These Comfy Hiking Pants Are My Travel Go-to

After sitting in an economy seat for six hours, I was curious: how on earth could these pants still be comfortable?

It wasn’t my first time wearing these magical pants; I had just tested them out two weeks before the flight on a nine-mile hike near Joshua Tree National Park, where they also kept me cool and comfortable. However, any frequent flier is well aware that sitting nearly still for several hours in economy is a different level of difficulty, so when I arrived at my destination with that same level of comfort, I knew the pants were something unusual. 

Whether it was the cramped plane seats or the volatile temperatures and dusty trails of Joshua Tree, these pants have proven to be a major winner. I had picked up Kuhl’s Radikl Pants for the hiking trip, and was immediately impressed with their functionality and versatility. Little did I know that in addition to hiking, they’d become a permanent staple in my suitcase for year-round trips. Whatever the occasion, the Radikl Pants deliver. In fact, I’m wearing them right now as I write this.

Kuhl Men’s Radikl Pants

I never thought I’d find high-tech, durable hiking pants under $150, but the Radikl Pants have exceeded expectations in both quality and value. Available in a variety of colors—from the graphite-inspired Carbon to the neutral, light-khaki Fossil—there’s a shade for everyone. The inclusive sizing ranges from a 28 to 42-inch waist and a 28 to 36-inch inseam, offered in both classic and tapered fits.

Lightweight, quick-drying, and trail-tough, these pants have been a reliable companion for hiking and travel. In one instance, when a seatmate accidentally spilled a drink near me, the pants dried quickly and cleaned up with ease.

“The Radikl has quickly become my favorite pants for competing, hiking, and teaching,” a self-described seasoned adventurer shared in one of the 3,400 five-star reviews on the brand’s website. Another shopper added, “They are lightweight [and] durable, and I love the stretch panel that flexes when I move. I’ve used these for work in the Southern summer heat, as well as the West Coast desert.”

Kuhl Men’s Radikl Pants

I reached out to Kuhl’s design team to see if they’d share the secret behind what makes these pants so comfortable, even in challenging conditions. Fortunately, they offered some insight: the pants were designed by completely deconstructing the garment from the ground up.

“Traditionally speaking, pants were designed for standing; so in the 90s, we introduced pants for people on the move,” Kevin Boyle, Kuhl’s head of design, shared with Travel + Leisure. “This was unprecedented at the time. People with active lifestyles finally had pants that could keep up.”

Boyle says the Radikl Pants also feature a 3-D-articulated knee design, which provides a greater range of motion without the constriction of traditional pants, and the structure of the pants themselves is designed for forward-motion activities, such as walking or hiking. I’ve noticed the extra range of motion when I’m hiking up inclines or navigating subway steps in a city—the stretch at the joints is helpful and welcomed.

The team also shared that they developed exclusive fabrics featuring strategically placed stretch to ensure all-day comfort without sacrificing versatility. Best of all, the material is incredibly durable—tough enough to be washed in a sink and ready to wear the next day—and includes built-in technologies like advanced UV protection.

Kuhl Men’s Radikl Pants

After nearly 25 years of traveling and visiting over 30 different countries, the perfect travel wardrobe always seemed to be a mystery. I’d often find clothing that was functionally great but not visually appealing, or great-looking clothes that weren’t durable enough for an airport. The Kuhl Radikl Pants changed the game for me, with high-quality travelware that’s comfortable yet fashionable enough to fit in a variety of scenarios.

If you’re looking to trade in your stiff travel pants for something way more durable and comfortable, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for more travel-ready hiking pants at Amazon—all under $40.

More Hiking Pants to Shop:

Eddie Bauer Men’s Ranier Pants

Atg by Wrangler Men’s Utility Pants

Tbmpoy Men’s Lightweight Hiking Pants

Free Soldier Men’s Cargo Hiking Pants

Tbmpoy Men’s Lightweight Hiking Joggers

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