Cargo Pants Are My Sneaky Hack for Saving Carry-on Space—Shop My 10 Favorite Options

As a travel writer who refuses to pay a checked bag fee, I've learned to get creative when it comes to maximizing my carry-on space. Compression cubes, four-in-one portable chargers, stuffable neck pillows—you name it. I've tried nearly every space-saving hack in the books. One of my favorite ways to squeeze in additional packing space has nothing to do with my bag, but with my airport outfit. Enter: cargo pants. Not only do they make me look as cool as Kim Possible, the multi-pocket silhouette helps me stash essentials I couldn't cram into the sides of my carry-on.
Currently a trending style, cargo pants aren't just great for flying, though. They're my go-to travel pant style—great for hiking, walking tours, and casual outings. Curious to see which I'm considering as additions to my current travel wardrobe? Keep scrolling to see the lightweight, warm weather-appropriate cargo pants I'm eyeing for summer. These cargo hiking pants, cargo sweatpants, and cargo trousers deliver on function and style—with prices starting as low as $10 at Amazon.
These parachute cargo pants remind me of one of my favorite pairs of hiking pants: The REI Co-op Trail Made Pull-on Pants. Both pairs have a sporty, adjustable bungee cord waistband and are made with a lightweight, quick-drying material well-suited for trails. I especially like that these Copyleaf cargo pants have adjustable bungee cord ankle cuffs, too, allowing them to transform from wide-leg pants into baggy joggers. The best part? They're only $25 when you apply the on-site coupon.
On top of two side pockets at the hips, these have two additional pockets on each leg, giving you a total of six deep pockets for storage. Made from a stretchy, lightweight polyester-spandex blend, these have earned hundreds of glowing five-star reviews. One Amazon shopper wrote that it's like wearing a purse, but on your body. Another reviewer called them 'such a steal' for the discounted $20 price. 'I have worn them to work, on stage, to the gym, grocery store, even fell asleep in them,' they wrote. 'I traveled in them as well. I want them in more colors!'
These stretchy, figure-hugging cargo pants have a versatile style that can be worn from the trail to a date night out. Unlike other pants on this list, these have a classic zip-fly front and belt loops around the waist, allowing you to accessorize with your favorite belt. Out of the eight functional pockets available—the most of any pair on this list, mind you—my favorite is the front-facing zippered pocket on the right hip, perfectly-sized to fit a large smartphone.
Just like the aforementioned option from Moosehill, these cargo pants look more like trousers than hiking pants. They've still got plenty of functional pockets—six, to be exact—but are cute enough to style with a button-down shirt, blouse, or crop top. Made with a medium linen-blend cotton fabric that makes them 'somehow still great in the summer when it's warm out,' according to one five-star reviewer. 'I'm never too cold or too hot,' they add.
Over 1,000 Amazon shoppers have given these cargo pants a perfect five-star rating, and considering they're cute and decked out in functional details, I can understand why. Complete with five zippered pockets, adjustable drawcord ankles, a drawstring waistband, and made with a stretchy, UPF 50+ protective fabric, these sun-shielding pants were practically built for summer travel.
Available in 13 colors in sizes up to 3XL, these jogger-style cargo pants are lightweight, quick-drying, and stretchy, making them well-suited for walking, hiking, and any activity in between. On top of two deep, velcro-flap thigh pockets, these have zippered side pockets, keeping your essentials safely squared away. One Amazon shopper originally bought these for camping purposes, but now calls them the 'best pants' they own. 'They are great for travel because they don't wrinkle when packed,' they continue. 'I have these in four colors and love them all.'
These flowy, breezy palazzo pants combine the storage of cargos with the cool breeziness of beach pants. One five-star reviewer shared that the 100 polyester material is lightweight and wrinkle-free, meaning you can throw them in your suitcase without having to pack a portable steamer. Easy to dress up or down with sandals, sneakers, or wedges, these Evaless pants work double-duty in any summer travel wardrobe.
I've had these ridiculously popular Libin cargo jogger pants on my radar for a while now, so I'm pumped to see that the brand has released a straight-leg version. They have many of the same features as the aforemention jogger style—including UPF 50+ sun protection, five functional pockets, and an adjustable, elastic waistband—but have straight pant legs that can be cinched to turn them into joggers, giving you two pant styles in one.
Just like my favorite cargo sweatpants from FB County, these Specialmagic lounge pants have deep, functional leg pockets that come with a velcro flap to keep essentials from falling out. While sweatpants are typically ultra thick and best reserved for fall and winter, these are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for summer travel.
These Grapent wide-leg cargo pants have made their way into my Amazon cart for a few reasons. For one, the wide legs taper down at the ankle, but only have elastic stretch on the back; this adds shape to the front of the pant legs with a sleek, barrel jean-esque silhouette. It's also made of a breathable cotton-twill fabric—and two percent elastane, which provides just enough stretch. And finally, they're a whopping 68 percent off right now—marking them down to just $10.
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