Best Travel Pants From Backcountry
Published August 14, 2024
Pants, the maker or breaker of any adventure, yet something that’s regularly overlooked. We Gearheads at Backcountry take the pant-making business seriously, because we know there’s nothing worse than ill-fitted slacks ruining the perfect adventure. We also know modern travel takes many forms; like sitting on a plane for 10 hours, exploring a town, hitting a trail or making your car your home on a cross-country road trip. Each type of trip requires a unique set of trousers. So, what makes Backcountry’s travel pants so well-suited for globetrotting? Whether you're embarking on a weekend getaway or a month-long journey, the secret sauce for perfect pants rests in the right combination of durability, functionality, and style. Here are our top travel pants for men and women.
Top Men’s Travel Pants
Far-flying fellas and on-the-go guys, we’ve got a collection of pants you’re going to need to add to the back of your not-dirty-enough-yet-to-wash chair. Iterating on timeless styles, we’ve put a Backcountry twist on trousers that have lasted through the ages. We firmly believe that looking good doesn’t mean you have to compromise comfort or functionality. Apparel should be duel (or more) purpose, especially if you’re traveling and trying to keep the suitcase in carry-on mode. Here are our three favorite styles we know will change your next trip.
Our industry-leading UV protection started with a sun hoodie and has transformed into a best-in-class collection of everything anti-ray. We added t-shirts, polos, and even dresses for the ladies—now, we’ve completed that collection with a UPF 50+ rated pair of pants. Not only do these pants stop light, but they’ll stop you in your tracks when you try them on. The abrasion-resistant softshell fabric has 4-way stretch for maximum mobility, so from awkward plane angles to moments on-the-move you’ll be comfy. We’ve also added an internal draw chord to dial your fit, because what’s worse than a clunky belt under your seatbelt? Seriously, these pants are great whether you’re buckling up behind the wheel or at 10,000 feet.
Winning Features
- UPF 50+ material for sun protection
- PFC-free DWR for rain & spill protection
- Casual & comfy style
When travelling, comfort is king. But most of the time the comfiest doesn’t always look the best, nor is comfort associated with being good at anything other than lounging. We thought we could do better and designed a supremely comfortable, yet versatile pant that's perfect for both the journey and the destination (and everything in between). The lightweight recycled nylon increases movement while limiting our impact and the stretch ripstop weave construction offers excellent abrasion resistance. No matter where you’re going or how you get there, these joggers will become your next best travel buddy.
Winning Features
- Low-profile style
- PFC-free DWR treatment sheds water, sweat & dust
- Zippered rear pocket keeps small essentials secure
Get The Wasatch Ripstop Jogger
If you’re like us, then you tend to do more moving than chillaxing on your travels. You probably also like to pack as much as humanly possible into your itinerary rather than your suitcase, because you’re there, and you might as well make the most of it. So, like us, you’ve probably been looking for a good-looking, durable, do-it-all set of trousers to keep up with your trip. We were sick of looking and just made the Wasatch Ripstop Everyday Pants ourselves, and now we’re passing them on to you. These lightweight, tough, stretchy, pants sport an understated look that’s appropriate for everything from hikes to hitting the town. They also have a DWR treatment that repels coffee spills, light rain, and dust, keeping you as fresh on the last day of your trip as when you first arrived.
Winning Features
- Comfortable & durable
- Made from recycled ripstop material
- Drawcord-adjustable leg openings offer a snag-free fit
Get The Wasatch Everyday Pants
Top Women’s Travel Pants
They say it’s about the journey, not the destination, but if we’re being honest, it’s hard to stay stoked on a 10-hour flight when your pants are bunching up behind your knees. We designed an entire travel-ready collection of pants for those of you who never stop exploring. The key to the collection? Super-comfy, movement-friendly styles that can withstand hours of travel—in a plane, car, or down a trail—you’re excited to wear outside of the house. Here are our favorite women’s travel pants from our Destination Collection.
If you’re the type of lady that’s into plenty of pitstops to explore during road trips or starting the adventure right after the plane lands, you need a pair of pants that is suited for both “travel” and “experience” portions of a trip. We designed the Destination Travel Pants for just those adventures. With ultra-soft, stretchy fabric that’s comfortable no matter what pretzel-like position you end up in and a PFC-free DWR treatment that can withstand some spills and sprinkles, these Travel Pants are ready for any journey.
Winning Features
- Multiple pockets keep snacks, keys, and cash close by
- Stretch knit waistband ensures a comfortable seatbelt experience
- Water-resistant design deflects light moisture
Get The Destination Travel Pants
Active comfort means one thing when it’s leg day at the gym and another when you’re weaving through suitcase-toting travelers to catch that tight connection. Comfy, cute, and plenty stretchy, our Destination Leggings cover all the bases for an excellent travel pant. With a nylon and spandex composition, these leggings hug your shape and match your every move—be it a chance to stretch your legs as you head to the lavatory or a mid-layover yoga sesh at the gate. We added an oversized drop-in side pocket, so there’s plenty of room for keeping your phone and boarding pass handy. And, perhaps, our favorite feature is the fabric’s superior moisture-wicking properties. Gone are the days of that I-need-to-change-ASAP feeling after disembarking from a long-haul flight.
Winning Features
- Comfy as can be thanks to a nylon and spandex blend
- Drop-in pocket keeps phone close by
- Active silhouette for terminal to trail style
Is the journey ever truly complete if you haven’t slipped into a pair of joggers at least once? There's a reason why the slim-fitting jogger silhouette has become a travel favorite. They combine comfort, functionality, and style in one sleek package, making them ideal for any adventure. Our trail joggers are built with a breathable, soft, and moisture-wicking performance fabric, ensuring you stay comfortable whether you're scaling alpine trails or hopping between terminals. They’re made to handle the demands of active travel, offering the flexibility you need without compromising style. In these, you'll look great and feel even better, ready to tackle whatever the day brings.
Winning Features
- UPF 50+ material for sun protection
- Three zippered pockets keep your essentials safe
- Relaxed fit for extra-comfy miles
Get The Destination Trail Joggers
Buying Travel Pants At Backcountry
Wherever you’re going and whatever you end up doing, travel pants add a level of comfort that your typical jeans or chinos simply can't match. Designed with the active traveler in mind, these pants offer the perfect blend of durability, flexibility, and style to keep you comfortable whether you're navigating airport terminals, exploring new cities, or hiking down dusty trails.
If you travel often, or you’re gearing up for your first true trip, it might be time to consider investing in a new pair of pants that will be your reliable and versatile companion from the start of your journey to the end. These were just a few of our favorites, but we have an extensive collection of super-comfy, travel-ready pants for the picking.
FAQ
Q: What travel pants are best for flying?
A: When it comes to long plane flights, we recommend something comfortable, flexible, and stylish like the Backcountry Wasatch Ripstop Jogger for men and the Backcountry Destination Travel Pants for women.
