Author
Natalie Allen Carrasco
Image courtesy Hikerkind
The flight is booked, and the hotel is secured. The final, and often equally as necessary, step is packing. No matter your trip, a solid list of travel clothing and gear needs to be defined. One of the more critical articles was, you guessed it: pants.
The perfect pair of travel pants is hard to come by. Are they functional for a multiday trip? Can you wear them on the trails? Are they suitable for that restaurant you were told not to miss? Are they breathable, quick-drying, stretchy, wrinkle-resistant, or all of the above? These are all excellent features to look for in travel pants, but minimalist packers who strive to strip their packing list to the bare essentials often discover that finding the perfect, all-inclusive women’s travel pants often means making some concessions. But it doesn't have to be that way.
Keeping in mind the above features plus weather resistance, quality, price, and sustainability, our team has narrowed it down to this list of the 10 best women’s travel pants for people who like to hike and travel.
10 Best Travel Pants for Women
Best Overall: Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pant
Whatever adventure or trail you're tackling next, chances are Patagonia's Skyline Pant can take it on. Equipped with a nylon and stretch fabric weave that provides four-way stretch for battling steep ascents—up trails or staircases—the mid-rise Skyline has a skinny jean fit that looks flattering enough for wherever you wind up for a meal after your hike. A tapered fit makes them ready for impromptu biking, a zippered cargo pocket adds another place to stash valuables, and a durable water-repellent treatment will shed light rain if clouds come to play. Get them in a 28- or 30-inch inseam and a full range of sizes.
Sizing: 0-16
Pricing: $98
Best to Pair with Any Outfit: Everlane Easy Pant
The Easy Pant is precisely what its name suggests—easy to put on, easy to wear with pretty much anything, and perfect for just about anywhere because of it. These straight leg pants have insane comfort from hip to hem thanks to their lightweight cotton twill fabric (with a little elastane for stretch), a slim fit silhouette for various climates, and a pull-on elastic waist. Plus, they roll up nicely for packing into a backpack or suitcase. Dress them up for dinner, or dress them down with a t-shirt.
Sizing: 00 - 16
Price: $78
Best Hiking Pants for Travel: Hikerkind Trouser’s 01
Drawing inspiration from classic workwear, Hikerkind designed these lightweight, straight-leg, high-rise trousers for long days on the trail and around town. They're water-resistant, moisture wicking, and slightly stretchy thanks to a polyester-spandex fabric blend (though they don't look stretchy, which is a plus), and have four pockets. Plus, the relaxed fit, muted color options, and extended sizing are darn good-looking and flattering for anyone, anywhere.
Sizing: XS - 3X
Pricing: $168
Best for Exploring Cities: Lululemon City Sleek Pant
Lululemon designed these high-rise, wide-leg pants to move—on workdays, weekends, city trips, and everywhere else. Inspired by a classic jean fit, the City Sleek pant has a five-pocket design that feels soft next to the skin but hides functional features like four-way stretch, quick drying, and sweat wicking that make them perfect for traveling. The wide leg look is trending again, and the pleated style here is definitely city-friendly.
Sizing: 24 - 33
Pricing: $128
Best for a Night Out: Alo High-Waist Trouser
With front pleats, side pockets, and a classic zip-fly, these chic, lightweight woven pants are as stylish as they are comfortable. Faux back welt pockets give the outfit a classy, urban feel. Pack them for a night out when looking good is more important than all the technical features, put on a blazer, a crop top, or a classic tee and hit the town. These wide-leg pants almost feel more like a dress pant, but are light and made with high enough quality to wear over and over.
Sizing: 00-14
Pricing: $148
Best for Long Travel Days: Snow Peak Natural Warm Stretch Pants
These pants feel like putting on a pillow case and are composed of 100% cotton that's both smooth for everyday wear, and very comfortable on long flights. They sport a lovely tapered leg, an open back pocket, a loop at the waist, a hidden drawstring in the elastic waistband, and two side pockets. Whenever you'd normally wear sweatpants on your trip, reach for these stylish lounge pants instead.
Sizing: S - XL
Pricing: $159
Best for Eco-Conscious Consumers: Outerknown Avery Stretch Trousers
Outerknown emphasizes a more sustainable future for clothing with every design, including these elegant chino-style trousers. These pants are another example of a pair that looks dressy but thanks to features like, in this case, a decent amount of stretch, are suitable for hitting the road and wearing casually. One thing: Outerknown recommends sizing up.
Sizing: 0-12
Pricing: $173
Best for a Lazy Sunday: Girlfriend 50/50 Classic Jogger
Made for runners and travelers that love the environment, these jogger pants are fabric dyed with eco-friendly dyes to give them a worn-in, washed-out appearance and feel. These elastic ankle pants are also 100% biodegradable and super soft with an adjustable drawstring waist. Plus, they’re darn comfortable and come in a full range of extended sizes, so wear these to stay in with a bag of chips and watch your favorite show from the hotel. (Or just skip the trip entirely.)
Sizing: XXS - 6XL
Pricing: $78
Best Overalls: Duluth Trading Co. Women's Heirloom Gardening Bib Overalls
Of course, we had to put overalls on this list—they're versatile and functional for any day on the travel itinerary, especially if it involves any outdoor work (and WWOOFers in the crowd?). Not only is Duluth's pair exceptionally lightweight, wrinkle-free, and durable, but they're equally as comfortable for all-day wear. They're roomy, stretchy thanks to added spandex, made to move, and dirt brushes right off while UPF 50 sun protection keeps your skin safe. Best of all, there are 12 cargo pockets, including a central zippered pocket that acts like a security pocket for your phone and wallet, so leave the purse at home.
Sizing: XS - XXL
Pricing: $89
Best for Plus-Size Bodies: Alpine Parrot Ponderosa Pant
Alpine Parrot makes outdoor-focused women’s apparel in sizes 14-24, ensuring accessibility to adventure for everyone. These plus-size pants work with you, whether walking to the store or summiting a new peak, thanks to a stretchy fabric that's designed to hug every curve, move with your body. They're available in two different fit styles too, so you can really dial in what will work for you. As far as features go, the Ponderosa Pant sports adjustable cuffs to quickly turn them into capris, a key ring, five pockets including a zippered thigh pocket, and a built-in belt. For a fit more similar to leggings, go a size down; for a looser fit, size up.
Sizing: 14 - 24
Pricing: $139
Published 11-10-2022
