What Pants to Wear on an International Flight

(note: this blog was updated December 2018.)

Trying to decide what pants to wear on your international flight? Jeans simply won’t do. Don’t ever pack jeans. They are heavy, hot, bulky and take up lots of space. So when you’re traveling light, and you want to be comfortable, what should you wear on an international flight? My rule is, the longer the flight, the longer I want my pants.

Often the challenge to which pants I wear on the plane is related to the space in my backpack and/or carry-on. Only carrying one bag demands light-weight items. Bulk and weight define jeans, which means they don’t qualify for space in the backpack. So I’ve got to come up with other leg coverings that are comfortable, not bulky, and would suit in a pinch if I need to dress up.

Three Pant Choices for International Travel

I have three choices for pants when I travel. Depending on how much more I’ll wear the pants at my arrival destination, I determine which to pack.

If I’ll be wearing the pants again, I wear these great tencel pants on the plane. I love tencel. It wears nicely, it’s soft, and it doesn’t need ironing.

If I won’t wear pants again because my destination is warm, I’ll wear great joggers with zipped pockets from Old Navy. They’re comfortable, look nice, and I can use them to work out if necessary when I arrive.

And finally, if I’m doing lots of hiking where I might like some rain protection, I wear these great tie pants from Columbia. But never jeans. Those stay home. Need some suggestions on what else to pack, read my packing light tips.

What do you wear when you fly on international flights? Tell me!

See you on the trail

~Chris