Meet the reviewer
Fjallraven Abisko Hike Trousers: first impressions
Named for the Swedish National Park, the Abisko Hike Trousers are built for adventures where you're expecting mild or hot weather, but still want the protection of a technical hiking pant. These hiking pants are about as light as they come, made with a breathable blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester that feels soft against the skin. Two mesh thigh pockets can be unzipped to act as small vents, though you're unlikely to need them with this fabric.
A relaxed fit, articulated knees and stretchy fabric mean you're free to climb, scramble and sit down comfortably for lunch. Adjustable hooks on the waistband allow you to cinch the pants properly without needing a belt, and drawstring ankle cuffs keep the ticks out and make it easier to roll these up to a three-quarter length pant when you're not walking through the long grass. Their lightweight comfort and packability makes them a perfect choice for active travel, where you want something you can wear on the plane as well as on the trail.
They're available in three different lengths, and between that and the adjustable features, they're easy to tailor to lots of different bodies.
• List price: $165 / £170
• Gender specification: Men's and women's sizing available
• Sizes: Men's 29 - 42 US and UK / Women's 2 - 16 US, 6 - 20 UK
• Fit: Relaxed
• Lengths available: 30" / 32" / 34"
• Weight: 9.8 oz / 280 g
• Materials: 52% polyester (recycled), 13% polyester, 35% cotton (organic)
• Colors: Fossil, black, buckwheat brown, dark navy, laurel green, patina green
• Best use: Hiking, active travel
These trousers are intended for fair weather hiking, but they are water-resistant and will hold off a sprinkle no problem. When you forgot to bring your rain pants and they get soaked in an unexpected downpour, they dry quickly.
The pocket situation could be improved. Two zipped hip pockets are well-sized, but the thigh pockets don't seem to know whether they are for storage or for venting. They're not really big enough for a map and the vertical zip is a bit awkward for carrying your phone, so they're probably better used as vents.
The fabric might be light, but it's tough enough for hiking, though there aren't any reinforcements around the seat or knees so they might not be the best choice for rocky scrambles. They're a little pricey, but if you're familiar with the brand the price tag won't surprise you and you're getting Fjallraven's reliable quality and excellent performers for when you want to feel comfortable and protected.
Fjallraven Abisko Hike Trousers: in the field
My first introduction to Fjallraven's hiking pants was the Keb Curved, which are pretty much the perfect pair, so on the one hand, I'm always comparing other models to them, but on the other hand, I generally have high expectations from the Swedish brand.
These hiking pants are very much intended for warm weather, however that has not been on offer yet this year in Scotland so I've been testing them out anyway on some low lying trails and more rugged Scottish peaks.
Here’s how they performed:
Sizing and fit
I tested a US size 4, which is my normal size, in the regular length. For my first hike, I hadn't yet discovered the adjustable waist which you can tighten with two small hooks on either hip, and they were a little loose. Though I think they run a little large and I could have got away with a size down, once I figured this out the fit was much better. They're reasonably snug around my waist and hips so that they're flattering but not uncomfortable, and loose around the legs.
Before I tightened the waist, they were catching around my knees when I went up a steeper slope or any steps, but this resolved once I adjusted them. However, I wouldn't recommend sizing up for this reason.
Comfort and temperature regulation
These trousers are fantastically comfortable, with a sort of airy, barely-there feel against the skin, helped by the relaxed fit and lack of a need for a belt.
They are extremely breathable, which is ideal for hot hikes, though I'd ideally want them in a lighter color for sunny days. They're not built to keep you warm, but I've been quite happy wearing them on cold hikes, since my legs don't get cold anyway, and there's plenty of room to layer them over some thermal underwear.
Storage and weather protection
The two zipped hip pockets are the perfect size, though I'll be honest I don't use this type of pocket since any bulk there inhibits my ability to climb. The thigh pockets are a bit of a head-scratcher. They're not totally impractical, but they're in a slightly odd position to carry my phone (which is what I'd usually use a thigh pocket for) and the vertical zip means means your phone might tumble out when you unzip. They're mesh-lined so I think they're better suited as vents than storage. Together, it means there isn't a ton of practical storage for my purposes, but since it's been cold I've been wearing a jacket. However, I can see wanting one really decent thigh pocket come summer.
They're not waterproof pants, but they can handle a light rain. Recently, however, I was walking the last mile or so of an eight-mile hike when the heavens opened. Because I was so close to my car, I couldn't be bothered stopping to pull out my rain pants so I just got wet. Needless to say, the trousers were completely soaked through, but I was curious to see how long it would take them to dry out. By the time I reached home 40 minutes later, they were bone dry and honestly, that's what I want from a summer pant.
Durability and value
The poly-cotton blend isn't just breathable, it's quite rugged despite being so light. I expect these to last well, however they don't have reinforcements in the seat and knees, so for a tougher adventure, I'd probably want my Kebs.
Though Fjallraven is a pricey brand, the quality is always excellent and these pants are no exception. They're thoughtfully designed, comfortable and could be your go-to pant for summer hikes and active vacations for years to come.
Fjallraven Abisko Hike Trousers: the bottom line
If you're going on a hiking vacation and want one pair of pants that can last you for the entire trip, or plan to do enough summer hiking that you can justify buying a designated pair of warm weather hiking pants, you love the comfort and performance of this model.
The price tag will be a deterrent to some, as will the lack of usable pockets, but you can find similar performers in both the Arc'teryx Gamma Pant (similar price, lighter and better pocket situation) and the Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Pants which are a little easier on the wallet though not quite as light.
