Top 5 | Best Travel Clothing

The key feature for travel clothing is versatility. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, which may be more likely these days – a good solid piece of clothing will work for multiple occasions, environments, and wherever your travels may take you. The goal is always to be able to pack light without taking up precious cargo space. As a bonus clothing should be comfortable, durable, and of course fit your style.

I tested out a few of the finalists in this highly competitive category to find the clothing that improves the travel experience. 

---

Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket

Western Rise continues to innovate and produce high-quality outerwear with this jacket, which covers all of the bases with its versatility. With innovative materials including Toray’s new 40g 3DeFX+ hollow-core polyester and Primeflex 50d 102gsm polyester, the jacket is temperature regulating, breathable, and water-resistant, making it easy to bring with you for any occasion and environment.

The jacket is incredibly lightweight and is designed with a packable stuff pocket, making it compact and portable – leaving no excuse to not pack it on both short-term and long-term excursions. Additionally, the lightweight nature combined with the cool weather performance makes it one of the most comfortable jackets that I’ve ever owned.

Organization and storage are supplied by four zip pockets that are conveniently located for easy access.  The cinch hood helps provide additional protection from the elements, while the modern cut and design make it fashionable both in the great outdoors and in the city. I found the fit to be spot on for my build and size and it certainly has made its way into my essential travel wardrobe.  

---

STRENGTHS

Stylish and understated for both urban and outdoor use

Lightweight, compact design with packable stuff pocket

Easy-access, secure pockets for storing small valuables and essentials

Temperature regulating, breathable, and water-resistant

---

Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody

Patagonia’s outerwear offering has everything the brand is known for, from the lightweight performance to the Fair Trade Certified™ construction. It’s extremely comfortable with just enough zippered pockets to keep things secure.

The jacket keeps temperatures regulated and warm as the final layer of protection. Compact and portable, the jacket can pack down into its own zippable pocket, making it travel-ready. The jacket is made with the use of recycled materials to ensure the impact on the environment is minimal.

---

STRENGTHS

Lightweight, temperature-regulating design

Packable design can be stored in its own pocket

Fair Trade Certified™ sewn for sustainable construction

---

Outlier Dreamweight Raw Cut Shortsleeve

One of the keys to packing for travel is the ability to layer with versatile pieces. This tee makes an ideal base layer for all outfits. Its comfort is undeniable with incredibly soft 75% 16.5-micron merino wool with 25% nylon staple fibers. The magic of merino is that it can both be worn in extreme heat with its lightweight nature and UPF rating for sun protection, as well as layered with one, two, or even more garments for additional warmth.

The raw cut edges at the hems and collar give the tee a unique look and feel. The tee fits well with a slight stretch hugging the body in just the proper areas without being too snug. Soft and ultra-light, it’s almost like you’re not wearing anything.

---

STRENGTHS

Exceptionally soft and lightweight

Versatile piece that can be worn in hot conditions or as a base layer in cold weather

Offers the travel-friendly benefits of merino wool with the added durability of nylon

---

Danner Overlook

From the tarmac to the trail, these sneakers fit most instances. Packing space is limited and footwear can typically take up the majority of that precious space while adding hefty weight while traveling. The solution is bringing a single pair that can work anywhere.

This pair of shoes will become your travel companion as you trek from home to your destination and anywhere in between. The sneaker’s EnduroKnit and nubuck upper is unique in style and provides water resistance for protection, while the Vibram® Overlook Outsole features Megagrip technology that can provide traction for slippery streets and off-road environments. You can pair these with multiple outfits, from jeans to shorts, and can even dress them up a bit with cocktail attire. The removable OrthoLite footbed is soft and provides ample cushioning and support for longer treks.

---

STRENGTHS

Adaptable design accommodates a range of travel environments

Durable, water-resistant construction

Vibram® Overlook Outsole with Megagrip technology for traction in urban and outdoor settings

---

Alchemy Equipment AEM272 Tech Stretch Jean

A good pair of jeans will last a lifetime and when traveling they can become a staple for every outfit.  Regardless of what your travels entail, you’ll appreciate the comfort of the AEM272 Tech Stretch Jean with its 4-way stretch combination of cotton, nylon, and elastane materials, which are durable and water/stain repellent. They are quick to dry as well.

These jeans are tough enough for various activities such as a hike or bike commute with well-thought-out details including ample storage, reflective hits, and a great fit. The pants look great on and are a solid choice to bring on the road.

---

STRENGTHS

Four-way stretch for comfort and freedom of movement

Versatile for active and relaxed wear

Water and stain-repellent finish

Reflective detailing

---

VOTING CLOSES 17 FEBRUARY