I’ve got a beef with pant makers. Why is it that every pair of pants marketed to travelers end up looking like something intended for a colonial officer on safari in 1870? Why all the pockets? Do you need zippers all over the damn place? Would you actually convert your pants to shorts? What about us travelers that just want to be comfortable while traveling but want to look like a normal, stylish human being while we do it? This is the holy grail. So we have come up with our top 5 most comfortable travel pants that are also durable. And each of them on our list is actually a normal looking pant. No cargo pants here folks.
Right off the bat we pick 2 pairs of awesome Levis. That’s right, the company that has been making your dad’s jeans for decades actually has gotten really good at making some of the most comfortable pants for travel.
Levi’s 511 Slim Fit Commuter
Levi's Men's 511 Slim Fit Jean, Dark Hollow - Stretch, 32W x 32L
$36.88 in stock
Features
- Slim Throughout
- Slim leg
- Sits below your waist
- Front rise: 10 1/4", Knee: 16 1/4", Leg Opening: 14 1/2", Measurements based on size 32.
First up is the Levis 511 Commuter Jean. These are actually built for bicyclists. You’ll notice little touches like reflective fabric in the cuff of the pant so cars can see you in the evening. But because they are built for bikers and urban commuters, these pants are fully engineered for comfort. They have 3% elastine which gives them a bit of stretch. They also integrate an advanced waterproofing fabric for days when your travels take you into a damp environment. They are also reinforced all over the place since they are built to withstand spills on a bike and the motion of pedaling. So these aren’t going to be wearing out anytime soon. Overall, these are some of my favorite pants of all time.
Levi’s 511 Slim-Fit Performance Stretch Jean
Levi's Men's 511 Slim Fit Jean, Throttle - Stretch, 34W x 32L
Features
- Slim Throughout
- Slim leg
- Sits below your waist
- Front rise: 10 1/4", Knee: 16 1/4", Leg Opening: 14 1/2", Measurements based on size 32.
If you’re still into jeans but don’t need the extra strength and waterproofing of the Levis Commuter Jeans, then consider checking out the Levi’s 511 stretch jeans. They have all of the fashion appeal of a regular pair of Levi’s jeans, but with built in elastine fabric for a nice stretch. These are my go-to pants for sitting on long plane rides. They are durable, comfortable but also great for looking like a normal person while traveling.
Prana Brion Pant
prAna Living Men's Brion 32-Inch Inseam Pant, 32, Mud
Features
- Straight-leg pant featuring five-pocket styling and fixed waist with belt loops
If you need even a step up from the Levi’s in terms of comfort, consider looking at the Prana Brion pants.These suckers are made from nylon and spandex, adding a 2 way stretch that you just don’t see on most pants. The material is also super durable with added water resistance and abrasion resistance. I’ve heard of rock climbers using these pants! And they aren’t really noticeably “travel-y” in styling. These would be right at home in a bar in Paris or London.
Columbia Sportswear Royce Peak Pant
Columbia Men's Royce Peak Pant, Tusk, 36x32-Inch
Features
- Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection
- Omni-Shield advanced repellency
- 2-way comfort stretch
- Zip-closed security pocket
- Gusset detail
The next pair are verging on more of a sport pant. The Columbia Royce Peak pants are a fairly normal looking, yet very capable pair of pants for hiking or heavy urban exploration. They have a little but more of a traditional travel-pant look to them with gusseted stitching that is noticeable, but they are a far cry from the ridiculous cargo pants of years gone by. These are a great overall pick for more active travelers that need something light, breathable and fast-drying.
Royal Robbins Traveler Stretch Pants
Royal Robbins Men's Traveler Stretch Pants,CHARCOAL,36x32
Features
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Zippered Side Utility Pocket
- Hook and loop secured pockets
- Tricot lined waistband
- Interior logo safety button
Lastly, we have the Royal Robbins Traveler Stretch pants. These are basically a direct competitor to the Columbia ones. They have a bit more of a travel-look to them. But not overly so. These pants are meant to be very versatile, from hiking to lounging at the hostel, you won’t look or feel out of place in them.
If I had to recommend one pair of pants for a traveler, it would have to be the Levi’s Commuter jeans.These things are about as good ad you’re going to get in terms of durability and comfort.
From least expensive to the most, here are our picks for the top 5 most durable pants you can buy that can be considered BIFL:
Levi's Men's 511 Slim Fit Jean, Dark Hollow - Stretch, 32W x 32L
$36.88 in stock
Features
- Slim Throughout
- Slim leg
- Sits below your waist
- Front rise: 10 1/4", Knee: 16 1/4", Leg Opening: 14 1/2", Measurements based on size 32.
Levi's Men's 511 Slim Fit Jean, Throttle - Stretch, 34W x 32L
Features
- Slim Throughout
- Slim leg
- Sits below your waist
- Front rise: 10 1/4", Knee: 16 1/4", Leg Opening: 14 1/2", Measurements based on size 32.
prAna Living Men's Brion 32-Inch Inseam Pant, 32, Mud
Features
- Straight-leg pant featuring five-pocket styling and fixed waist with belt loops
Columbia Men's Royce Peak Pant, Tusk, 36x32-Inch
Features
- Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection
- Omni-Shield advanced repellency
- 2-way comfort stretch
- Zip-closed security pocket
- Gusset detail
Royal Robbins Men's Traveler Stretch Pants,CHARCOAL,36x32
Features
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Zippered Side Utility Pocket
- Hook and loop secured pockets
- Tricot lined waistband
- Interior logo safety button
