Convertible Travel Pants for Women

FASHION

by alex | on August 27th, 2012 | 9 comments

Trekking Pants Go to Trial – Pack them or Forget Them?

Why is it that the best travel pants in our bags also happen to be the least attractive?

Sad but true, convertible trekking pants (or trousers) are an essential part of traditional backpacking clothes. However, as the packing rules change, many travelers including flashpackers are opting against this clothing item all together.

Why do we need a pair of convertible trek pants when we travel? Why can’t we just wear regular trousers, jeans, leggings, anything but these dreaded travel pants?

Travel Fashion Girl takes Trekking Pants to trial to determine whether or not we should pack them or forget them

Those in Favor of Practical versus Fashionable, Say Aye!

1) Multi-purpose: You can wear them as pants or shorts and with one quick zip, relieve heat mid-trek. Getting multi-use from your travel clothing items is a travel must!

2) Practical: Specialty trekking pants tend to be produced with quick dry fabric which is a travel clothing bonus. Not only will they dry quickly when you wash them but also if you get caught in the rain or mud on a trek.

3) Durability: The high price tag for these babies usually ensures a certain level of quality. They’re made to last and withstand even the most torturous backpacker treatment.

Those against these Alleged Style Offenders, say No!

1) Style: They’re just downright fugly and visually unappealing. You would hardly choose to wear them out in at home so why would you want to do it anywhere else?

2) Design: Generally available in unflattering cuts, even a supermodel can’t make these travel pants look good. Boxy cuts, high waists, and formless seams, these pants look like they were made for a man in women’s sizes.

3) Cost: They’re expensive! Why should you pay a high cost for something you don’t even like or want to wear? You can spend your hard earned dollars on so many other things…

Jury Adjourned! And the Verdict?

In the Travel Fashion Girl legal system, justice is based on individual rights. The golden rule of packing is to be happy with your travel clothing. If it works for you, great! If it doesn’t, how about an alternative?

Cargo Pants for Women A great alternative to convertible pants are cargo pants for women. They have a utility feel, convenient pockets, and can easily be found in durable fabrics. In fact, for the first two years of my travels, I used a very comfortable pair of cargo pants I bought at Forever 21 for $19.99. They hung dry super quickly and I liked wearing them at home, too. If you just can’t find a set of trekking travel pants that work for you, get a pair of cargo pants for women instead.

What do you think about this travel essential? Do you have a preferred set of pants or trousers to wear on a trek? Would love some feedback, comment!

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Comments (9)

Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot Wednesday - 05 / 09 / 2012 Reply

I don't think I'd wear them either but the middle pair look good. I buy them for my kids but they always lose the bottom half of the legs!
- alex Thursday - 06 / 09 / 2012 Reply
  
  oh no! the funny thing is that if you wear the shorts more than the legs the top half looses it color quicker and looks more worn!
Melissa - The Mellyboo Project Tuesday - 28 / 08 / 2012 Reply

Not a fan of the complete convertible travel pants - they just never seem to look right on me. When I was overlanding and then volunteering at a lion conservation project in Africa this past May and June I did pack a few pairs of women's cargo pants that had the ability to roll up and button the hem into 3/4 length pants. I also swear by my Lululemon Dance Studio Pants while traveling (http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-pants/Studio-Pant-II-No-Liner-31069?cc=0001&skuId=3320117&catId=women-pants). BEST PANTS EVER!
- alex Tuesday - 28 / 08 / 2012 Reply
  
  Agree, I don't know why they can't be a half decent fit. Did you like using cargo pants? Thanks for the Lululemon link - Look super comfy, cute, and practical! Good tip :-)
  - Melissa - The Mellyboo Project Tuesday - 28 / 08 / 2012 Reply
    
    I wasn't a HUGE fan of the cargo pants but they did the trick and for the most part were comfy. As I said, I was overlanding and volunteering at a lion conservation project in Africa - they kinda served their necessary purpose. I believe they were Denver Hayes womens cargo pants from Mark's Work Warehouse in Canada. That being said, they were left behind at the lion park in Zimbabwe for the local women who worked there to have.
    - alex Tuesday - 28 / 08 / 2012 Reply
      
      There are certain areas that you just need laid back, comfy pants and cargos do the trick for Africa for sure, especially working in a project like yours. Well done with donating your gear! :-)
      - Melissa - The Mellyboo Project Tuesday - 28 / 08 / 2012
        
        I just knew I wasn't ever going to wear them again - especially not after sloshing around in dead cow juices and such (to feed the lions) :P And the bonus for me was that my bag lost a few kilos on the way home from my trip to Africa :) SCORE!
Bethaney - Flashpacker Family Tuesday - 28 / 08 / 2012 Reply

I am SO anti this zippy travel pants. They're not flattering, too bulky and never look right zipped on or off. A crime against fashion, I say! Much better to just take a pair of shorts and a pair of pants - you can wear one while the other is in the wash too. Can't do that with zippy pants!
- alex Tuesday - 28 / 08 / 2012 Reply
  
  SO true! It really isn't that much of a difference to have two different items and at least you know you'll wear them. Thanks for reading and thank you for your feedback :-)