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- Written by: Sophie Nicholson
- Last Updated: 01 Jul 2025
If your life’s a constant pivot between scrambling up a mountainside, getting your culture fix on a city break, dodging puddles on the dog walk, and hopping on a plane with ten minutes to spare, you’re going to need a pair of trousers that can keep up with your adventures.
Here at AT HQ, we believe that the best travel trousers aren’t just about comfort or style (although both are very welcome) - they’re about versatility.
Whether you’re weaving your way through a limestone gorge in Croatia, exploring Austria's best hiking routes, navigating the South West Coastal Path, chasing your errant dog across a Welsh beach from your epic campervan base, or just power-walking to the train station, you need ‘troos’ that can flex, breathe, dry fast, protect you from mud and sun, and still look halfway decent by dinner.
We’ve rounded up a stack of tip top travel trousers designed to meet the needs of the adventure-hungry and the style-conscious.
These trousers are made for moving. Let’s get into them….
The Best All-Rounders
Craghoppers Nosilife Pro II Trousers | £90
Designed for long-haul travel and hot, buggy conditions, the Nosilife Pro II trousers come with integrated insect repellent and odour control. Lightweight, quick-drying and with a smart cut, they’re ideal for jungle trails, airport layovers or dinner on the verandah. Multiple zipped pockets, articulated knees and a part-elasticated waistband add comfort and practicality.
Rohan Riviera Stretch Trousers | £95
Travel classics with a cult following, the Riviera Stretch trousers are featherlight, breathable and wrinkle-resistant. The stretchy polyamide fabric includes Insect Shield® technology to fend off mozzies and midges, and they come in a clean, flattering cut. Ideal for warm climates, city days and fast-paced travel where versatility is everything.
The North Face Exploration Convertible Regular Tapered Pant | £100
A travel and trekking staple, these lightweight nylon-elastane trousers come with stretch, articulated knees, a water-repellent finish and five pockets. Great for big walks or longer trips when you need something tough yet stylish, the legs zip off to convert them into shorts when the temps hit toasty mode.
The Best Tough & Technical Travel Trousers
Fjällräven Vidda Pro Lite Trousers | £175
Durable enough for multi-day treks but light enough for summer, the Vidda Pro Lite trousers are built with G-1000 Air Stretch fabric and reinforced in all the right places. You get six pockets, including a multitool slot and map pocket, as well as ventilation openings and a double-layered seat. Add in the customisable leg lengths and you’ve got a rugged, do-it-all pant with Scandinavian style.
Montane Terra Pants | £85
A legend among UK hillwalkers, the Terra Pant uses a blend of ripstop nylon and cotton-feel Tactel for comfort and durability. Articulated knees, ankle zips, thigh vents and zipped pockets make them ideal for long days on the move. The tailored fit is flattering, too. Also available in a stretch version for even more flexibility.
Mammut Runbold IV Pants | £70
A great alternative if you’re after alpine precision with a lighter footprint. The Runbolds are made with bluesign-approved fabric, offering a solid mix of stretch, durability, and quick-dry tech. Pre-shaped knees, a sleek cut, and zippered pockets mean they’ll thrive on fast hikes, mountain scrambles and even the odd café stop.
Rab Torque Mountain Pants | £110
A favourite among climbers and fast-movers, these are designed for freedom and stretch without sacrificing durability. If your travel plans include scrambling, big ascents or fast packing, these trousers will absolutely keep pace.
The Best Budget Travel Trousers
Decathlon Quechua MH500 Hiking Trousers | £30
Surprisingly technical for the price, these stretchy, breathable trousers are ideal for mountain hikes and everyday travel alike. With a water-repellent finish and freedom of movement that punches above its price tag, they’re a great entry-level pick.
Regatta Xert III Stretch Trousers | £50
Affordable yet full-featured, the Xert III offers stretch, articulated knees and quick-dry fabric. A great shout for anyone wanting comfort and function on a budget.
Mountain Warehouse Trek Stretch Trousers | £35
These wallet-friendly trousers tick plenty of travel boxes - lightweight, moisture-wicking, and with multiple pockets. Not the most technical of the bunch, but a reliable and affordable choice for casual hikes, sightseeing and general active travel.
Premium Travel Trousers And Specialist Picks
ThruDark Charge Trousers | £295
For those who demand elite performance, these uber adventure trousers are forged from Dyneema and Cordura with water-resistant treatment. Designed with input from special forces veterans, they’re ridiculously tough, brilliantly cut, and packed with techy features. Not cheap, but arguably the last pair of trousers you’ll ever need.
Arc’teryx Gamma Pants | £180
For those who live in technical legwear, the Gamma Pants deliver exceptional breathability, movement, and toughness. They’re pricey, yes — but they’re also the trousers you’ll reach for again and again, especially in alpine or mixed conditions.
Klättermusen Gere 3.0 Pants | £280
Built for serious outdoor use with a serious eco ethos, these rugged trousers feature windproof and water-resistant fabric made from recycled polyamide. Reinforced knees and seat, integrated belt and ventilation zips give them pro-grade credentials.
The Best Travel Trousers for Women
Patagonia Quandary Pants | £90
Smart, sustainable, and trail-ready, the Patagonia Quandary Pants are a near-perfect travel companion. Made from 95% recycled nylon with a DWR finish, they’re quick-drying, lightweight, and offer UPF 50+ sun protection — all without shouting ‘techwear’. Articulated knees and a gusseted crotch keep movement free and easy, while the clean silhouette means they’ll transition smoothly from mountain pass to tapas bar.
Passenger 365 Roll Up Trail Trousers | £80
Made for movement and built for the journey, these lightweight trousers are ideal for everything from long-haul flights to spontaneous trail detours. The recycled fabric is quick-drying and breathable, while the roll-up legs with snap closures mean you can adapt on the go - no changing rooms required. With an adjustable waistband, secure pockets, and easy style, they’re the perfect all-rounders for active travellers who pack light but roam far.
Cotopaxi Losdos Zip-Off Pant | £100
Combining functionality and style, these versatile convertible pants are designed for adventures in unpredictable conditions as they feature zip-off bottoms that transform joggers into shorts when the temps rise.
And here’s the clever part - the cargo pockets double as mini stuff sacks so you can neatly store each pant leg! Made from recycled materials, they’re stretchy, moisture-wicking, and come with heaps of well-thought-out pockets for snacks, phones, and other essentials.
Best Sustainable Travel Trousers
Passenger 365 Organic Cotton Trouser | £70
Ideal for year-round travel, these chinos are crafted from 98% organic cotton with a touch of stretch — smart enough for cafés, comfy enough for flights, and rugged enough for spontaneous hikes. The soft, garment-dyed finish gives them a lived-in look that masks creases and wear, while YKK zip and welt back pockets keep your passport and boarding pass secure. Plus, with a tree planted for every order, they’re as kind to the planet as they are versatile....
Patagonia Twill Traveler Chino Pants | £120
These chinos straddle the line between city-savvy and trail-ready - perfect for travellers who move effortlessly from cafés to the countryside. Built from a blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester, they’re Fair Trade Certified and have a soft yet durable twill feel that resists wrinkling and transitions well between climates. Moisture-wicking and quick-drying, they'll keep you comfortable on long flights or light hikes, and the clean, classic fit means you won’t look out of place in a mountain lodge or a midtown bistro.
Alpkit Bloc Climbing Trousers | £60
Created from 98% GOTS-certified organic cotton with a touch of spandex, these trousers are built for movement and mindful travel. The gusseted crotch and articulated knees mean you can squat, climb, and consume cake with equal comfort - ideal for nomads who switch between scrambling and lounging. The slim, elastic-waist design slips easily under a harness or into a plane seat, and the durable fabric stands up to rocks, rucksacks, and real-life travel wear and tear. Combine that with Alpkit’s carbon-neutral manufacturing and you’ve got a pair that cares for people - and the planet.
Final Verdict
The best travel trousers are the kind you forget you’re wearing. They keep up with you, they don’t whinge in the rain, and they'll look reasonably cool when you hit the pub at the end of a long day on the trail.
From Decathlon’s budget brilliance to Fjällräven’s trail-hardened tech and sustainable standouts from Patagonia and Passenger, there’s a pair here for every adventure and every budget.
Top tip - don’t forget to empty the pockets before doing the wash, especially if your dog’s played a part in the adventure!
