Bluffworks Ascender Chinos Review: Travel Pants That Look Like Real Chinos
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Around two years ago, I started properly reviewing travel trousers, and I’ll admit it: I was completely seduced by the concept. One pair of pants you can wear on the plane, walk all day in, and still look sharp enough for a restaurant in the evening? On paper, that’s exactly what I want.
But in real life, I’ve often struggled to find travel trousers that genuinely replace a good pair of chinos. Maybe it’s my height, maybe it’s how I’m built, but a lot of “travel” pants I’ve tried have had the same issues: they run too long even in the shortest inseam, they can feel tight or awkward around the thighs, and some fabrics make that slightly synthetic swish noise when you walk: once you notice it, you can’t un-hear it.
My lifestyle is also the perfect test for this category. I work from home as a full-time blogger, I’m always on the move between school runs, walking my dog Marlow, and travelling whenever I can. I’ve just come back from Paris, and I also had a very long day at Disneyland Paris, the kind of day where you’re walking for hours, sitting for short breaks, constantly moving, and you need trousers that stay comfortable from morning to night without looking like “gym gear”.
That’s why I was genuinely excited to test the Bluffworks Ascender Chinos in Voyager Grey. I previously reviewed the Bluffworks Departure Jeans and loved them, so my expectations are high. If any brand can pull off that sweet spot( travel-level comfort with a proper chino look ) I’m hoping it’s Bluffworks.
How I tested the Bluffworks Ascender Chinos
I tested the Ascender Chinos like I test any travel trousers: real-life wear, long walking days, sitting for work, and outfits that need to look smart without sacrificing comfort. I also paid attention to the little details that usually make or break “travel” pants for me.
Quick verdict
Fit & sizing
Yes, I’ll admit it: I’ve put on a bit of weight lately, and I’m now stuck in that annoying “between sizes” zone. You know the one: one size feels a touch too tight, the next size up feels too roomy. And with travel trousers, it can be even trickier because stretchy fabrics sometimes relax during the day and end up looking baggy, losing their shape and their clean chino look.
So with the Ascender Chinos, I kept it simple. I chose the Regular Fit and went with my usual size: 34 waist and 28" length and honestly, the fit is spot on.
The waist feels great, and the fact it’s slightly elasticated really helps with comfort without making the trousers look “stretchy” or casual. The length is bang on, and the thighs feel comfortable, no tightness, no restriction, and none of that awkward pulling when you sit down.
Bluffworks also offers a really wide range of sizes, and I simply followed their sizing guide. In my case, it was accurate and reassuringly straightforward. Very happy with the fit.
Comfort (walking, sitting, real life)
The first thing I noticed is how good the fabric feels and how different it feels compared to some other travel trousers I’ve worn. If I have to compare, the Western Rise (another brand that specialises in travel pants) fabric feels thinner and more “technical”, while Bluffworks feels more premium and closer to what I actually want from chinos.
I have the Voyager Grey, and the colour is genuinely stunning. The Midnight Navy looks great too. I am a grey or navy type of guy, those are the shades that work with almost everything in my wardrobe.
As soon as I tried them on, a few things became obvious: they fit perfectly, they’re incredibly comfortable, and they don’t have that annoying “swishy” noise that some travel fabrics make when you walk. That might sound like a small detail, but once you’ve worn travel trousers that rustle every time you move, you start paying attention.
Day to day, I spend a lot of hours at my desk working, and the Ascender Chinos stay comfortable while sitting and importantly they keep their shape. I also drive quite a bit because I’ve got four kids at different schools, so comfort behind the wheel matters more than people think. These are excellent for that: no tightness, no digging in, just easy comfort.
But my life isn’t only about sitting down. I’m out walking my lovely spaniel Marlow most days, and I’m always moving around taking photos and videos. Last week we went to Paris for my wife’s birthday and we spent a full day at Disneyland Paris, and of course I wore the Ascender Chinos. Honestly, it was the best choice I could’ve made. Long walking days are where trousers usually start to annoy you, but these stayed comfortable from start to finish.
And yes, I’ll say it again: Voyager Grey is a stunning colour.
Travel performance
The Bluffworks Ascender Chinos are travel trousers first and foremost, and even though they look great for everyday life (office, weekends, smart-casual), they’re genuinely outstanding when you use them as travel pants.
They’re extremely easy to fold and pack, and they come out looking clean: no wrinkles whatsoever in my experience. The fabric is also quick-drying, which is exactly what you want when you’re travelling and you don’t want to worry about laundry taking forever.
Then there’s the practicality. These chinos have 10 pockets, including two dedicated phone pockets, which makes them a brilliant option if you like the idea of proper “EDC” trousers, everything has a place, and you don’t feel like your pockets are stuffed or uncomfortable.
And the best part? They don’t look like travel pants. After a long day out, you don’t always have time (or even the chance) to go back to your hotel room and change before heading out again. With the Ascender Chinos, that’s not a problem. They stay smart, keep their shape, and still look sharp at the end of the day, ready for a night out without feeling like you’re wearing something overly technical.
Style and outfits
I’m more of a minimalist style kind of guy, so I love trousers that do most of the work without needing a complicated outfit. With the Ascender Chinos, styling is easy. A simple white tee with a good pair of boots (or clean trainers) already looks spot on.
On colder days, they look stunning with an overshirt and a jumper, and because the cut is clean and the colour is versatile, you can keep everything simple and still look put together. Overall, they’re the kind of chinos you can wear casually, but they’re also smart enough to push into a more dressed-up look when you need to. Super versatile.
Pros
- True-to-size fit (34 waist / 28" length was perfect for me)
- Genuinely comfortable all day: walking, driving, and sitting at my desk
- Premium fabric feel with no annoying “swishy” travel-pants noise
- Wrinkle-resistant and easy to pack: ideal for travel days
- 10-pocket design is extremely practical (including two phone pockets)
- Looks like real chinos: smart enough for evenings and dressier outfits
- Voyager Grey colour is versatile and looks fantastic
Cons
- Premium price compared to basic high-street chinos
- If you prefer a very slim silhouette, the Regular Fit may feel a bit roomier
- With 10 pockets, it’s easy to overfill them (great feature, but don’t turn them into a suitcase)
Final thoughts
The Bluffworks Ascender Chinos aren’t cheap at $138, but after wearing them regularly for a few months, I can confidently say they’re worth it.
You’re not just paying for an outstanding pair of travel trousers that will be a loyal companion on your next trip, you’re also getting a stylish, versatile, genuinely comfortable pair of chinos you can wear every single day. For me, that’s the big difference: they don’t feel like “travel pants” pretending to be chinos. They feel like proper chinos… just better.
The Ascender Chinos have become, without a doubt, my favourite pair of chinos. I was already impressed by Bluffworks with the Departure Jeans, but the Ascenders are in a league of their own.
And yes, Voyager Grey is stunning, to the point where I’m genuinely tempted to pick up Midnight Navy and Desert Khaki as well.
If you’re on a tight budget, there are other good options out there. But if this is within your budget, I’d say go for it. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Jerome
FAQ: Bluffworks Ascender Chinos (Regular Fit)
Are the Ascender Chinos true to size?
In my experience, yes. I ordered the Regular Fit in a 34 waist and 28" length and the fit was spot on. My advice: follow Bluffworks’ sizing guide and you should be fine.
Do they feel like real chinos or “technical” travel pants?
They feel closer to real chinos than most travel trousers I’ve tried. The fabric feels premium and they don’t make that annoying “swishy” noise some travel fabrics have when you walk.
Do they wrinkle when you pack them?
That’s one of their strengths. They’re very easy to fold and pack, and in my testing they came out looking clean with minimal to no wrinkles.
Are they comfortable for long travel days?
Yes. I wore them for long walking days (including Disneyland Paris), plus plenty of sitting at my desk and driving and comfort was excellent the whole time.
How practical are the pockets?
Very practical. They have a lot of pocket options (including dedicated phone pockets), which makes them a great “EDC” choice for travel and everyday carry.
Can you dress them up with a blazer?
Absolutely. That’s one of the reasons I like them so much. They work casually with a tee and boots/trainers, but they also look sharp with a shirt and blazer.
Are they worth the price?
They’re not cheap, but if you want one pair of trousers that can do travel, work, and smart-casual without compromise, I think they’re worth it, especially if you wear them often.
Hi, I’m Jerome. I’ve been reviewing men’s skincare and fashion products for over 12 years, testing everything myself and sharing honest, experience-based recommendations on Dapper & Groomed.