster a travel shirt’s robustness.

Treatment for Travel

The raw materials that make up the best travel shirts typically benefit from an additional chemical treatment in the form of water-repellency, anti-microbial shields or UPF protection . For most travelers, these can be absolute gold.

Fend off the rain or drink spill, both of which are unfortunate inevitabilities. Or keep those smelly bacteria at bay for more uses between washes. Some of the best outdoor clothing brands even have their own special formulations to boost their shirts to the heavyweight level, as Ably’s Filium accomplishes.

Filium launches what would simply be an average cotton shirt to the traveling level with a three-part combination knockout. It’s stain-resistant thanks to liquid repellency, odor-resistant thanks to anti-microbial properties, and quick drying. These three items are just what I love in a good travel shirt, and that’s why you’ll see Ably amongst my top T-shirt picks.

Therefore, run an eye over a potential shirt’s specifications, and pay special attention to any treatments that may be the thin line between a throwaway gym rag and the best shirt of your life.

Excellence for Every Escapade

The last item to consider when purchasing the best travel shirts, as with all travel gear, is quality. Poorly constructed shirts will simply not hold up to the rigors of travel.

Look for products from established and reputable manufacturers. Preferably those in the outdoor adventure or sport fields. They will know how to make shirts that last. This quality will, unfortunately, come with a price tag. But investing in a shirt that will last, look good for most occasions and resist stains and odors is well worth spending a little extra on in my opinion.

Off to trek the Salkantay trail or headed to the cold Bolivian salt flats? Whatever the case, these travel shirts will make sure of no wardrobe malfunctions. From long to short, hooded to collared, buttoned to casual, this list has you covered.

You have everything you need to know about purchasing your best shirt for travel ever at your fingertips. So go forth, get your shirt, and keep on exploring the world.

• The Best Gifts For Travelers
• What to Wear Hiking

Travel Shirts FAQs

What is the best shirt to wear when traveling.

The best shirt for traveling is one that is lightweight, breathable, and antimicrobial.

What clothes are good for traveling?

The best travel clothes are ones that work in a variety of situations, are lightweight, and are comfortable.

What is the best antimicrobial travel clothing?

Merino wool is the best antimicrobial material for travel clothing.

What is the best travel clothing brand?

Unbound Merino makes some of the best travel clothing on the planet.

What is travel t-shirt?

A travel t-shirt is one that is very lightweight and packable.

Jeremy Scott Foster

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Designed for the guys who need more room in the seat and quads, with a slightly tapered leg from

Designed for guys who prefer a more fitted pant in the seat and quads, with a tapered leg.

Five Pocket Pant

A standard patch pocket style with elevated travel features and a tapered leg.

A slightly dressier style with khaki-style front pockets and welt back pockets.

A casual sporty look, with a pull-on waistband, a drawstring, and a tapered leg opening with no cuff so you can dress them up or down.

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Why Western Rise

• Travel Light: Performance fabrics enable a one-bag travel lifestyle.
• Versatile Style: Outfits easily transition from business to adventure.
• Functional Comfort: Smart features for enhanced mobility and convenience.
• Worry-Free Returns: Hassle-free return policy for peace of mind.
• Sustainable Choice: Quality apparel that's environmentally responsible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel shirts are specially designed for comfort and convenience during trips, featuring lightweight, quick-drying fabrics. They often have wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant and moisture-wicking properties, suitable for various travel scenarios.

The best men's wrinkle-free travel shirts are often made from innovative blends of fabrics that combine functionality with comfort. Many contain materials like polyester, known for its wrinkle resistance and quick-drying properties, or blends of polyester with elastane or spandex for added stretch and flexibility. Some incorporate merino wool for its natural temperature-regulating and odor-resistant qualities, as in our merino wool shirts for men collection , offering comfort in various climates. Cotton blends as in our cotton shirts collection are also popular, adding breathability and softness to the shirts.

These shirts are designed not only to resist wrinkles but also to provide features like moisture-wicking and breathability, making them ideal for long travel days or varying weather conditions. The focus in these travel shirts is on combining practical travel needs with style and ease of maintenance​.

The best men's travel shirts for hot weather are typically made from lightweight and breathable fabrics that facilitate air circulation and moisture wicking. Materials like linen and lightweight cotton are popular choices due to their natural breathability and ability to keep the body cool.

Additionally, some shirts are made from technical fabrics such as moisture-wicking polyester or blends that include spandex, which offer quick-drying properties and greater flexibility. 

Surprisingly, Merino wool is also well-suited for hot weather, despite its association with warmth. It’s excellent at regulating body temperature, meaning it helps keep you cool when it's hot. Merino wool clothing wicks moisture away from the skin, allowing sweat to evaporate easily, which is a key factor in staying cool.

To pack a shirt for travel, start by laying it flat and buttoning up the front. Then, fold the sleeves inward across the back, creating a rectangular shape. Finally, fold the shirt in half from bottom to top to minimize wrinkles. Rolling the shirt instead of folding can also save space and reduce creases, making it a popular choice for travelers aiming to maximize luggage efficiency.

Western Rise uses a variety of fabrics in our men's travel shirts, focusing on features beneficial for travelers. Our shirts, like Limitless Merino Button Down , are made from materials like merino wool, known for its temperature-regulating and odor-resistant properties, which are especially useful in travel scenarios where washing opportunities may be limited.

Also, we utilize cotton and other blends, like in X Cotton Shirt , that offer comfort and durability. The inclusion of polyester enhances the durability and wrinkle resistance of the shirts, while elastane adds the necessary stretch for comfort and ease of movement.

This thoughtful approach in fabric selection ensures that our travel shirts are not only comfortable and durable but also lightweight, quick-drying, and packable, making them ideal for travel.

Western Rise travel shirts often incorporate stain-resistant, odor-resistant, and water-resistant technologies, making them ideal for adventure travel. Our shirts and tees are both comfortable and durable, ensuring your comfort and style are always in check.

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The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

We’ve tested the best wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and comfortable travel pants for men this year. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure.

Have your flights booked? We’ve got your backside covered with the best men’s travel pants on the market for 2024.

From the Andean cloud forests to deep desert canyons, to long backcountry road trips and Parisian markets, these pants have been tested to tackle any adventure and do it all in style. Our travel-worn team has beaten paths around the globe in these slacks, and we’ve tested over 150 different pairs for almost a decade now. If it’s got the right stuff, we’ve saddled up in a pair.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide . Curious just what makes a pant fit for the rigors of travel? Take a peek at our FAQ section. And if you’re still on the fence (or trying to sneak in under a carry-on weight limit), consult our comparison chart .

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on March 11, 2024, to add our new line-up of travel pants for the year, including our new best overall pick, the Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants , as well as a fresh selection of new and old favorites.

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

• Best Overall Men’s Travel Pants: Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants
• Best Budget Men’s Travel Pants: UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Chinos
• Best Travel Pants for Adventuring In: LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants
• Best Travel Pants to Look Like a Local: Western Rise Evolution 2 Pants
• Most Comfortable Travel Pants: Proof 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant

Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants

• Fabric 57% recycled polyester, 33% polyester, 10% spandex
• Fabric weight 210 gsm
• Fit True to size
• Weight 15 oz.

• Lightweight fabric dries quickly
• Wrinkle resistant
• Looks and feels more recreational than the Ascenders
• Anti-UV properties
• More comfortable than most pants on the list
• The rear device pocket is uncomfortable to sit on a phone in the back phone pocket
• Lacks a DWR

Bluffworks’ Ascender Chino has been at or near the top of our travel pants list for four years now. Our main gripe with the Ascender is the heavy lean into the business side of “business casual.” That and the sheer number of pockets sometimes confounded our sleep-deprived travel brains. But now with fewer pockets and less golf-course chino, Bluffworks nailed the perfect travel pants with their Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants iteration ($125).

Trimming the fat started with the pockets. The Envoy drops a pocket to give us nine, but all are functional, and five of them zip shut. Two stealth pockets zip inside the hand pockets, both rear pockets zip shut, and a device pocket zips closed off the thigh and is a great place to store your documents.

Behind the right rear pocket, the Envoy tucks a drop-in style phone pocket below the waistband. This is a brilliant design that is easy to access, yet deep enough to curb sticky fingers. We did find it more comfortable to store the phone on the thigh when seated.  

The Envoys close shut with a zippered fly and metal button sewn into the elastic, belt-friendly waistband. In case you left the belt at home, silicone tabs are welded to the inside of the waistband and help keep the pants from shifting down.

Instead of a 100% durable polyester fabric found in the Ascender Chino, the Envoy is constructed from a recycled polyester spun with 10% spandex, giving the pants a 4-way stretch. On the inside, all seams are overlocked and tacked down with a double stitch on the inseam to keep them from rubbing against the skin and reducing exposure to snags. The pants wear light and supple, and given that they don’t have a gusset sewn into the crotch, we found the Envoys very flexible if not the most comfortable pants on our list.

And that’s really where the Envoys shine. If nothing else, a travel pant should go unnoticed — both on you and among potential troublemakers. These pants wear effortlessly, yet are capable of storing all your essentials safely away.

If you haven’t tried Bluffworks before, we recommend looking at the Envoy Lightweights over the Ascenders. While the Ascenders have one more pocket (a passport sleeve on the inside of the left front pocket), only three of the 10 pockets zip shut. The styling of the Envoy has five pockets that zip shut and wears more casually without compromising its city chops. 

UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Chinos

• Fabric 94% nylon, 6% spandex
• Fabric weight 173 gsm
• Weight 13 oz.

• Comfortable
• Security options
• Well priced
• Pants run long
• Material tends to collect lint

Travel should never be about the gear. It should be about the experience. An Amazon darling, at $40 a pair, UNIONBAY’s Rainier Travel Pants are a steal, leaving more cash in the wallet for traveling.

True to size, the nylon-spandex blend offers just enough stretch for a full range of motion. The pants keep around the waist with a button and have traditional belt loops if you want to class them up with a belt.

Three nylon zipper pockets pair with deep hand pockets. With two in the back and one on the upper right leg, they’re big enough to secure a passport, the latest iPhone, a notepad, or all of them together.

The Rainiers are rated to 50 UPF and feel durable in the hand, making them acceptable for activities like hiking. The outermost layer is lightly brushed and tends to collect lint and show stains quicker than other pants we tested, but they wash up easily and the 170 gsm fabric is quick to dry.

While a simple pant when compared to the Bluffworks attention to detail, these chino-style pants hit the core elements we looked for when evaluating the best men’s travel pants. If you’re looking for a budget pair of travel pants that pack up tight and breeze from the tarmac to restaurants (and maybe a light hike in between), these are it.

The Rainiers are available in four colors: charcoal, navy, black, and khaki.

LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants

• Fabric 70% Blue Ocean nylon, 25% nylon, 5% spandex

• Form and function meet the apex pant
• Bomber hardware
• Tons of pockets with versatile security options
• DWR is negligible
• Styling is less formal

LIVSN’s Ecotrek Trail Pant  ($129) brings more stretch, lighter weight, and a more athletic design to their tried and true Flex Canvas Pants. And while these new pants are great for climbing, hiking, or other fast-paced activities in warmer climates, we find they hit all the marks for what we love in travel pants too.

Let’s start with the many pockets, most of which are zippered. Both rear pockets close with a zipper, offering some much-needed peace of mind. Angling off the back of the left thigh is an additional, horizontal zippered pocket, which is great for gadgets or a small wallet.

Both of the mesh hand pockets have coin sleeves to prevent loose currency or keys from shifting around, and the left front hand pocket has a hidden zippered pocket large enough to protect your phone. Rounding out the seven pockets is a reinforced multitool pocket sitting on the right thigh. With so many pocket options, there’s a place for everything that feels designed with purpose instead of over-engineered.

The pocket configuration is dialed, but what sells these pants are the little details. The fabric’s synthetic blend doesn’t feel stiff, and the smartly tailored material walks quietly, fitting our testers with an ergonomic, yet surprisingly athletic fit.

A metal button closes the front and is backed with a leather pledget to prevent busting out. The Ecotrek Trail pants have belt loops, but if you forget your belt, they include a drawstring that hides inside the waistband. The cuffs are reinforced around the heel and so is the utility tool pocket.

While they don’t have a robust DWR, the material breathes very well. When things heat up, the pant legs roll up and keep under a buttoned strap that’s been sewn with reflective tape. These little details add up pretty quickly to make the Ecotrek a stellar pant.

Turn the pants inside out, and you really get an appreciation for the quality and care taken to make these pants. All seams are overlocked, with the flat-felled inseam. This kind of stitching increases durability where you need it and comfort where you want it.

Sustainability is core to LIVSN’s line of clothes, and the  Ecotrek Trail pant  walks the talk. The material is woven from Oceanflex fabric (70% recycled fishing buoys recovered from the ocean), and the YKK zipper taping is made from recycled ocean plastic. The rest is 25% nylon and 5% spandex for stretch.

If you are looking for lightweight, stretchy, durable pants, the LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pant stands out as one of the best men’s travel pants on the market and can tackle a wide range of activities.

The Ecotrek Trail pants are available in olive, caramel, and charcoal colors, and they come in a range of sizes up to a 40-inch waist and a 34-inch inseam.

Read Review:  Darn-Near Perfect Pants, Made With Recycled Plastic: LIVSN EcoTrek Review

Western Rise Evolution 2 Pants

• Fabric 90% nylon, 10% elastane, woven in Sweden, cut and sewn in the USA
• Fabric weight 107 gsm
• Weight 11 oz.

• Lightweight material breathes just as well as the first
• More durability than the first iteration
• Fantastic fit and construction
• Better mobility than the first iteration
• New fabric feels slightly stiffer (breaks in over time)
• Patch on the inside pocket can feel sticky against the legs (they are changing it to a print)
• Single security pocket is limiting for some travelers

The first iteration of the Evolution was a GearJunkie staple around the office. Simple, functional, durable — it’s what we recommended to all our friends who ask us, “What’s the best pant for everyday use?” This year, Western Rise updated the Evolution 2.0 ($128) with more stretch, and they are only all the better for it.

This new bump in elastane gives the Evolution 2.0 significant four-way stretch and increased flexibility without sacrificing durability. The jean-like five-pocket design wears more like denim but has the durability of a hiking pant. In fact, one of our editors wore their pair to the top of the Grand Teton.

At the core of the pant is the nylon-elastane blend with a trim jean cut. The nylon fibers are softened by running them through an air-texturized process and then weaving them into a dynamic yarn. The material has a durable weave that mimics denim (and feels less “khaki”).

The DWR coating — or maybe DBR (Durable Beer Resistance) — is outstanding. We wore these pants to Oktoberfest last year where they took the brunt of the fickle Bavarian weather and a rowdy beer hall.

Reach around back, and you’ll find a double pocket on the right, with a hidden zipper pocket that’s large enough to swallow your passport. Western Rise expanded the front coin pocket and made it big enough to holster the largest phone on the market.

After your trip, roll them up and watch them disappear in your luggage. They tick all the boxes for traveling and were the envy of our photographer while cycling through Colombia.

There aren’t many reasons to ding the Evolutions; the material on the new pant feels stiff out of the box but that softens up over time. To help differentiate its pant models (which all have a similar cut and color), Western Rise screened a patch on the inner left pocket. It can feel a little sweaty against the legs.

Aware of this issue, Western Rise is changing that label to a print going forward. One thing that hasn’t changed is the pocket configuration. Some will find the additional zipper pocket just the right amount of added security. Others will prefer more pockets to keep their EDCs. And that’s where we find the Evolution falls short. An extra security pocket would send this pant to the top of the list again.

If you want that Western Rise styling but with a wrinkle-resistant fabric, the Diversion pant ($168) is also a great pick. The double-knit canvas weighs 286 gsm, making it more durable overall but sacrificing packability.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This fantastic five-pocket jean-style pant has been on our list of the best men’s travel pants for 6 years now. For 2 of those years, they were our top pick. We use the Western Rise Evolution 2.0s as a benchmark for fit and comfort and we recommend them to friends looking for a do-everything pant that flies fashionably under the radar.

Proof 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant

• Fabric 47% merino wool, 33% nylon, 14% polyester, 6% elastane
• Fabric weight 247 gsm
• Weight 16.5 oz.

• Gusseted crotch
• Good fit and stretch
• Pricey — $200 can buy you two (or three) other pants on the list
• Weighs an ounce or two more than other similar pants
• Lacks a dedicated device pocket

Merino pants? 100%. Proof is Huckberry’s in-house performance wear, with the 72-Hour line as their go-to travel clothes under the Proof name. New this year, Huckberry released the 72-Hour Travel Pant ($198), and while expensive, it has a lot of merits. We learned it’s all in the fabric.

Wool has natural antimicrobial, DWR, and UPF protection characteristics that we usually laud about when discussing base layers . Because wool wicks moisture, the pants breathe well and keep you feeling dry even in hot climates and sticky bus rides. It keeps the stench down and the comfort high. All things we look for when traveling. 

This is the first merino wool pant we’ve seriously considered, and it makes a lot of sense. If you are going far with limited space, you need to trim the fat. And while cutting out extra shirts and pants may once have been a questionable decision, it’s a lot easier when one pair of pants delivers so well.

The design team gave some thoughtful reflection to the 72-Hour pant. Complimenting the five-pocket design is a hidden zippered pocket inside the right rear pocket. The panels are sewn together with a combination of comfortable overstitched inseams, flat-sewn gussets, and durable flat-felled side seams.

The pants are sewn together with a combination of flat-felled and welted overlocked joints, then finished with a robust DWR. All this tech stays under the radar with black hardware finishes.

As styling goes, we find the Proof 72-Hour Travel Pant to be on par with Western Rise’s Evolution 2’s, which around the office we can agree are one of the best styled pants available today. The comfort award, however, goes to the Proofs.

Teren Lightweight Traveler Pants

• Fabric 88% nylon, 12% spandex
• Fabric weight 154 gsm

• Pre-treated with an insect repellant
• Stain resistant
• Internal drawstring for extra waist security
• Three zipper-closed pockets
• Lightweight
• Tanto-style pocket to clip your EDC
• Magnetic closure catches on anything metal
• No durable water repellant finish

Threading the needle between style, function, and durability, Teren’s Lightweight Traveler ($130) is our pick for folks who want one pant to do it all.

The Lightweight Traveler is a tapered chino-style pant with six pockets. Three pockets secure your goods with a zipper. Two zip shut vertically behind the front pockets and the third secures the right back pocket. The pants are washed in Permethrin to ward off critters. Plus, they’re antimicrobial, stain resistant, and offer UV protection.

Our editor Chris Carter wore his Lightweight Travelers on the Continental Divide thru-hike, where they withstood miles of intense bushwhacking through thorny, overgrown trails and post-holing through deep snow. Carter lauded the pants’ ability to stay stench-free for weeks on end.

After the adventure is done, the stain-release fabric readily releases dirt and grime in the wash. These chinos easily suit up for a night on the town.

The Lightweight Travelers ditch the classic button and use a pair of sewn-in magnets to close around the waist. While wearing the pants around town and doing weekend chores, the magnetic closure often got stuck on metal objects.

They snapped to my grocery cart, to my truck bed, to my knife, to loose screws while repairing my gate. Curious about the strength, I went into my garage and started hanging hardware off the pants. The magnet is strong enough to hold a hammer.

But, lean over to tie your shoes (or eat a big meal) and the magnetic fasteners slide apart easily. Stand up, and they pull right back together.

Yeah, the magnetic closure is different and takes some getting used to. Is it problematic? Maybe. The gauss, or magnetic induction, could demagnetize small metal springs in mechanical watches. Given the most popular watch is a smartwatch — this isn’t an issue for most of us. But magnets can also demagnetize credit cards and hotel room keys. We didn’t try to demagnetize a credit card, but it’s something to consider when zipping items in the front pockets.

Worried about the magnet holding the pants up? Backed with belt loops and an internal drawstring, the pants have plenty of options to keep them around the waist.

Other issues: The offset zippered front pockets drop into the same front hand pocket sleeve. They fight for the same real estate, compromising overall storage. We found these pockets a little challenging to access while seated in tight spaces.

For those looking for rain or spill protection, the Terens don’t sport a durable water repellant (DWR). But they do dry out quickly.

With so many pros, these are small cons. The spandex weave yields significant mobility while the nylon deflects catches and tears — all while keeping the pants just over 10 ounces. It’s a great combination of durability and flexibility in a quick-drying pant that packs down small. At 11 ounces, the Lightweight Traveler is truly lightweight, competing only with Western Rise’s Evolution 2’s.

KÜHL Suppressor Jogger

• Fabric 85% nylon, 15% spandex
• Fabric weight 165 gsm
• Weight 12 oz.

• Light and packable
• Durable and stretchy
• KÜHL drop in style pockets are fantastic
• Fabric is noisy
• No button-no fly minimalism may not appeal to everyone
• Only one zippered pocket on the backside

KÜHL has a strong reputation throughout the outdoor industry for making bomber, thoughtfully designed pieces. And its sub-$100 Suppressor Joggers exemplify those qualities in spades.

The 85% nylon, 15% spandex blend is lightweight, stretchy, breathable, and durable. Plus, a solid DWR treatment rebuffs Mother Nature’s fickle temperament.

Like any good pair of travel pants, the Suppressor’s sport well-thought-out pockets. The angled hand pockets are deep and easy to access while seated. A single stealth pocket zips behind the right back side, and drop-in pockets grace both thighs.

Drop-in pockets are our favorite design to haul devices. They snug the phone but keep your data within reach. The best of the batch fit on the backside of the leg, maintaining accessibility and minimizing the bounce. KÜHL has two of them. Riding down the back of the quads, they are perfect for clipping multitools, knives, or pens, and sheath a phone, passport, or tickets. And it’s these drop-in pockets that make the Suppressor our favorite pant to wear on the plane. Everything stays within easy reach.

If there’s any knock against the Suppressor Joggers , it’s that these are simple pull-on pants. No button, no fly — just an elastic waist and drawstring. On the flip side, this keeps things quick when moving through TSA – there’s no pulling off the belt and redressing after pat-downs.

Ornot Mission Pants

• Fabric 95% nylon, 5% elastane
• Fabric weight 232 gsm
• Weight 14 oz.

• Gusseted design gives a great fit
• Reflective details on cuffs
• Made in USA
• Not many – An extra pockets or a drop in phone sleeve, and these would be our top choice for travel pants

When it comes to fit and function, cyclists have it all figured out. Stretch, durability, DWR, and ergonomic pocket layout make a great commuter pant. Fall short on any of these, cyclists will be quick to call you out.

San Francisco-based Ornot hit all the paces with its Mission Shorts. This year, the brand released its beloved short in a pant. True to the brand, the Mission Pants ($148) pull off an effortlessly classy-looking pant. Minimalist aesthetics, five pockets (two that zip shut), and the rear pockets angle off the midline for easy access. The stealth thigh pocket zips contents securely off the back of the leg. The leeward position pegs the device to the leg while in the saddle.

We found the Mission Pants to be lighter than other commuter pants on the market. The 232 gsm fabric breathes well and moves with the body without feeling like a protective shell. They wear easy at the office and feel at home on the street. And if you grab a bike by the horns, both cuffs flip up to reveal reflective hits to keep you seen on the go.

We’ve been following this small brand for years and it keeps bringing its A-game to market. These garments are all made in the USA and offer a 1-year warranty. The brand’s Mission Pants are great on the bike … or not.

Jetty Acadia 2.0 Utility Pant

• Fabric 100% polyester
• Fabric weight 240 gsm
• Weight 16 oz.

• Good stretch
• Comfortable fit
• Drawstring and belt loops
• Only available in a 32 inseam
• Pants stretch and lightly pill over time
• Front occasionally unbuttons too easily

Jetty’s Acadia Utility Pant ($100) straddles the shoreline between board short and the boardroom. But don’t let its slick chino veneer dissuade you. 

The 100% polyester material is warp-knitted, interlocking the poly fibers into a smooth-faced fabric. Jetty sewed in a gusset in the crotch to add extra room for the legs. The combination of cut and materials gives the Acadia an amazing amount of stretch in all directions. 

And it also gives the pants fantastic wrinkle resistance. We’ve pulled our Acadias out of overstuffed bags and walked into meetings with deceivingly fresh-pressed-looking pants.

Two pockets zip shut on the backside to keep your goods protected, and the mesh hand pockets are deep. Riding down the right leg is a drop-in device pocket. There is plenty of room in the drop-in pocket, and plenty of room in the relaxed quads before they taper slightly to the bottom hem. This extra room in the thighs lets the phone bounce more than we’d like.

The Acadia Utility Pants close with a tarnished brass button embossed with the Jetty logo. A drawstring is sewn into the waistband so you won’t ever lose it in the wash. And in case you do need to go into the boardroom, Jetty ports the drawstring on both sides of the waistband, so you can tuck the drawstring on the inside of the pants for a polished look.

KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pant

• Fabric 96% nylon, 4% spandex
• Fabric weight 156 gsm

• Integrated web belt
• Three zippered pockets (two in back and one behind the thigh)
• Deep mesh hand pockets
• Quiet material
• Lifetime free repair program
• Free shipping and returns
• Slim fit won’t appeal to some. Slimmest pant in the lineup
• Front snap is weak
• Metal belt clasp may invite a wanding at TSA

At $100, the KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pants are a refreshing blend of style and tech and one helluva outdoor pant. The nylon twill is blended with a touch of spandex yielding room for adventure in a quiet yet bomber pant. 

Should you decide to bring these trousers off-piste, the durable twill has a robust DWR, shunning even the wettest brush. Deep mesh hand pockets and zippered rear pockets make sure all your goods stay where you put them. A roomy device pocket zips shut along the right thigh.

To keep the pants up, an integrated web belt hooks over the button closure. For better (or worse) the belt is sewn into the pants and cannot be removed. KETL bonded a bead of silicon inside the waistband to prevent the pants from riding down. We found these pants stay glued to the backside while wearing a pack.

Across the board, KETL pants fit slim. If you have athletic calves and quads, these will feel snug. If you prefer a more relaxed fit, these probably won’t be a pant for you. What it lacks in room, it gives back in performance. The lack of extra material makes the Shenanigan a great choice for cycling. The durability, flexibility, and tapered fit soar on the mountain bike.

Available only online, KETL makes it easy to buy and return. They offer free shipping both ways and back up their products with a lifetime repair program. But trust us, you’ll want to keep a hold of your KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pants .

Orvis O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants

• Fabric 51% cotton, 45% nylon, 4% Lycra
• Fabric weight 213 gsm
• Fit Casual boot cut, true to size

• Classically inspired 5-pocket design
• Hidden 6th zippered pocket in right rear pocket
• Reflective strips sewn inside both legs for visibility
• Smallest size is 32”
• No gusset for extra mobility. Not that they need it.
• Slightly less fashionable option to Western Rise’s Evolution 2

You don’t have to pack a rod to appreciate Orvis’s O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants ($129). These easy-wearing cotton-poly pants are a cross between your favorite denim and a lightweight khaki. The warp-knit twill has a touch of mechanical stretch and a DWR that is tough enough to negotiate riverside scrambles after work but with enough swagger to make it back to dinner in style.

Sewn together with an exposed overlock stitch, the seam is left exposed on the inside. It’s not tacked down. Though not as durable as a welted seam, the O.O.O.O. (that’s Out-Of-Office, Office) pants trend more durable than many of the pants we’ve seen. This seems entirely appropriate for the classic 5-pocket design pants.

The rear right pocket has an extra hidden zippered pocket to keep your wallet, passport, or fishing license securely stowed. In case you are riding home, both leg’s bottom hems have a six-inch strip of reflective tape sewn into the side seam. We didn’t expect that kind of attention to detail from a fishing brand, but it’s a nice touch that we appreciate.

We’ve been wearing the O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants for years now and found that they are durable, lightweight, and breathable.

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro End-to-Ender Pants

• Fabric 56% CORDURA® nylon, 37% nylon, 7% spandex
• Fabric weight Unnkown

• Burly CORDURA fabric
• Seven pocket design with three that close securely
• Limited color ways
• Backcountry styling doesn’t blend as well in the city

Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro is a favorite with the GearJunkie staff. Classic fit, logical pocket layout, and top-shelf construction, these pants are frequently on sale and will last you for years. The Guide Pro End-to-Ender ($120) is Bauer’s beefed Guide Pro, and with a CORDURA nylon build, it’s more durable without sacrificing the weight, and it is 2 oz lighter. If you like to scramble around and get a little dirt under the nails while traveling, these pants are for you. 

Constructed with a vertical weft knit and a generous portion of spandex, the pants have some lateral stretch but are vertically static. Articulated pleats help buy the pants mobility around the knees. 

Seven generous and well-positioned pockets dot the pants. In addition to the pair of double-reinforced deep hand pockets, a pair of map pockets rest over the thighs. The left zips shut while the right thigh pocket has a flap that overlaps the lip of the pocket, keeping the contents from bouncing out. On the backside, two flap pockets snap shut and a third patch pocket hides under the right rear pocket.

The thigh pockets are sewn into the pants. This gives the pockets a clean and integrated look. Because Eddie Bauer stitches the entire pant together with overlocked seams, you can feel the extra bulk of the pocket seams against the leg.

These are the one of two pants on our list sewn entirely with overlock stitching, and it’s worth noting. This extra measure of stitching provides more durability, but you’ll feel the bulk. You get used to it over time. It’s really a testament to the overall bomber construction of the End-to-Enders. 

The pants close with a beefy zipper and fat button which stay closed. Belt loops are tacked to the waistband for extra options. And two eyelets are punched through the bottom hem of each pant leg, allowing you to run a gaiter cord through the pants if you want.

Eddie Bauer is a stalwart when it comes to value. While the styling is more traditional, the Guide Pro End-to-Ender is one of the best-built pants we’ve seen on the market. And since Eddie Bauer seems to run a sale about every other month, you can eventually find them about 40% off, making the a fantastic deal.

Municipal Overland Cargo

• Fabric 98% cotton ripstop, 2% spandex
• Fabric weight 160 gsm
• Fit Athletic

• Forward style
• Six pockets, with three that zip shut, and one that snaps shut
• Draw cord around the bottom hem
• Elastic waist
• Offered in one length
• Treading into expensive territory for a simple pull-up cargo pant

Military meets gym day. From Mark Wahlberg’s warehouse of hustle and sporting style, Municipal’s Overland Cargo ($128) deconstructs the traditional cargo pant and injects modern flair. Which is a notable feat in itself.

Typically, function dictates form on cargo pants. Patched with oversized, baggy pockets can make them wear bulky and look unflattering. The Overland weaves a touch of spandex into the mostly cotton material, sews in a gusseted crotch, and pleated articulated knees to net functional mobility in a slim jogger style pant. These wear less Operation Desert Storm and slide right into urban core.

This doesn’t imply they lost their way. With six streamlined pockets, there is room for all your EDC essentials. In addition to the two deep hand pockets, two rear pockets zip shut. A vertical zipper pocket glides easily over the thigh, and the definitive cargo pocket snaps shut over the left leg with a single button. The entire pant is sewn together with overlocked and welted seams.

Available in size S-3X, the Overlands come in one length — the ideal length for anyone. True to jogger style, the bottom hem stops before the ankle.

An elastic cord is sewn into the bottom hem and can be cinched tight around the leg with a cord lock. Because of these design decisions, the length rides on its style credibility and has an acceptable universal size allowance.

Wahlberg’s style keeps you guessing whether he’s coming from or going to the gym. No button to pull out, no fly to blow, these pants pull up like sweatpants and stay around the waist with a simple drawstring. The Overland Cargo follows Wahlberg’s “I don’t care … but I look good doing it” aesthetic and is a great option for a casual lightweight pant with pockets aplenty.

For those that are cargo-curious — or simply want to throw on a pair of pants and look good without giving it much thought — the Overland Cargos have subtle posture without leaning heavily into athleisure.

Men’s Travel Pants Comparison Chart

How We Tested Men’s Travel Pants

There are few other products we test at GearJunkie that are considered non-negotiable in society. Outside the house, you gotta wear pants (or shorts). And if you’re choosing shorts, you’re probably not looking at the right pants. Travel pants are part of our everyday uniform allowing us to test them daily. We test pants for the office grind, after-school errands, dispatching weekend chores, and yes, of course, travel, constantly logging test hours to find the best travel pants on the market.

Cozy in coach, capable of tackling adventure, but formal enough to wear to dinner, travel pants span the use case spectrum. We’ve worn them on intercontinental flights to Germany, Italy, France, and Slovenia, as well as transcontinental flights from Jacksonville to Boise. In warmer climates, we’ve pulled them out of our bikepacking bags on cool nights in Nicaragua and high up on the Colombian Coffee Triangle. One tester even wore his pair to the top of the Grand Teton.

When we get our hands on a new pant, we first take a look at the materials. We gauge the fabric weight, breathability, and the material’s ability to resist wrinkling. Synthetics with a DWR will pack down smaller, bounce back from being jammed in luggage on an overnight flight, and resist stains (and spills) better than cotton.

A touch of spandex affords some stretch and nylon tends to be more durable. We then turn them inside out to look at the seams joining the pants together, looking at where costs were cut and potential quality issues might cause a blowout on the road.

To be considered for our list, pants need at least one pocket that can be zipped shut to safely secure a passport or wallet. The hand pockets should be deep enough to keep keys and change from accidentally spilling out, or have zippers that prevent mishaps. No joke, one pair of pants we tested (not on this list) spit a wallet out at work without us even knowing it.

We then evaluated each pant’s fit, durability, packability, ability to bounce back from repeated wash and wear, and unpacking. We want to find out if a pair of pants can be washed in the sink in the evening and be ready to wear the following morning.

We want to see if the material resists wrinkling. And we want to know if the pants are cut too large, too small, or hike up the legs. The best material and construction alone can’t fake a good fit. We test pants for mobility and proper length. Does the pant bind in the crotch? Are the gussets appropriate? Are the legs cut at a proper length or do they ride up when walking?

Our testing focuses primarily on comfort, versatility, and functionality when in transit, so if you’re looking for something more durable for active pursuits, check out our picks for the  best hiking pants . We also have a guide for the  best women’s travel pants  to get your travel companion ready for the long haul.

Testing History

Steve Graepel has been leading the men’s travel pant buyer guide since 2015. Over the span of 8 years, Graepel has seen over 225 pairs of travel pants, rigorously testing 150 pants. Graepel has worked at GearJunkie as a contributing editor since 2009, testing everything from packrafts, to bike bags, sleeping bags, winter boots, and trail runners. His latest beat is travel pants and flannels. Before his time as a fashion blogger, he wrote for Travel Idaho, National Geographic Adventure, Patagonia’s Tin Shed, Trail Runner, and Gear Patrol.

Graepel has researched and tested travel pants extensively — traveling, working, and camping in the high alpine desert of Idaho, Montana, and Utah, and traveling abroad in a variety of environments including Europe, Asia, Central, and South America. He continues to test travel pants year-round and searches for anyone who will listen to his yarns about the best travel trousers.

In 2020, we tried 27 pairs and listed 15 pants on our men’s buyers guide. In 2021, we tested an additional 35 pairs, highlighting nine new pants on our list. In 2022 we saw an additional 23 pairs, adding six new pants. In 2023 we looked at 38 pairs, adding seven new pants to the men’s travel pant buyer’s guide. Finally, in 2024, we’ve reviewed 27 pants, updating our Men’s Travel Pants buyer guide with nine new pants.

Each year introduces new styles and materials, and we try to reflect the best on the market of that year. Some trousers remain on the list, year after year. They are either so good, or so good of a deal, that they are tough to topple.

To keep a finger on the pulse of pants, we read reviews from top sites and contact manufacturers directly. Steve Graepel has regular conversations with pant brand owners and representatives in the travel pant space. These relationships allow us to stay up to date on what makes pants better every year, and keep an eye on sleeper pants that just don’t have the marketing budget to get mass attention.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Travel Pants

Regardless of whether the pants are straight-leg or slim, a good pair is one that follows the human form and doesn’t bag out after repeated washings, or bloat when packed with your phone and keys. The length should fit your inseam or run longer so you can roll them up or get them tailored.

Almost every pant on our list has a great fit. If they didn’t, we’ve shared the cons. Both the Jetty’s and UNIONBAY’s pants ran a little long. On the other end, Municipal’s Overland Cargo is short by design and is only available in one length. Both Eddie Bauer and Orvis offer a variety of inseams for a dialed fit (from 30″ to 34″).

We scored each pant for both its ability to adventure, wear in coach, and hit the streets. Some pants, like KETL Mountains Shenanigans, have a bias for stout use. The Shenanigans are coated with a solid DWR and are our choice for adventure trips where you can’t sacrifice durability.

If traveling by plane, we prefer comfortable pants with accessible pockets. While 5-pocket styled jeans or chinos wear well on the street, their pockets are harder to access when sitting on the plane. Instead, we prefer a jogger or cargo pant that has vertical zippered pockets and drop-in device pockets on the legs.

Both Municipal and KÜHL had easy-to-access pockets in the plane. Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro End-to-Ender has two generous thigh pockets. But both are sewn into the pants and tighten up over the thigh when seated. This makes it harder to pull the contents out.

For comfort in coach, you don’t need to look past Bluffworks Envoy . They look great and have plenty of pockets to stay organized. KÜHL’s Suppressor Jogger dialed in the drop-in pockets and is lightweight and durable, but the material isn’t nearly as soft as Eddie Bauer’s pants. It’s always a trade-off.

Style Matters

While comfort is key, we also need to be able to show ourselves in public (no washed-out gray sweatpants on this list). The most versatile travel clothes should be able to tackle a hike without getting roughed up, or walk into town looking sharp enough to peruse a museum, and duck in for fine dining afterward.

Unfortunately, the cargo pockets take away some formality while out on the town. With its jogger styling, KÜHL didn’t design around Michelin stars. They prioritized function and durability, mapping to utility. KÜHL, Municipal, and Eddie Bauer each have unique cargo styling that brings a touch of modernity to the military-inspired side-pocket pants. In general, we love cargo-style pants and joggers while sitting on the plane. It keeps all your essentials within reach.

On the other hand, Western Rise’s Evolution 2 and Proof’s 72-Hour Merino are fantastically styled everyday pants, but both have a single security pocket to maintain that sleek look. They are our go-to choice for travels to big cities where we want to kick up the look and feel at home while traveling abroad.

Clean lines, darker colors, and traditional styling help you blend into crowds and stave off the would-be pickpocket’s radar. The best men’s travel pants should look as good as they feel without shouting “ tourist .”

The material should be lightweight and, in our preference, darker to minimize showing the dirt collected along the way. That said, we were astounded by how well a fresh DWR can resist stains on even the fairest beige pants.

Fabric Weight

Lightweight performance fabrics can withstand repeated washings in a sink, line dry overnight, and stay wrinkle-free after weeks on the go. Today’s fabrics offer advanced sun protection and moisture-wicking properties and are often water-resistant or water-repellent.

Fabric weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). A heavier GSM will take up more room in your bag and take longer to dry. We find a 200-ish GSM fabric weight, like on our top pick from Bluffworks, light and breezy, and dries out quickly.

A welterweight fabric will disappear in the bag and dry out insanely fast, but going too light sacrifices durability. All the pants we tested are durable enough to venture off the pavement.

If you want the lightest pant you can find, give KETL Mountain’s Shenanigan a look. The 156 GSM fabric rolls up tight and is exceptionally durable. Western Rise also uses a lighter GSM fabric, but the pants weigh more overall.

Fabric Type

A cotton blend fabric adds breathability and a cooling effect, which is great for warmer climates, but can also sacrifice durability. And, unless treated with a DWR, cotton can wet out more easily and hold water longer.

The Orvis and Municipal’s Overland Cargo weave some cotton into their blend. To beef up the durability, the natural fiber is woven with a synthetic like polyester or nylon and an elastic component for stretch.

If you choose to go with denim or cotton, consider a stretchy fabric with a bit of spandex or elastane for comfort and flexibility while on the road. It will resist wear longer, dry faster, and feel much more comfortable. While not on this year’s list, Aviator’s The Best Travel Jeans in the World are very comfortable and weave in some stretch, but they weigh nearly twice as much as every other pant on the list. Our cotton choices keep the weight down.

Most of the pants on this list are woven from synthetic fibers. Synthetics tend to stand up to more abuse than their natural counterparts. For example, Ornot’s Mission Pant is incredibly durable and is built for men who abuse pants while in the saddle.

Unique this year, we saw a merino wool synthetic blend with Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant. Wool is known for its odor-resistant and insulative qualities. Contrary to what you might think, they stay surprisingly cool and breathe well in hot climates. For durability and stretch, Proof weaves nylon, polyester, and a touch of elastane.

Weaving in spandex or elastic adds mobility, but can also give the pants a polished, slick finish. KÜHL weaves in a whopping 15% spandex into the material, but most pants will have between 2-6% for a combination of durability and mobility. Bluffworks , Unionbay , and Jetty feel more formal with their smooth-faced fabric finishes. Material finishes are more of a personal preference and don’t affect their water resistance, which is added with a DWR wash.

Our favorite pants come from Bluffworks. While the fit is fantastic, they don’t have a DWR. This makes them less desirable if you are traveling to places that rain a lot. However, they excel in so many other ways that they still stand out as our top choice. On the flip side, Western Rise’s DWR not only deflects dirt and grime on the road, but liters of beer simply rolled off them at Oktoberfest. We really took one for the team while testing.

Performance fabrics are standing up to heavy use like never before. Shelling out a few more bucks for quality generally gets you into a more durable pant that should hold up to more extensive use. We’ve put in countless hours testing the pants on this list, so you’re starting in the right place.

Seam Construction

Seams are often overlooked. Out of sight, out of mind, seams bring two patches of fabric together and are crucial for durability and comfort. But this is where we can differentiate the good from the great, and this is where we get passionately nerdy.

Flat-felled seams are best for joining heavy fabrics together. Think denim. The material doesn’t stretch and the fabric is woven from heavy cotton yarn. You want a solid seam to join the pants together. The fabric is joined, then rolled over itself and double stitched for a clean, bomber fasten.

None of the pants on our list are joined entirely from flat-felled seams, though LIVSN and Proof incorporate a flat-fell seam on at least one leg seam. In general, we find it more important to flat-fell the inseam of the pants (which is what Proof does).

Too much material tacked together with a flat-fell seam can cause rubbing against the legs. And most travel pants are constructed from lighter-weight fabrics, so pants don’t always need this extra durable seam construction.

They can get away with a less expensive, and more comfortable overlocked seam. An overlocking stitch, or welt-seam, has a lower profile, leaving the raw edge exposed but sewn down to the pant. Plus they are nearly as durable as the venerable flat-felled stitch, but can feel more comfortable.

Some overlocked stitches aren’t tacked down. That is, the seam isn’t locked down flat with a second row of stitching, leaving the surged seam exposed on the inside. This usually isn’t a big deal. Our main concern would be that the stitching could get caught on something and start to unravel. But we haven’t ever had this experience and it’s a fine option to use when binding two lightweight materials together. Orvis, Ornot, and even Bluffworks uses a combination of overlocked and welted overlocked seams.

The simplest seam, or plain seam, joins the two sides together with a simple, single stitch. Often the cut material is finished with a surger to prevent the material from fraying, but the joining seam itself is sewn together with a single stitch, and the exposed edges butterfly on the inside of the pant.

This is often used for lightweight material where want to reduce the bulk as much as possible. We see this used on Western Rise’s Evolution 2. In theory, this is not a highly durable seam construction. And we’ve seen this kind of seam unravel on a few pants we’ve tested. We’ve also been beating our Western Rise’s for years now and have yet to see their plain seam blow.

We like a pant that doesn’t ride up or bind when seated, and moves with you when active. DUER and KÜHL are very close at the top, for pure comfort, you can’t beat  Bluffworks Envoy . Beyond the fantastic material, the pant is is available in slim and regular fit, so there’s truly a comfortable pant for everyone’s preference.

We’ve tested  Western Rise’s Evolution lineup   standing outside in Bogota monsoon season, climbing snow and ice on the Grand, and prosting over beers at Oktoberfest. The DWR not only sheds spills, but it deflects dirt and grime too.

After a week of wearing them across the Alps, including a day sitting in the stairwell of an overbooked train to Munich, we were shocked at how clean our light khaki Evolution 2.0s walked off the return flight. We were also impressed with KETL Mountain’s Shenanigan’s. Water immediately beads off the surface.

If you’re bringing one pair of pants, you’ll eventually have to wash them while on the road. A lightweight synthetic pant is your best bet for a comfortable morning. Here again, Western Rise’s Evolutions  rose to the top. They are lightweight, durable, and dry out quicker than most. They also remain cool and breezy in hot climates and wear supremely well.

The pair of large cargo pockets on Muncipal’s Overland Cargo are easy to access and have plenty of space to hold your kit and do it without looking like Urkel. For an equally impressive pocket game, but a more polished look, we recommend looking at Bluffworks Envoy, which stealthily hides nine pockets in the otherwise casual-looking chino. Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro End-to-Ender is close, with seven practical and accessible pockets.

With their high CORDURA count, the Eddie Bauers are tough to beat. Ornot’s Mission pants weaves a high nylon count, and come in a very close second for durability.

For long flights on the plane, we like comfortable, casual look with easy pocket access. We give the nod to Municipal’s Overland Cargo. The deep horizontal pockets are easy to access while seated and the high cotton count breathes well.

KÜHL’s Suppressor Joggers have the highest spandex count on the list at 15%. They are super flexible, light, durable, and have a good DWR. For a more formal look, Bluffworks has an equally impressive spandex weave (10%) and is by far the most comfortable pant on our list. 

For a good combination of flexibility, durability, and all-around wearability, we recommend Western Rise’s Evolution 2. If you want to splurge, we also liked Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant, which blends 6% elastane into the wool-synthetic base. Proof’s pants are nearly a one-and-done purchase. They are durable and stay stench-free on the road, making them the only pants you may need to bring.

The Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2024

With a focus on comfort, durability, and performance, we’ve found the best hiking pants for men. Get ready to hit the trail.

The Best Work Pants of 2024

Work pants provide functional utility for carpentry, construction, ranch work, or DIY home projects. These are the best work pants we have found.

Steve Graepel is a Contributing Editor and Gear Tester at GearJunkie. He has been writing about trail running, camping, skiing, and general dirtbagging for 10+ years. When not testing gear with GearJunkie, he is a Senior Medical Illustrator on the Neurosurgery Team at Mayo Clinic. Based in Boise, Idaho, Graepel is an avid trail runner, camper, angler, cyclist, skier, and loves to introduce his children to the Idaho outdoors.

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The 13 Best Travel Pants for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The best men's pants to keep you comfortable and stylish on all your travels.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Complete the Look

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Danie Drankwalter

The beauty of travel pants is that they can go just about anywhere. Often made from stretchy material but designed to look like classic pants, you can wear them from the plane to the taxi to dinner and beyond. Over a period of six months, we tested 32 pairs of men’s travel pants for fit comfort, quality, durability, design, and value, and found the 17 you should consider when looking for that perfect fit.

We wore each pair of pants during daily commutes and international travel, taking them everywhere from the plane, train, and bus to the office, dinner, and beyond. They were spun through washers, flipped through dryers, and stuck in line at the grocery store. We selected options for every occasion and budget.

In the end, our top picks are comfortable, durable, and work in just about any environment. They also fit a wide variety of body types.

Best Overall

Lululemon abc classic-fit pant warpstreme.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Design 5 /5

These are extremely comfortable and breathable, and are versatile enough to wear on a variety of occasions.

These are classic fit pants, so if you’re looking for something with a slimmer profile, you may prefer something else. 

The Lululemon ABC Classic-fit Pant Warpstreme checks all the boxes for the optimal men’s travel pants. We gave it a five out of five in every single category, so these pants really could not have done much better. Whether you’re looking for comfort, quality, durability, design, or value, these pants fit the bill. Their comfortable build means you can stretch your legs when sprinting to catch the bus, and they’ll get you through long, 16-hour travel days with ease. After weekly wear for commuting over a five-month period, they still look good as new with no signs of shrinkage or fading.

The pants come in a classic style with five pockets deep enough to fit the biggest phones and thickest wallets. They can be worn in almost any setting, including for workouts, work, travel, nights at home, brunch, and dinner dates. On top of that, they don’t stretch or shrink after multiple runs through the wash and the material doesn’t pill.

All in all, the Lululemon ABC Classic-fit Pant Warpstremes are the travel pants to beat. While the price is a bit higher than others on the list, we wouldn’t be surprised if you headed back to the store and picked up a few more pairs in different colors. Luckily, there are 16 options to choose from.

The Details: 26 to 50 | 53 percent elastomultiester, 47 percent recycled polyester

Travel + Leisure / Jack Bibi

Best Everyday

Everlane the performance traveler chino.

These pants are stylish and offer a bit of stretch for a more comfortable fit. 

The jogger bottom may wrinkle and start to look a little less neat after a few wears.

The Everlane The Performance Traveler Chinos might seem a bit tight at first, but after giving them a couple wears and washes throughout five months of tests, we found them to have a perfect fit. They’re known for being super comfortable, even while walking through terminals or spending hours waiting for a flight.

Everlane uses high-quality material for their pants, so the stretch waistband and jogger cut around the ankles won’t fall apart after a couple washes. We don’t recommend throwing them in the dryer, but if they somehow end up there, just give the pants a wear and they should stretch out after a couple minutes.

When it comes to design, the jogger cut gives them a different feel than some of the other pants on this list. The pockets are also deep, while the side zipper pocket allows for additional security. Even with the zip pockets, these are pants you could wear at the office or out with a white T-shirt in summer.

The Details: 28- to 40-inch waist, 30- or 32-inch length | 94 percent cotton, 6 percent elastane

Travel + Leisure / Joe Raccuglia

Best for Work

Mack weldon radius flex jogger.

Mack Weldon

• Comfort 4.5 /5

They're sophisticated and can be subbed in for formal occasions.

These pants are not adjustable and the button in front has a slide-to-lock system.

The Mack Weldon Radius Pant manages to be comfortable and breathable, while also bringing a touch of sophistication to your wardrobe. The material is not as thin as other travel pants, which helps the fit stay true through multiple wears. While we didn't find them to be as comfortable as other pairs on this list, we didn't struggle when wearing them throughout an entire day.

The pants come in a classic four-pocket style — two in front, two in back. We noted the high-quality feel of the pants and think they’d be a good fit for formal events. They can be dressed up easily and look like a nicer pair of chinos, and they come with tiny extra compartments for smaller items like coins or Airpods. Additionally, the fabric wicks moisture and is lightweight without being too thin. Better yet, the fabric is not impacted by washing or drying and there’s no pilling, either.

The Details: S to XXL | 91 percent polyester, 9 percent spandex

Travel + Leisure / Chris Abell

Best Durable

Alo day and night pant.

These pants balance breathability with durability and offer a perfect fit.

Not everyone loves a jogger style, and they run a bit long.

Unlike some of the other travel pants out there, the Alo Day and Night Pant is not adjustable nor is the waist elastic, which gives it a bit of a dressier look. Still, these pants’ durability impressed us overall. They are stretchy and made from high-quality fabric that’s light and breathable for ultimate comfort. Over our five-month test, we loved their versatility and quality design. 

Their dressier look means you can wear them to meetings or on long travel days and they’ll remain wrinkle-free. They’re breathability makes them perfect for a warm summer day, while their durability means you can even throw the pants in the drier if need be. They come in a classic, four-pocket style and your phone can fit in the back pockets without falling out. While these pants are on the pricey end, we feel it’s warranted for a pair of this quality. 

The Details: 28 to 38, regular and long

Travel + Leisure / Jodi Espinosa

Best for Tall Guys

L.l.bean men's venture stretch five-pocket pants.

The pants fit perfectly and provide total range of motion without looking frumpy or baggy. 

These offer a more casual look so they may not work for formal occasions.

When you’re tall, it can be a challenge to find a comfortable pair of pants. L.L.Bean, however, seems to have solved the problem with their Men's Venture Stretch Five-pocket Pants. These pants are breathable and light, and aren’t super stretchy. They have a trim fit and look more like slightly relaxed slacks than joggers.

Offering a wide range of motion, we felt these seemed more athletic compared to dress pants, but we noted that they aren't casual-looking like men's sweatpants or shorts. The pants are a step above casual, making them versatile enough to work in a variety of settings. The material is comfortable and pockets are deep enough to fit your phone, wallet, and keys and still looks new after five months of wearing.

While we wouldn’t consider the pants to be luxury, they certainly are not “fast fashion,” either, so you can feel good about buying them in multiple colors.

The Details: 30- to 44-inch waist, 29- to 34-inch inseam | 96 percent nylon, 4 percent spandex

Travel + Leisure / Thomas Knief

Best Splurge

Livsn ecotrek trail pants.

These pants are high quality and well worth the splurge.

These pants tend to run small, so consider sizing up.

We all deserve to indulge ourselves every once in a while, and if you’re considering splurging on a pair of travel pants, look no further than Livsn’s Ecotrek Trail Pants. The material sits in that perfect space between thick and thin and feels very high quality, making them perfect for all seasons. These splurge-worthy pants will last a long time, and won’t wear easily over time or in the wash.

There’s a bit of stretch to the fabric so we were comfortable wearing them for light workouts as well as commuting to work and dining out after. In total, the pants have six pockets: two in the front and two sets of two in the back. The back pockets all have zipper closures so your belongings remain secure.

The Details: 29- to 40-inch waist, 30-, 32-, and 34-inch inseam | 70 percent recycled nylon, 25 percent nylon, 5 percent spandex 

Travel + Leisure / Henry Yung

Most Comfortable

Lululemon city sweat jogger.

• Design 4.5 /5

These are the softest pants we have ever worn. 

They are expensive for joggers. 

Lululemon managed to make it on our list of the best men’s travel pants twice, and if you get the opportunity to try these on, you’ll know exactly why. Frankly, these are some of the most comfortable pants we’ve ever worn. They have a drawstring for a perfect fit, the tapered leg is slimming, and they find the perfect balance between a relaxed and put-together look. After five months of use on planes, trains, and during daily commutes, we found these to be incredibly comfortable.

These are high-quality pants as well (typical for Lululemon as a brand), and have an almost satin-like texture. Even after several washes, the pants retained their form and fit perfectly. They have four pockets, including two zippered back pockets. 

The Details: 26 to 50 | 52 percent polyester, 42 percent cotton, 6 percent Lycra® elastane

Travel + Leisure / Joseph Manalang

Best Joggers

Vuori sunday performance jogger.

The fit is perfect and they’re comfortable enough to wear all day long.

They're too casual for formal occasions.

The Vuori Sunday Performance Joggers have an adjustable waist made of stretchy elastic, a snug overall fit, and breathable fabric — basically, they’re the kind of pants you’ll never want to take off. Luckily, they’re stylish and comfortable enough to be versatile for most occasions. 

The drawstring adds adjustability, while the tapered legs with fitted cuffs give wearers a slimming look. We loved that the pants felt lightweight without being too thin, and they retained their shape and feel even after many wears and washes. There are two front pockets and two zippered back pockets, along with an additional zippered pocket on the upper thigh. You can wear the pants while hiking, traveling, or running errands, though we might not take them to the office or out to dinner. After five months of use, they still look good as new and the versatility and comfort of these joggers will have you coming back for a second purchase.

The Details: XS to XXL | 88 percent polyester, 12 percent elastane

Travel + Leisure / Dylan Thompson

Vuori Ponto Performance Jogger

They’re soft, stretchy, and incredibly comfortable.

They run small so you’ll want to size up for a baggier fit.

A soft pair of joggers will quickly make their way into your everyday wardrobe, and there’s no softer travel pant than the Vuori Ponto Performance joggers. The extremely stretchy material is soft and comfortable, lending itself well to lounging around the hotel room or taking a long flight.

Made of high-quality material, these pants are incredibly breathable and are some of the comfiest pants we've ever worn. Despite running on the tight side, we didn't find them restricting and they maintained their comfort and softness throughout a long day of wearing. The pants also have a variety of well-thought-out details, like the inverted zipper on the pockets with a spring loaded pull and metal aglets on the drawstring. The pants have two zippered side pockets that will fit a phone or wallet comfortably, making them a great choice for the gym as well.

The Details: XS to XXL | 89 percent recycled polyester, 11 percent elastane

Best Casual

Vuori transit jogger.

They are comfortable and can be worn in a variety of different settings.

The pants run a bit short and snug.

Finding casual pants that can be worn around town, on the road, and even on the soccer field makes life a touch more comfortable. The Vuori Transit Jogger is just that pant. They are neither too tight, nor too baggy, and the drawstring combined with the elastic waist makes it possible to wear them while playing sports. They breathe well and can be worn whether the temperature is hot or cold, and they allow for a full range of motion. There are two spacious front pockets that have enough space for a wallet or cell phone as well as two back pockets.

Made from good quality material, we loved that these pants are comfortable for days spent at the computer as well as long trips on the bus or in the car. Throw them in the washer and dryer without needing to worry about wearing them out. 

The Details: XS to XXL 

Travel + Leisure / Chad Sparks

Best Stylish

Vuori meta jogger.

After five months of use while traveling, they still look new and never wrinkled — even when stuffed into packing cubes.

We wish they were softer on the inside.

With a tapered silhouette and flattering fit, the Vuori Meta Jogger is an extremely stylish pair of travel pants. These pants have a particularly clean look to them, even with the drawstring waistband, which is impressive. We found them to be comfortable without looking unkempt, breathable, and light. Somehow, they managed to give off a stylish, dressy appearance without truly being dressy. A lot of this comes down to the cut, which is a bit more formal than your typical joggers.

The pockets are big and the rear pockets have zippers, which is great for travel. They’re made from high-quality fabric that is slick and light, and feel like a more fashionable choice than a typical pair of lounge pants. They don’t stretch or change in the wash, which speaks to their overall quality.

The Details: XS to XXL | 100 percent polyester

Travel + Leisure / Matt Ford

Icebreaker Merino Men's Shifter Jogger Lounge Pants

• Design 4 /5

They’re super lightweight, yet they keep your legs warm, even on windy days.

They run on the slimmer side, so those looking for something baggier will want to search elsewhere. 

A good pair of wool pants will automatically be some of the most comfortable in your closet — and the Icebreaker Merino Shifter Wool Jogger Lounge Pants are the wool pants you can wear almost anywhere. The slim fit adds a bit of style, while the adjustable waist and drawstring ensures they're the perfect fit. We loved that the lightweight merino wool was exceptionally soft and felt like it floating around our legs.

While the wool is on the thinner side, its high quality, so the pants hold up over time and after several trips through the washing machine. The material feels silky smooth and it's surprisingly durable. The two front pockets are deep and stitched all the way around, so they don’t flop about. Additionally, these pants are extremely versatile and can be worn in a variety of situations. 

The Details: S to XXL | 88 percent wool, 9 percent nylon, 3 percent elastane

Travel + Leisure / Brendan Harkness

Best for Hiking

Coalatree trailhead pant.

• Comfort 3.5 /5

The drawstrings on each pant cuff allow you to shorten them in warmer weather.

Sizing can be a bit tricky, so make sure to read the sizing guides before making your purchase.

If you can bring your travel pants into the great outdoors, that feature alone may be worth the purchase. And if we’re choosing any particular pair to take hiking, it’s going to be the Coalatree Trailhead Pant. They’re extremely versatile and even have drawstrings on the pant legs so you can shorten them if you’re getting warm during a long hike.

The pants are well structured, so we didn't have to worry about them stretching out after each wear or trip through the laundry. They’re comfortable, breathable, and the fabric is high-quality and soft on the inside. We also loved that the stretchiness is perfect for climbing over a log or squatting down to pick something up. The pants are durable and repel water making them as good for hikes as they are for yard work or trips around town.

The Details: XS to XXL

Other Men's Travel Pants We Liked

Several other pairs of men’s travel pants we tested didn’t quite make our list of the very best, but still deserve an honorable mention.

Outdoor Voices Men's Rectrek Pants : Extremely comfortable and made of high-quality material, these pants are great for sitting for extended periods of time. However, the rear and legs are tighter than suggested on the website.

DU/ER No Sweat Jogger : These stylish joggers are comfortable, stretchy, and made of quality material. However, when we stuck them in the washer, they shrank a bit.

Lolë Wander Pants: These pants are lightweight and super comfortable, making them a great pair for travel and casual errands. They’re well made and will maintain their shape through multiple wears. However, they got a bit sticky during sweaty workouts, so they’re not made for true athletic endeavors.

HOKA Clifton 8 Road-Running Shoes: Complete your 'fit with our favorite men's travel shoes . These are super supportive and feature plenty of cushioning to keep you comfortable on your feet whether you're training for a marathon or exploring a new city on foot.

Eddie Bauer Men's CirrusLite Down Jacket: This jacket is a great layer to keep you warm on a chilly evening and lightweight enough to not overheat you when temperatures rise. It also came out on top in our best men's packable jackets tests.

AO Long Sleeve Curve-Hem Tee: If you're looking for the best travel clothes for men, you can't go wrong with this classic and stylish long-sleeve tee. Just be sure to size-up for the perfect fit.

Our Testing Process

Over a period of five months, we tested 32 products for fit, comfort, quality, durability, design, and value. We examined the travel pants’ material and overall construction, taking note of how the fabric feels to the touch, whether it’s stretchy or not, and the quality and durability of the seams. To test comfort and flexibility, testers did three squats in the pants to see how they held up. 

Over a two-week period, testers wore the pants for at least six hours per day and during everyday activities, including working at the office, going out to dinner, running errands, and even exercising. After the first week of wear, they washed the pants according to the manufacturer’s instructions and checked how the pants changed afterward.

Tips for Buying Men's Travel Pants

Find the right balance between comfort and style.

Choosing a stylish pair of men’s travel pants doesn’t mean you should sacrifice comfort. One of the best and most important traits of these types of pants is how enjoyable they are to wear. Luckily, there are plenty of top brands making high-quality, stylish pairs. If you plan on wearing your pants everywhere, make sure they look and feel good.

Consider versatility

Some travel pants, such as men's sweatpants or joggers, are great for getting around town, running errands, and even for the gym or a run. However, that same pair might not be appropriate for the office or dinner in town. Before choosing a pair of travel pants that’s right for you, consider the various occasions where you’ll want to wear them and make sure the ones you choose line up with those goals.

Pay attention to the materials

When it comes to clothing, materials play a huge role in comfort and function. Whether it’s due to personal taste when it comes to fabric, or how you expect the clothing to hold up over time, the materials used to create the garment impact both how often you’ll be willing to wear it and how long it’ll last.

If your travel pants are stretchy, you should roll them rather than fold them so they won't wrinkle and you’ll save space. First, lay your pants on a flat surface, such as a bed or kitchen table. Next, fold them in half from the waist. Then, take one pant leg and fold it in a 90 degree angle outwards at the knee. Grab your pants at the waistline and roll downwards by the waistband. Once done rolling, pull the left out pant leg over the top of the roll, so that the rest of the pants are encapsulated inside. Make sure to button any buttons before rolling up your pants, too.

We always suggest following the care instructions on the tag when washing any pair of pants (or any other garment, really), to avoid damage or shrinkage. When in doubt, either hand wash or run it in the machine on a cold, gentle cycle and hang to dry, which should be safe for most clothing.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Christopher Friedmann is a travel, wine, and spirits writer with over a decade of experience editing and writing for magazines, online publications, and massive corporations. He is no stranger to visiting several cities in short periods of time and walking double-digit miles per day through them. He prefers to travel with just a backpack, so versatile travel pants are a must. 

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