Women's Departure Ankle Pants - Stretch, Moisture-Wicking Travel Pant

In this review the Eddie Bauer Women's Departure Ankle Pants earn their place as a practical travel and active daily pant for women who want lightweight comfort with performance features. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of the brand's Flexion stretch-woven fabric with built-in moisture wicking and 50+ UPF sun protection, which makes the pants equally useful on long plane rides, hiking, or simply running errands under the sun. The reviewer found them easy to pack, comfortable for extended wear, and reliable at shedding light moisture.

Key Features

• Flexion stretch-woven technology: provides reliable four-way movement so the pant stretches with activity and keeps its shape after repeated wear.
• FreeDry moisture wicking: pulls sweat to the fabric surface to help skin stay drier during warm-weather walks or layered workouts.
• FreeShade 50+ UPF protection: shields skin from sun exposure so these pants double as sun-safe travel gear for outdoor days.
• Secure zip back pocket: gives a safe place for a key or card when you want to travel light without a bag.
• Front hand pockets: provide everyday convenience for small items or a quick place to warm hands.
• Lightweight polyester blend: packs small and dries quickly, making the pant a practical choice for weeklong trips.

Who It's For

The Departure Ankle Pants are best for women who need a versatile travel or active pant that balances comfort, sun protection, and moisture control. Hikers, frequent flyers, and anyone who prefers easy-care garments for day trips will appreciate the lightweight polyester stretch and zip pocket for essentials.

Those seeking heavy insulation, formal office trousers, or compression leggings should look elsewhere, as these pants are designed for breathability and mobility rather than structured suiting or firm athletic compression.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable stretch fabric that moves with the body for all-day wear.
• Effective moisture wicking keeps skin feeling drier in warm conditions.
• Built-in 50+ UPF offers reliable sun protection for outdoor use.
• Secure zip back pocket and front hand pockets add everyday convenience.

Cons

• Lightweight polyester may feel thin for colder weather and is not insulating.
• Design is casual and not suitable for formal or tailored dress codes.

Specifications

Material	100% Polyester stretch-woven
Closure	Zipper closure
Care	Machine wash
Stretch Technology	Flexion stretch-woven
Moisture Control	FreeDry moisture wicking
Sun Protection	FreeShade 50+ UPF
Pockets	Front hand pockets and secure zip back pocket

Our Verdict

The Eddie Bauer Women's Departure Ankle Pants are a strong value for travelers and active women who want a lightweight, packable pant with stretch, moisture management, and solid sun protection. They excel as everyday travel or outdoor pants and are worth buying if you prioritize comfort and utility over formal styling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these pants good for travel?
Yes. The lightweight polyester, stretch fabric, moisture wicking, and secure zip pocket make them well suited for packing and multi-day travel.

Do they provide sun protection?
Yes. The fabric includes FreeShade 50+ UPF to reduce UV exposure during outdoor activities.

How should I care for them?
They are machine washable and designed to dry quickly, making them easy to maintain while traveling.