KÜHL Travel Pants Review: Pack or Pass?

When you're packing for a road trip, every item needs to earn its place in your bag. Comfortable, durable, and versatile travel pants are a must—but not all pants are up for the challenge. Enter Kühl’s Men’s and Women’s Travel Pants, two highly-rated options that promise to combine functionality with style. But do they live up to the hype? Are they road-trip ready, or are they better left at home? After putting Kühl’s Men’s and Women’s Travel Pants to the test on our most recent road trip, we’re here to give you the verdict on whether they deserve a spot in your travel wardrobe—or if they should stay on the shelf.

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Disclosure: We received these Men’s and Women’s Travel Pants from Kühl for free to try and review. All opinions shared in this post are entirely our own and based on our personal experience with the products. Additionally, some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. Using our affiliate links is a great way to discover products we genuinely love while supporting Road Trip Locals. We can’t thank you enough for that!

Introduction to KÜHL

Kühl is an outdoor and lifestyle clothing brand celebrated for its high-quality, durable, and stylish gear, designed with adventure seekers and everyday explorers in mind. Founded in the 1980s in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kühl is committed to creating clothing that performs exceptionally in rugged environments while offering unparalleled comfort and style.

What sets Kühl apart is its attention to innovative design, including details like articulated knees for better movement, reinforced stitching for durability, and functional features like hidden pockets. The brand also prioritizes premium materials, often blending technical fibers with natural fabrics to achieve breathable, durable, and comfortable clothing. Kühl also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices into its processes.

By balancing functionality with style, Kühl has become a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, road trippers, and anyone who values durable, versatile clothing that can handle both rugged trails and relaxed cityscapes.

Men’s and Women’s Travel Pants Review

Travel pants, in particular, are an essential part of any travel wardrobe—they provide the comfort you need for long days on the go, the durability to handle a variety of adventures, and a style that can transition from trail to town.

In this review, we’ll look at two pairs of travel pants from Kühl: the Men’s Suppressor Jogger and the Women’s Haven Joggr. We’ll dive into their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if they’re road trip ready.

Men’s SUPPRESSOR™ Jogger

Jon tested out Kühl’s Suppressor Jogger. Here’s what he opted for.

Men’s Travel Pant: Men’s Suppressor Jogger
Color: Pirate Blue
Size: Medium, RG Inseam
Why This: Jon wanted a versatile travel pant—one he could wear to hike or jog, on road trips, and even when grocery shopping. These pants looked to be the right blend of multi-functional and stylish, meaning he could get a lot of use out of them. When packing for a road trip, versatile function—something that’s not built solely for outdoor adventure or a night on the town—is the gold standard for what earns a spot in our luggage.

Women’s HAVEN™ Joggr

I tested out Kühl’s Haven Joggr. Here’s what I opted for.

Women’s Travel Pant: Women’s Haven Joggr
Color: Black
Size: Small
Why This: I’m a big fan of joggers for their slim and stylish fit. Joggers tend to be versatile, meaning I can hike in them, relax in them, and also run errands in them. When road-tripping, I prefer joggers over sweatpants because they feel more put together. I also prefer them over leggings for this reason, and because joggers are generally more comfortable than something like skin-tight yoga pants. Joggers, in my opinion, offer the ideal mix of comfort and sharp lines, giving a put-together feel you don’t have to think about.

Design and Material

Both the Suppressor Jogger and Haven Joggr showcase Kühl’s attention to detail and quality materials. The pants felt and looked durable from the moment we opened their packages. Packages which, by the way, arrived alongside the most delicious bar of chocolate I’ve had in ages. It’s rich. It’s creamy. It gets a 10/10—recommend! But back to the pants…

Men’s Suppressor Jogger

The lightweight Suppressor Jogger combines rugged abrasion resistance, UV protection (UPF 50+), and stretch fabric for exceptional performance and comfort. Made from a water-resistant nylon-spandex blend, these joggers include two front hand pockets, two drop-in cell phone pockets, and a hidden back pocket for practical storage. Easy to care for in the wash, these pants are breathable and allow for a full range of motion, making them ideal for hiking, climbing, or lounging in the car on a long drive. The quick-dry properties add practicality, while the tailored jogger design gives a sleek, modern look.

Women’s Haven Joggr

Recognized as the "Best Hiking Pant" by Outside Magazine’s 2023 Summer Gear Guide, these joggers feature lightweight, stretchy ripstop fabric with high abrasion resistance, tear strength, and maximum sun protection (UPF 50+). Designed for functionality, they include zippered front and back pockets, a drop-in cell pocket, a pull-on waistband with an external drawcord for a custom fit, and elasticized cuffs. Made from a durable blend of Tencel, nylon, and spandex, they are machine washable on a delicate cycle and ideal for both trails and casual wear.

Comfort and Fit: Our First Impressions

Men’s Suppressor Jogger

Jonathan first tried on these pants after his workday around 5 p.m. By 9:30 p.m., he still hadn’t taken them off—tag and all. They’re that comfortable. The fit of the Suppressor Jogger is great, and he could tell right away that the pants are versatile enough for a range of activities. The elastic waistband and tailored fit provided comfort without compromising on style, and the size medium fits true to size. (The regular inseam was the perfect length for him at 5’11”.)

Women’s Haven Joggr

Since I look for travel pants to balance style and comfort, I’m sensitive to how they hang and how they hold up. Ultimately, I want a travel pant that still looks good on the third day of a road trip, but I don’t want to be thinking about the pants when I wear them. Unfortunately, this is where my first impression of the Haven Joggr falls short.

The jogger offers a slim, flattering fit, but the material felt clingy, making it tough to get past that initial sensation of the fabric not sitting quite right. The pants clung around my calves in awkward ways, and while size small is largely accurate, the pant stretches out with extended wear, so I’d be curious about sizing down next time. On the positive side, at 5’2”, the length of the joggers is perfect. Usually, I need petite to get the right length, but these fit great. (Which means they may not work for someone taller.)

On The Road Performance: Are they worth it?

A first impression of a travel pant is never enough—it’s all about how they perform on the road. So, we packed up our Kühl Men’s and Women’s Travel Pants and set out for Yellowstone National Park, driving from Dallas, Texas, to Gardiner, Montana, where we’d be staying for a month outside Yellowstone’s North Entrance. Normally, the drive takes about two days, but this time, we were up against one of the biggest snowstorms of the year. What should have been a two-day journey stretched into three, as we got stuck in Boise City, Oklahoma, and Billings, Montana.

Road trips don’t exactly come with convenient laundry services, so our unexpected trek ended up being the perfect opportunity to see how these pants hold up over an extended period of travel. Would they withstand three days of sitting in a car, moving between gas stations, quick stops, and unpredictable weather? And once we arrived in Yellowstone, how would they perform in the wash and on the trails?

Men’s Suppressor Jogger

Jon’s wearing his joggers as I type—again, they’re that comfortable. They made it through three days of driving and unexpected pit stops, looking almost as good as they did out of the box. (In other words, they held up great during the extended car time and didn’t stretch out much.)

In his words, the Suppressor Jogger is a good mix of comfort and flexibility. The material is cool and comfortable on the inside, with a rugged, durable exterior that holds up well to wear and tear. They offer a great fit—not too tight, not too loose—and feature multiple pockets without going overboard, providing just enough space to carry your essentials.

These joggers are ideal for long drives, relaxing at home, or running errands thanks to their casual, clean look that’s good enough for everyday wear but not quite dressy enough for anything formal. They’re excellent for hiking, lounging, and driving, and the stretchy fabric means you can move freely throughout the day.

Jon’s been wearing these frequently since he received them, so I asked why he reaches for these joggers over other pants. He told me they’re as easy to put on as sweatpants but a little more polished, so you don’t feel like you're just lounging around the house. And when it comes to hiking, he said he’d definitely grab them for a fall day hike—they’re breathable for active days but keep you warm enough in cooler weather. He’d probably opt for shorts on hotter days, but just because that’s his preference. You could layer these over shorts if needed—just consider sizing up if you plan on doing this regularly.

Women’s Haven Joggr

I wore the Haven Joggers for our three-day drive, and while they never felt too tight or restrictive, they did lose shape by the third day. After their first wash, they wrinkled slightly at the ankles, so if you’re looking for something that stays pristine with minimal effort, this might be something to keep in mind. However, the shape did bounce back.

As far as fit and function go, I like where the main pockets are located and how the pants fit around my hips without being too tight in the legs. They are a little loose in the waist, which is why I’d be curious about sizing down. (I have a more muscular lower body and a smaller waist.) The pants do have a small drawstring, but it’s thin and not very functional. I’d prefer a better fit without having to adjust since I find drawstrings largely just get in the way or unravel and look messy. But that’s more of a personal preference.

Since arriving in Gardiner, I haven’t reached for the Haven Joggrs much because they’re not the most comfortable joggers in my closet, but I can tell they’re one of the more durable pairs I own. That makes them a great choice for hiking (or rock climbing or backpacking). The material is lightweight yet sturdy, and I’m confident they’ll hold up outside without worrying about them tearing or getting dirty. And after washing, they clean up well aside from a few wrinkles (but when you're hiking, who really cares?).

The Haven Joggers are a solid option for road trips that involve a lot of outdoor adventure, like hiking, backpacking, and visits to national parks, but if you’re looking for an ultra-comfortable pant for long drives alone, I’d keep looking.

Pros and Cons of Kühl Travel Pants

SUPPRESSOR™ Jogger

Pros:

Comfortable Fit: Cool and soft on the inside, durable on the outside, with a stretchy design that moves with you.
Versatile: Great for driving, lounging, casual outings, hiking, and outdoor adventure.
Polished Look: Easy to wear like sweatpants but with a more refined appearance that doesn’t feel too casual.
Pockets in Moderation: Just the right amount of pockets for practicality without feeling bulky.
Durable Material: Rugged fabric that resists wear and tear, perfect for active lifestyles.

Cons:

Limited Style Range: While versatile, they’re not dressy enough for formal settings or something you could wear to the office.

HAVEN™ Jogger

Pros:

Lightweight Material: Relaxed fabric with a lightweight feel that doesn’t compromise on durability.
Trail-to-Town Versatility: Stylish enough for casual errands but rugged enough for hiking and outdoor activities.
Practical Pockets: Zippered and drop-in pockets provide secure storage for essentials without bulk.
Durable Ripstop Fabric: Resistant to abrasions and tears, ideal for rugged use.
Sun Protection: Maximum UPF 50+ protection for long hours in the sun.

Cons:

Wrinkling in the Wash: Fabric can wrinkle slightly after washing, though it smooths out with wear.
Stretching: While the joggers offer plenty of mobility for active days, they stretch out after a day of wear, which affects the fit.
Cling-prone material: The fabric tends to cling, which might not be ideal for those sensitive to the touch and feel of certain materials.

Who These Pants Are Best For

The Men’s Suppressor Jogger is ideal for active travelers, hikers, and road trippers who want a balance of style and functionality. The Women’s Haven Joggr is best for road trippers who spend a lot of time outdoors—hiking, backpacking, and more. They’re also a good jogger option for petite sizing.

Final Verdict: Pack or Pass?

While both pants deliver on style and durability, the Suppressor Jogger is a more comfortable, versatile pick. It gets a unanimous Pack vote—whether you’re looking for something for long drives, hiking trails, errands around town, or even remote work days.

On the other hand, the Haven Joggr shines in its durability—and sun protection—for the trail, giving it a Pack vote if you’re looking for hiking, backpacking, or active outdoor pants. But if you’re looking for something to take you from trail to town without getting baggy or losing shape—or if you’re sensitive to clingy fabrics—I’d Pass.

FAQs

Q: Are these pants machine washable?

A: Yes, both pairs are machine washable and low-maintenance. It’s recommended to wash both pants on a cold, delicate cycle.

Q: How do they perform in cold weather?

A: These joggers aren’t meant for cold weather. They’re lightweight options great for summer and fall hikes, or you can layer them with base layers in cooler temperatures.

Q: Do they pack small?

A: Absolutely—both pants compress easily for packing.

Q: Where can I shop Kühl’s Men’s and Women’s Travel Pants?

A: Check out our affiliate links below to browse Kühl’s Travel Pants and hit the road in style!

Men’s Suppressor Jogger
Women’s Haven Joggr