If you're planning for your first backpacking holiday, you're probably wondering what the best gear would be to take. After all, you're going to carry your backpack around quite often and you don't want to have to lug around excess weight. Many first-time backpackers make the mistake of packing several pairs of jeans, thinking that these are comfortable and versatile. They then wear those jeans once or twice before spending part of their budget on mens cotton drawstring pants.

When you think of drawstring pants, you probably think of two varieties. One is the wide and loose type made of a white muslin type of fabric so thin that you can see right through them. The other is the type with stripes in different bright colors, favored by NGO workers and people with dreadlocks. However, there are many different styles and colors to choose from. You can even buy a more tailored type with many pockets, similar to cargo pants.

One of the main reasons why backpackers choose lighter trousers rather than jeans is that they're less bulky. They take up very little space in any backpack, unlike jeans. They also weigh much less, which is good news since you don't want to drag around a backpack that weights about as much as a baby elephant.

Another advantage is that the lighter the fabric, the more quickly it dries. Most hostels have facilities where you can wash your clothes by hand but very few have dryers. You have to rely on sunlight to dry your laundry or any clothes that got wet in the rain or on a boat. Jeans can easily take a day or two to dry this way, provided that it doesn't rain. Carrying damp clothes in your backpack is a bad idea.

Lighter garments are much cooler too. This is especially important if you're going to backpack through hot and humid regions like Southeast Asia or Central America. You'll be much less prone to chafing in some very uncomfortable parts of your body if you wear wide and loose pants. At the same time, long trousers will protect your legs from the sun and from nasty bugs.

Jeans are certainly versatile but if you choose your drawstring pants wisely, you'll be able to wear them anytime, anywhere. The slightly tailored type is the easiest to dress up and they're also strong enough to wear when you're trekking through the wilderness or trying adventure sports. However, the loose type can look stylishly smart-casual with the right shirt too and you can sleep in them as well.

Another great feature of drawstring trousers is that you can adjust the waistline. Because you're more active and eat less junk food on the road, you'll probably lose weight. Some backpackers drop two or three sizes during their trip. By pulling the drawstrings more tightly together, it's easy to adjust your pants and wear them without having to pull them up all the time.

Pants with drawstrings are not that difficult to find. Regular clothing stores may not always stock them but you should be able to find them at outdoor clothing specialists or online. In warm countries, you'll also find especially the wide and loose type for sale in tourist centers.