REVIEWED: Royal Robbins Traveller Stretch Convertible Trousers
Love ’em or hate ’em, cargo trousers/pants with zip-off legs are a travel staple. These are better tailored than most, look smarter, and have plenty of zipped pockets
TravGear loves a pair of travel trousers/pants. It’s function over form all the way here, and the thought of a trio of zipped security pockets is enough to make us swoon. If the legs zip-off, we’re reaching for the credit card. So it was with the Royal Robbins Traveller Stretch Convertible Trousers, which sport truly excellent design and comfort.
Bit of a stretch
The Traveller Stretch fit tighter than most, but have a bit of stretch in them. We found that they dried very quickly after a real dousing by a lengthy tropical storm in Vietnam. The legs do indeed zip-off, but instead of side-zips to get them off the left easily, a fold held by Velcro comes apart. It all works easily, though there are relatively few choices of leg length, which is a shame (we had to have ours taken up slightly by a tailor, so the Velcro had to be removed and that functionality ruined).
Zip it up
The Traveller Stretch don’t have security pockets on the buttocks, which is probably a good thing. Instead, both hand pockets have diagonal zips – so are good for a phone on one, coins in the other – while another zipped pocket on the right leg is made for a passport.
Water carrier
There’s actually a third, open pocket on the right leg, which proved really handy for placing a small water bottle. However, it should probably be on the left leg since we started to feel a little weighed-down on one side. Note: if you do put a water bottle in that pocket, be sure to wear a belt!
Winning design
Easy to hike in thanks to a bit of stretch, quick to dry, easy to assemble, and perfect for storing those travel essentials, Royal Robbins has come up with a winning design that’s destined for many more TravGear outings.