Lately I’ve been experimenting with a pair of TravelSmith men’s “8 days a week” microfiber travel slacks and have been quite happy with them, but thought I’d tap into the community for recommendations on lightweight, wrinkle resistant slacks. Any ideas?
Here’s a description of the TravelSmith slacks from the TS site:
Pants that Travel 8 Days a Week
By the end of a week of travel, most pants are unpleasant company. Our 8 Days a Week Pants are refreshingly different. That’s because they’re made of Dri-Release®, a high-performance blend of poly, cotton and Lycra® that wicks moisture away from your body four times faster than cotton. A permanent Freshguard® treatment keeps them agreeable. Back elastic at the waist ensures a comfortable fit all day long. Six pockets in all, including a hidden security pocket and a coin pocket. Machine wash and dry without wrinkles. Classic Oxford styling with pleats is always appropriate. Imported.
Men’s 8-Days-a-Week Pleated Travel Pants
Even sizes 32-44, 33 and 35
Unfinished 38″ inseam
Hemming available for $4.95
These slacks sell for $59.50 They’re comfortable, reasonably wrinkle resistant, and quite lightweight. On the downside, the waistband is elastic in the back, and that’s not a look I’m particularly keen on; of course, it does add a measure of comfort. The left hand front pocket features an extra, zippered security pocket, a nice touch.
How about you? Can you recommend a favorite pair of travel slacks? If yes, please comment!
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March 10th, 2010 at 8:57 AM
I got some cotton poly blend pants from Royal Robbins that look good and hold up well. Look less like poly and more like cotton, which is a plus.
The REI Adventure pants are excellent, if you don’t mind that “sandpapered nylon” look that screams “travel pants!” But they make up for it by fitting well and having extra zippered on-seam pockets in addition to normal easy access slash pockets.
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March 10th, 2010 at 12:23 PM
I’ve had 8-day-a-week pants before, and they were OK. Not great, but OK. I didn’t notice that they were any less smelly than other pants I’ve packed. I prefer TravelSmith’s Wrinkle-Free Traveler’s Twills Relaxed-Fit Pleated ComfortSizer (*whew*) for wearing with a blazer.
When we go to London, Brussels, and Reykjavik in June I’m packing a pair of RailRiders Back Country Khakis and a pair of Tilley Different Drummer pants in addition to the jeans or cotton chinos I’ll wear in transit. I’m new to Rail Riders, but I can recommend the Tilleys completely. (Be prepared, though, to hem them yourself as Tilley won’t do it for you.)
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Kevin Reply:
March 11th, 2010 at 5:35 PM
Let us know how you make out with the Rail Riders pants – the RR cargo pants I have are superb, but too heavy for the trip we’re planning.
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March 10th, 2010 at 8:55 PM
I have been wearing REI Adventures pants every day for over a year. I wore them every day while traveling in every kind of weather, and saw no reason to stop once I got back.
They’re nylon, quick-dry, SPF 50, stain resistant, and super comfortable. They have a bunch of hidden pockets (the new model is missing my favorite pocket though) without looking dorky. I’ve worn them to job interviews with a dress shirt without incident.
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March 10th, 2010 at 9:10 PM
In my experience, any decent quality pair of fine wool dress slacks will work great. I can’t say I’ve worn a pair for 7 days straight, though.
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Kevin Reply:
March 11th, 2010 at 5:34 PM
I’m not taking the name of the TravelSmith pants literally… but I’ll definitely use them on the trip.
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March 10th, 2010 at 10:15 PM
I realize I’m one of the only women here, but I, too, have had good luck with REI pants. I usually can’t wear the other brands because they’re made for toothpicks, or I dislike the material or style.
I believe mine are called “rendezvous pants.” Half the weight of my beloved jeans. They look like regular pants but come with slim side pockets big enough for a passport, they’re made of SPF fabric that dries fast, and have a flattering cut that fits curves without looking like something your mother would wear. Oh, and they have a hidden zipper pocket inside one of the pockets as well.
I’ve taken them from restaurants to glaciers and everywhere in between. They’re also great for hotter days because the fabric isn’t thick or heavy, which also allows layering with thermals on the cooler days. So far, they seem to be holding up pretty good, but I don’t wear them every day.
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Kevin Reply:
March 11th, 2010 at 5:33 PM
Hey Berg, missed this comment – good to see you here again. I definitely need to check out the REI pants!
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March 12th, 2010 at 6:32 AM
Here’s a good one: I’ve worn the TS pants mentioned in the post about 4 or 5 times, one of them yesterday (to work). At the end of the day I was sitting here at my home office desk and felt something a bit odd when I shifted position. I’d had the slacks cuffed, and the internal stitching had come undone on one of the legs.
Needless to say, I was disappointed and today they’ll make their way back to TravelSmith. I am assuming it was a fluke, and am going to ask for a replacement. Not impressive, tough!
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Paul Z Reply:
March 12th, 2010 at 7:36 AM
It’s not necessarily a fluke. I’ve had buttons come unsewed on TS clothes before, and I think the cuff on my 8-Day pants came unstitched too. Luckily my mother is handy with a needle and thread (although I’ve been known to sew buttons on myself).
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March 23rd, 2011 at 7:44 AM
I believe Tilly Endurables are the best travel pants. Besides being very comfortable and great quality the security pockets in their pants are not matched. This secret pocket can easily conceal your wallet or passport.
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