#6 on this list
ATG Cliff Side Utility Pant
Wrangler
Wrangler’s All Terrain Gear (ATG) line has emerged as a disruptive force in outdoor apparel, with the Cliff Side Utility Pant recognized by Switchback Travel as an exceptional budget choice. Retailing around $40, these pants use a tough 96% nylon and 4% spandex blend that clocks in at 13.1 ounces. They offer an unapologetically rugged construction that punches well above its modest price tag. The Cliff Side Utility Pant is built to take a beating. It features reinforced kick plates at the back hem to prevent fraying from boot heels, along with a gusseted crotch that prevents binding when stepping over obstacles. The water-repellent finish sheds dirt, bus grease, and light rain showers. For travelers embarking on rugged overland trips or budget camping adventures, they offer peace of mind because tearing them won't ruin a major financial investment. The downside is primarily aesthetic and tactile. The styling leans heavily into workwear and utility, featuring prominent exterior seams and pocket flaps that make them difficult to wear to a semi-formal dinner. The fabric also has a slightly synthetic hand feel compared to softer lifestyle blends. **Highlights** - Outstanding value with an MSRP around $40 - 96% nylon and 4% spandex blend balances toughness and stretch - Reinforced back hem kick plates resist fraying from shoes - Water-repellent finish repels stains and road grit - Gusseted crotch enhances comfort on long travel days **Watch-outs** - Overt workwear styling makes them unsuitable for upscale venues - Pocket zippers are basic and can catch if pulled roughly - Material feels distinctly synthetic against the skin
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#7 on this list
All Seasons Bootcut Pants
Columbia
The Columbia All Seasons Bootcut Pants deliver dependable performance for budget-conscious female travelers. Highlighted by Switchback Travel as a top value selection around $70, these pants combine 91% nylon with 9% elastane. The bootcut profile provides a relaxed silhouette that accommodates hiking boots just as comfortably as running shoes or slip-ons for airport security lines. Columbia incorporates their proprietary moisture-shedding and stain-resistant fabric treatments, which are genuinely useful during messy transit days and light rain on the trail. The mid-rise cut and wide, comfortable waistband reduce chafing under heavy backpack hip belts. Because the nylon weave is smooth and flexible, these pants drape naturally and clean up easily with a quick rinse in a sink, drying overnight in most hotel rooms. The bootcut leg, while comfortable over footwear, is a distinct silhouette that may not suit travelers who prefer streamlined, tapered cuts that tuck cleanly into socks or stay clear of muddy paths. Additionally, the pocketing is minimal, lacking the deep zippered security compartments found on more expensive dedicated travel trousers. **Highlights** - Accessible price point around $70 - 91% nylon and 9% elastane provides smooth, continuous stretch - Stain- and water-resistant treatment shields against spills - Wide, flat waistband sits comfortably beneath backpack straps - Bootcut opening slides easily over bulkier footwear **Watch-outs** - Bootcut hems can drag in mud or wet grass - Lacks deep, secure zippered travel pockets - Sizing consistency can vary across production runs
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Specs side by side
| Spec | ATG Cliff Side Utility Pant | All Seasons Bootcut Pants |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Blend | 96% nylon, 4% spandex | 91% nylon, 9% elastane |
| Claimed Weight | 13.1 oz | — |
| Retail Price | Approximately $40 | — |
| Weather Finish | Durable water-repellent (DWR) | — |
| Hem Feature | Reinforced back kick plates | — |
| Crotch Design | Full gusseted construction | — |
| Leg Style | — | Bootcut |
| Approximate Price | — | Around $70 |
| Surface Coating | — | Stain- and water-repellent finish |
| Primary Strengths | — | Fast drying, 4-way stretch, budget value |
| Target Group | — | Women's outdoor and transit wear |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
ATG Cliff Side Utility Pant
- Outstanding value at an accessible price point under $50
- Tough nylon blend resists abrasion from rock and brush
- Reinforced heel kick plates protect against boot friction
- Gusseted crotch ensures uninhibited freedom of movement
- Heavy utilitarian styling looks out of place in upscale settings
- Fabric has a noticeably slick, synthetic hand feel
- Pocket zippers and hardware are basic and prone to snagging
All Seasons Bootcut Pants
- Exceptional value around $70 compared to premium travel pants
- High elastane blend delivers smooth, unrestricted four-way stretch
- Bootcut hem fits naturally over hiking boots and everyday shoes
- Dries rapidly after sink washing and resists packing wrinkles
- Lacks deep, secure zippered pockets for passports and large phones
- Wider bootcut hems can pick up mud and moisture on wet trails
- Inseam length and sizing can vary across production batches
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.