Review: Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

I have owned the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights for around six months now and have used them on numerous occasions in different conditions, so I feel that I can give them an accurate review based on solid use. I first used the leggings on an alpine climbing trip in the Alps and pretty much fell in love with them straight away. Since then, I have used them wild-camping in Wales, scrambling in Cornwall, and on numerous other trips around the UK. For me, these are the ideal pair of mountain leggings, perfectly designed for walking, scrambling and outdoor climbing, with an amazing fit and loads of well thought out details. Here’s my full review of Fjallraven’s Abisko Trekking Tights.

Fit — Designed for Women

The first thing worth mentioning is the amazing fit of the leggings. A well-fitted trouser for women is incredibly important as we have such different body shapes and sizes. I am around a size 8-10 in trousers, but I do have proportionally larger thighs to a small waist, so I often struggle to get trousers to fit on both the waist and the thighs. I opted for an XS in the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights and the fit is perfect. The leggings snuggly hug my waist while not being too tight on the thighs, and the length is also ideal for me at around 5’6”. There is also a handy drawcord at the waist, though I haven’t needed to use it.

I really think you can tell that these leggings have been designed with women in mind, offering some curve and a lot of stretch to fit as many body shapes as possible. The leggings also look really flattering to wear and have a great amount of stretch and movement without being baggy or falling down at the crotch - as many women’s leggings tend to do!

The only minor draw back would be that where there is the reinforced mesh on the knees and bum, the fabric can get a little loose after wear. However, I think this is a really minor negative aspect that is countered by the fact that the mesh areas are super important.

Performance — Take them Hiking, Scrambling or Climbing

I first used the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights for hiking in the mountains and was very impressed by the level of comfort, stretch and practicality of the leggings. There are two pockets on either thigh, one which is small with a zip and another which is a little larger (perfect size for an iPhone) with a flap to close. The leggings also have a small pocket in the waistband, ideal for a little cash or a car key when you’re hading out walking. I’ve found all the pockets to be really handy when walking; ideal for my phone, camera lens cap, lip-balm, compass, and a small map. There is also a small gear loop on the left hip, which I haven’t yet used but imagine would be handy for carrying a waterproof jacket or compass.

Another essential key feature is the reinforced bum and knee pads. This is a rough, textured material that means the fabric on your knees and bum won’t be scuffed when on rougher terrain. This makes the leggings ideal for scrambling or climbing, as you don’t have to worry about damaging the material on rock. It also means your bum or knees won’t get wet on damp ground, when sitting for a lunch-break or kneeling to check your map. I’ve also found the rest of the material to be really tough; thick and durable with strong seams. Yet despite the strong fabric, there is loads of movement in the leggings - especially around the hips and crotch - that mean you have freedom of movement when climbing.

The leggings are designed to wick away sweat, though I would say that due to the black, shiny fabric, they can get quite hot in the summer months. For that reason, I wouldn’t opt to wear the leggings on a really hot day. In light rain, though, the leggings work really well as they are super fast-drying. I have also worn them over base-layer leggings in cold, wintry conditions.

Verdict

I think it’s probably quite obvious that I am a huge fan of the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights. Thanks to their amazing fit, comfort, stretch, reinforcements and handy pockets, these are my go-to leggings for hiking, scrambling and outdoor climbing. It’s amazing to have a pair of walking trousers that you don’t have to constantly readjust, pull up or down throughout the day. The Abisko Trekking Tights are practical, look great, and make me feel comfortable and free when I wear them.

The Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights cost £150 which is a little pricey, but for a legging you can wear all year round and that will last years and years, in my opinion they are worth the extra cost.