Pants

When purchasing pants for travel, think like a backpacker.  For backpacking, having the right kind of clothing is very important.  You want something lightweight, quick drying, packable and moisture wicking.  When traveling, convertible cargo pants are the way to go.  They usually have zippered and Velcro pockets providing greater security and many styles are 'convertible', allowing the legs to be zipped off so they can also be worn as shorts.

If you're thinking about jeans, read on...

Plain and simple, we do not recommend jeans. Jeans are heavy and bulky adding too much weight and taking up way too much room in your pack. If you must have jeans, limit them to a single pair. Typical jeans will not have secured zippered and Velcro pockets as most cargo pants do.  If your jeans get wet, they can take forever to dry and wearing cold, damp jeans around is not fun. Packing damp jeans may cause other clothing in your pack to become damp as well. Our advice is to leave your jeans at home and try to avoid clothing having a high percentage of cotton.

Materials

All Cotton

All cotton pants will have the same problem as jeans would have should they get wet. They may also heavier, bulkier and prone to wrinkling when packed.  The upside is that they may provide better warmth should you be traveling during a colder season.

All Nylon

Several varieties of cargo pants are made of ripstop nylon tending to be thinner, cooler and packable.  If you are traveling during the summer, these pants may be the way to go.  As they are made of nylon, they should be virtually wrinkle free, quick drying and lightweight taking minimal space in your pack.

Should you need extra warmth, consider wearing these pants over another layer such as compression clothing. (Under/Base Layers)

Poly-blend

These pants may be a mix of cotton and other materials offering a medium weight pair of pants somewhere between all-cotton and all-nylon. They may be a little warmer than the all-nylon, but less warm as the all-cotton. Basically, these pants are in the middle of the other two varieties when it comes to packability, weight, size and quick drying.

Kuhl
Men's Renegade Convertible Cargo Pants		 BC Clothing
Men's Convertible Stretch Cargo Hiking Pants
 
  • Patented, stealth zip-off system eliminates the usual fabric flap while keeping the zipper running smoothly and efficiently
  • Strong and breathable
  • Abrasion resistant
  • Quick drying
  • KUHL Duralux fabric with durable water repellent (DWR) outperforms standard nylon
  • UPF 50 sun protection
  • Gusseted crotch and full fit allow freedom of movement
  • Mesh pocket bags provide ventilation
  • Separate pockets inside large cargo pockets provide additional security
  • 95% nylon, 5% spandex
  • Available in multiple colors

For men, our current pants of choice.  They are a bit pricy compared to some others but these high quality pants will last.  They are extremely comfortable and lightweight.  I found these at REI and Amazon for $99.
  • Shorts, Zippered Pockets
  • 73% cotton, 24% nylon, 3% spandex
  • Elastic waist with adjustable belt and buckle ensures a comfortable fit
  • 2 Front slant pockets, 2 Velcro closure back pockets
  • Generous side cargo pockets with additional smaller multi-functional pockets, all with Velcro closures
  • 2 large zipped pockets, one at right hip, one at right thigh

Mostly cotton, heavier and bulkier.  I have worn these on past trips and they do add a little more weight to your pack and take up more room than other pants such as the Kuhl or Columbia ones shown here.

Very comfortable and you cannot beat the price at Costco for under $20.
Columbia
Men's Silver Ridge Convertible Cargo Pants		 Columbia
Men's Silver Ridge non-Convertible Cargo Pants
 
  • 100% Nylon
  • Straight-leg convertible pant with side cargo pockets, belted waist and rear flap pockets
  • Zip-off legs convert pant to short with 10" inseam
  • Omni-Wick advanced evaporation technology
  • Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection

Extremely lightweight
  • 100% nylon Silver ripstop Ridge
  • Exterior Adjustable Waist
  • Omni-Wick Advanced Evaporation
  • Omni-Shade UPF 50 Sun Protection
  • Straight Leg
  • Partial Elastic at Waist

Extremely lightweight
Columbia
Women's Teton Trail II non-Convertible Skinny Cargo Pants		 Columbia
Women's Saturday Trail II Convertible Pants
  • 97% Cotton / 3% Elastane
  • 2-way comfort stretch
  • Drawstring waist
  • Cuffed ankles

Mostly cotton
  • 96% Nylon / 4% Elastane
  • Leg Hem Cinches
  • Omni-Shield Advanced Repellency
  • Omni-Shade UPF 50 Sun Protection
  • Zip-Off Legs Convert Pant to Shorts
  • Zip-Closed Security Pocket

Extremely lightweight
 
 
Things to consider in cargo pants
Style:

Convertible

Allows the pants to be worn as shorts by zipping off the legs.

non-Convertible

These pants may offer the same features as convertible pants but cannot be worn as shorts.
When you are out exploring, and you are wearing your pants as shorts, be sure to carry the zipped off legs in your daypack with you. You may find that for entry into some locations such as churches or other religious sights, it may be required to cover your legs.  Simply sit down and zip the legs of your pants back on while touring the sight, then remove them when done.
Material: Consider the material described above that works best for you.
Secure: Security is a big issue and should not be taken lightly.  The last thing you want to have happen is for someone to lift your wallet or other valuables you have in your pockets.  Never put anything of value in unsecured pants pockets, especially rear pockets.  Be especially cautious of placing even your wallet in an unsecured front pocket.  Even with Velcro or zipped pockets professional pick-pockets may be able to snatch your valuables away.
Consider bringing a smaller wallet than you would normally carry. You should only need your drivers license, credit cards and other cards that are absolutely necessary. Leave the rest at home.  We also recommend you wear a money belt in some situations.  (Money Belt)
Lightweight: Weight is important when traveling, especially when you are bringing multiple changes of clothing.  Based on your needs, select the clothing weight as appropriate.
Quick Drying: Try and choose material other than cotton that will dry quickly should it get wet.
Moisture Wicking: Moisture Wicking material will help to keep you dry and comfortable. (Moisture Wicking)
Packable: The more cotton in your clothing, the heaver they will be and will be more prone to wrinkling.  There are packing techniques to help with this, but a synthetic material will tend to wrinkle less and have the wrinkles dissipate as you wear the clothing.
Colors: Select colors such as dark green, khaki and charcoal allowing you to easily mix and match your pants with multiple shirts combinations.
One of the keys to successful packing is the coordination of multiple outfits from minimal clothing options. (How to Pack)

Select the type of pants that work best for you.  You will find cargo pants virtually everywhere, so shop around comparing prices and features.  We have listed a few locations to consider so check both online and in your local stores trying them on for size, comfort and usability.

Some locations to consider when shopping for cargo pants
REI: http://www.REI.com/ You may not have an REI store close by, but you can shop online.  I found the Kuhl pants at REI and on Amazon for the same price of $99.
Costco: http://www.costco.com/ If you are a Costco member, they periodically offer BC Clothing cargo pants. We have found these pants to be an excellent deal as they usually sell for $19.99 compared to others for $60 and up. They are a cotton-blend about 70/30 cotton/nylon.  Available in 3 colors of dark green, khaki and charcoal. They fit, wear and look great. They are a slightly heavier pair of pants and will take up more room in your pack but these can easily be worn on your flight allowing you to pack other lighter weight cargo pants in your pack.
Columbia Outlet: http://www.columbia.com If you are not fortunate enough to have a Columbia Outlet store near you, shop online at their 'Sale Discount Outlet' site where you may be able to find deals on the cloths you are looking for.  Check back often as the site is updated frequently.

We have found that some Columbia clothes can run small or tight in the shoulders, so if possible try them on at a local store first prior to ordering online.
Kohl's: http://www.kohls.com Kohl's is a good place to find discounted name-brand clothing.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com General link to cargo pants on Amazon where you may refine your search.
Kuhl Men's Renegade Convertible Cargo Pants
 
BC Clothing Men's Convertible Stretch Cargo Hiking Pants
 
Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Convertible Cargo Pants
 
Columbia Men's Silver Ridge non-Convertible Cargo Pants
 
Columbia Women's Teton Trail II non-Convertible Skinny Cargo Pants
 
Columbia Women's Saturday Trail II Convertible Pants