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Vuori Vs. Lululemon: A Head-To-Toe Comparison Of Top Activewear Brands

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When it comes to workout apparel, Lululemon has long dominated the scene. Its curve-hugging leggings and men’s ABC pants have become ubiquitous at every Whole Foods and airport lounge—the brand, truly, launched the concept of “athleisure.” But in recent years, we’ve seen a newer brand give the titan a run for its money: Vuori stepped onto the scene in 2015 and matched Lululemon’s elevated comfort while countering it with a more casual, comfortable silhouette epitomizing its Southern California lifestyle aesthetic.

Despite being different in many ways, both brands are now go-to options for anyone wanting nice-looking athletic apparel. In my opinion, they both offer some of the best workout clothes out there. But when it comes to Vuori vs. Lululemon, which brand deserves your hard-earned money? I’ve worn multiple styles from both brands in different environments, from the track to the gym to long travel days, and the answer to which brand is better comes down to your preference on fabrics, fit, sustainability and price.

Out of Vuori vs. Lululemon, which of the top activewear brands is the best?

13 Vuori Bestsellers To Shop This Summer

The best on sneaker deals right now—save up to 50%, vuori vs. lululemon: a brief overview.

Founded in Vancouver, Canada, in 1998, Lululemon was established on the idea of making yoga pants and apparel for women using an innovative, skin-tight fabric that was not only breathable and comfortable but also flattering. Over the years, these are exactly the attributes the brand has become known for. Lululemon also quickly carved out a niche in athletic apparel for other sports, namely running and tennis , as well as men’s athletic wear, but its luxurious technical-performance fabrics and body-hugging yet chic silhouettes are still the brand’s trademarks.

By 2015, the yoga and “athleisure” space had both exploded, largely thanks to Lululemon and its competitors. But most offerings were still in the women’s apparel space. Vuori was launched out of Southern California to fill this void. The brand started with a men’s yoga short, the Kore, and quickly expanded to offer a wider line of both men’s and women’s workout clothing. The core of the brand reflected—and still reflects—the southern California lifestyle it was born from with a foundation of comfort and “move-ability.” But it also puts a heavy emphasis on a versatile, clean and effortless aesthetic that allows wearers to transition from a workout to a casual event in the same clothing.

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant

Rachael Schultz is a seasoned health, fitness, and outdoors writer living in the mountains of Colorado. She focuses on why our bodies and brains work the way they do and how we can optimize both. She's most passionate about mental health, exercise physiology, cooking, the science of cannabis, and making the outdoors more accessible for all (but actually). Her writing has appeared in Men's Journal, Men's Health, Gear Patrol, Outside, Women's Health, Cosmo, and InStyle. You can read more of her work at  rachaelschultz.com  or connect with her on IG  @rachaelschultz .

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Vuori Vs. Lululemon: Fabric

One of the key factors that differentiates any activewear brand from another is their fabric—and that could not be more true of Vuori and Lululemon.

As mentioned, Lululemon was founded largely on an innovative fabric that the athletic apparel world had not yet seen in 1998, and that concept became the brand’s cornerstone. Its original performance fabric, Luon, was a cotton-type fabric that had higher levels of microfiber to make it super soft and stretchy. Quickly, the brand expanded its fabric innovation, and its apparel line utilizes a few different fabrics, but the real stars of the show are the iconic Nulu and Everlux.

Lululemon’s Nulu fabric is buttery-soft to the touch and feels nearly weightless on the body—so much so that you actually almost forget you’re wearing pants after a long day out in them, in my experience. That said, the weightlessness is a double-edged sword: Nulu fabric is notorious for pilling after just a few rounds in the washing machine, largely because of the thinness that makes it so comfortable to wear. In my experience, this pilling makes the leggings look old fast and counteracts the luxe aesthetic most people purchase Lululemon for.

The brand also has a devoted following for its Everlux fabric, which is quick-drying, cool against the skin, and feels silky and luxurious to the touch. Everlux provides a medium level of compression that most women find highly flattering, creating the perfect storm for a pair of women’s leggings that feel nice enough to run around town in.

While Lululemon’s fabrics lean luxe, performance and skin-hugging, Vuori specializes in clean-looking, highly comfortable athletic wear—elevated comfort, if you will. The other huge difference: Lululemon offers a range of fabrics for different athletic/lounge needs, whereas Vuori leans on one key material across most of its styles.

Its trademark fabric is called “DreamKnit,” a brushed jersey fabric that feels plush but stretchy and, moreover, incredibly soft. This is the fabric you want to lounge in without feeling restricted. I’d say it provides a similar level of comfort as Lululemon’s Nulu fabric but is far more durable and wears better over time. Also of note, DreamKnit is made largely from recycled material, giving it another sustainable edge over Nulu.

Vuori does have other noteworthy fabrics: BreatheInterlock provides reliable compression while minimizing moisture during a workout and is usually crafted in a second-skin feel. VersaLife is a stretch knit lifestyle fabric that offers quick-dry and anti-odor tech in a slightly heavier weight for errands-to-office apparel. That said, DreamKnit has become Vuori’s cornerstone staple over the years, and the brand leverages it into new silhouettes and styles to maintain their signature on-body feel.

Vuori Daily Pocket Leggings

Vuori vs. lululemon: fit and silhouettes.

How workout clothes fit and move with the body is, arguably, one of their most important attributes. But in the day and age of wearing workout clothes outside the gym, silhouette has increasingly moved to the forefront as well.

If you want curve-hugging, highly flattering workout clothes, no one delivers like Lululemon. Pretty much all of their leggings, tops and sports bras are carefully designed to cinch and hug the female figure without compromising performance ability. Key to this are Lulu’s leggings’ high and wide waistbands—most women find this style to be the most flattering against their mid-sections (especially in the compression fabrics), but this design also stays in place during a workout better than a lot of competitor’s leggings that roll down. Lululemon was also one of the first major athletic brands to pioneer flatlock seams, which reduced chafing and bulkiness in the seam areas.

I’ve done nearly every type of workout in a range of Lululemon leggings, from running half-marathons to high-impact CrossFit workouts , and these construction tweaks really do make a difference in how their leggings work with the body rather than against it.

Vuori, meanwhile, generally operates on a more relaxed fit with a higher focus on comfort than aesthetics. True to its brand ethos, Vuori’s silhouettes are more lounge-oriented and the fit less skin-tight. Its leggings are certainly still designed to be close to and move with the body, and the brand does a good job of making looser fits flattering. But across the board, Vuori offers a wider range of silhouettes if you prefer a more typical sweatpant fit but in a lighter, performance-oriented fabric.

That said, you can also find a lot of the same styles of apparel at Vuori and Lululemon. For example, the Vuori AllTheFeels Bootcut and Lululemon Align High-Rise Mini-Flare Pant are both high-waisted, super soft flared yoga pants. Vuori’s Daily Crop and Lululemon’s Align Tank Top are both crop workout tanks with one-inch straps and a built-in bra, made from similar materials.

Vuori Kore Short

Vuori vs. lululemon: men’s offerings.

Athleisure brands are often in the spotlight for their women’s apparel, but Vuori and Lululemon are also both go-to brands for men’s workout clothing . The differences are epitomized by each brand’s bestseller.

Vuori was founded in this product category. Its first product was the Kore Short, which are still one of the brand’s bestsellers and represent Vuori’s ethos. Designed, as the brand says, as "One Short for Every Sport," the Kore Short really epitomizes Vuori’s ethos of functionality, comfort and versatility. They’re made from moisture-wicking fabric (largely recycled polyester and regular polyester with some elastane) with built-in liners to give more comfort and security during workouts. Guys I know love working out in these shorts for their security, breathability and overall comfort, even after being drenched in sweat.

Lululemon’s bestseller is the ABC Pants (it stands for “Anti-Ball Crushing”). They’re made from a stretchy, wrinkle-resistant fabric complete with a snap button, belt loops and pockets—essentially a comfortable, performance-oriented pair of dress pants. Just like its leggings on women, Lulu’s ABC Pants are ubiquitous at the airport for guys aiming for a smart, casual aesthetic.

Both brands are a welcome and high-quality option in the scarce category of sleek men’s athletic wear. But, just like their overarching differences, Vuori is often the more casual choice while Lululemon offers guys a more elevated take on comfort.

Lululemon ABC Jogger

Vuori vs. lululemon: sustainability.

Neither brand can really be considered a sustainable workout brand . But Vuori has focused more resources than its competitor on being eco-conscious in its production: Its key DreamKnit and BlissBlend fabrics are largely crafted from recycled fibers, with roughly 55% of its overall fabric use coming from recycled fibers. Also, for the past five years, Vuori has offset 100% of its plastic footprint and is a Climate Neutral-certified brand.

Lululemon is trying to be better. The brand recently introduced plant-based nylon and enzymatically recycled polyester, partnering with outside companies to pioneer sustainable fabric innovations. In line with Lululemon’s broader goal to reduce its environmental footprint in the coming years, the brand has set lofty goals to transition over to more sustainable, recycled or renewable fibers by 2025 to 2030, depending on the fabric.

Vuori Vs. Lululemon: Price And Durability

When it comes to price, both brands are considered premium. That said, there’s a noticeable difference in cost: Lululemon’s bestsellers, like the Align leggings ($98) or the ABC Pants ($128), are often more expensive than Vuori’s counterparts, such as the AllTheFeels Leggings ($89) or the Kore Short ($68).

Lululemon’s price is often justified by the high-end performance fabrics, which is arguably fair. On the other hand, Vuori’s products are highly versatile thanks to their more laid-back approach, which means you’re getting more bang for your fewer bucks, too.

Final Verdict

I’ve worked out and traveled in both Lululemon and Vuori, and both brand’s deliver high-quality, versatile and stylish apparel.

Ultimately, the battle of Vuori vs. Lululemon comes down to your style preferences and what you value most. If you want a highly flattering fit to your workout clothes with a decent amount of compression to most styles, or you prefer your athletic apparel to feel second-skin and move seamlessly with your body, Lululemon is worth the higher price tag.

If you’re looking for a pair of leggings, shorts or sweatpants, or even hoodies that you can throw on every day regardless of what’s ahead, or you prefer a more relaxed fit, you may be happiest with Vuori’s apparel that feels comfortable from the gym to the coffee shop. Additionally, if you want to support more sustainable practices, Vuori is a better choice than Lululemon.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we’ve published many intensively tested articles on fitness gear . These include dozens of clothing roundups for both men and women that focus on transitional activewear from many brands including Lululemon and Vuori .

• Rachael Schultz has been a fitness and gear writer for over ten years, testing everything from running shoes to ski jackets to, of course, workout clothing. She’s tested dozens upon dozens of athletic apparel brands, big and small, over the past decade, including the two featured here. She tested the initial iteration of Lululemon’s Align leggings when they first launched nearly a decade ago, along with the brand’s other iconic leggings, workout tops, strappy sports bras and pretty much everything in their lineup over the years.
• This story and the fitness section at Forbes Vetted is overseen by gear editor Cam Vigliotta . He’s tested multiple styles from Vuori, including the lined and unlined versions of the Kore Short, and he regularly wears Lululemon’s ever-popular ABC Pant whether he’s working from home or on the go.
• In addition to the insights provided by Schultz and Vigliotta, we spoke with other Forbes Vetted staffers to learn more about their experiences with both brands and which styles, if any, they enjoy wearing on a regular basis.
• We routinely update our content to ensure it’s still accurate and useful. This story was last reviewed in September 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is vuori owned by lululemon.

No, Vuori is an entirely separate company from Lululemon. Vuori was founded in 2015 in Southern California while Lululemon was founded much earlier in 1998 in Vancouver.

How Do Vuori And Lululemon Compare In Terms Of Price And Value?

Lululemon tends to be more expensive across most of its offerings, though many people also consider their fabrics to be higher performance quality and feel more luxurious. The durability of Lululemon’s apparel varies a lot depending on the type of fabric used. Meanwhile, Vuori’s clothing costs slightly less money up front and is largely made from more sustainable materials, offering a higher overall value to some.

Which Brand Offers Better Quality: Vuori Or Lululemon?

Quality is relative. Lululemon uses more tech-advanced performance fabrics and smart construction methods that keep their workout clothing looking sleeker. However, some of their fabrics (namely the Align) are prone to pilling rather quickly, depending on how often you wash the garment. Vuori, meanwhile, doesn’t use as luxurious a fabric, but their designs are very versatile, allowing you to move between working out and being comfortable around the house and running errands, and their construction holds up wash after wash.

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The Best Men's Travel Pants For Every Type of Trip

Written by Dan

Updated on September 9th, 2024

What are the best travel pants for men? I did the research to determine some of the most versatile, comfortable and functional travel pants.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Best Travel Pants for Men

• Western Rise
• DUER (Performance Denim Slim Fit)
• Aviator Travel Jeans
• DUER (No Sweat Joggers)
• Mott & Bow Staple Jeans
• prAna Brion
• prAna Stretch Zion
• Icebreaker Merino Shifter
• Rhone Commuter
• Mountain Hardwear Men’s AP Pant
• Public Rec Gameday Jogger

Mugsy Travelers Pants

DUER Weightless Poplin AC Pant

• Foehn Men’s Brise Schoeller Pant

When I travel, a lot of thought goes into the types of items that I bring along. If you’re like me, everything that you have serves multiple purposes. I like to pack light, and too many single-use items quickly start to add up and fill your bag.

I usually travel with a single pair of pants. I want to make sure those pants will last a long time! Picking a good pair of pants is based on a few qualifying factors. A pair of pants should be durable, flexible, good quality, not doofy and should serve a secondary purpose like being suitable for a second occasion.

Here are my top recommendations based on the travel pants I’ve tried over the years.

See my favorite picks!

• Western Rise Evolution Pant 2.0 Check Availability
• Bluffworks Ascender Chinos Check Availability
• DUER Performance Denim Slim Jeans Check Availability

Western Rise

Western Rise is a travel-inspired company that creates versatile clothing for men. Their focus is on minimalist products that maximize features you need and slash those that you don’t. I find that Western Rise’s apparel is timeless and functional, so there are no fast trends.

Get an immediate 15% off with our exclusive Western Rise discount code! Use code HALFHALFTRAVEL at checkout.

Shop the deal

What I like about the company is that they are product-focused, and their garments perform great in all different types of temperatures, occasions, altitudes and activities. We dive into the details in our interview with Western Rise’s Co-Founder Kelly Watters .

For anyone who wants to get a feel for the styles, my top tip is to try Western Rise’s ‘try at home’ service that gets you a trial run of up to four products, for seven days, free of charge.

Shop Western Rise and look for the Try at home button on the product pages.

I recommend two of their styles that I have tried:

• Evolution Pant 2.0

Are Western Rise travel pants worth it?

Here’s what I want to discuss about both the Evolution Pant and the AT Pant : both focus on durability, and comfort, with looks that are great for the workday or the weekend.

In general Western Rise makes quality clothing. After putting together a Western Rise brand review , I’m sold on their items fitting all of my criteria.

The Evolution Pant

The Evolution Pant happens to be ultra-lightweight and moisture-wicking, and it is also stretchy. I like wearing these on the weekend or if I’m taking a short train or bus ride. These pants are perfect for the summer (or hot weather) if you’re looking for something light weight and versatile. When I took them out of the packaging, I was surprised how thin they actually were.

The AT Pant

For the AT Pant , they feel a bit heavier and sturdier than the Evolution Pant, but they’re still not stiff or cumbersome. The water resistance in the materials is no joke: I actually got caught in the rain while I was wearing these on the rainiest Memorial Day weekend ever . I was able to brush the rain drops right off, and I stayed fairly dry on my way to an engagement party.

The lightweight proprietary fabric that's unique and stretchy. It doesn't feel stiff after hours of wear, so the pants feel like weightless chinos.

Photo via Western Rise

Bluffworks offers everything that you need to be a smart traveler. Pants included. They have travel shorts , travel jeans , travel dress pants and suits !

They also offer free US shipping so that you can try on a few pairs and styles.

I like Bluffworks because they’re specifically designed to be multipurpose. Plus, there are many different products to choose from.

Get an immediate 15% off, with our exclusive Bluffworks discount code (one-time use per customer)! Use code HALFHALFTRAVEL15 at checkout.

Get the deal

All of the Bluffworks travel pants are wrinkle-resistant, breathable and moisture-wicking. They all do an excellent job of being durable while you wash them, holding your phone (or other items) and secretly having pockets (in other words, they have hidden pockets).

Why is Bluffworks the original travel pants?

Their original travel pants are made from super lightweight material. I tried these on during a hot day, and I could have sworn that they had an air conditioner inside of them. These will be great pants if you’re wearing pants in really hot climates. They’re very wrinkle-resistant, so if they’re rolled up in a ball for a few days, you can shake them out, and they look presentable.

Bluffworks pants have been around for a long time. In fact, they were created in 2012. They have an interesting history that is worth checking out.

Other Bluffworks products I recommend

The same technology that goes into the pants is also in their suits. If you need to travel with a suit, the suits from Bluffworks are sure bets for having a suit that doesn’t wrinkle or smell during a trip.

I recommend the Bluffworks Gramercy suit , which has wrinkle-free suit pants. Check out our tips on how to pack a suit to avoid wrinkles , as well as my Gramercy Travel Suit review .

They also have the Ascender Chino pants, which are your best option for times when you want something nicer or more professional. They pair nicely with Bluffworks’ wrinkle-free travel dress shirts . I’ve been traveling with this combo to weddings and other events, and it’s been a great experience. Here’s my Ascender Chinos review where you can see all the features.

Shop Bluffworks

The technical features like pockets and fabrics that are the best value-adds in all their products. I like Bluffworks because all their clothes make you feel decent and put-together, even if you just throw them on in a minute.

Photo via Bluffworks

DUER (Performance Denim Slim Fit)

Before I was wearing my DUER pants , I was wearing custom pants that I got in Argentina.

The pants from Argentina are some of my favorite pants, ever, but weren’t practical for traveling. They had shallow pockets, and the seams were not reinforced. The insides of the pockets started breaking because they weren’t sewn well, and overall, it was time for a trusty pair of pants for me.

Get free shipping when you spend $99+; no code needed.

When I walked around South America during my year of working remotely and traveling , I was nervous that my pockets would get pick-pocketed.

I also blew out the seams a few times, and they currently have a patch on them. I can’t say that the material is the most durable, but they are very comfortable!

I still wear these around New York City. My phone often slides around and is exposed in the corners of the pockets. I always have to make sure nothing falls out of the pockets.

My DUER jeans are the answer to the problems that my Argentina pants had. DUER pants are incredibly durable and have nice deep pockets. They have a lot of different styles to choose from, and all styles offer features that are unique.

The pair that I have lasted about three years of daily use. That’s something like 1000 wears! They have since worn out a bit, but that’s to be expected because I don’t think any material really lasts forever.

I talk about them as pants made for travelers in my DUER Performance Slim denim jeans review .

For a trip when you’ll be in cold places, I tried DUER’s fleece-lined jeans and discuss them in my DUER Fireside Winter Jeans review ! They’re perfect for frigid climates or a ski trip. They have a thin layer of insulation, which don’t get in the way where other fleece-lined paints might.

What types of DUER Pants do I have?

I settled on the “No Sweat Slim” pair. They didn’t need any alterations or modifications. With that said, they are a slim fit, so they might not work for everyone. In any case, these are my go-to jeans that I could wear essentially any day of the week, and I always feel great in them.

I’ve worn these pants on hikes, with a nice shirt at a fancy event and almost every day during casual days. I only have nice things about DUER pants and actually, I bought them with a friend who also raves about them equally. The DUER pants don’t have zipper pockets, but that isn’t a big deal unless you’re looking for them.

What makes DUER Pants unique?

I wanted to call out that DUER pants have a lot of reinforcement in certain places that usually fall apart on other pants that you wear often. Their pockets are also some of the deepest that I’ve seen in any other type of pants. This means feeling good that things won’t fall out of your pants even if you are doing a cartwheel.

Men's Performance Denim Jeans

The DUER signature gusset and the overall fit make these my favorite. They're built to last, even if you wear them during long-term travel or every single day of the week.

Aviator Travel Jeans

My pair of Aviator Jeans have been an asset for me. They were the first pair of pants with zipper pockets that I ever owned, which has been a “wow” factor when I show the secret zippers to friends I’ve met during my ravels.

Get an immediate 20% off your purchase, using code HALFHALF20 at checkout.

Shop the site

What are the best features of Aviator Jeans?

The zipper pockets are by far the winning feature. I like that my Aviator travel jeans have pockets specifically for a phone, a wallet or a passport. You can zip things in place, and you don’t have to worry about your things falling out or being stolen.

I was once on a train, and I was wearing sweatpants. Would you believe that my wallet fell out? Luckily, I noticed this before the train left the station, and I was able to recover my wallet. Since this experience, I’ve really come to appreciate zipper pockets for travel days.

Wearing Aviator Jeans is a nice experience because they’re comfortable and stretchy. The blend of fabric is soft and durable. They’ve lasted me lots of trips through Europe.

Which features could be improved?

I think there’s too much fabric in and around the pockets. They sometimes feel a little bulky around the sides. Their bulkiness makes sense because some of the pockets are double pockets, and you need the extra fabric for the zippers.

I also had to get these jeans tailored considerably (again, by Becca’s mom — thanks!) to “take in” the legs. With that said, the legs might be baggy on you, even in a slim fit, if you have narrow legs.

Top tip: Take advantage of Aviator’s free hemming and tailoring service. They’ll also reimburse hemming up to $10 if you show a receipt. Keep in mind that sales are FINAL once you make any alterations. The hemming has been one of my (and Becca’s) favorite features about Aviator. In fact, Becca’s Aviator travel dress was hemmed by Aviator’s team and now it fits perfectly!

Best Travel Jeans

The hidden zipper pockets that keep your valuables stored and safe, and help you avoid petty theft during travel days and transit.

DUER (No Sweat Joggers)

Because I like my other pair of DUER jeans, I’ll mention that DUER also has a pair of joggers . I like joggers for travel because they are comfortable and versatile. You can wear them on travel days and for walking around cities and exploring various destinations.

Joggers aren’t the best for hiking, but they do hold up very well for more active activities like working out and riding a bike.

They look great and would totally work for the traveler looking to find a great looking pair of pants that can be worn on multiple occasions. I really like joggers, and to this end, I’ve rounded up the best joggers for men , which is worth checking out.

No Sweat Jogger

What's special and new about DUER's jogger is that the style mimics jeans, down to the pockets and the fly, which I haven't seen in other joggers from competing brands.

Photo via DUER

Mott & Bow Staple Jeans

Mott & Bow is a men’s and women’s apparel company that makes flattering jeans in timeless styles. I’ve enjoyed learning about the brand and all its products, and taking the jeans on my recent travels. The jeans are well-made and look effortless, with simple tailored fits from skinny to slim and with a fit for everyone.

See my review on what to know before you buy Mott & Bow to learn a lot more about this company and their other men’s products, from my favorite everyday tee, to cashmere sweaters.

The Staple jeans fit me nicely, to the point where I feel good in them, and they’re durable and versatile. They’re effortlessly comfortable, more than most pairs of jeans I own.

One thing to note is that they only come in one length, 32. I roll them up because I’m typically a 30, but you can also get them tailored.

For the “Skinny” variety, I went 1 size up. It’s rare that I do this, but skinny jeans seem to fit a little on the smaller side from Mott & Bow. Their jeans (based on the “styles,” which all have names like Staple, Broome, etc.) can mostly be found in Skinny, Slim and Straight.

Let’s start with the stretch. These particular jeans are stretchy, so this makes them practical for long flights or travel days. The fabric is not scratchy or stiff, and it feels like good substantial denim that I’d wear in fall, winter or early spring. I like the elasticity and stretch for bending down.

Everything else you need to know

These jeans are part of the Dynamic Stretch category offered by Mott & Bow. There are a few other varieties in that category that might be worth checking out if you’re into these styles.

Mott & Bow also offers pants called the 4-Way Stretch . You’ll see these listed as Broome Jeans . These are unique because they offer stretching in all directions, and they’re good for different types of mobility.

One more thing I’ll comment on about Mott & Bow is that their product pages for jeans specifically state that you don’t necessarily have to wash these jeans often. This is my kind of brand! I rarely wash my jeans (and found that that this is actually recommended by denim experts!).

prAna Brion

prAna is a socially-responsible company. You can learn more about their sustainability mission on their website .

Their sustainability line offers recycled wool and organic cotton. Their clothes are also fair trade certified! Quality and durability are important to the brand. They mention those two pillars in their mission statement.

Are prAna Brion pants worth it?

Their pants are crowd-pleasers! The Brion line is the most popular pair of pants that prAna makes. The material is cut from their original stretch Zion fabric. They have a lot of useful features that are specific to travel needs, like reinforced rivets, water-repellent materials and sun protection. Somehow, they’ve kept the price competitive and affordable through the years.

prAna Brion: deep dive

A personal consideration about these pants is that the pants are not tapered. If you have the pants tailored, you can get them to fit you exactly how you want. If you don’t typically wear slim fit pants, this shouldn’t be an issue for you.

The pants contain 97% nylon and 3% spandex. If you weren’t sure what their original stretch fabric is, this is it!

You can use these pants for almost every occasion. They’d be good for hikes, climbs, casual Saturdays, office attire and for riding a bike.

Brion™ Pant II

These travel pants are more traditional, so they're good for someone who likes a slim fit that's not a skinny jean. prAna's commitment to sustainability is awesome, so sustainable shoppers will like the Brion.

Photo via Backcountry

prAna Stretch Zion

The Stretch Zion pants are a great option for hiking and a more comfortable travel experience. They are classified as technical pants, which I believe speaks to their ability to offer features such as an adjustable waist, stretchy material, an inseam gusset and roll-up snaps.

If you’re more adventurous, the Zion pants will help you perform better in your activity of choice. If you like to travel with a pair of pants and feel like you can do anything in them, then the prAna Stretch Zion would be a great option for you.

Stretch Zion Pant II

A stretchier Brion travel pant, these performance pants are made of recycled nylon and have a ventilated gusset, which is great for active days or a workday that turns into a hike day.

Icebreaker Merino Shifter

Icebreaker is known among the serious traveler crowd because of their quality and their use of merino wool.

Merino wool is one of the best materials to use for clothes. You can wear merino wool several times and the smell never really knocks your socks off. Well, unless they are socks, and you take them off.

Sustainability is a big part of their philosophy and core values as a company. They also make other great items for travelers, like their well-known socks, shirts and hats.

How are Icebreaker Merino Shifter pants?

Their pants are solid. Icebreaker has a few options for pants, and I’ll focus on their Merino Shifter Pants .

I think they’re interesting to highlight because this is a case in which this might be your secondary pair of pants. Although I typically like to travel with a single pair of paints, I can see having a second pair.

Traveling with two pairs of pants is good if one is in the wash or is wet from the rain. It would also be good in case you lose a pair of pants (is that possible?).

When would you use Icebreaker Merino Shifter Pants?

If you have the capacity for multiple pairs of pants or if you aren’t traveling full-time , these are still great pants to have.

They’re super cozy and have numerous uses. You can take them on a run during a cold day, be warm while relaxing around your house, pretend these are “adult pants” and wear them to work and more!

You might have a harder time in tailoring these; however, you might not need to because the pants are already tapered. They also have an excellent stretchy material called LYCRA® that helps a lot with the mobility and “stretchability.”

Merino Shifter Pants

These merino fitted jogger-style pants are more like a tailored comfy pair of sweatpants that'll get you through travel days with the soft merino wool jersey knit. Also great for lounging around.

Photo via Icebreaker

Rhone Commuter

The Rhone Commuter are not your generic “travel pants.” They appear to be from the outside, but when you dig a little deeper, they have some nice features.

How can travel pants have features?

The Rhone Commuters come with a few things that can be useful for someone who travels a lot. They have a snap button, back pocket zipper, phone pocket, articulated knee and a gusset. Why are these useful features?

A snap button is useful for times when you only have one hand available. It’s also more comfortable, in my opinion. Back zipper pockets are helpful to keep things from falling out.

I explained more details about this below! I like the phone (or media) pockets for phones and phone-sized-things, like passports. Having an articulated knee in a pair of pants is only useful if you’re doing a lot of movement.

One of the best features about buying Rhone pants is their ability to hem your pants. Not needing to hem these pants yourself saves a trip to a tailor and makes them a bit more custom when they get to you.

Wait, what’s a gusset?

A gusset is a piece of fabric in the undercarriage of the pants that reinforces the area and helps prevent the ripping of your pants.

Commuter Pant Classic

These commuter pants make a great travel option because they include a few important features, namely a zipper pocket and mobility gusset, that make them all-star travel chinos.

Photo via Rhone

And if you’re looking for an excellent belt option to go along with these pants, check out Arcade Belts on Amazon or directly on their site .

Mountain Hardwear Men’s AP Pant

Mountain Hardware is a well-known outdoor brand. I first heard about them because of their jackets. Their Hardwear AP™ pants are their flagship hiking and climbing pants. Can pants have a flagship model? I guess so!

They’re mostly cotton and nylon. Most people don’t like cotton for travel clothes, but I don’t mind it. I think that cotton gets better with age and is more comfortable. It doesn’t usually do well in wet weather, though.

What to expect wearing Mountain Hardwear AP™ Pants

You can expect normal pants-wearing-things with these. Aside from covering your legs, you’ll find zip pockets, articulated knees, reflective strips and a cell phone pocket. The reflective strips are useful when you roll up the bottoms of the pants. When you’re on a bike, it’s an extra protective measure for being seen in darker conditions.

Standout features for the Men's AP pant are that they look more like hiking pants that have a decent side, so that you can walk into a brewery after the hike during your trip, and avoid looking messy.

Public Rec Gameday Jogger

Public Rec is a ‘leisure for everywhere’ brand specializing in soft and breathable products for men. I tried out their “Gameday jogger,” which is a style tailored for travel and comfort.

At first glance, the Public Rec jogger looks like a tailored type of sweatpants, but it’s more than that. From far away, these pants look great. I almost wanted to wear these to work! Now that I work from home , I can wear them to work. There’s an elastic waistband with internal drawstring, along with front and back zipper pockets that you can keep some crucial items in during travel.

In order to not be confused with sweatpants, the joggers have a faux front fly for a more formal look. While you probably wouldn’t wear these right from the plane to a business meeting, you could for sure wear them for a day of sightseeing and feel pretty put-together.

The feel: The joggers are a spandex-nylon blend, which makes them breathable and not a bad choice if you’ll potentially be perspiring.

Do you need the Public Rec Every Day Joggers?

Probably. If you like to wear pants that are not jeans when you’re in transit, and if you still want to look decent, then yes: you need the Public Rec joggers for men.

The Public Rec jogger will be the closest thing you can find to a stretchy pair of pants that will be comfortable, won’t wrinkle and will look pretty okay after 24 hours in transit (like on a flight).

Another question is: do you need the Public Rec joggers for a woman in your life? Maybe you do! This is a pair of travel pants in this list that also has a women’s version: the women’s All Day Joggers from Public Rec , and my wife Becca approves of them.

Can you run in them?

Yes! In colder weather (below freezing) I like to run in pants. For me, shorts are ok as long as the temperatures are above freezing. On some of the coldest days of the year, I decided to research what types of pants to buy for cold weather running. I enjoyed all of the suggestions, but I like to utilize items that I already own.

I took the Public Rec Every Day Joggers out for a run and it was great! I stayed really warm, in fact, I was actually too warm at the end of my run.

There is a security pocket on the left side, which was perfect for holding my phone during my run. I typically have a lightweight running belt but it wasn’t needed when I was wearing these pants — all thanks to that pocket!

All Day Every Day Jogger

One of my favorite aspects of these joggers is that it's possible to work out in them, and also wear them on a plane and around a city. For joggers, they have a tapered and decent look to them, and come in nice colors.

Photo via Public Rec

Mugsy Travelers Pants

I got to learn about Mugsy and the travel jeans they’re making, so I tried them out. I think the standout part of these pants are the fabric: they’re lightweight-feeling, and kind of unique. A few things about the Mugsy pants are memorable: there’s the drawstring at the ankles, which makes them into joggers . I have to say, I’ve seen a lot of pants and I haven’t seen this before, so it made me say, “Wow.”

Then, there’s the hidden zipper pocket at the hip. While I have seen this type of travel feature before on men’s pants from other brands, it’s still one of my favorite highlights of a travel product. When Becca and I are on vacation or just out of town, she’ll remind me to put valuables in there so that they don’t fall out of my regular pockets.

Some shortfalls of the Mugsy Travelers Pants to mention: if I had to pick a shortfall it’s that when they’re not draw-corded into joggers for doing athletic activities, they’re a little on the baggy side. I like my jeans to be more of a slim fit, like my all-time favorite jeans from DUER. Learn more about this and more Mugsy products at my Mugsy brand review , and see what to know before ordering.

Travel pants that do it all, with a drawcord to convert them to joggers and a hidden side zipper pocket for valuables.

Photo via Mugsy

DUER Weightless Poplin AC Pant

If you’re looking for a weightless pair of pants for a trip, these might be the ones. The day I got my Weightless Poplin AC Pants , Becca folded them up into a little rectangle, just to see how compact they could get for when I put them in a packing cube for our next trip to Latin America.

Here is a quick rundown of what I like about these hyper-lightweight men’s pants from DUER:

• Hidden zipper pocket for valuables
• Drawstring closure PLUS button closure (two ways to close these pants)
• Vintage/retro style with a slight crop at the ankle, and neat back pockets
• A slight stretch: not too much, but a bit, and DUER’s signature gusset for avoiding breaking the crotch
• They ran true to size for me with the size M, and note: they come in 2 inseam lengths

Check out my photos of the details on these travel pants for your next warm-ish weather trip.

These poplin pants are so lightweight for travel packing, and come with a secret zip pocket.

Foehn Men’s Brise Schoeller Pant

These Brise Schoeller Pants are going to be your pick for active days on a trip. The pants are designed for everything. Because they are so adaptable, these may one of the only pair of pants you need to bring on a trip. I recomemend re-checking your size and desired fit on the product page because Foehn has updated their sizing for men.

My honest opinion on the Brise pants

To be quite honest, the Brise pants are not for me. I can’t get away with the rather “Euro” modern look that they’re meant for. I’m best suited for regular slim jeans like the ones above I talk about from Mott & Bow or DUER. For guys who want the unique stretch fabric of the Brise pants (it lends itself for outdoor activities) and the functional zipper styles, you’ll excel in these.

I also think the materials that Foehn uses are ideal for hot weather because they wick sweat and perspiration.

Men's Brise Schoeller® Pant

These travel pants are for everything! They're durable, versatile and ready to take any situation you throw at them.

Photo via Foehn

What features should you look out for when choosing your next pair of travel pants?

Zipper pockets can help keep your valuables safe.

No matter how careful you are, it’s always a possibility that you can get pick-pocketed. Zipper pockets are an easy way to protect yourself from someone reaching into your pockets and snatching your phone or wallet.

With everyday use, zipper pockets are also great for making sure you don’t lose valuable items that you keep in your pockets!

Depending on what you’re doing, you need to put a lot of trust into regular pockets for making sure you don’t lose anything. It’s really easy for a phone or wallet to slide out if you’re traveling all day and get up from a chair or bench. Having a little extra security can really go a long way.

What pants with zipper pockets do I recommend?

Check out a quick list of pants with zipper pockets. Even if you are not traveling, pants with zipper pockets truly help in all occasions. They are great for hiking, biking, commuting or walking around.

Pants with zipper pockets

• Bluffworks Check Availability
• Aviator Travel Jeans Check Availability
• Public Rec Every Day Jogger Check Availability
• Rhone Commuter Check Availability
• Foehn Brise Schoeller Pant Check Availability

Hidden pockets are an extra layer of protection

You might want hidden pockets (or inside) pockets if you really want to feel secure about keeping your valuables close to you. Alternatively, you could also look for a money belt.

Secret pockets are a great place to stash things like your travel documents, your keys or phone. Hidden pockets may also have a zipper that can help when you take off your pants and forget something is inside of the pockets.

Articulated knees make pants more comfortable

Having articulated knees built into pants is an interesting feature. They help to avoid having your pants bunched up or cutting off circulation. It makes it easier to go into a full squat as well. Having this feature in pants is a useful for hiking and going to the gym. The stitching pattern gives off a “travel pants” vibe.

I suspect that custom-fitting pants with articulated knees might introduce some challenges for the tailor (or Becca’s mom). For these types of pants, I take the stance that they’re specifically for hiking and that they don’t require any custom fitting.

Cell phone pockets protect your phone

I generally like cell phone pockets because it means more pockets for other things. When you travel, sometimes you have odd items. It’s not uncommon to have a passport with you while you’re out, or to have an oddly-shaped piece of paper. Using such a pocket for those items is often a better idea than using it for your cell phone.

Stretchy material

Any pants that have some type of spandex built into the fabric is a nice touch in making your pants more comfortable. You’ll see a benefit of extra mobility and the pants will be more forgiving for different situations.

Why should you trust me?

Pants are a staple item in my travel gear. I often travel with one pair of pants to help save space in my luggage. When I find a pair of pants that I like, I make that decision based on quality and functionality.

Additionally, I look for pants that provide utility, like to help prevent pickpockets !

I traveled long-term for a year in each of 2016-2017 and 2018-2019. I’ve traveled to 30+ countries and have lived out of only a backpack while working remotely for many months! I take travel pants seriously and I have used that knowledge to make this list.

Looking for more pants recommendations?

Becca wrote the best travel pants for women if you’d like to check out those recommendations! She has also traveled extensively and values travel pants that are versatile, high-quality and “do it all.”

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9 places in Kabardino-Balkaria every adventurer needs to visit (PHOTOS)

An amazing journey through the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria.

Together with local tour guide Artyem Babaritsky, we show you why this is one of the most underrated regions of Russia. According to Artem, the nature on the territory of Kabardino Balkaria is more “rigid” and “serious” than in the neighboring republics of the Caucasus. This is comparable to a human face: one moment it is kind and smiling (while we are in the Karachay-Cherkessia) and then suddenly this kind face starts to frown and becomes more severe.

The most famous attraction of the republic – and the Caucasus in general – is Mount Elbrus, the highest peak of the European continent. With a mighty height of 5,642 meters above sea level, Elbrus is actually a dormant volcano. Its permanent icecap feeds 22 glaciers, which, in turn, give rise to the Baksan, Kuban and Malka rivers.

Naturally, if you’re into mountain climbing, this is a peak that you will want to conquer at least once in your lifetime. Here are some detailed accounts of what it entails.

And this is what you’ll see along the way.

Not into mountain climbing? Not to worry! In summer, you can still reach an altitude of 3,658 meters from the bottom of the Azau Valley, thanks to a small network of cable cars and ski lifts. This will give you a bird’s eye view of the entire Main Caucasus Ridge – an extremely impressive sight to behold. And, of course, you’ll be right at the foot of the Elbrus glacier.

In winter, skiers and snowboarders can shred some sweet gnar on 23 kilometers of slopes serviced by 6 ski lifts. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 2,350 and 3,840 meters. There are plenty of accommodation options for a comfortable stay and a good selection of cafes and restaurants to refuel your energy supplies.

2. Dzhily-su

Translated from the local language, “Dzhily-su” means “warm waters”. The Tract is located on the slopes of the heart of the Caucasus at an altitude of about 2,400 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Mount Elbrus on a clear day. On the territory of Dzhily-su, there are many unique mineral springs that aid in healing from various diseases and strengthening the body.

“It’s an amazing sensation when you lie in a warm mineral bath and dozens of small bubbles rise around you. Also, Dzhily-su is the land of waterfalls that bear beautiful male names like Sultan, Emir and Shah. Thanks to the unusual energy, esoterics are particularly fond of this place, because there are natural sand castles, amazing stone mushrooms and the energetic mountains Sirkh and Tuzluk,” Artyem says.

The road to Dzhily-su is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Russia: It’s a serpentine-like asphalt mountain road that follows along a huge cliff, over which you will see many eagles circling. If you decide to do the trip on your own, Artyem warns that you must get hold of an off road vehicle, because many of the roads that you will need to take are dusty gravel roads. 

3. Chegem Canyon, Gorge, Waterfalls and Paragliding 

This is one of the main tourist attractions of Kabardino-Balkaria and it’s not hard to see why.

“The views that stretch along the Chegem gorge are simply amazing. The Chegem gorge is quite big. You will begin your encounter with this area with the beautiful Chegem waterfalls that cascade down the rocky slope. Right at the foot of the rocks, there is a small market where local women sell various hand woven wool products. There is a ‘ladder of happiness’ consisting of two 222 steps, leading to the source of the waterfalls at the top of the cliff. Climbing it is not at all difficult, the views are amazing and there is a cozy cafe at the top, as well as at the bottom, where you can enjoy dishes of national cuisine,” Artyem says.

In winter, the Chegem waterfalls freeze and have a certain wild beauty to them. Some locals say that, perhaps, they are even more beautiful than in the summer. Ice pillars and columns of frozen jets and streams of water, like giant twisted candles, or stalactites, hang down all the way to the river.

There is no more asphalt road beyond the waterfalls, but you can still continue along the gorge on gravel, along the turbulent Chegem River. The road is very dusty, so Artyem advises visitors to drive along it in a car with closed windows and the air conditioning on. After about 30 kilometers, you will arrive at a paragliding station.

According to Artyem, the Chegem paragliding station is famous for its powerful, ascending wind currents. Thanks to them, paragliders can soar in the sky from morning to evening. On the territory of the station, there is also a zip line and a few other adrenaline-filled activities for those looking for some thrills. 

4. El-TyuByu

If time permits, you can continue moving along the Chegem gorge and arrive at the village of El-TuByu, a place with enormous history. This mysterious ancient Balkarian village is the focal point of the history of the entire Balkaria. Ancient watchtowers, remains of Greek temples and anomalous phenomena attract both adventure seekers and connoisseurs of beauty. The main highrise, the Balkarukov Tower, is also dubbed the ‘Tower of Love’. Legend has it that Akhtugan Balkarukov built it to defend against the relatives of the beautiful Kerime, stolen by him from Dagestan.

Not far from the village, two ancient defensive Greek stairs go up a rocky wall. They rise to a height of about 30 meters and lead to a small area surrounded by walls up to two meters high and about half a meter thick. A bit above the Greek stairs are the ancient Balkar mausoleums, where local nobility were buried in the VIII-XVIII centuries. Artyem advises to go with a tour guide, because there is just so much incredible history in this village. 

5. Valley of the Narzans

The Valley of the Narzans is a balneoclimatic resort area. It is located in the foothills of the northern slope of the Skalisty Ridge of the Greater Caucasus, in the Khasaut River valley, at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level (near the border with Karachay-Cherkessia).

What is Narzan water? It takes six years for the water from the melting snow in the mountains to become Narzan water. It needs this time to find its way through the fissures and cracks in the underground rocks, become enriched by more than 20 minerals and salts, congregate in the underground lakes and then appear on the surface as a spring. In the local language, its name sounds like “Nart-san-e”, which means “a drink of brave warriors”.

Visitors can come with empty bottles and fill them with different kinds of mineral water. The territory of the valley also has cafes with local delicacies and plenty of souvenir stands, where the local women sell traditional knitwear, mountain honey and other arts and crafts and delicacies from the region. 

6. Shadkhurei Karst Lakes

The two lakes - Lower and Upper Shadkhuei - are still little researched. Underwater currents, turmoils and a large network of underwater canals prevent scientists from doing deeper research. The estimated depth of each lake is more than 200 meters, though there is no data yet on the actual depth.

“This is a great place to spend some time, especially during the summer months. The water temperature is kept at the same level all year round – about +15 degrees Celsius. The two lakes are located close to each other and fascinate visitors with their magical colors, luring them into their emerald water,” Artyem says.

In Artyem’s experience, only with rare exceptions, no visitor can resist the urge to plunge into the water. Even without bathing accessories, both ladies and gents make it their priority to jump into the turquoise waters. Around the lakes there are a few gazebos so you can easily stay for the whole day, have a picnic and swim in the lakes to your heart’s content.

7. Chateau Erken

A little piece of Europe in the middle of the Caucasus Mountains, Chateau Erken is a majestic pseudo castle in the Romanesque style (it was actually built in the 1990s) surrounded by about 1,000 hectares of vineyards.

“If you want to have a relaxing day, try experiencing the fairy tale that is Chateau Erken. It stands right on the water and is absolutely stunning. There is also the option to do some wine tasting inside,” Artyem says. 

8. Upper Balkaria, Blue Lake and Aushiger Thermal Springs

These three places make for an easy day trip, because of their proximity to one another. Start your journey at the Blue Lake . The deep blue waters of this stunning lake, hidden in Russia’s Caucasus mountains, are shrouded in mystery. It’s uninhabited by fish and avoided by locals, but, in recent years, it’s become a popular site for tourists.

After soaking in the lake’s beauty, continue onwards to Upper Balkaria, which is just several kilometers away along the Cherek gorge. This is a small ancient village that almost seems like it’s hiding from the outside world. Architectural monuments, defensive towers, graves and ground crypts have been preserved there. Upper Balkaria serves as an excellent example of Balkarian life and culture. You’ll learn a lot about the ancient auls (Caucasian mountain or desert settlements) and Balkarian settlements from different historical periods. 

On the left bank of the Cherek River, in the village of Aushiger, there are a few healing hot springs. The territory of the health resort includes a healing lake, an open reservoir and indoor baths.

9. Adyr-su Gorge

“This place can be reached by car, mostly by asphalt road. Then, the car drives into a special lift, together with people and climbs up along the cliff. What a sight this is! There is a border control here, so it’s a good idea to have some ID on you,” Artyem cautions.

After driving along a relatively easy dirt road, you will get to a mountain climbing base. From there, you can take part in some light trekking, 4 kilometers there and back. Adventurers also have the opportunity to make a wish in the Valley of Desires, see waterfalls, go to the glacier and the huge, magical mountain Ulu Tau, which means “Mother Mountain”. Finish up the hike at the Silver Spring.

“Here, you can always encounter wild mustangs, they always come to graze on the beautiful meadows of lush grass and drink the healing water from the spring. The spring is the source of incredible strength - locals say that whoever plunges into it three times will be healed of many diseases,” Artyem boasts.

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Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria: More than Mt. Elbrus!

If you’ve traveled to the North Caucasus before, there is a good chance you’ve already been to Kabardino-Balkaria, and you didn’t even know it!  Kabardino-Balkaria lies in the center of the North Caucasus region, is home to Mt. Elbrus, but more than that is a treasure chest of travel possibilities.  Here is our guide to traveling through the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, or 9 travel tips to this beautiful land:

1. How do I get there?

Kabardino-Balkaria hosts a large number of both foreign and Russian travelers every year, and has an improving infrastructure able to handle the incoming masses.  Let’s start with the obvious.  You might be a mountain climber or skier coming to enjoy the slopes of Mt. Elbrus.  That means you’re likely arriving on an airplane to Russia.  Here are your travel options:

A. Plane – We advise you fly into the Mineralni Vodi (MRV) airport in the Stavropol Region, which is about 45 minutes from the border of Kabardino-Balkaria.  MRV is the largest airport in the North Caucasus, and has daily direct flights to and from all 3 airpots in Moscow (SVO, DME, and VKO), direct flights from St. Petersburg, and several international flight routes as well, including from Istanbul, Dubai, Greece, Tel Aviv, and Bishkek.  The MRV airport has a growing infrastructure and is the most obvious choice to fly into if going to Elbrus.  From MRV, it’s a 2 hr. drive to Nalchik, and a 3.5 hr. drive to Mt. Elbrus.

That being said, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik (NAL), also has a small regional airport with a daily flight to/from Moscow as well as weekly flights to Istanbul. As is to be expected in most smaller, regional airports around Russia, the service standard at a small airport like this will be minimal.  As a result, we recommend you flying in and out of MRV if able.  It’s a 2 hr. drive to Elbrus from Nalchik.  You can also fly into other regional airports which are 2 hrs. from Nalchik, such as OGZ in North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz) or IGT in Ingushetia (Magas).

B.  Car/Public Transport – If you have a car, are using a taxi, or are hitch-hiking your way to Kabardino-Balkaria, the region is accessible by a variety of roads and vehicles.  A major Russian federal highway E50 runs through Pyatigorsk into Kabardino-Balkaria, and can take you towards Mt. Elbrus, Nalchik, and deeper into the North Caucasus.  There are daily mini-buses, or “marshrutkas”, that travel to Nalchik from Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Grozny, and Magas, if you’re coming from a neighboring republic.  From the main Nalchik bus station, there is a marshrutka that goes to Terskol (i.e. Mt. Elbrus) daily around 12:30 pm; for that matter,  marshrutkas run daily into every valley of this beautiful republic.  For the seasoned international traveler, you can drive from the country of Georgia up the famed “Georgian Military Highway” through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, cross the border into Russia at the “Verkhni Lars” border stop, and be in Nalchik in about 2.5 hours as well. 

Anyone traveling on their own should download the “Yandex” taxi app, which is Russia’s version of Uber, and has a very user-friendly app with affordable prices.  In smaller villages/towns where Yandex’s service doesn’t reach, just ask a local and they’ll direct you to a friend or relative who can taxi you where you need to go!

C.  Train – Kabardino-Balkaria is also very accessible by the famous cross-country Russian train system if that’s your preferred method of travel.  Almost all trains to the North Caucasus pass through Mineralni Vodi in the Stavropol region to the north, so make sure wherever you are coming from, Mineralni Vodi is one of the stops.  Despite Nalchik having a train station, the city is about 45 minutes from the main railway route that runs diagonal through the North Caucasus, and as a result it’s a bit convoluted to get a train directly to Nalchik.  That being said, the town Prokhladni is a regular stop on trains going to/coming from Baku, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nazran, and Vladikavkaz, so you can always hop off there and find your way by public transport or taxi.

2.  What are the best places to stay?

This list could get exhaustive, fast. 🙂  Let’s first look at an overview of the republic’s geography, followed by hotel recommendations:

A. Nalchik – This is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, with a population of around 250,000.  Nalchik is growing and new, modern hotels are being built regularly.  Here are some of our recommendations:

-Modern and comfortable:  Azimut , Butik Otel

-Budget with less frills:  Hotel Rossia , Korona

You could comfortably spend a week in Nalchik, while doing day trips into Kabardino-Balkaria’s beautiful mountain valleys.

B.  Baksan Valley – This is the most traveled road in Kabardino-Balkaria, the road to Mt. Elbrus.  If you have questions about its safety because of travel warnings, please see our detailed blog here of the drive to erase any doubts or fears.  Needless to say, because of the draw of Mt. Elbrus, there are a huge variety of lodging options at the end of this valley, from 4-star to mid-range to budget to hostel.  Here are just a few we’ll recommend from our experience:

-Modern and comfortable 4-star-ish:  Azau Star , Kristall 139

-Budget with less frills 3-star-ish:   Laguna , Povorot

If you’re a mountain climber with your sites set on the summit of Elbrus, you’ll have to spend at least 3-4 nights at Elbrus’s famous base camp at 13,000 feet.  The “barrel huts” are not easy to book directly with, and we highly recommend you do your climb (and hence, have your bookings handled) through a trusted climbing company.  Here are two shelters at base camp we recommend:

-Modern and comfortable:  Leaprus

-Budget with less frills:  Heart of Elbrus Lodge

If you’re interested in climbing Mt. Elbrus and staying in these barrel huts, click  here  to see our climbing itineraries, pricing, and group dates.

C.  Chegem Valley – Chegem Valley is the adjacent valley to Elbrus’s Baksan Valley, and is famous for its beautiful waterfalls as well as being Russia’s top paragliding location.  The “ Paradrome ” has modest accommodations for those wanting to get to know this beautiful valley for a longer period of time.

D.  Upper Balkaria, or Cherek Valley – This is another beautiful mountain gorge not too far from Nalchik.  There is an authentic lodging complex in Upper Balkaria called Tau-El, with amazing local food for meals as well.

E.  Border Zone lodging – Several of Kabardino-Balkaria’s mountain gorges run into the border zone with neighboring country Georgia, i.e. an area that foreigners cannot enter without a special permit from the local government (often taking 2 months to receive).  There is a famous mountaineering lodge in Bezengi Valley, where several generations of Russian mountain climbers have honed their craft in the Caucasus Mountains.  Perpendicular to Baksan Valley (about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus) is Adyr-Suu Valley, where there is a lodge for back-country skiers to stay, while trying their hands (and feet!) on the untouched snow of that valley.  Both these valleys require border permits for foreigners, but are possible to access for the more adventurous!

3.  Top cities to visit?

Most locals would agree that Nalchik is the main city of significance to visit in Kabardino-Balkaria, but let’s be honest, even more would say, “Just go to the mountains!”  Tirnauz is the capital of the Elbrus district, and is an interesting town to spend some time in, with its unique location in the mountains and place in Soviet history as a once-booming mining town.  The main thing to consider in visiting Nalchik and other cities in the lowlands, is the chance to experience Kabardian culture and food.  Whereas the deeper you go into the valleys, the more you’ll encounter Balkar culture and food.

4.  Best local foods to try?

There are 3 types of food that come to mind, when spending time in Kabardino-Balkaria:

A. Khychiny – This is one of the staple national dishes of the Balkar people, and what you’ll inevitably be served if guests of local Balkars.  It’s a thin buttery flat bread, sometimes cooked with fillings of cottage cheese, fresh greens, or potatoes.  It is often slathered in butter, but wow is that some tasty greasy goodness! 🙂

B.  Shashlik – Shashlik is a MUST for any visit anywhere in the North Caucasus!  Most people would agree that it’s the national food of the entire region.  Shashlik is meat shish kabobs; while pork and turkey can be found in some parts of the Caucasus, lamb or chicken are the preferred shashlik meats of choice in Kabardino-Balkaria. 

C.  Soup – No matter where you are in Russia, you’re sure to find a local soup that people love.  Kabardino-Balkaria is no different.  Especially in the winter months in the mountain valleys, there’s nothing better than to come inside from the cold weather and warm your body up to a bowl of hearty Caucasus soup.  Whether Georgian kharcho or local Balkar lakhman, make sure to try your hand at one of these soups with a side of fresh baked bread/lavash!

5.  Top Hole-In-The-Wall restaurants:

Of course, for a republic of this size, we’re bound to leave at least a few great local joints off our list, but here are a few to get you started. ***Note:  Restaurants in the North Caucasus are much better known for their food than their service, so prepare for tasty food, but manage your expectations about service:

-Elbrus – Kogutai Restaurant at Mt. Cheget – While this isn’t a hole-in-the-wall restaurant per se, it’s one of many to choose from in the Cheget tourist village, and we have found them to provide consistently good food and service.  Kogutai has a nice interior, and maybe most important, an English-language menu with good pictures. 🙂  There also is a nice outdoor patio with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

-Nalchik #1 – Tameris Restaurant – This is a cafe with a relaxed atmosphere in the capital Nalchik.  Local tour company Elbrus Elevation has taken foreign groups there on multiple occasions and always had good experiences.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 3. 

-Nalchik #2 – Cafe-Bar Oasis – You have to know where this restaurant is to find it, but once inside, you won’t regret it!  There is a unique cafeteria-style ordering process, that includes several dishes being cooked on the spot once ordered.  You can sample local Kabardian dishes here.  The seating area is very modern and a pleasant atmosphere to have a meal in.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 2. 

-Upper Balkaria – Tau-El Restaurant – This is the restaurant part of the Tau-El Tourist Complex in Upper Balkaria.  Whether spending the night or just passing through, make sure to stop here for a meal!

6.  Must-See Sites

This republic is so chock full of “must-see” destinations, it’s impossible to narrow the list down.  Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: (***Mt. Elbrus is a no-brainer and we’re assuming that’s on your list)

A. El-Tyubu and Paradrome – This is an amazing area towards the end of Chegem Valley.  Many tourists visit the famous Chegem Waterfalls and don’t drive any further down this gorge, which really is a shame.  El-Tyubu is a picturesque Balkar village with several historical sites to see, including some ancient mausoleums.  The real gem of the area, though, is the Paradrome , which is Russia’s premier paragliding destination.  The combination of the scenic surrounding mountains and constant winds produces almost daily conditions to sail through the beautiful Caucasus sky.  Highly recommend!

B.  Upper Balkaria – Also known as Cherek Valley, the entire drive to the actual village of Upper Balkaria is one big destination.  First, you can spend time at the 3 consecutive “ Blue Lakes ”, one of which is one of Russia’s deepest lakes with an underground spring.  Then, the drive itself becomes an adventure, as you pass by steep rock walls with a huge drop-off on the other side.  If you’re able to walk this part of the road, that is a bonus!  Once you’ve made your way through the valley walls, the region opens up into a beautiful panoramic view.  Many years ago, there were multiple villages in this region, but they’ve since been condensed into one main village.  You can see some of the ancient Balkar towers that their ancestors used to live in as well.

C.  Djili-Suu – Although hard to pronounce and not easy to get to, Djili-Suu is one of those places in the North Caucasus that people rave about that you “have to” visit.  It’s actually on the North side of Mt. Elbrus, and more accessible from the Mineral Waters region (2 hrs. from Kislovodsk).  The base camp for Elbrus climbers summiting the mountain from the North side is at Djili-Suu.  This area is famous in Russia for its numerous natural healing springs, as well as unique climate conditions that make for beneficial, long holidays for seeking a respite from their daily grind.  There are wide swaths of land available for camping, with probably the most unrivaled views of Mt. Elbrus in the North Caucasus.  Make sure to check this out!

7.  Off-the-beaten path destinations

A. King’s Waterfalls (Tsarskie), or Gedmisht – Probably the valley in Kabardino-Balkaria with the least amount of hype is the Malka Valley, which is the northernmost valley and mainly runs through the Kabardian lowlands.  At the point where the villages end, though (Khabas), the asphalt turns into dirt and the hills start to rise, culminating with the incredible King’s Waterfalls, or as one friend put it, Avatar Waterfalls.  These stunning waterfalls are best visited in the early summer, when everything is lush green and the water flow is strong, with many streams of water flowing down the earth’s surface.  The different colors are incredible and it’s hard to look away.  Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfalls, enjoy a meal of shashlik at one of the nearby lunch huts.  Having an off-road vehicle is ideal to visit these falls, but worth the time and effort!

B.  One-seater chair lift at Elbrus – As the infrastructure at Mt. Elbrus has modernized, some of the more “authentic” experiences have gone to the way-side.  This is one experience still available, though!  From the 2nd (11,000 ft.) to 3rd level (12,500 ft.) of Mt. Elbrus (whether skiing, going to base camp, or just touring), there is a single-seater chair lift for 100 rubles each way (less than $2).  This is an amazing experience if you have the time.  It’s 8-10 minutes each way, and a surreal experience of the majestic Caucasus mountain range surrounding you, skiers silently passing you by underneath, and in general enjoying the silent expanse of nature all around.  The chair lifts are from the Soviet times and so it feels like something from a different era.  For mountain climbers, the newer group cable car gives better access to most of base camp, but several huts are pretty close to this chair lift, so it still may be a good option for you.

C.  Abandoned Mines above Tirnauz – Tirnauz is about 1 hr. from Mt. Elbrus, and a town everyone drives through to and from the mountain.  Although today it looks old and half-abandoned, it was a booming mining town in the 20th century.  About a 45-minute drive above the city with an off-road vehicle, you can see the remains of the mining operations.  Learning about this history combined with the breath-taking views of the Baksan Valley and even into Georgia, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t visiting this place.  This is a great spot to see eagles soaring in the sky, as well as admire the Soviet city plan of Tirnauz from above.

8.  What do I need border zone passes to visit?

In Russia, any area within 5-10 km of a neighboring country, without a clearly delineated border (i.e. in the mountains) is considered a special border zone, and patrolled by Russian border guards.  This area IS accessible to all Russian citizens with their passports, but is NOT legally accessible to foreign citizens UNLESS you have a special permit from the FSB (Federal Security Bureau).  These permits are accessible, either through a tour operator or local friend, but require you to submit your application 45-60 days in advance.

Areas in Kabardino-Balkaria that are worth a visit if you have a border zone pass:

A.  Bezengi Wall – This is at the end of the Bezengi Valley, and holds a place of lore among Russian mountain climbers.  Many mountain guides go through training in this valley.  Five of the Caucasus Mountain’ range’s highest seven peaks are a part of the Bezengi Wall, so you can imagine the draw it has for climbers. There are great areas for trekking and camping in this area. 

B.  Adyr-Suu Gorge – This remote valley runs perpendicular to Baksan Valley and is about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus.  It’s marked at the entrance by a relic of the past, a car lift from Soviet days that auto-cranks your car (and you) about 50 meters up the mountain.  After 45-60 minutes of driving on gravel road, the gorge opens up into a flat valley with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.  The Adyr-Suu Alpine Lodge is at the end of this valley and where back-country skiers base out of during the acclimatization phase of their Mt. Elbrus ski tours.  This is truly a place where you can experience untouched powder!

C.  Mt. Cheget (Elbrus) – Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Mt. Elbrus and where many climbers will acclimatize, both at its base and while doing some hikes.  It also is famous in Russia for its free-ride terrain for more experienced skiers.  Standard access to the chair lifts and mountain are available to all (i.e. mountain climbers don’t need to worry about accidentally crossing into the zone), but anyone wanting to summit the peak of Cheget OR visit the beautiful Cheget Lake needs a border permit. 

Foreigners violating the border zone areas is considered a serious offense in Russia; make sure to do your due diligence if wanting to visit one of these areas!  We highly recommend using a local tour operator and always traveling with a local person if visiting one of these areas.

9.  Any cultural “do’s” or “don’t’s” to be aware of

Kabardino-Balkaria is a fascinating republic with a combination of traditional and modern society.  The more you interact with local people, the more you’ll see a mixture of Muslim faith, post-Soviet mentality, and ancient local traditions all wrapped together.   

Kabardians mainly live in the lowlands (Nalchik, Baksan, and lowland villages), while Balkars primarily live in the mountain valleys (Elbrus, Chegem, Upper Balkaria, etc.).  There is a large population of Russians in the region as well.  Foreigners visit every area of the region regularly, and so local people are used to and will welcome your presence.

Come with an open mind to learn about these peoples, their traditions, and their land.  You won’t regret your trip to Kabardino-Balkaria!

***Want to learn more?  Here are several self-published resources from the podcast “ CaucasTalk ” related to Kabardino-Balkaria:

– Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria (audio version of this blog)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 1)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 2)

– Interview with Local Elbrus guide

– Climbing Elbrus: Interview with American guide

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 1)

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 2)

– Skiing in the North Caucasus (Elbrus and more)

READY TO EXPERIENCE KABARDINO-BALKARIA FOR YOURSELF?

Where to find us.

• +1 704-810-4296
• [email protected]
• 1578 Pine Creek Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056

Travel Information

• We no longer offer travel services to Russia. See Caucasus Quest Tours for new destinations
• Is it Safe to Travel to the Caucasus in 2024?
• Climbing Kazbek & Kilimanjaro: Comparing two 5,000+ meter peaks
• How to Train to climb Mt. Kazbek in Georgia

Our Elbrus Climbing Tours

• Climb Elbrus South Route
• Climb Elbrus North Route
• Climb Elbrus & The Capitals
• Climb Elbrus & The Caucasus

Russia Cultural Tours

• Capitals of Russia
• Lake Baikal on Ice
• Delightful Dagestan
• Heart of the Caucasus

ALL Travel Services to Russia and Mt. Elbrus have been indefinitely suspended as of Feb. 2022.

Explore our new tour branch Caucasus Quest to climb Mt. Kazbek (5,054 meters) in Georgia or for immersive cultural touring experiences in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.