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Any recent favorite travel pants??

It's all Mardee's fault, but after reading her extensive thread about Quince Model tops, a few responders segued into travel pants! The last thread I can find is 3 years ago, quite a few of the links have died. So are you an Athleta fan and if so, are there front pocket zippers??

I mostly wear Mt Hardware Dynama pants from REI (who am I kidding, I almost always wear these pants!) but unfortunately their sizing has changed & I would need to have them tailored to fit! This is the longer style, they also make an ankle pant. There is one long zipper that hits me just where my hand would hit my upper thigh, this is where I zip in my passport & cellphone getting off flights heading to immigration. And happy to just keep cellphone zipped inside while on board.

Other ideas?? Thanks!

Posted by
475 posts

I just used the woolx Nicole Ankle Pants for our trip last month. Super comfy and they didn't stink! Over the course of two weeks I did not need to wash them. I did not wear them every day though. I love that they have three different lengths and have a zippered pocket. They are pricy, but woolx regularly runs sales, usually for 20 to 30 percent off. Never pay full price--there will be a sale soon.

Posted by
119 posts

I really like Athleta Endless pants. They fit well, do not wrinkle and dry quickly. To me they are kind of “business casual” type pants that can be dressed up or down. However, I have discovered that the material is a bit too heavy if traveling somewhere with warm weather.

Posted by
1978 posts

Thanks to both of you, SIbdaisy I will watch out for sales! saf - I even wear my 'summer weight' Mt Hardware pants in Rome at Christmas time (with a jacket) so those Athleta pants would be too warm.

I should have added I recently discovered 'RAB' pants at REI, they have the requisite zipper, are a bit more fitted and flattering than the Mt Hardware, but aren't as soft, & have a bit of a starchy finish to them, which for biking in Uppsala is great but no no on airplanes!

Posted by
2194 posts

I’ve been wearing Athleta pants for years now, the Venice joggers are what I wear on the plane, they take forever to dry but they are comfy and retain their shape. I like their Trekkie North joggers. I have two pair and wore them on our Germany tour in May, easily rinsed out and dry quickly. Last year I bought a pair of Eddie Bauer Raniers because I have a pair of the capris and really like the fit only it looks like Eddie Bauer has cut that line in their restructuring.

Posted by
731 posts

My (plane) travel pants are All in Motion joggers from Target! I have it in black and navy blue and tan. They are great for errands when not traveling, have zippered and unzipped side pockets. And zipped inner pocket out front. They dry super fast and perfect for warm weather. I like joggers for plane to avoid pants hitting floor bathroom.

I also have a pair from Amazon but use it most for hiking and wet weather which I brought to Scandinavia. They have side zippered pockets but looks more like pants less cargo. I will find link later.

Posted by
499 posts

These from Prana are super comfortable and the cargo pockets hold my passport, small flat travel wallet and phone between the two Velcro leg pockets. But there's more pockets in back and at the top thigh, too.
https://www.rei.com/product/243893/prana-stretch-zion-cargo-pants-womens
If you don't want the hiking/cargo vibe (I like the ankle pulls) they make them without. Halle, I think?
I use them for hiking but in a pinch (I have the black) without putting anything in the cargo leg pockets they can "read" dressier.

Posted by
1062 posts

I have these in three colors. I got them on sale a few years back and love them so much I haven’t shopped for anything new really. They are very comfortable, dry quickly, and fit me well. I like that they aren’t super rugged looking, and I can get by wearing them with a nicer top out and about. They also can be shortened with the inside tab strip/ button to make them capri length if it gets warm.

https://www.duluthtrading.com/womens-dry-on-the-fly-bootcut-pants-46708.html?srccode=GPSHPLIA&color=BLK&srccode=GPSDSHOP&ogmap=PLA%7CNB%7CGOOG%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C20768012558%7C161222459928&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20768012558&gbraid=0AAAAAD_vbjeIWZK4FUlYWwNC9fNHj_OTH&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjb3SBhDgARIsAMKiWziQXnjuUPxRDFWBZWbfgjoLeFkvoMqTcxhH2Ie0FkTFNktiaFJuwoIaAiYAEALw_wcB

Posted by
4246 posts

I've had past success with Costco's Kirkland travel pants (on sale currently https://www.costco.com/p/-/kirkland-signature-womens-travel-pant/4000406518?sp=grs&langId=-1) but they it looks like they don't have the zip leg pocket in the latest design (but check them out anyway).

REI's trailmade pants have a nice leg pocket and come in a wide variety of sizes. I have the black color but it's really more a dark charcoal. They also have a pull on style but it has different pockets. https://www.rei.com/product/235802/rei-co-op-trailmade-pants-womens

Posted by
2060 posts

I like Aphrodite pants and capris from The North Face. I only buy them on sale from REI, Sierra and once from Dick's Going Going Gone. They are a little sporty, but they are lightweight, stretchy and very comfortable. Different ones have different pocket configurations. some have a zipped pocket in the front pocket; others have a zip pocket on the leg. They run kind of big and come in a long/tall size, which is part of the allure for me, as I am tall and big.
https://www.rei.com/product/236110/the-north-face-aphrodite-20-pants-womens
They also come in ankle length and wide leg.

Posted by
1978 posts

Thanks everyone! Wow, now I need to go to REI, Athleta & Target….

Margie - Good idea, can check on line.

Joy - Target hadn’t occurred to me, thanks.

Bon Voyage, I like the look of the Halle Prana.

Mustlovedogs & LIZinPA 🧳, I hadn’t thought of Duluth Trading, “Women's Dry on the Fly Bootcut Pants” look great but they only come in 31” inseam, too short for me, alas.

Three ideas for REI - CL, Ttrailmade pants, G3rryCee -Aphrodite 2.0 Pants & Mor - Kuhl, (which I've worn in the past & really liked.)

Posted by
128 posts

My entire pants wardrobe for my most recent trip was Unbound Merino's travel pants. They feel/look like "real" pants, not athletic pants, they roll up super small for packing and they dry overnight if washed in the sink. They are really the perfect travel pants, IMO.

Posted by
8545 posts

My favorites are Eddie Bauer Rainier, Athleta Brooklyn (no front zip pockets) and LLBean hiking pants.

Posted by
1978 posts

Kathleen, I’ve heard such good things about marino wool clothing thanks for the reminder.

JulesM - Thanks, good ideas!

 s.vierra - I can’t imagine I could wear such tailored pants, very cute, I will try them.

Update - Just back from REI, I bought the REI Trail Made pant that comes in a nice blue or black, seems very similar to Mt Hardware, maybe a bit nicer tailoring.

Posted by
4246 posts

Update - Just back from REI, I bought the REI Trail Made pant that
comes in a nice blue or black, seems very similar to Mt Hardware,
maybe a bit nicer tailoring.

Hope you like them as much as I do! :)

Posted by
62 posts

I see you got your pants, but I wanted to add another possibility.

I loved my yoga pants and my men's Eddie Bauer travel pants, but I lost quite a bit of weight and needed new pants. (I wear men's pants since after menopause - grrrr- they fit better)

I took these to Hawaii for travel over and back and they were comfortable and polished (enough) looking.

https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=700339002&vid=1&tid=onpl000080&kwid=1&ap=7&ds_agid=17394590615-&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17394591992&gbraid=0AAAAAD_AT8vmBGatVvGXXMqFKVWl2MrYn&gclid=CjwKCAjw9szSBhBNEiwAC57Sq07zQAHPffYq8aJZAhy9CUj9k7QgvdZw7Y5ffpKxNSyeipEn1fcduRoCD70QAvD_BwE

I actually bought two more pairs: one in navy and one in charcoal for my capsule wardrobe. They went through multiple wearings looking pretty good/not wrinkled and when I washed and hung them dry, they dried quick. Win win.

Edit to add: I adore the deep zippered pockets!

Posted by
731 posts

Update - Just back from REI, I bought the REI Trail Made pant that comes in a nice blue or black, seems very similar to Mt Hardware, maybe a bit nicer tailoring.

I need to check these out as I need a new pair given some size changes.

Posted by
629 posts

Joy and mikliz97,

Are the Amazon nylon pants noisy?

I have some similar, also from Amazon, that are polyester. Not noisy. Very thin and slick. Rolled up they would fit in a paper towel cardboard tube. Libin

I removed the zipper pulls also.

I wish the front pockets were deeper, but that is a dream for women's pants apparently.

I also wish they didn't have the horizontal seam across the thigh, but I bought black, so the seam doesn't show that much.

My favorite pocket design is the Scottevest Margaux Yogaux pants. They have front zippered pockets behind open hand pockets, but I don't like the waistband. The back is ribbed knit and the front has a very thick drawstring that is sewn to the side seams, no elastic in front.

And again, for me they would be better to have the zippered pocket 2-3 inches deeper than the hand pocket, so a passport would sit on top of my thigh instead of folded between my leg and torso. They are also pricey.

Posted by
1978 posts

Updated again - I definitely need more than one style of pants, so the quest continues... The REI Trail Made pant are too big, dang it. Almost a size too large compared to Mt Hardware so I'm heading back to REI how… will keep you posted.

(PS, OK, I'm keeping the same size, smaller ones don't fit, will wash & dry in dryer.)

Joy, mikliz97 & Khansen - thanks for the ideas, I’ve just ordered mikliz97's Amazon suggestion.

Sciencegirl - That's a clever adaptation, good for you! My H loves his golf pants for travel, they dry quickly and are very durable.

I’m waiting to order the prana Koen pants, out of stock in my local REI. - These are REALLY nicer pants, with a great zipper. Will try ordering them in my size. Thanks!

Posted by
4246 posts

The REI Trail Made pant are too big, dang it. Almost a size too large
compared to Mt Hardware so I'm heading back to REI how… will keep you
posted.

This won't be helpful, but bigger pants = more gelato! FWIW the internal drawcord is helpful to cinch (and let out) the waist. At least you'll have something to wear to tide you over until you find your next best pair!

Posted by
114 posts

I love these pants from Amazon. They don’t make noise, lots of good zippered pockets (too many zipper pulls though so I remove the ones on the legs), they can be sink-washed and will dry overnight. I have them in blue and black. Elastic waist with draw string.

Willit Women's Hiking Pants Quick Dry Cargo Pants Lightweight Water Resistant Travel Golf Pockets

(Here’s the name — sorry, I couldn’t get the link to attach)

Posted by
731 posts

Mine is a little noisy but not too bad. I like the one from mikliz97 link, but I think mine is more water repellent. For a plane ride, mikliz97 looks pretty good! I may try one also.

Posted by
1978 posts

Good question about noisy pants, that would really bug me.

CL, Hahaha very funny just what I needed, 'grow into pants' for gelato consumption!

Khansen - Seriously that’s bragging rights! "Rolled up they would fit in a paper towel cardboard tube". 

Kirstin - Actually those pants look great! But I’m waiting for mikliz97’s preferred Amazon pants before I try others, they should arrive today.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XFDKM9D?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_6&th=1&psc=1.

I still need to go back to REI to check out Kuhl, pick up prana Koen pants in my size, and check out Aphrodite. The quest continues.....

Posted by
629 posts

Besides gelato consumption, a slightly larger size is better if you are going to load up the pockets. I do this when trying them on. Can I sit? Do I look lumpy?

Posted by
1978 posts

Besides gelato consumption, a slightly larger size is better if you
are going to load up the pockets.

Agreed, and just sitting for long stretches of time as well!

Unfortunately I'm returning the "REI Trail Made" pants, they have a seam across the thighs that chafes while walking, fine while sitting! At some point I will go back to REI (for the third time?) to try on various Prana pants, they looked really nice.

Posted by
4515 posts

I wore these on my last trip and liked them so much that I bought a second pair after returning home.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LBCLBND

I hate that the description refers to them as “sweatpants” because they’re really not. They're made from a smooth, stretchy technical fabric that feels almost silky, resists wrinkles, dries quickly, and is perfect for travel. Best of all, they're super comfortable.

I probably wouldn't wear them hiking in the mountains, but for wandering around cities and towns, I think they're perfect!

Posted by
249 posts

For those looking and I've seen brought up on this thread, I've owned the Prana Halle pants for many years and have them in every color I would consider wearing. Bought them first in part because they have a 'tall' version, and really like them. They don't wrinkle badly for travel and not dressy but look a bit better than some pants. They can be pricey, but they do have sales from time to time.

Posted by
1978 posts

Kirstin, mikliz97 & Carrie, thanks for the Amazon ideas!

Debbied - Agree with others above, prana pants are wonderful, a tad heavier than I would like for summer, but will work well for autumn, I actually think they're pretty dressy. (Or at least dressier than the Mt Hardware pants.)

Posted by
731 posts

I wore these on my last trip and liked them so much that I bought a second pair after returning home. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LBCLBND

I have the same pants and like them a lot. Except the elastic at the waist is quite thick. I removed the string cord for a more polished look. I use it mostly in town and not on trips. But it lacks the zippered pockets.

I also got bermuda shorts from same brand which I like a lot.

Posted by
334 posts

I ordered the Athleta endless pants but the ones I received had gigantic baggy legs even in a small size. That was not the look on the model wearing them. Anyway, I returned them and bought these instead from Outdoor Research. They are versatile dry quickly, light weight not too tight or baggie and have 5 pockets one with a zipper. https://www.outdoorresearch.com/collections/womens-hiking-climbing-pants/products/womens-ferrosi-pants-regular-287668

Posted by
1978 posts

Joy, gosh those do look great, too bad there's no mandatory zipper pocket! HA.
Lesley - I liked these pants, which I also found at REI. They're a bit less soft, but definitely dressier than what I usually wear, so I bought a pair for slightly nicer traveling, perhaps not cozy enough for airplane pants but close!

Posted by
4084 posts

Leslie--I actually just bought those pants last weekend! Mine are black and they are so lightweight and comfy.

Posted by
731 posts

Bringing this one back to the top because we've taken over Mardee's post about tops with pants!