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Aviator Jeans Review: The Best Travel Jeans in the World

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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Aviator Jeans Review

Price and Where to Buy Aviator Jeans : Available Aviator’s website for $98.

• Made in the USA (right in Los Angeles)
• Custom performance denim is super soft, comfortable, breathable, and durable
• Designed to retain shape throughout the day (even through a long flight) and won’t sag or become baggy
• Men’s are available in a slim or straight/athletic fit; women’s in a slim boyfriend fit
• Stylish dark indigo rinse, faded blue, or black color
• Deep pockets are great for holding all your travel documents and passport
• Guaranteed to fit (free exchanges)
• Stretchier than normal jeans, so they won’t restrict movement or dig in when you sit (they basically feel like sweatpants)
• Traditional jean coin pocket has been supersized so it fits a large smartphone
• Extra strength pocket lining means no more holes after a few wears
• Hidden zippered back and front pocket deters thieves
• Utility button on belt loop can keep your headphones from tangling or attach your keychain
• Look like traditional jeans (you wouldn’t guess they’re travel-friendly unless you wear wearing them)
• Women’s jeans only comes in one style (slim boyfriend). Crossing our fingers for a skinny jean option soon!

How Aviator Jeans Rate :

• Usefulness: 10/10. Jeans are the best for traveling, since they’re so versatile. But traditional denim can be stiff and uncomfortable on long-haul flights, or become baggy after hours of sitting. That’s why we love the Fly Jean, because it’s comfortable enough that you can sleep in them, but still looks good when you disembark.
• Value: 9/10. Although you can obviously find cheaper jeans, $98 is actually a really good price for made in the USA denim.
• Portability: 10/10. The Fly Jeans pack really well, thanks to their cotton/spandex material.
• Cool Factor: 10/10. We especially love the dark rinse and black options, which look sleek and stylish.

Final Verdict : You’ll want these jeans for your next trip!.

Caroline is always on the lookout for cool new travel gear. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram .

Editor’s Note: Reviews are based on usefulness, portability, durability, value, and “cool factor.” Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product. If you have any questions or comments concerning our reviews, or would like to suggest a product for review, please email us at [email protected] (Photo: Lucy)

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The Best Men's Travel Pants For Every Type of Trip

Written by Dan

Updated on April 12th, 2024

What are the best travel pants for men? I did the research to determine some of the most versatile, comfortable and functional travel pants!

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Best Travel Pants for Men

• Western Rise
• Aviator Travel Jeans
• DUER (Performance Denim Slim Fit)
• DUER (No Sweat Joggers)
• Mott & Bow Staple Jeans
• prAna Brion
• prAna Stretch Zion
• Icebreaker Merino Shifter
• Rhone Commuter
• Mountain Hardwear Men’s AP Pant
• Public Rec Every Day Jogger
• Foehn Men’s Brise Schoeller Pant

When I travel, a lot of thought goes into the types of items that I bring along. If you’re like me, everything that you have serves multiple purposes. I like to pack light, and too many single-use items quickly start to add up and fill your bag.

I usually travel with a single pair of pants. I want to make sure those pants will last a long time! Picking a good pair of pants is based on a few qualifying factors. A pair of pants should be durable, flexible, good quality, not doofy and should serve a secondary purpose like being suitable for a second occasion.

Here are my top recommendations based on the travel pants I’ve tried over the years.

See my favorite picks!

• Western Rise Evolution Pant 2.0 Check Availability
• Bluffworks Pants Check Availability
• DUER Performance Denim Check Availability

Western Rise

Western Rise is a travel-inspired company that creates versatile clothing for men. Their focus is on minimalist products that maximize features you need and slash those that you don’t. I find that Western Rise’s apparel is timeless and functional, so there are no fast trends.

Get an immediate 15% off with our exclusive Western Rise discount code! Use code HALFHALFTRAVEL at checkout.

Shop the deal

What I like about the company is that they are product-focused, and their garments perform great in all different types of temperatures, occasions, altitudes and activities. We dive into the details in our interview with Western Rise’s Co-Founder Kelly Watters .

For anyone who wants to get a feel for the styles, my top tip is to try Western Rise’s ‘try at home’ service that gets you a trial run of up to four products, for seven days, free of charge.

Shop Western Rise and look for the Try at home button on the product pages.

I recommend two of their styles that I have tried:

• Evolution Pant 2.0

Are Western Rise travel pants worth it?

Here’s what I want to discuss about both the Evolution Pant and the AT Pant : both focus on durability, and comfort, with looks that are great for the workday or the weekend.

In general Western Rise makes quality clothing. After putting together a Western Rise brand review , I’m sold on their items fitting all of my criteria.

The Evolution Pant

The Evolution Pant happens to be ultra-lightweight and moisture-wicking, and it is also stretchy. I like wearing these on the weekend or if I’m taking a short train or bus ride. These pants are perfect for the summer (or hot weather) if you’re looking for something light weight and versatile. When I took them out of the packaging, I was surprised how thin they actually were.

The AT Pant

For the AT Pant , they feel a bit heavier and sturdier than the Evolution Pant, but they’re still not stiff or cumbersome. The water resistance in the materials is no joke: I actually got caught in the rain while I was wearing these on the rainiest Memorial Day weekend ever . I was able to brush the rain drops right off, and I stayed fairly dry on my way to an engagement party.

The lightweight proprietary fabric that's unique and stretchy. It doesn't feel stiff after hours of wear, so the pants feel like weightless chinos.

Photo via Western Rise

Aviator Travel Jeans

My pair of Aviator Jeans have been an asset for me. They were the first pair of pants with zipper pockets that I ever owned, which has been a “wow” factor when I show the secret zippers to friends I’ve met during my ravels.

Get an immediate 20% off your purchase, using code HALFHALF20 at checkout.

Shop the site

What are the best features of Aviator Jeans?

The zipper pockets are by far the winning feature. I like that my Aviator travel jeans have pockets specifically for a phone, a wallet or a passport. You can zip things in place, and you don’t have to worry about your things falling out or being stolen.

I was once on a train, and I was wearing sweatpants. Would you believe that my wallet fell out? Luckily, I noticed this before the train left the station, and I was able to recover my wallet. Since this experience, I’ve really come to appreciate zipper pockets for travel days.

Wearing Aviator Jeans is a nice experience because they’re comfortable and stretchy. The blend of fabric is soft and durable. They’ve lasted me lots of trips through Europe.

Which features could be improved?

I think there’s too much fabric in and around the pockets. They sometimes feel a little bulky around the sides. Their bulkiness makes sense because some of the pockets are double pockets, and you need the extra fabric for the zippers.

I also had to get these jeans tailored considerably (again, by Becca’s mom — thanks!) to “take in” the legs. With that said, the legs might be baggy on you, even in a slim fit, if you have narrow legs.

Top tip: Take advantage of Aviator’s free hemming and tailoring service. They’ll also reimburse hemming up to $10 if you show a receipt. Keep in mind that sales are FINAL once you make any alterations. The hemming has been one of my (and Becca’s) favorite features about Aviator. In fact, Becca’s Aviator travel dress was hemmed by Aviator’s team and now it fits perfectly!

Best Travel Jeans

The hidden zipper pockets that keep your valuables stored and safe, and help you avoid petty theft during travel days and transit.

Bluffworks offers everything that you need to be a smart traveler. Pants included. They have travel shorts , travel jeans , travel dress pants and suits !

They also offer free US shipping so that you can try on a few pairs and styles.

I like Bluffworks because they’re specifically designed to be multipurpose. Plus, there are many different products to choose from.

Get an immediate 15% off, with our exclusive Bluffworks discount code (one-time use per customer)! Use code halfhalftravel15 at checkout.

Get the deal

All of the Bluffworks travel pants are wrinkle-resistant, breathable and moisture-wicking. They all do an excellent job of being durable while you wash them, holding your phone (or other items) and secretly having pockets (in other words, they have hidden pockets).

Why is Bluffworks the original travel pants?

Their original travel pants are made from super lightweight material. I tried these on during a hot day, and I could have sworn that they had an air conditioner inside of them. These will be great pants if you’re wearing pants in really hot climates. They’re very wrinkle-resistant, so if they’re rolled up in a ball for a few days, you can shake them out, and they look presentable.

Bluffworks pants have been around for a long time. In fact, they were created in 2012. They have an interesting history that is worth checking out.

Other Bluffworks products I recommend

The same technology that goes into the pants is also in their suits. If you need to travel with a suit, the suits from Bluffworks are sure bets for having a suit that doesn’t wrinkle or smell during a trip.

I recommend the Bluffworks Gramercy suit , which has wrinkle-free suit pants. Check out our tips on how to pack a suit to avoid wrinkles , as well as my Gramercy Travel Suit review .

They also have the Ascender Chino pants, which are your best option for times when you want something nicer or more professional. They pair nicely with their wrinkle-free travel dress shirts . I’ve been traveling with this combo to weddings and other events, and it’s been a great experience.

Shop Bluffworks

The technical features like pockets and fabrics that are the best value-adds in all their products. I like Bluffworks because all their clothes make you feel decent and put-together, even if you just throw them on in a minute.

Photo via Bluffworks

DUER (Performance Denim Slim Fit)

Before I was wearing my DUER pants , I was wearing custom pants that I got in Argentina.

The pants from Argentina are some of my favorite pants, ever, but weren’t practical for traveling. They had shallow pockets, and the seams were not reinforced. The insides of the pockets started breaking because they weren’t sewn well, and overall, it was time for a trusty pair of pants for me.

Get free shipping when you spend $99+; no code needed.

When I walked around South America during my year of working remotely and traveling , I was nervous that my pockets would get pick-pocketed.

I also blew out the seams a few times, and they currently have a patch on them. I can’t say that the material is the most durable, but they are very comfortable!

I still wear these around New York City. My phone often slides around and is exposed in the corners of the pockets. I always have to make sure nothing falls out of the pockets.

My DUER jeans are the answer to the problems that my Argentina pants had. DUER pants are incredibly durable and have nice deep pockets. They have a lot of different styles to choose from, and all styles offer features that are unique.

The pair that I have lasted about three years of daily use. That’s something like 1000 wears! They have since worn out a bit, but that’s to be expected because I don’t think any material really lasts forever.

I talk about them as pants made for travelers in my DUER Performance Slim denim jeans review .

For a trip when you’ll be in cold places, I tried DUER’s fleece-lined jeans and discuss them in my DUER Fireside Winter Jeans review ! They’re perfect for frigid climates or a ski trip. They have a thin layer of insulation, which don’t get in the way where other fleece-lined paints might.

What types of DUER Pants do I have?

I settled on the “No Sweat Slim” pair. They didn’t need any alterations or modifications. With that said, they are a slim fit, so they might not work for everyone. In any case, these are my go-to jeans that I could wear essentially any day of the week, and I always feel great in them.

I’ve worn these pants on hikes, with a nice shirt at a fancy event and almost every day during casual days. I only have nice things about DUER pants and actually, I bought them with a friend who also raves about them equally. The DUER pants don’t have zipper pockets, but that isn’t a big deal unless you’re looking for them.

What makes DUER Pants unique?

I wanted to call out that DUER pants have a lot of reinforcement in certain places that usually fall apart on other pants that you wear often. Their pockets are also some of the deepest that I’ve seen in any other type of pants. This means feeling good that things won’t fall out of your pants even if you are doing a cartwheel.

Men's Performance Denim Jeans

The DUER signature gusset and the overall fit make these my favorite. They're built to last, even if you wear them during long-term travel or every single day of the week.

DUER (No Sweat Joggers)

Because I like my other pair of DUER jeans, I’ll mention that DUER also has a pair of joggers . I like joggers for travel because they are comfortable and versatile. You can wear them on travel days and for walking around cities and exploring various destinations.

Joggers aren’t the best for hiking, but they do hold up very well for more active activities like working out and riding a bike.

They look great and would totally work for the traveler looking to find a great looking pair of pants that can be worn on multiple occasions. I really like joggers, and to this end, I’ve rounded up the best joggers for men , which is worth checking out.

No Sweat Jogger

What's special and new about DUER's jogger is that the style mimics jeans, down to the pockets and the fly, which I haven't seen in other joggers from competing brands.

Photo via DUER

Mott & Bow Staple Jeans

Mott & Bow is a men’s and women’s apparel company that makes flattering jeans in timeless styles. I’ve enjoyed learning about the brand and all its products, and taking the jeans on my recent travels. The jeans are well-made and look effortless, with simple tailored fits from skinny to slim and with a fit for everyone.

See my review on what to know before you buy Mott & Bow to learn a lot more about this company and their other men’s products, from my favorite everyday tee, to cashmere sweaters.

The Staple jeans fit me nicely, to the point where I feel good in them, and they’re durable and versatile. They’re effortlessly comfortable, more than most pairs of jeans I own.

One thing to note is that they only come in one length, 32. I roll them up because I’m typically a 30, but you can also get them tailored.

For the “Skinny” variety, I went 1 size up. It’s rare that I do this, but skinny jeans seem to fit a little on the smaller side from Mott & Bow. Their jeans (based on the “styles,” which all have names like Staple, Broome, etc.) can mostly be found in Skinny, Slim and Straight.

Let’s start with the stretch. These particular jeans are stretchy, so this makes them practical for long flights or travel days. The fabric is not scratchy or stiff, and it feels like good substantial denim that I’d wear in fall, winter or early spring. I like the elasticity and stretch for bending down.

Everything else you need to know

These jeans are part of the Dynamic Stretch category offered by Mott & Bow. There are a few other varieties in that category that might be worth checking out if you’re into these styles.

Mott & Bow also offers pants called the 4-Way Stretch . You’ll see these listed as Broome Jeans . These are unique because they offer stretching in all directions, and they’re good for different types of mobility.

One more thing I’ll comment on about Mott & Bow is that their product pages for jeans specifically state that you don’t necessarily have to wash these jeans often. This is my kind of brand! I rarely wash my jeans (and found that that this is actually recommended by denim experts!).

prAna Brion

prAna is a socially-responsible company. You can learn more about their sustainability mission on their website .

Their sustainability line offers recycled wool and organic cotton. Their clothes are also fair trade certified! Quality and durability are important to the brand. They mention those two pillars in their mission statement.

Are prAna Brion pants worth it?

Their pants are crowd-pleasers! The Brion line is the most popular pair of pants that prAna makes. The material is cut from their original stretch Zion fabric. They have a lot of useful features that are specific to travel needs, like reinforced rivets, water-repellent materials and sun protection. Somehow, they’ve kept the price competitive and affordable through the years.

prAna Brion: deep dive

A personal consideration about these pants is that the pants are not tapered. If you have the pants tailored, you can get them to fit you exactly how you want. If you don’t typically wear slim fit pants, this shouldn’t be an issue for you.

The pants contain 97% nylon and 3% spandex. If you weren’t sure what their original stretch fabric is, this is it!

You can use these pants for almost every occasion. They’d be good for hikes, climbs, casual Saturdays, office attire and for riding a bike.

Brion™ Pant II

These travel pants are more traditional, so they're good for someone who likes a slim fit that's not a skinny jean. prAna's commitment to sustainability is awesome, so sustainable shoppers will like the Brion.

Photo via Backcountry

prAna Stretch Zion

The Stretch Zion pants are a great option for hiking and a more comfortable travel experience. They are classified as technical pants, which I believe speaks to their ability to offer features such as an adjustable waist, stretchy material, an inseam gusset and roll-up snaps.

If you’re more adventurous, the Zion pants will help you perform better in your activity of choice. If you like to travel with a pair of pants and feel like you can do anything in them, then the prAna Stretch Zion would be a great option for you.

Stretch Zion Pant II

A stretchier Brion travel pant, these performance pants are made of recycled nylon and have a ventilated gusset, which is great for active days or a workday that turns into a hike day.

Icebreaker Merino Shifter

Icebreaker is known among the serious traveler crowd because of their quality and their use of merino wool.

Merino wool is one of the best materials to use for clothes. You can wear merino wool several times and the smell never really knocks your socks off. Well, unless they are socks, and you take them off.

Sustainability is a big part of their philosophy and core values as a company. They also make other great items for travelers, like their well-known socks, shirts and hats.

How are Icebreaker Merino Shifter pants?

Their pants are solid. Icebreaker has a few options for pants, and I’ll focus on their Merino Shifter Pants .

I think they’re interesting to highlight because this is a case in which this might be your secondary pair of pants. Although I typically like to travel with a single pair of paints, I can see having a second pair.

Traveling with two pairs of pants is good if one is in the wash or is wet from the rain. It would also be good in case you lose a pair of pants (is that possible?).

When would you use Icebreaker Merino Shifter Pants?

If you have the capacity for multiple pairs of pants or if you aren’t traveling full-time , these are still great pants to have.

They’re super cozy and have numerous uses. You can take them on a run during a cold day, be warm while relaxing around your house, pretend these are “adult pants” and wear them to work and more!

You might have a harder time in tailoring these; however, you might not need to because the pants are already tapered. They also have an excellent stretchy material called LYCRA® that helps a lot with the mobility and “stretchability.”

Merino Shifter Pants

These merino fitted jogger-style pants are more like a tailored comfy pair of sweatpants that'll get you through travel days with the soft merino wool jersey knit. Also great for lounging around.

Photo via Icebreaker

Rhone Commuter

The Rhone Commuter are not your generic “travel pants.” They appear to be from the outside, but when you dig a little deeper, they have some nice features.

How can travel pants have features?

The Rhone Commuters come with a few things that can be useful for someone who travels a lot. They have a snap button, back pocket zipper, phone pocket, articulated knee and a gusset. Why are these useful features?

A snap button is useful for times when you only have one hand available. It’s also more comfortable, in my opinion. Back zipper pockets are helpful to keep things from falling out.

I explained more details about this below! I like the phone (or media) pockets for phones and phone-sized-things, like passports. Having an articulated knee in a pair of pants is only useful if you’re doing a lot of movement.

One of the best features about buying Rhone pants is their ability to hem your pants. Not needing to hem these pants yourself saves a trip to a tailor and makes them a bit more custom when they get to you.

Wait, what’s a gusset?

A gusset is a piece of fabric in the undercarriage of the pants that reinforces the area and helps prevent the ripping of your pants.

Commuter Pant Classic

These commuter pants make a great travel option because they include a few important features, namely a zipper pocket and mobility gusset, that make them all-star travel chinos.

Photo via Rhone

And if you’re looking for an excellent belt option to go along with these pants, check out Arcade Belts on Amazon or directly on their site .

Mountain Hardwear Men’s AP Pant

Mountain Hardware is a well-known outdoor brand. I first heard about them because of their jackets. Their Hardwear AP™ pants are their flagship hiking and climbing pants. Can pants have a flagship model? I guess so!

They’re mostly cotton and nylon. Most people don’t like cotton for travel clothes, but I don’t mind it. I think that cotton gets better with age and is more comfortable. It doesn’t usually do well in wet weather, though.

What to expect wearing Mountain Hardwear AP™ Pants

You can expect normal pants-wearing-things with these. Aside from covering your legs, you’ll find zip pockets, articulated knees, reflective strips and a cell phone pocket. The reflective strips are useful when you roll up the bottoms of the pants. When you’re on a bike, it’s an extra protective measure for being seen in darker conditions.

Standout features for the Men's AP pant are that they look more like hiking pants that have a decent side, so that you can walk into a brewery after the hike during your trip, and avoid looking messy.

Public Rec Every Day Jogger

Public Rec is a ‘leisure for everywhere’ brand specializing in soft and breathable products for men. I tried out their “All Day Every Day” (ADED for short) jogger, which is a style tailored for travel and comfort.

At first glance, the Public Rec jogger looks like a tailored type of sweatpants, but it’s more than that. From far away, these pants look great. I almost wanted to wear these to work! Now that I work from home , I can wear them to work. There’s an elastic waistband with internal drawstring, along with front and back zipper pockets that you can keep some crucial items in during travel.

In order to not be confused with sweatpants, the joggers have a faux front fly for a more formal look. While you probably wouldn’t wear these right from the plane to a business meeting, you could for sure wear them for a day of sightseeing and feel pretty put-together.

The feel: The joggers are a spandex-nylon blend, which makes them breathable and not a bad choice if you’ll potentially be perspiring.

Do you need the Public Rec Every Day Joggers?

Probably. If you like to wear pants that are not jeans when you’re in transit, and if you still want to look decent, then yes: you need the Public Rec joggers for men.

The Public Rec jogger will be the closest thing you can find to a stretchy pair of pants that will be comfortable, won’t wrinkle and will look pretty okay after 24 hours in transit (like on a flight).

Another question is: do you need the Public Rec joggers for a woman in your life? Maybe you do! This is a pair of travel pants in this list that also has a women’s version: the women’s All Day Joggers from Public Rec , and my wife Becca approves of them.

Can you run in them?

Yes! In colder weather (below freezing) I like to run in pants. For me, shorts are ok as long as the temperatures are above freezing. On some of the coldest days of the year, I decided to research what types of pants to buy for cold weather running. I enjoyed all of the suggestions, but I like to utilize items that I already own.

I took the Public Rec Every Day Joggers out for a run and it was great! I stayed really warm, in fact, I was actually too warm at the end of my run.

There is a security pocket on the left side, which was perfect for holding my phone during my run. I typically have a lightweight running belt but it wasn’t needed when I was wearing these pants — all thanks to that pocket!

All Day Every Day Jogger

One of my favorite aspects of these joggers is that it's possible to work out in them, and also wear them on a plane and around a city. For joggers, they have a tapered and decent look to them, and come in nice colors.

Photo via Public Rec

Foehn Men’s Brise Schoeller Pant

These Brise Schoeller Pants are going to be your pick for active days on a trip. The pants are designed for everything. Because they are so adaptable, these may one of the only pair of pants you need to bring on a trip. I recomemend re-checking your size and desired fit on the product page because Foehn has updated their sizing for men.

My honest opinion on the Brise pants

To be quite honest, the Brise pants are not for me. I can’t get away with the rather “Euro” modern look that they’re meant for. I’m best suited for regular slim jeans like the ones above I talk about from Mott & Bow or DUER. For guys who want the unique stretch fabric of the Brise pants (it lends itself for outdoor activities) and the functional zipper styles, you’ll excel in these.

I also think the materials that Foehn uses are ideal for hot weather because they wick sweat and perspiration.

Men's Brise Schoeller® Pant

These travel pants are for everything! They're durable, versatile and ready to take any situation you throw at them.

Photo via Foehn

What features should you look out for when choosing your next pair of travel pants?

Zipper pockets can help keep your valuables safe.

No matter how careful you are, it’s always a possibility that you can get pick-pocketed. Zipper pockets are an easy way to protect yourself from someone reaching into your pockets and snatching your phone or wallet.

With everyday use, zipper pockets are also great for making sure you don’t lose valuable items that you keep in your pockets!

Depending on what you’re doing, you need to put a lot of trust into regular pockets for making sure you don’t lose anything. It’s really easy for a phone or wallet to slide out if you’re traveling all day and get up from a chair or bench. Having a little extra security can really go a long way.

What pants with zipper pockets do I recommend?

Check out a quick list of pants with zipper pockets. Even if you are not traveling, pants with zipper pockets truly help in all occasions. They are great for hiking, biking, commuting or walking around.

Pants with zipper pockets

• Bluffworks Check Availability
• Aviator Travel Jeans Check Availability
• Public Rec Every Day Jogger Check Availability
• Rhone Commuter Check Availability
• Foehn Brise Schoeller Pant Check Availability

Hidden pockets are an extra layer of protection

You might want hidden pockets (or inside) pockets if you really want to feel secure about keeping your valuables close to you. Alternatively, you could also look for a money belt.

Secret pockets are a great place to stash things like your travel documents, your keys or phone. Hidden pockets may also have a zipper that can help when you take off your pants and forget something is inside of the pockets.

Articulated knees make pants more comfortable

Having articulated knees built into pants is an interesting feature. They help to avoid having your pants bunched up or cutting off circulation. It makes it easier to go into a full squat as well. Having this feature in pants is a useful for hiking and going to the gym. The stitching pattern gives off a “travel pants” vibe.

I suspect that custom-fitting pants with articulated knees might introduce some challenges for the tailor (or Becca’s mom). For these types of pants, I take the stance that they’re specifically for hiking and that they don’t require any custom fitting.

Cell phone pockets protect your phone

I generally like cell phone pockets because it means more pockets for other things. When you travel, sometimes you have odd items. It’s not uncommon to have a passport with you while you’re out, or to have an oddly-shaped piece of paper. Using such a pocket for those items is often a better idea than using it for your cell phone.

Stretchy material

Any pants that have some type of spandex built into the fabric is a nice touch in making your pants more comfortable. You’ll see a benefit of extra mobility and the pants will be more forgiving for different situations.

Why should you trust me?

Pants are a staple item in my travel gear. I often travel with one pair of pants to help save space in my luggage. When I find a pair of pants that I like, I make that decision based on quality and functionality.

Additionally, I look for pants that provide utility, like to help prevent pickpockets !

I traveled long-term for a year in each of 2016-2017 and 2018-2019. I’ve traveled to 30+ countries and have lived out of only a backpack while working remotely for many months! I take travel pants seriously and I have used that knowledge to make this list.

Looking for more pants recommendations?

Becca wrote the best travel pants for women if you’d like to check out those recommendations! She has also traveled extensively and values travel pants that are versatile, high-quality and “do it all.”

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Pasco's aviation story took flight just after the Wright brothers. How it made its mark

A pr. 19—Pasco has an enviable aviation history, with connections to some of the most significant moments dating back almost to the moment in 1903 when the Wright brothers completed their famous flight at Kitty Hawk.

Its first aviator arrived in 1911 to build and fly airplanes at the spot now known as Osprey Point.

Later, it was the birth place of U.S. Air Mail (1926) and then home to Naval Air Station Pasco (1942), one of the busiest pilot training facilities of the World War II effort.

Those stories and far more are on display as the Pasco Aviation Museum reopens for the 2024 season this weekend on the east side of the Tri-Cities Airport.

The museum typically closes during the winter when visitors are scarce, using the downtime to expand its footprint and overhaul its exhibits.

It reopens from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, April 20. It will remain open each Saturday until winter. Enter via Bergstrom Aircraft Inc., 4102 Stearman Ave., Pasco, on the airport's east side.

The museum opened in 2019 and has grown into a home for all things aviation. It is dedicated to telling a story that is sometimes overshadowed by that other Tri-Cities story: The Manhattan Project.

The aviation museum is a years-long labor of love by a team of volunteers and their champion, Malin Bergstrom, owner of Bergstrom Aircraft.

Together, they gathered artifacts and stories and have worked to convert the decommissioned NAS Pasco air control tower into home base for Pasco's surprising aviation history.

The tower itself was built in 1942 to support NAS Pasco and is visible in the distance across the runway from the airport's passenger terminal.

New in 2024

During the winter break, volunteers completed the transformation of the tower, creating exhibits and visitor amenities on all four levels.

That includes the fourth floor control room where controllers once managed more than 300 training planes assigned to the station.

The work didn't go unnoticed. The Old Tower and its hangar have been added to the Washington State Historic Register, placing them among 1,600 historic and culturally significant properties in the state.

NAS Pasco was a standout moment in local aviation history. But Pasco has a much deeper history with aviation that dates to the heady years following the Wright brothers' famous first flight.

Charles Zornes brought aviation to Pasco just seven years after the Kitty Hawk flight. He came to Pasco from St. Louis via Walla Walla in 1911 to design, build and fly experimental airplanes.

He leased land at Osprey Pointe on the Columbia River — now the Port of Pasco — and flew his wood-and-cloth biplanes in the area though not for long.

Zornes was fatally injured in a crash and his business closed in 1912.

Air Mail history

The story picked up 20 years later, in the mid-1920s, when the U.S. government began accepting bids from private carriers to carry Air Mail.

Aviation entrepreneur Walter T. Varney secured the first contact and took off from Pasco in April 1926. It was the first time he or any other private contractor carried U.S. Air Mail.

A Varney Air Lines Swallow biplane left the Pasco airfield with 9,285 pieces of mail weighing 207 pounds, according to Herald archives.

The 5+ hour flight ended in Elko, Nev. and was the first commercial U.S. Air Mail flight ever.

Through a series of mergers, Varney would become United Air Lines. In 1976, United celebrated its 50th anniversary in Pasco. The museum has swag from the event to prove it.

Today, United is one of six commercial carriers serving the Tri-Cities Airport.

Before the airport became a commercial hub for air travel, it was a military one.

NAS Pasco thrives

According to a history compiled by the National Park Service, the U.S. Navy paid $5,000 for about 2,300 acres in Pasco because it wanted to move its Sand Point Naval Air Station inland. It saw Pasco as less susceptible to enemy attack.

About 2,000 Navy pilots earned their wings in Pasco during the war.

NAS Pasco was separate from the ultra-secret work associated with the Manhattan Project, centered in north Richland.

One museum exhibit connects the local aviation community to the atomic weapons work through Day's Pay, the B-17 "Flying Fortress" bomber. Tri-Citians famously donated a day's pay to support the bomber and the war effort.

The Boeing-built bomber was christened in Richland before it was put into operation.

Day's Pay artifacts

It's first pilot was Arlys D. Wineinger, a native of Kansas. He became something of a local celebrity with residents regularly send letters and cards to keep tabs on him and the plane they sponsored.

Wineinger's family donated his goggles, his headset, an escape ax and an altimeter he saved as a souvenir after he completed his tour to the Hanford History Project, along with some of the correspondence.

The history project, based at Washington State University Tri-Cities, loaned Wineinger's Day's Pay artifacts to the aviation museum for a B-17 exhibit. Visitors can sit at a mock cockpit with working lights and scrutinize the gear he wore into air combat.

The exhibit doubles as a memorial to four airmen who lost their lives in 1943 when an Army Corps B-17 based at Pendleton crashed on a maintenance flight in the Blue Mountains.

Their bodies were recovered, but the wreckage was left behind in the remote, rugged mountains. Over the years, bits and pieces were taken away by collectors.

Bergstrom said collectors began bringing pieces to the museum when it opened, seeing it as a proper home form one of the region's sadder World War II stories.

The Old NAS Pasco tower is a 1940s building that is not ADA accessible beyond the first floor. Bergstrom hopes to add elevators to the upper floors in the future. In the meantime, the upper floors are accessible by stairs equipped with hand rails.

Go to pascoaviationmuseum.org or call 509-521-7117.

This story was originally published April 19, 2024, 5:00 AM.

(c)2024 Tri-City Herald (Kennewick, Wash.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Snarky Nomad

Traveling the world, one ridiculous disaster after another

Reviewing Aviator USA’s “Best Travel Jeans in the World”

You know how no matter how amazing fancy high-tech pants get, there’s just something about a pair of jeans that can’t be matched? The soft texture that just gets softer with time, the way they seem to fit better after breaking them in for a while, and the fade that gives them a nice lived-in look? There’s just no way to get that with synthetic fibers, which is why I tend to reach for a pair of jeans the second I get back from a trip, no matter how comfy anything else might have been.

So wouldn’t it  also be great if you could take the same comfy familiarity of a pair of jeans, and combine it with the travel-friendly features that other travel pants have been offering since forever? Hidden zippered pockets, for example? So your passport doesn’t just “disappear” in the middle of Nowhere, Mongolia with nothing but a yurt and a horse to be seen? Yes. Yes it would.

So Aviator USA has what they call the “Best Travel Jeans in the World,” which is quite a lofty claim, though at the same time almost no one else on the planet even bothers trying to make such a thing, even though everyone should. But while they’re still busy not even knowing how great an idea this would be, Aviator Jeans have already come up with something pretty great.

Oh, and ladies? They make them for you too.

Before we begin, I suppose I should mention if I received these as a promo sample, and although I did buy a pair all the way back when the Kickstarter was running, they were a little too small, and I didn’t get around to sending them back for a new size, and had to get rid of them. But then a while later I got an email from the founder, who was hoping to get an in-depth review out into the world somewhere, especially since the original product had been updated since then. I asked if he’d be willing to provide me with the new pair I would have gotten if I had bothered with the sizing exchange back in the day, so that way I could include some real photos and evaluate the new features, which he was happy to do, so…kinda?

So with that out of the way, here we go.

Aviator Jeans, in review

Notice how they do  not have silly zippers all over the place and logos the size of a basketball on every conceivable surface. I cannot stress highly enough how mandatory this feature should be.

And in back:

Sorry if it’s a little dark, but the fabric is “dark indigo,” which is the classic denim shade, with bright yellow contrast stitching.

Here’s a closeup of the front:

And the back (with the lighting a little bright on this one, so they’re a bit darker in person):

You might notice up there how the top of the pockets looks a bit loose (especially on the right pocket), as if there’s too much fabric there, but this will disappear when it’s worn, as it gets stretched out a bit and flattens perfectly.

These do not skimp on the travel-friendly security features. Not only are there multiple zippered pockets, but a couple other little extras as well.

Here’s the zippered pocket in the front left hand pocket, which is big enough for a passport:

One of the improvements in this version is how the zippered pocket is sewn into the regular one; originally these were two separate pockets (and four layers of fabric), and they could flop around independently of each other. Sewing them together means it’s easier to straighten things out by shoving your hand into the regular pocket, and that’ll straighten out the zippered pocket at the same time. It still has four layers of fabric to form the two pockets, but at least they won’t get crooked anymore.

Over on the right side there’s a little snap on a belt loop, so you can hang something in place there, like coiled-up headphones, a camera on a wrist strap, an ID badge, or something like that. For something so tiny, it’s quite handy.

Moving over to that 5th pocket, which is usually so tiny you can’t use it for much, but this one is deep enough to hold a smartphone.

That’s a passport in there, just to give you an idea of what’ll fit, and it’s not even down as far as it’ll go. The pocket is deep enough to hide a passport completely, so it’ll be entirely out of view.

Over in back, there’s a hidden zippered pocket, in the back right:

As you can probably tell, it’s an entirely additional pocket, not just a zipper that’ll close up the regular pocket. Interestingly, it’s built not with a patch sewn on the inside, but rather an entirely separate compartment formed by two layers of fabric (like front pockets, or dress pant back pockets):

As you can tell, it’s also quite a bit deeper than the regular back pockets. This might look a little weird if you’re carrying a wallet back there, as the wallet bulge as seen from the outside won’t match up with the pocket position, but on the other hand, it means you can carry a passport back here without breaking the spine whenever you sit down. It’ll fit low enough that it’ll be directly beneath your thigh, so it’ll be safely flattened, instead of mangled. And if you just want to carry a wallet back there, you could add a stitching line across that extra pocket so the wallet would be up a little higher, so you can live without the extra depth if you prefer, by adding an easy modification.

Just to give you a couple more shots of the inner pockets from different angles, here’s the front left:

And here’s the back right:

The lighting was a little bright in those last two photos, since I wanted to get the details, so this is probably what it’ll look like once it starts to fade a bit.

This is completely different from regular denim. It’s softer and much stretchier, expanding 30% along the horizontal, and 10% along the vertical, which is closer to the comfort you’d get out of a pair of sweatpants than regular jeans.

Here’s a breakdown of the fabric content:

• 11% polyester

You’ll notice the vast majority is cotton, with a relatively small percentage of quick-drying polyester, meaning this isn’t really supposed to be a high-performance item you can hand-wash in the sink and leave up to dry by morning; in fact drying time was pretty comparable to a regular pair of jeans, at about 12 hours after removing it from the laundry machine, compared to 4 hours for a purely synthetic pant.

I think they were going for something different here; they wanted to provide the familiar feel of your favorite pair of jeans, but with the added softness and absorbency of rayon, and the super-stretchiness of spandex, so you’ll stay comfy while scrunched up on a 14 hour flight. They’re also about as thick and heavy as regular denim, coming in at 24 ounces in a size 33, so they’re going to work better in moderate or cooler weather than tropical heat. Combining them with a pair of quick-drying synthetic pants wouldn’t be a bad idea, as you could take the synthetic pants on a hike, and save the natural-feeling jeans for walking around town, where you’re not likely to get dirty and feel the need to wash them right away.

The owner actually mentioned that a lot of his visitors had asked how they might differ from the Rohan Jeans Plus (reviewed over here ), as they have nearly the same features, but the fabric is completely different; the Rohans are lighter, thinner, and have triple the polyester content, and are thus what you’d want for warm weather, and (relatively) quick-drying performance; the Aviators are softer, heftier, and significantly stretchier, so these are what you’d want for somewhat cooler weather, or soft, stretchy comfort.

These come in slim and straight fits (the one pictured here is slim), and include some odd-numbered waist sizes in addition to evens to get things just right. I went a size up from normal, and you probably should too, although “normal” varies quite a bit from one brand to the next. If you’re familiar with Outlier or Bluffworks, which you probably are if you’ve been hanging out here long enough, go one size bigger than your size in either of those.

The waistband actually stretches quite a bit, as they used that 30% horizontal stretch along the waistband, rather than rotating to get the 10% vertical stretch; this means you can eat a huge meal and lean over to tie your shoes, and it won’t strangle you at the waist. Even better, it doesn’t really stretch out enough to sag all that much, which was quite a welcome surprise. I think the reason is that it should actually stretch a bit to fit; not so much that it’s restrictive, but enough that you’re not just fastening the button with the pants just laying flatly in place; they should be stretched just a bit to get zipped and buttoned, and they’ll be as comfy as an elastic sweatpant waistband, yet somehow won’t gradually stretch out and fall down. It’s pretty impressive if you get it just right, and you can skip the belt without running into too much trouble.

The inseam is cut extra long, so it’ll hit just right if you’re about 6 feet tall. Shorter people will probably need to get it hemmed, or flip it up at the ankles, but just know that it’ll shrink about an inch if you wash and dry it, so do that first before you take it to a tailor to get it hemmed.

Final thoughts on Aviator Jeans!

I’ve always been on the lookout for jeans with travel-friendly features such as hidden zippered pockets, but in a style that doesn’t shout about how much of a backpacker you are. Visible security zippers, for example, drive me absolutely crazy. Luckily there’s nothing like that here at all.

These feature a total of seven pockets, two of which are zippered, all of which will fit a passport, and none of which are inexplicably visible from the outside. They look great, hiding all of their extras beneath the surface––but I think the fabric is going to be the biggest surprise here. It really is like wearing a pair of sweatpants, yet somehow they’re not saggy enough to fall down, or feel wispy. They have the heft and appearance of regular jeans, but stretch as much as you’ll ever need them to, even if you’re doing cartwheels in a park, and that always-right stretchy waistband is kind of amazing.

These aren’t particularly light, nor are they super quick-drying, so if you need that kind of performance, you’ll want to bring another pair of synthetic pants for dusty trails, or heavy rain. But after a long hike, when you throw those hiking pants into the wash and you just want to change into something comfortable, these are going to be great.

Head over here to check them out. That’ll take you to the main page with both men’s and women’s options, in all colors.

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About SnarkyNomad

Eytan is a pretentious English major whose rant-laden sarcastic tirades occasionally include budget travel tips and other international nonsense. You can follow his every narcissistic word on Facebook or Twitter .

22 Comments on “Reviewing Aviator USA’s “Best Travel Jeans in the World””

I have found that in the past, I pretty much have similar ideas as you about what I want from a garment or a bag, but this time I have to differ. Not just because I live in a warm climate, as I do go back to UK occasionally, but because I need lots of pockets ( which these have) AND because I don’t like having to carry my things in pockets which are not comfortable at all times. I never found the original denim comfortable, as the materials were too stiff and thick, and the seams could be abrasive depending on whether they were in or out. The new material is improved, but still reeks of builders and cowboys, and regrettably some jeans never get the benefit of being taken to the river and thrashed on a rock. Or the inside of a washing machine. Now for travel, cool and quick drying is the answer, whether from overnight washing in a sink or wading waist deep in hurricane floodwater. For me, although the hidden pockets are apparently large enough for a (US) passport, an Apple size phone or a wallet, they are in the places where your body folds when lounging, or you are sitting on the contents, which is not comfortable, especially on a long flight in a cramped airline seat. There are only two viable places for pockets to contain passports or phones and they are on the front of your thigh, preferably with an inner phone-sized pocket to stop your phone moving too much. Craghoppers have set a high bar on pocket design, and rather than the Aviator jeans would be my travel trouser of choice. They have Classic Kiwi trousers in a heavier weight, that will still dry twice as quickly as jeans, and the latest NosiLife models are not only lightweight and extremely fast drying in tropical storms but also have an Insect Repellent fabric. Why use denim when modern fabrics have been developed, unless for an outdated fashion statement?

You’re right that the 5th pocket is up at the hinge, so it’s a bit of a problem when you sit down, so I like to carry my phone in the regular pocket anyway. It’s easier to take in and out, and it works fine for me when I sit. But I like having that other one as an option, especially if you’re just walking around, and you’re not going to sit down for a while anyway. It’s also a nice place for extra cash, since a couple folded-up bills are going to be practically impossible to pickpocket when they’re all the way down there.

As for natural vs. synthetic, you’re right that synthetic fabrics are better for quick washing and drying overnight, and high-performance needs, but some people just can’t stand wearing them every day for months at a time. In that case I don’t think it’s too crazy an idea to have one pair of high-performance pants for the outdoorsy adventures, and a regular pair for casual nights out, where you’d rather look good and feel comfy in the natural fabric. The more adventurous you get, the more sense it makes to bring two pairs of high-tech pants; the more casual the trip, like a business trip, a cool-weather vacation, or things like that, the less it’ll be a problem to lounge in a pair of jeans.

I love these travel clothes reviews. Thanks!

Definitely more on the way.

I’m seeing a very narrow niche for these. Unless you specifically need the extra pockets, there are better options.

For about $70 less you can get super stretchy jeans from the big mall brands. In the same price range as the Aviators you’ve got Bulletprufe, which look a bit less like jeans but should also be better performing. At $30 more, you’ve got Dish/Duer, which are both better looking and performing. And of course at all price ranges you’ve got synthetic fabric pants that will blow cotton based stuff out of the water.

It’s certainly not going to work for all cases, especially if you need something quick-drying, with a higher synthetic percentage, or purely synthetic. I tend to go for the pure synthetics, because I run into a situation where I have to do a sink wash sooner or later, but some people can’t stand wearing pure nylon or polyester, and need something else.

Love the site. I’ve purchased a pair of outlier SDs and new way longs. They are cooler than jeans for sure, and this is coming from a guy who runs hot and lives in Hawaii.

I’m curious though. All this synthetic fibers has gotten me wondering about pollution as well as what happens in a fire (thanks to a member on another forum). That being said, any experience with waxed cotton/canvas pants? Just wondering how that would stack up against full synthetics, or even blends.

I’m looking into waxed cotton jackets, just because they look so great, but they’re quite heavy, and not so breathable. On the upside, they’re far more easily repairable than synthetic jackets. Barbour has a repair facility that services jackets that are 30 years old. That’s kind of what I want.

The only alternative I know of is Ably Apparel, though I haven’t given them a try yet. They use regular cotton, but treat it with a water-resistant finish to achieve quick-drying performance. Sounds like it could accomplish the same thing as synthetics, but in an eco-friendly manner, if it works as described.

And yes, polyester does pollute, sadly. I’ve seen a few solutions, such as the GuppyBag and CoraBall, but I think the best solution would be to drape the GuppyBag onto the exhaust port of a washing machine, if you have one of those exposed hoses that goes into a giant sink. That would be infinitely easier than putting garments into the bag like you’re supposed to.

30 years!?!? That’s awesome. Too much remove and replace instead of remove and repair these days. Cars, appliances, and even homes. Precious few things are built to last. I guess that’s why I’m wondering about these items.

That being said check out Taylor stitch, they seem to have a selection of waxed cotton canvas goods, including pants.

Have a good one!

Taylor Stitch’s “Travel Shorts” look perfect, but it makes me wonder why their “Travel Chinos” are just cotton, without the extra features…seems like a weird naming mishap.

Here’s that Barbour video . It’s really cool. I’ve started investing in Goodyear-welted shoes, so you can replace the soles when they wear out. Some of those boots can last a good 30 years too.

Thanks for that Barbour jacket link! I’d like to buy one each for my 2 sons. I do wonder about sizing but will take into consideration that the sizes are smaller than USA sizes so gotta order a size larger. And hope they can exchange it if it doesn’t fit the first time around. I can’t think of a better way to spend my SS money, can you? :)

I think Nordstrom carries them, and they have some good shipping and return shipping policies. They also have regular and tailored fits, so keep an eye out for that. But yeah, I tried one on, and thought…yup. Gotta get one of these.

I bought ExOfficio’s Dylan Jeans back in the Spring for a couple of business trips domestically than a two week trip through Europe this past Sept. Hands down they’re my favorite travel pants, these aren’t the safari style of old that the company was known for. Three hidden pockets, one of them in the leg, the zippers are not as large as the Aviator’s and the waist band is very comfortable, especially when wearing a backpack and all the layers start to rub. Similar fabric composition, using the in-style dark denim color, also comes in short and long inseam lengths. I look forward to getting a second pair.

I see some of the major players doing more of the casual/performance crossover items, and it seems like a smart move. Happy to hear these are a good example of that.

I just got a pair of the Aviators – amazingly comfortable. No exaggeration to say they feel like sweats. I thought my Bluff chinos were the most comfortable travel pants ever, but these are even more so. The jeans look good too, nice enough for a decent restaurant or theater. But with these and the Bluffworks chinos I should be set for just about anything.

I’m not quite as slim as I was in my wild and crazy youth so these guys stretch where needed without stretching out.

Yup, those were definitely the biggest factors in the pro column, I would say. Anyone who’s a fan of sweats will love them.

Please untuck your shirt.

NOPE. People probably want to see the waistband and so on. I never walk around with a tucked-in shirt on a normal day, though, so don’t worry.

Fair enough. Go nekkid then, dude. I love your internet space. You might be personally responsible for ‘not looking like travel pants travel pants’. I just got a couple of brions and things are definitely improving. I am harassing the people at aviator now to try to get their jeans local in LA.

Haha. And they’re in LA, right? Tell the guy I say hi if you go visit.

Îm curious when they will start selling slacks for men? Overall style is nice.

That one does already, and I think I’ve seen a couple others that do. I don’t pay too much attention to women’s travel clothing though, so check out Travel Fashion Girl and Her Packing List for those.

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8 Best Travel Jeans for Men & Women (Stretchy & Comfortable)

The term “travel jeans” might feel like an oxymoron. Traditional denim is stiff, adds considerable weight to your bag, and doesn’t pack well. However, our list of the best travel jeans turns these old-school notions upside-down.

With eight stretchy, lightweight, and well-fitting jeans at your fingertips, you can now wave goodbye to old-fashioned denim that restricts your movement, doesn’t breathe well, and bulks up your travel backpack .

The denim on this list was made for airports, train stations, sightseeing around the city, and everywhere in between. These jeans are versatile and durable and — when you combine those virtues with next-level materials — you may find yourself traveling with a single pair of pants and never looking back.

With trusted brands like Mott & Bow, prAna, and Lee on the list, that minimalist travel fantasy is now within reach. And to assist you during your buying journey, I’ve tested several pairs of the best travel jeans on the market to share my feedback with the world.

Table of Contents

• Best for Men: Mott & Bow Slim Mercer
• Best for Women: Mott & Bow Slim/Mom Boyfriend Ridge
• High-End Selvage: Aviator Best Travel Jeans
• Best on a Budget: Lee Extreme Motion
• Super Stretchy Athletic Jeans: prAna Bridger & Kayla
• Durable & Made in the USA: American Giant Dakota
• Breathable & Moisture-Wicking: DUER
• Best Non-Denim “Jeans”: Outlier Bomb Dungarees
• Factors to Consider When Picking Products
• Final Thoughts: Best Travel Jeans for Men & Women

Best for Men Mott & Bow Slim Mercer

MSRP: $129 Materials: 98% cotton, 2% elastane Pros: Extremely comfortable, very nice fit, ample stretch, come in a variety of colors Cons: A little pricey for some

I’m proudly wearing the Mott & Bow Slim Mercer jeans as I write this article, and it’s no coincidence. They’re the best jeans I’ve ever owned, thanks to their top-notch comfort, versatility, and style. I can wear them comfortably on an airplane, at a coffee shop, on a day hike, or to a fancy dinner.

With the perfect amount of stretch to provide complete freedom of movement, but not so much that it looks like I’m wearing a pair of sweatpants, I look stylish and feel good no matter the situation. These fit me perfectly – not too tight, not too baggy.

Whether worn on a quick jaunt to 7-11 on a cold February day in Tokyo or during a long walk around the botanical gardens in sunny Kraków, these are my ride-or-die travel jeans. If you’ve got the money to spend, pull the trigger. They’re worth every penny.

READER DISCOUNT : For 10% off your first purchase, click the button below and use the coupon code ‘ thepackablelife ‘ at checkout!

Best for Women Mott & Bow Slim/Mom Boyfriend Ridge

MSRP: $129 Materials: 94% cotton, 5% polyester, 1% elastane Pros: Available in mom-style or low-cut, stretchy and durable, can be dressed up or down Cons: Could be pricey for some, only come in three colors

Like the Slim Mercer, Mott & Bow offers a similar pair for women called the Boyfriend Ridge; they deliver enough stretch to stay comfortable all day while traveling. I’ve never worn these before, but my friend, Ana, has, and she has nothing but good things to say about them.

Unlike other boyfriend-style jeans on the market, Mott & Bow’s pair forgo the characteristic bagginess of many other jeans in the category. Ana says they’ll fit well and stretch perfectly with your movements as you scramble from Point A to Point B.

So if Point A is an art exhibit and Point B is a street food stall, you’ll look and feel great at those destinations and everywhere in between. Ana loves the adaptability the Boyfriend Ridge provides, which allows her to leave extra pants behind and focus on the journey ahead.

High-End Selvage Aviator Best Travel Jeans

MSRP: $175 Materials: 100% cotton Pros: Selvedge often means better quality and durability, super stylish and well-fitting Cons: Expensive, no built-in stretch, inseam is standard at 34” so you’ll need a local tailor if that’s too long

If you’re a denim snob, you know about selvage produced on old-school shuttle looms in artisanal Japanese mills. But, if you’re new to the material, just know this process produces a clean internal edge that looks great when cuffed.

As for this pair, they’re just about as stylish, well-made, and durable as you’ll find on the market. And because Aviator built them for travel, you’ll find secure zippered pockets that provide peace of mind on crowded metros and bustling city streets.

In short, Aviator’s Best Travel Jeans could be the only pair of pants you rock on your next trip. And with limited quantities, you may never see this brand on another traveler. Check out Nudie’s Hightop Tilde Everyday Blue for a similar women’s option.

Best on a Budget Lee ( Men’s | Women’s )

MSRP: $43 Materials: 85% cotton, 13% polyester, 2% elastane Pros: Widely worn, users report a good fit, well-reviewed, solid all-around denim Cons: Long-term durability is a concern, not going to turn heads

Though I don’t wear them much anymore, I’m pretty fond of my Lee Extreme Motion jeans. After owning a black pair for the past three-ish years, I bask in their comfort, which only seems to improve after each wear.

Part of the reason I love them is because they almost feel like sweatpants. They feature all the stretch and freedom of movement you get from sweats without any of the shame of seeing an ex at the grocery store in your pajamas.

And depending on where you buy groceries, you may find this pair hanging on a rack. After all, this is tried-and-true Lee denim found just about everywhere. But beware: If you want to stand out with style, look elsewhere. For travelers on a budget, however, they’re perfect.

Super Stretchy Athletic Jeans prAna Bridger ( Men’s ) & Kayla ( Women’s )

MSRP: $99 Materials: 79% organic cotton, 19% polyester, 2% elastane Pros: Stretchy, lightweight, packable, fairly priced, great for active travelers Cons: Some complaints about durability, dress down better than they dress up

Years spent in the hiking, travel, and outdoors industries left me keenly aware of prAna. But one thing I didn’t know was that they made denim pants. I thought prAna mainly stuck to yoga and hiking pants made from technical fabrics, but I was wrong.

Upon further inspection, prAna’s denim seems solid and aligns with their athletic clothing line. With a blend of synthetic and organic materials, the Bridgers breathe well, are durable, and stretch considerably.

Plus, they feature approximately the same range of motion as some of their more popular pants (like the Brion and the Stretch Zion ), but with the slim fit and classic style of denim. You’ll find the Bridgers equally at home on the trail as they are on a crowded city sidewalk.

Durable, Indestructible & Made in the USA American Giant Dakota ( Men’s | Women’s )

MSRP: $150 Materials: 68% cotton, 30% polyester, 2% spandex Pros: Durable midweight denim, good stretch, stay warm in chillier climates, made in the USA Cons: Expensive, bulky; will take up a lot of space in your bag

There’s no article of clothing more associated with the USA than the iconic blue jeans. But something happened along that way that has denim fanatics looking to Japan for their next pair of blue-hued trousers.

Forget that. American Giant makes durable, no-nonsense jeans in the United States — El Paso, Texas — with fabric woven in Trion, Georgia. If you need more reasons to pick up a pair, know that I’ve happily worn American Giant’s cozy sweatpants and sweatshirts for nearly half of my years on this planet.

They’re of the highest quality, so I can’t wait to get a pair of Dakota jeans to compare against their sweats. I imagine they’re rugged enough to fit my lifestyle and will probably fit yours too, whether you’re a high-intensity traveler, camper, van lifer, or aspiring full-time adventurer.

Breathable & Moisture-Wicking for Hot Climates DUER ( Men’s | Women’s )

MSRP: $129 Materials: 70% organic cotton, 28% COOLMAX, 2% lycra spandex Pros: Incredibly stretchy and breathable, COOLMAX polyester wicks moisture away from the body, anti-microbial, can wear for days and days between washes Cons: As with most jeans on this list, the price might be hard to swallow for some

While I already own an excellent pair of Mott & Bow travel jeans, I can’t resist a good pair of tech pants. These DUERs appear to be the closest thing I can get to tech pants that still incorporates a high percentage of cotton, and they’ve piqued my interest.

Cotton is important because it helps pants breathe. And when combined with COOLMAX polyester and spandex, you end up with a highly stretchy pair of well-fitting pants that wick moisture to help you remain comfortable even in hot and humid climates.

But staying cool when it’s hot isn’t their only benefit. These pants perform well for hiking, cycling, city slicking, and more. It’s clear that DUER provides one of the more popular performance jeans on the market today: They look like jeans but perform like tech pants, a win-win for travelers.

Best Non-Denim “Jeans” Outlier Bomb Dungarees

MSRP: $198 Materials: 96% nylon, 4% elastane Pros: Incredibly durable and well-made, cutting-edge fabrics, DWR treatment for longer wear times, hand-made in NYC Cons: The most expensive pants on this list!

All the trousers we’ve highlighted so far generally fit the mold of what you’d expect jeans to be made of — mainly cotton. But not the Outlier Bomb Dungarees.

Billed as “the 21st-century jean,” these pants are lighter yet stronger than denim thanks to a material called Bombtwill. Bombtwill, the burly cousin to Strongtwill, gets its strength from strategically woven nylon. I own a pair of Outlier’s Bomb Dungarees, which are durable enough for my needs (and then some).

Synthetic snobs have come to expect this type of durable yet lightweight wonder material from Outlier. They’re a fabric-obsessed clothing manufacturer that makes their products in NYC. For a comparable women’s alternative, check out Lululemon’s City Sleek Slim , which also features high-end nylon construction.

Factors to Consider When Picking Out Travel Jeans

Examining a few key factors ensures you score a quality pair of travel jeans worthy of packing.

After all, it’s a pain when a rip or tear forces you to buy a new pair of paints mid-trip. But you shouldn’t concern yourself with durability alone. Take into account the following aspects of travel denim before you decide to pull the trigger.

When you factor in long flights, extended periods of walking or standing, and crowded spaces, the last thing you’ll want plaguing you are binding, uncomfortable pants.

To avoid that fate, look for jeans that allow complete freedom of movement. Fabrics that utilize some stretch, such as cotton blended with spandex, help you stay comfortable from the plane to the bus to the plaza.

Depending on your fashion sense, body shape, and preferences, you’ll favor a different fit over another.

So look for terms like regular, athletic, straight leg, and more to help you grasp how a specific pair of jeans fits your body. For example, if you’ve got thick thighs, consider a regular straight cut to keep your pants from binding.

Also, account for the type of travel footwear you stroll around in; if you slide your feet into boots, you may want a bootcut over a tapered leg.

Materials make the pants. But certain materials make for better travel jeans than others. Remain mindful of the types of fabrics blended to better assess how your pants will perform in the real world.

For example, cotton allows for excellent breathability but doesn’t dry quickly. Polyester wicks moisture from the body but doesn’t breathe well. And spandex makes fabrics stretch, but it holds water.

With the right blend of materials, you’ll stay comfortable no matter where the road takes you.

If you like to stay active while on a trip but don’t want to bring multiple pairs of pants, consider the stretchiness of the travel jeans while you shop.

When you’ve got a fair amount of stretch, your travel jeans can function as hiking, cycling, and active pants meant for more than just covering your butt.

Plus, a stretchy waistband is a godsend on a long-haul flight.

Breathability

Depending on the climate you find yourself in, the breathability of your pants can make or break your trip. Think of breathability like this; it measures how well air circulates through your pants, to your body, and back to the outside world.

So, when it’s hot and humid, you’ll want pants that breathe well to help minimize sweat and moisture build-up and keep you cool.

Traveling is hard on clothing. And when you’ve got limited space in your bag, pants that can stand up to multiple uses, washes, and frequent packing are a must.

If you have any doubts about the toughness of your pants, consider a more robust set, or risk a ripped behind that’ll surely cause you unbearable embarrassment.

For many, the most critical consideration of any travel purchase is cost. But know this; if you choose to save a few bucks but then have to replace your pants mid-trip, you’re not doing yourself a favor.

So, think about your travel jeans purchase as an investment. If you can get a few years or more of use out of a single pair of pants at the higher end of your budget, you’ll likely save money in the long run.

Which Denim Will You Take on Your Next Trip?

As we reflect, our search for the best travel jeans for men and women yielded a discovery of stylish, comfortable, and packable options.

Say goodbye to the rigid, heavy denim of the past and embrace the freedom of stretchy, breathable jeans that fit just right. With top brands like Mott & Bow, Aviator, Lee, and Outlier, our list all but guarantees that you find the ideal pair for your next journey.

So, before taking off on your next adventure, equip yourself with one of the best pairs of travel jeans, and you’ll be well on your way to a comfortable, stylish, and worry-free journey.

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Noel Krasomil

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Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission