Fjällräven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers: first impressions
Never a brand to shy away from high quality and top-notch performance, Swedish outdoor outfitter Fjällräven has outdone itself with these hiking pants.
This design is intended to be truly versatile, and the brand has ensured that by using a blend of recycled polyester, cotton, polyamide and elastane that it calls G-1000 Lite Stretch. The result is a light and breathable fabric that's extremely tough, quick drying, and of course, stretchy. Basically, everything you could ask for in a pair of hiking pants.
They're not waterproof, although they're tailored so you can easily pull your rain pants on over the top of them, but they're treated with a PFAS-free DWR to hold off a light rain. What's more, the fabric on the front can be waxed for better weather resistance, while the back is all about ventilation for staying cool in hot weather.
• List price: $195 / £195
• Models available: Men's and women's
• Sizes: Men's: 29"-42" (US/UK), Women's: 0-18 (US), 4-22 (UK)
• Length: 30", 32", 34"
• Weight (women's size 4): 12.3 oz / 350g
• Materials: 52% polyester (recycled), 13% polyester (T400), 35% cotton (organic)
88% polyamide (recycled), 12% elastane
• Colors: Black, Navy, Laurel Green
• Best use: Hiking, trekking
If you are hiking in the summer wearing these pants, there are two outer thigh venting zips and the stretchy content means you can comfortably plop down on a rock for a picnic lunch. When the temperatures drop, they do block the wind quite well, and they are just roomy enough to layer over long johns, unless you have very muscly legs, in which case you may struggle with the tapered fit.
The back of the waistband is elasticated for added comfort and versatility, and they have a regular button and fly closure. There are also belt loops for those who need them.
As for pockets, you'll find two hand-warming pockets and two front of thigh pockets deep enough for most phones. These pockets have protective flaps, and one has a mesh pocket inside it, which is great for a credit card, while the other has a zipper for more security.
The trim fit looks pretty good on. With the level of stretch, we think it will work for most bodies, but if you have bulkier leg,s you may want to size up. The ankle cuffs have drawcords if you want to cinch them tighter in tick-prone terrain or to fit them over your hiking boots.
We've found these pants perfect for wearing all day and for many days in a row, and while they are on the pricey end, we see the value in the quality construction and expect them to last a long time.
Fjällräven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers: in the field
For the past few years, my favorite pair of hiking pants has been my Fjällräven Keb Curved Trousers, which are both stylish and functional. When I received these for testing back in March of this year, however, they quickly became my go-to pants. I've worn them in late winter, spring, and summer on many of the UK's best trails and ended up bringing them as one of two pairs of pants on my 11-day trek to Everest Base Camp.
Here’s how they performed:
Sizing, fit and comfort
I tested my usual size – a US 4 – with a 32" (regular inseam). I've personally found Fjällräven's sizing to be a little all over the place. I always test this size, and while it's pretty perfect in the Keb Curved, in the Abisko Winter Stretch and Abisko Hike Trousers, it's too big.
Fortunately, these trousers are a perfect fit around my waist and hips, and while they might be a tad long in the leg, I think if you just order the right length, you'll have no issues in that department.
I feel I should admit that I have quite skinny legs for a hiker, and so the tapered fit works quite well for me and means I can haul my rain pants on in a hurry, and even get away with wearing these over thermal underwear. I do wonder if these would be so great on someone with big, muscular legs, but then again, they are quite stretchy and not exactly tight, so I still think they're worth a shot.
Feeling the fabric with my fingers, it's not the softest I've ever touched, but it's fine against my skin with no rubbing or chafing, even when I wear them all day. I do often struggle with the waistbands of pants giving me a stomach ache or digging in when I sit down (even with the Keb Curved if I'm honest), but the stretchy section at the back of the waistband mean these feel great whether I'm hiking or sitting and if I'm starving or have just eaten a giant meal.
Breathability and protection
The blend of synthetic and cotton fabric manages to be pretty breathable. I wore these for about the first five days of my Everest Base Camp trek and again for the descent, switching to a heavier, warmer pair for the days when we were up really high. We experienced quite warm and sunny weather while I was wearing these, but I never felt uncomfortable.
The venting zips are on the outside of the thighs rather than the inside, which I always find a bit strange, but I've used them a lot this hot summer and they're really effective.
For quite a lightweight pair of trousers, these are actually pretty rugged, so they're fine for wading through high scrub and overgrown trails with lots of blackberry bushes.
They also offer quite decent weather protection. I'd wear them for all but the most frigid winter days or high altitude conditions, and the DWR means a light rain beads up nicely. More importantly (for me, anyway), they dry in a flash when they do get sodden.
I haven't tried this out, but the front of the pants, which is the part that sees most of the rain, is compatible with Greenland Wax, so if you want to, you can make them nearly waterproof.
Durability and storage
Not only do they protect my legs well against thorny intrusions, but they seem to hold up well, still looking good as new after five months of lots of wear and washing. I tested the Lauren Green colorway, and they don't show any dirt at all.
One place where an otherwise great pair of pants sometimes lets me down is in the pockets (think shallow pockets in the wrong place) but these are winners, with two front of thigh pockets where I can easily drop my phone and have it protected by the flap, plus a hidden mesh pocket for stashing a car key or credit card. I don't tend to use the hand warming pockets, but they're deep enough to keep things safe if you do.
Also consider
A little pricer then the Abisko Hybrid, the Keb Curved are the Fjӓllrӓven trousers you need if you crave a rugged pair of performance pants that look amazing on. Think rugged construction, water and wind resistance and a very flattering fit. They're a little heavier and a little less warm weather friendly, but if you've got room in the budget, you'll love them for cooler weather.
Read our full Fjӓllrӓven Keb Trousers Curved review.
Pros
- Tough and durable
- Stretch panels for good movement and comfort
- Water and wind resistant
- Generous ventilation zips and openings for knee pads
- Eco friendly
Cons
- Not insulated
- Not waterproof
- Expensive
These excellent lightweight hiking pants combine stretch with breathability for a versatile pair of trousers that can be worn year-round. They don't have venting zips, but they hardly need them, and while we found the waist to run a little big, it has a built in adjustable belt. They rival the Hybrid Trousers in durability, and they're a lot cheaper.
Pros
- Multiple storage pockets
- Soft flasks included
- Customized fit
- Elasticated fabrics
Cons
- Not as light as some
Comparison table
Hiking pants |
Fjällräven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers |
Fjӓllrӓven Keb Trousers Curved |
Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Pants |
|---|---|---|---|
Price |
$195 / £195 |
$225 / £200 |
$72 / £99 |
Weight |
12.3 oz / 350g |
19 oz / 540g |
12.3 oz / 350g |
Venting zips |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Materials |
52% polyester (recycled), 13% polyester (T400), 35% cotton (organic) |
Polyester (65%), cotton (35%), polyamide (63%), polyester (26%), elastane (11%) |
Four way stretch with DWR finish nylon (88%), Elastane (12%) |
Best use |
Hiking, trekking |
Hiking, trekking |
Hiking, trekking |
