While I have Levi jeans so comfortable I wear them on long flights and a pair of Lululemon joggers I never leave home without, I was recently in the market for a pair of more traditional travel pants (think: moisture-wicking fabric, cargo pockets, and UPF 50+ protection). 

As a travel writer, I needed a pair of pants I could rock on a work trip to Tambo Del Inka, a luxury resort in Peru. I also needed a pair of pants I could wear while on safari with The Luxury Safari Company in Mozambique. Finally, I needed a pair of pants I could wear when I joined my dad on a 12-day Highlights of Antarctica cruise with Hurtigruten Expeditions in January. 

To buy: amazon.com, $33

What I love about these traveler-approved hiking pants, and what makes them so great for life on the go, is how lightweight they are. They’re made of a polyester spandex blend that’s breathable and allows for freedom of movement. Since they’re a little too lightweight for winter temperatures (and fall in Montana, where I live, feels like winter), I simply wear these pants over Icebreaker merino wool leggings. Because they’re a roomy jogger fit, it’s easy to fit a base layer beneath them (which instantly turns them into four-season pants).

They also wick moisture, resist water, and offer sun protection. I appreciate this when I’m washing my pants in the hotel sink first thing in the morning and I need them to be bone dry by checkout time. These pants are treated with a water-repellent finish that prevents moisture from penetrating and saturating the fabric; I even wear them in the snow. And because they’re rated UPF 50+ (meaning that they block 98 percent% of the sun’s harmful UV rays), they’ll protect me when I’m looking for the elusive leopard in Africa or watching penguins hatch at the South Pole. 

Of course, I love the jogger fit and elastic waistband, especially on long travel days. Even though these pants are high-rise, which looks really flattering and elongates the leg, I can comfortably wear them for hours on a planeh, and I love not having to mess with wearing a belt. If I need to adjust the waist, I just adjust the drawstring.

Pockets are another must. And these pants have five pockets including two spacious cargo pockets with latch closures, two zippered pockets in the front, and a zippered pocket in the back. All of them are big enough to fit my iPhone 12, my passport, my boarding pass, and my wallet. When I hike, and these pants are great for hiking, I use the cargo pockets for storing my snacks. In fact, these pants have so many pockets, sometimes I don’t even bring a bag — and I’m not alone in that. 

And, well, I couldn’t agree more. I bought these pants for specific trips. but they’re so comfortable, practical, and versatile, I find myself wearing them on a daily basis. They come in sizes XS through 3XL, and they’re available in 12 colors. I went with a pair in khaki, which probably screams “tourist,” but I don’t care. It’s the most practical color to wear when you’re sightseeing outside. 

I can’t wait to rock them next alongside my dear old dad in Antarctica in January. That’s right: These pants are available in Men’s, too. I got him a pair for Christmas — but shh!— he has no clue. 

At the time of publishing, the price started at $33. 

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