I bought a pair of so-called "BugsAway" pants from Ex Officio for mosquito protection while birding. They turn out to be only 6.9 ounces, much lighter than my usual (11 oz.) Europe pants, which I already thought were very light. Minimalists might want to take a look. They do have narrow, elongated mesh panels on the inside of each leg--not totally obvious, but kind of--presumably for ventilation. For me they will be fine for Europe, particularly for a 2017 trip to Italy. You can see what the panels look like on their website. I am now interested in trying one or both of the other, mesh panel-less pants listed as "lightweight" on the site, though they (including the "Bugsaway" model) are expensive, and it may be a while.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9022 posts
Joel sometimes you can find their products at a discount at Sierra Trading Post. The "BugsAway" products are impregnated with permethrin which does work and is not laundered out.
Posted by
San Jose
1194 posts
Joel, I think you'll find that many travel pants fall within the 8 ounce area. Not only are they lighter but they also dry quickly when washed.
You may also want to look at linen pants for your trip to Italy. The natural fibers are significantly cooler than the synthetic travel pants. Lightweight linen dries quickly when washed.
Sierra Trading Post is a great resource for discount travel clothing.
Posted by
OP
Northeast Ohio, USA
707 posts
Thank you for the replies. I'll check out Sierra Trading Post, and linen pants..
Posted by
Kingston, ON Canada
208 posts
My husband has had great luck in buying pants from a golf store. The last few years we've been taking cruises, where we need to "kick it up a notch" with regard to dressing for dinner, on board. He looks awesome, and we still travel with "carry on" only... Even for 11-night Mediterranean cruises with pre- and post-cruise stays. The pants have looked like dress pants, but are lightweight and quick-dry. You have to watch out for the tacky logos.
Posted by
OP
Northeast Ohio, USA
707 posts
vfyorke, thank you for the tip. As a non-golfer, it has never occurred to me to go into a golf shop. But it makes sense, as long as I don't accidentally purchase something like plaid knickers :-)
Posted by
Houston, TX
174 posts
I second the recommendation of golf pants. My husband wore them in Italy and looked great. Lightweight & wrinkle resistant, he wore them with golf shirts most days. He bought 4 pairs in basic colors at Belk's, but we also saw them at Academy Sports.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
Joel, for years now I've used Haggar Cool 18 lightweight slacks for travel, bought at Kohl's (also on the Kohl's web site, no doubt other places too). They are almost always on sale, are very reasonably priced, come in a wide variety of normal slack colors, come either pleated or flat front, and a nice feature is they have both stretchable waists and come in a variety of lengths, including 29" just for me. I have a pair of the "heather browns" on right now, traveling here in sunny and beautiful Croatia. I travel with two identical pairs, and get them cleaned, washed or wash them myself every once in a while. They hardly show any dirt.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20458 posts
Joel, thank you for taking the time to place the post.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
37 posts
My husband purchased two pairs of golf slacks (black and tan) at Target several years ago for an October trip to Italy. They pack and wash extremely well, look more upscale than jeans or khakis, and are very comfortable. He's added golf shorts to his travel collection for warmer trips.
Posted by
OP
Northeast Ohio, USA
707 posts
Thanks again everyone; this is helpful information, as always.