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Do the new

I know the jeans issue is much debated topic - like wheels or no wheels on your convertable RS bag! But now they make new 1/2 weight cool-max material denim travel jeans made of quick-er drying synth/cotton blend thats also much less bulky. Anyone try any of these (like RoyalRobbins or Travelsmith brands) and have any luck with any thing like this. Id assume hot humid summer use is still out - but shoulder season use may work for more urban/city travel? Just curious, as ive long been a "travel-adventure convertible" pants type of guy for my kind of travel (castles, cobblestons, alps).

Posted by
2030 posts

Tom -- not getting many replies to your query. I think you have to be the pioneer for us on the synthetic jeans front!

Posted by
769 posts

Right! Sounds like Im the guinea pig - I guess I will have to go buy a pair and test them, then report back! Ive been testing adventure/hiking gear anyways finding the perfect alpine setup; now urban adventure!

Posted by
23642 posts

The issue is that jeans generally mean heavy cotton which is very hard to care forl when traveling and are heavier to pack. Any of the light weight synthetic blends are going to be superior on the care and weight issue. Then a jean cut or style becomes a fashion question. I personally prefer a little dressier look so avoid that style. REI has a Travel Adventure line that works well for us and is more reasonably priced than TravelSmith or ExOffico. Other than style what is the advantage of a light weight jean?

Posted by
769 posts

I actually have many of the exofficio, columbia, northface, patagonia travel pants. Some a bit dressyer, some a bit more Alpine/hiking look. I guess in my efforts to feel less "foreign" in urban settings, but still have the travel utilities of security pockets etc... I just like finding that perfectly engineered item meeting all aspects. (Perhaps i have to engineer it myself an market it when I figure that out!) We know we will looked at as tourists no matter what in most cases - but its just a little effort to widen the gap between travelers and "the tourist" :)

Posted by
852 posts

Hi Tom,

Tourists seldom wear suit and tie. It's a thought.

Happy travels! P.

Posted by
769 posts

true - but then thats not traveling light as easily! (although I have a travel blazer that should get me into a fancy Parisan restaurant if/when I go one day. Wouldnt bring it for any other time!