https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:53:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1481091 Mon, 27 Apr 2015 19:30:59 +0000 unfrumped 1481091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ETA kind of review of woven, but poly-spandex, "track pants" at Target, with zip ankles.<br />I know the jogger pant look may be waning in fashion, but is still valid for exercise clothes, and I might use for some kind of sport luxe or smarty-sport of whatever. I got the gray, not for trip but I like the drape and that color is hard to find, though the cream waistband is not my fave.</p> <p>Since I have to size up for hip fit, they run a bit long on me, but that's better than too short. They are kind of interestingly versatile hems,&nbsp;for crossover activities because, unzipped they fall over boots or bulky shoes like a bootcut (sort of!);&nbsp; &nbsp;but hem is stretchy so can be stretched down over boot, zipped; or can roll a couple rolls, then zip isn't too obvious, to show ankles for wearing with slip-on sneakers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480703 Mon, 27 Apr 2015 01:34:05 +0000 carolbee 1480703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>PS I should add that although I keep an eye out for these types of clothes I don't save them for travel, they are part of my standard wardrobe, but I do live a very casusl life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480702 Mon, 27 Apr 2015 01:31:03 +0000 carolbee 1480702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a carry on traveller and casual hiker I am always on the lookout for this type of travel clothes. Although they can be expensive I have got great value from some of my purchaes. Have a pair of Kathmandu black pants, on sale for half price, that are discreet ie can wear them out to dinner as well as hiking. I also bought a pair of (very expensive for me) Verge pants. Although they have cargo pockets they are not over the top, can be rolled up to 3/4 length, have enough stretch and are very lightweigt - can be rinsed out every night if need be.</p> <p>I always buy black trainers so that I can take them on my travels, covers most walking/light hiking occasions. My second pair of shoes are black lightweight mary janes (I can't wear ballet flats), and then if going to a hot climate I take some Merrell lightweight sandals that I can do lots of city walking in. Its not for everyone, and yes, I do get bored, but I love it when I only have to carry a light bag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480692 Mon, 27 Apr 2015 01:11:36 +0000 Carla 1480692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't fret about buying special travel gear for your trip. Just pack seasonally appropriate favourites that are comfortable and versatile and wear some of these favourites on the plane. You already know they are stylish, because you've been working on sorting your wardrobe. </p> <p>A wise friend once said to me "you are vacationing in a civilized country, not going on safari!" So, after wasting lots of time looking for special travel pants, I just decided to travel in my favourite jeans and familiar clothes. Black jeans, turtleneck sweater, and a black trench coat...and I looked no different than the locals. </p> <p>No need to spend money on special 'travel' clothes, that might not make you feel fab or serve any other purpose. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480691 Mon, 27 Apr 2015 01:11:28 +0000 UtahDesert 1480691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've got to put a word in for Columbia's City Slickerz hiking pants. I've found them to be extremely flattering--they've got a modern low-rise, they make me look like I've got a butt rather than a flat pancake in back, and they fit snugly until they flare out just enough to fit hiking boots underneath. And of course they're that extremely comfortable technical fabric. I haven't had a chance to wear them around town really since discovering them, but I think they may take the place of jeans once it gets hot here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480670 Mon, 27 Apr 2015 00:08:44 +0000 rachylou 1480670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good term, Lila! (I get my terminology from being out in the bush. It's probably wrong.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480668 Mon, 27 Apr 2015 00:04:09 +0000 Sal 1480668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to wear a mix of sports gear such as Under armour, hiking type gear ( Icebreaker, Kathmandu) and my normal clothes. I like to dress like me but also blend in.</p> <p>I am getting better at it, on my last couple of trips I have felt I had the right thing to wear for all occasions, both dressy enough, practical enough, and warm enough. </p> <p>I agree light weight trousers and long sleeve tops are great. Singlets and tanks to wear under also are useful for warmth, can be worn for sleeping in, and are quick dry. On my recent trip i took no heels at all, and my evening looks were based around flat shoes. I would do this again unless I had a lot of formal occasions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480667 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 23:52:55 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1480667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pit toilets, Rachy? I call them squatty potties. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480662 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 23:22:42 +0000 Anonymous 1480662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is something I've been on the lookout for in terms of travel clothes for places where I want to hike as well as do other things. I'll bring hiking boots if it's predominantly hiking. Other than that, I've been on the lookout for comfortable walking shoes that look less like athletic shoes. I like poly-cotton blends for things like tee shirts - they're more substantial than just lightweight polyester but dry faster than 100% cotton. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480653 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 22:51:21 +0000 unfrumped 1480653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I understand about the not - so - breathable " breathable " synthetics. I think blends are better, adding a little wrinkle- resistance to natural fibers. SO hard to get nowadays.<br /> I wanted some kind of " technical wool" pants for this trip. I made a dumb JC sale purchase this past winter, of a wool Knit, ? Double knit maybe, ankle pant I thought I could get to full<br /> length due to fairly generous hem, but it didn't work out right. It was the fabric that sucked me in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480625 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 21:19:49 +0000 Olivegreen 1480625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second the aversion to too much synthetic. Merino is wonderful stuff, and just checked out Astrid's Rohan link, and wandered around. Will be ordering their technical linen, which is perfect for temps over 100 F,<br /> Have been using a lot of thrifted linen and wool for travel, like Alaskagirl and Rachylou, i feel good about wearing stuff that suits the culture, and is not particularly a part of my western wear. Like hiking the Everest loop in cotton twill thrifted midi skirts and wool everything else. And leaving the stuff behind for the trip home, gifting down coats and boots to the locals, packing out some beautiful embroidery and jewelry.<br /> I have never been fully prepared for what happens, but like you guys, appreciate having the bones of a good travel capsule for several climates. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480621 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 21:09:15 +0000 Daria 1480621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>unfrumped - thank you, interesting points. I wish I had read it when I had to pack for long (2-3 weeks) business trips, where I didn't have to wear suits or anything, but still needed to look half presentable.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480612 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 20:37:19 +0000 kkards 1480612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not really a fan of synthetic travel gear as I find it too hot in the summer and not warm enough in the winter, but probably that's just me, as I do equate weight with warmth. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480608 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 20:14:56 +0000 SandyG 1480608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>REI is getting more stylish clothing but the best fabrics can be a limited range of colors or prints unless you catch the new collections as they arrive and swoop in for your favorites. I snagged a pair of dark 'gear' Columbia capris that now look like stylish cropped pants with a simple alteration to narrow the wide legs. An Athleta LBD was another versatile find. The Athleta Redondo dress has cap sleeves and pockets that look good for travel/dinner out.</p> <p>A complete travel capsule for both warm and cold/rain weather is a HEWI for me. I'm picky about my sizes and getting good colors that work together, so I keep a list and look online a few times a year. it's a lot of work but small capsules would make me wildly happy.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480599 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 19:58:06 +0000 Astrid 1480599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I rather liked these Rohan tops for example:<br /> <a href="http://www.rohandesigns.com/womens-travel--outdoor-tshirts-and-tops-Stria-top?ocode=03627F06" rel="nofollow">http://www.rohandesigns.com/wo.....e=03627F06</a><br /> <a href="http://www.rohandesigns.com/womens-new-arrivals-clothing-and-accessories-Serenity-T?ocode=03888D90" rel="nofollow">http://www.rohandesigns.com/wo.....e=03888D90</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480598 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 19:58:02 +0000 catgirl 1480598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am able to thrift a lot of this type of clothing where I live, instead of paying REI prices.&nbsp; Then I can ditch it without guilt if better things come up on my travels.&nbsp; Depending where I'm going and what I'll be doing I may wear gear around - in Hawaii, for instance, a lot of my beach clothes could also go to a casual lunch.&nbsp; Things like the EF harem pants also travel really well and in a pinch I could sleep or hike in them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480585 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 19:45:13 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1480585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a pair of the EB Travex pants and took them on my last European trip, and in black they look serviceably non-gear-ish. They really could be washed in a sink, dried overnight, didn't wrinkle or bag out, etc. That said, I wore them only because I didn't have any better alternatives, and they never felt like *me*. </p> <p>Athleta and Title 9 might be good options to look for crossover items that would serve in several contexts. I think it's easier when you've got a outdoorsy, sporty style already so they don't seem out of place compared to the rest of your wardrobe. (I don't.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480578 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 19:41:59 +0000 Astrid 1480578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, those so called "travel clothes" are definitely something that I want to pay more attention to building my wardrobe in the future. I've gotten really into the idea of travelling light, but unfortunately most of those clothes are rather expensive. I've looked through this list recently - it's geared towards men but some of the brands carry also clothing for women:<br /> <a href="http://snarkynomad.com/techwear-at-its-finest-10-stylish-travel-outfits-that-look-as-good-as-they-feel/" rel="nofollow">http://snarkynomad.com/techwea.....they-feel/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480570 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 19:29:01 +0000 rachylou 1480570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good point about layering fit. It makes me groan to think about it tho. I stagger under the burden of stocking up for all these different kinds of fit, esp. in light of my desire for variety.</p> <p>Skirted, cotton sundresses and cotton skirts have proven very useful for me for summer travel. They work At Home as well, although I don't think they represent my personal style that well... although my whole summer wardrobe needs a style think, so can't be too judgy about that. In terms of washing, I think cotton dries faster. I've yet to meet a tech fabric that dries overnight as promised.</p> <p>I don't go in for pants for travel that much because pants on women are very <i>western</i>. And you know, <i>pit toilets</i>. Who was that old guy with the <i>pants on the ground </i>rap? He's so right. Not cool, man. Not cool.</p> <p>I did have some silky, shiny cargo pants that were great in the context of western-world travel. They were fancy by night, neato by day, and had all the pockets!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-clothes-vs-hikinggear#post-1480537 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 18:16:59 +0000 unfrumped 1480537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was struck by a blog, sorry no link just yet, that really spoke to me about the difference and potential scarcity of travel clothes vs. specialty hiking clothes. <br />Now, we are talking spartan travel or capsules and potential sink-washing or laundry facilities that might not be as delicate as home care, and also quick-dry for changeable weather conditions and being out &amp; about, and not more upscale travel or special occasion wear.</p> <p>The point was to blend the right fabrications with items that look like stylish clothing, or actually <u>are</u> your real clothes, but somewhere farther down the continuum of comfort and performance than might be your more wrinkle-prone or structured work or dressy wear. Key contrasting reality is that pants, for example, in"performance fabrics" are often only in "dirty trail colors" and with humongous pockets, ruched legs, baggy fit and so on. And tops cut squarish at worst, or look like yoga outfits.</p> <p>Anyhoo, the point was, to keep eyes out for items that would have this kind of travel functionality but not be instantly recognizable as some catalog travel wear or trail gear. Pants I think are the hardest, for me, but that is in the context of not relying totally on jeans, but using lighter, dry-able fabrics.&nbsp;I was lucky to start with the EB Travex pant, which is still a bit gearish and thin but plain, no cargo pockets. Does have a button on the leg for rolling but otherwise doesn't stand out too much. However, it's not "evening" at all and ideally I'd have something like a micofiber straight (slim for me) trouser, or an interesting blended fabric that doesn't scream polyester.<br />Tips in addition to just remembering to keep in mind and hunt year-long, were to cruise other "sports" like tennis, golf wear that tend to be more sleek than trail garb.</p> <p>Also I encountered this year the difficulty of shopping off-season, though I did not maximize the internet on this. Hats, gloves, fleece tights, long underwear and so on are less in stock in usual stores. I can be pretty good about snagging&nbsp; &nbsp;gloves or sweaters or stocking up on things toward end of season, but can be leery of over-buying, and then sometimes the wheels of trip packing just don't start turning well until the countdown is near!</p> <p>Another thing I noted was that it can be hard to get "layering fit" and good fit not-layered--for me to wear a blouse over&nbsp;some kind of&nbsp;insulating layer, this might mean a whole size difference or a different style altogether, and also the necklines may not jibe. Fluid pullovers are not usually a problem.</p> <p>Lastly it all got me to thinking of casual capsules and sporty luxe overlap and how things other than obvious trail gear are much more useful IRL for for me for casual wear, &nbsp;and might be part of my future of blending at-home with travel for more versatility. Also is a reminder to me to keep an eye on all my capsules and occasion&nbsp; needs and not spend all energy on work-wear.</p> <p>Are you able to maintain a list of these elusive items and hunt well in advance? And where have you had luck with "functional" stylish&nbsp; &nbsp;clothing?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>ETA see track pants in finds later in post </p>