Fjallraven Keb Trousers

I have worn Fjallraven Pants on several extended arctic summer trips. I’ve found them to be comfortable, well made with a good fit for my frame. What specifically are you looking for?

I have several pair and am amazed at the versatility and function as well as the durability.  I didn’t find anything on the forum in a search so I thought I’d pose the question.  I’ve worn the Keb in all kinds of weather and a temperature range of 25 to 80.  They can be waxed for extra protection, have side ventilation zips in thigh and calf, have gator clips to secure to boots with adjustable ankles and allow insertable kneepads for unavoidable scrambling, like I find in the White Mountains.  They are now also available at REI.  Seems like a best kept secret.  Certainly not lightweight, but very durable.
 

When I was younger and more foolish, I did an August backpacking trip wearing Kebs. After about a day I had them strapped to the top of my pack and was wearing my backup/swimming running shorts. Way, way too heavy and warm, not enough mobility. The seam between the stretch part and the G-1000 can be annoying, depending on fit. Durable, though.

Wear them if you want to cosplay as a Swedish trekker with your 90L 60lb pack, or as a bushcrafter, but I wouldn’t recommend them for hiking.

An alternative that is closer to reality is something from Kuiu — durable, lots of pockets, but much lighter and more technical.

Fjallraven pants are way too high around my calves. Believeit or not I’ve found Duluth Trading heavier weight nylon “Dry on the Fly” cargo pants to be very well designed and very high quality. In particular I love their fleece lined pants over a medium poly base layer for cold winter backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. They also make a light nylon version for summer. I prefer them to the more expensive RailRiders. DT also has these pants without the cargo pockets.

Fjallraven are currently my go-to trousers. I have “Abisko Hike” and these use “G-1000 Air Stretch”, but fabric feels like normal fabric rather than stretch fabric, they have fewer and more concealed pockets, are very light, breathe brilliantly and good for summer hikes when you want full coverage. I also have a pair of “Abisko Lite”, which are a bit heavier (yes, name suggests otherwise), they are made of “G-1000 Lite” (plus stretch panels – yes, proper stretch), still breathe well, good for 3-season, but – as previous poster mentioned – do make you look like a Swedish trekker LOL. Both have side ventilation. Fjallraven fit is great for me, except the “Abisko Lite” are a bit narrow in the calves – probably to achieve that trekker look. Should not be a problem for people with normal size legs. Abisko Hike are baggy by comparison.

Keb are made with the regular G-1000, so heavier yet. Can’t say more because I don’t own any.

Do your research on the very very many different models. Some options have less pronounced colour differences between the main material and the various panels, making them look less trekker like :)

Juup

I own several of the Fjallraven trousers: Keb, Vidda Pro Ventilated and Abisko Trekking Trousers. I navigated to this brand after trying and failing to find reliable and durable pants from Carhartt, REI and North Face. It took me a bit of buying and returning to figure out my size, but I have narrowed that down. Most of my experience with these pants are everyday wear, I like the fit and the look. Am i a Scandinavian trekker now? Could be worse, a lot worse things to look like.

As for performance, in 3 season backcountry use I have found the pants to be comfortable, well ventilated, I always opt for max side ventilation, and durable for for backcountry use. There is some water resistance to the trousers, but not much, I have in 3 season weather been able to use comfortably and dry quickly. I am now considering trying the FR Keb trousers for a mild, but cool winter trip to the OR Cascades. I am concerned about their ability to stay dry. Manufacturer materials are: G-1000®: 65% polyester (recycled), 35% cotton (organic) and 65% polyamide (recycled), 24% polyester, 11% elastane. That cotton concerns me, that is the double layer that makes up the pockets, knee reinforcement and calf guards. I have yet to apply the FR wax to these regions as is recommended, so I may try that before my trip.

Overall I like these pants, they are stylish, fit great and durable enough for backcountry life. I find the side leg vents very useful for dumping heat on the move, the stretch fabric is great for my long stride, and the pockets allow me many options for gear storage on the go. I’ll report back how my 4 season use goes.

I had the same question answered in another thread here. by Haakon R.