Backside Line
When first contemplating the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD, we weren’t satisfied they might stay as much as the hype, nevertheless it solely took just a few hours sporting them to show us incorrect. Whereas utilizing these Fjallraven leggings in Arizona’s rugged Chiricahua mountains, we put them to the check: plenty of elevation acquire, overgrown trails, rocks, logs, off-trail washes, snow, and a lot extra. We rapidly discovered that they have been considerably extra comfy to put on than lots of the opposite mountain climbing pants we examined.
Whereas the stretchy, polyester cloth the leggings are primarily made up of is susceptible to pilling when caught on bushes, the bolstered knees and rear considerably enhance sturdiness for falls and sliding down objects. These pants do fall down pretty simply, which is why we choose to make use of them on backpacking journeys over faster-paced actions reminiscent of path working. Additionally they readily absorb and retain moisture, which might be problematic in colder environments. We didn’t discover them to be overly heat to hike in. They could be definitely worth the astounding price ticket for many who need a extra technical legging that’s comfy for lengthy intervals within the backcountry.
Fast Specs
Girls’s Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD
Most Sturdy Leggings for Mountain climbing
CleverHiker Ranking:
60.5/100
Worth:
$175
Weight:
8.6 oz.
Inseam:
32
Cloth:
71% polyester, 29% elastane, Cordura in bolstered areas
Professionals
- Exceptionally sturdy
- Stretchy cloth is straightforward to maneuver in
- Light-weight
- Very comfy
- Helpful pockets
Cons
- Costly
- Ankle peak isn’t as protecting as full-length pants
- A bit heat for warm summer time circumstances
Consolation & Mobility
Leggings are sometimes extremely beneficial for mountain climbing as a result of they are often so comfy. To check the consolation of the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD, we carried out side-by-side and subject testing. They didn’t carry out properly when testing mobility in comparison with different pants in our lineup. This was as a result of the check was designed to find out how a lot resistance a pair of pants causes when lifting the leg. In our expertise, the extra resistance there’s between a pair of pants and the leg, the extra effort is required to stroll uphill. Nevertheless, that is much less true for leggings because of the stretchy nature of the fabric and skin-tight design. Whereas sporting these pants on a backpacking journey within the Chiricahua mountains of Arizona, we discovered them to be one of the comfy pairs of pants we’ve got ever used. They really feel technical however are straightforward to maneuver in. The minimize of the pants additionally made us really feel good, and that psychological side can influence how comfy a pair of pants is.
The one vital downsides we observed have been which you could really feel the seam on the knees and rear when strolling and secondly, the Abisko Trekking Tights are inclined to fall down. We have been involved concerning the seam inflicting chafe however had no issues whereas backpacking. However, the sliding down of the pants is an issue. Whereas backpacking, it was much less noticeable because the hip belt helped safe the pants. Whereas path working, although, it was extremely distracting, and the elastic tie didn’t assist a lot. Total, these are a wonderful choice for these in search of consolation within the backcountry, and never an incredible choice for these path working or quick packing.
Sturdiness
Whereas the Abisko Trekking Tights have some technical options to extend their sturdiness over common leggings, they’re nonetheless not our first alternative for rugged adventures. We used these leggings whereas mountain climbing on overgrown and non-existent trails within the Chiricahua mountains. This included mountain climbing off-trail in a burned-out wash that was overgrown with bushes and choked with burned log jams. Over the day, the leggings survived a face plant, getting smacked on logs, dragged down massive blowdowns, and getting snagged on bushes. We have been impressed that the leggings didn’t maintain any rips or tears in any case that abuse. We observed that the bolstered knees and rear gave the impression to be an incredible design function: these have been the areas the place we actually put probably the most pressure on the pants. Nevertheless, the fabric did present vital put on and tear on the finish of the day. The stretchy cloth had very noticeable piling from getting scraped by so many bushes. These leggings are a wonderful alternative for the typical hike and even hikes which have some scrambling be it on rocks or blowdowns. Brushy trails aren’t the place they shine, although, and different pants can be a better option for these conditions.
Breathability
These leggings take longer to dry than some pants in our lineup however are nonetheless moderately breathable. Throughout side-by-side testing, the Abisko appeared to absorb water readily, which, paired with different cloth qualities, meant they took a very long time to dry. They have been one of many slowest pants to dry out of all of the fashions we examined. On the path, we wore these in fairly heat circumstances in Arizona and didn’t discover ourselves eager to put on shorts as an alternative.
Options
The Fjallraven Abisko sports activities extra options than common leggings however lower than most pants we examined. This might be both a professional or con, relying on how streamlined a design is desired. Pockets are all the time an vital space to think about, in our opinion, and whereas the Abisko doesn’t have lots of them, they’re no less than usable. We like that each pockets are sufficiently big to suit a smartphone and are extremely safe. There isn’t any pocket motion whereas strolling and even working. The left pocket has a zipper for optimum safety, and the appropriate aspect has a decent envelope closure. It took some apply utilizing the envelope pocket, however we ultimately reached a degree the place we might get a cellphone out rapidly to take a photograph.
These Fjallraven Tights additionally embody a bolstered seat and knees. The material for the bolstered areas is primarily product of polyamides, which have elevated sturdiness over the polyester that constitutes the remainder of the legging cloth. Lastly, additionally they embody a primary waist drawstring. We didn’t discover it to be useful.
Climate Resistance
For these prioritizing climate resistance, we suggest passing over the Abisko leggings. Wind and water resistance just isn’t what leggings are typically geared in the direction of, and we discovered this true of the Abisko leggings. Throughout side-by-side testing, we used a squirt bottle to spray the leggings. The variety of spritzes wanted to moist out the pants was counted and in comparison with different fashions we examined. The Abisko leggings instantly absorbed water after the primary spritz. There wasn’t any signal of beading, nor did the water roll down the pants. This was the bottom variety of squirts from any mannequin we examined and is an effective indicator that these pants will rapidly soak up any water encountered on the path, whether or not from a creek crossing or falling from the sky.
Ought to You Purchase the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD Leggings?
The Abisko has a number of stable options and some metrics it doesn’t accomplish that properly, making clear what conditions it’s perfect for. As a result of it’s extremely comfy, has some technical options, and has common sturdiness, it could be a wonderful alternative for many who need to backpack in consolation on reasonable to barely troublesome trails. It’s nice for terrain that will embody scrambling or climbing over blowdowns because of the bolstered knees and rear however wears out rapidly when used on brushy trails. We like these leggings for backpacking however wouldn’t select them for sooner day hikes or path working as a result of they ceaselessly slip down. They’re overkill and costly for extra informal mountain climbing, significantly on condition that there are cheaper options that carry out simply as properly.
What Different PANTS Ought to You Contemplate?
Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2/Ankle Evaluate: The Dynama pants could also be a extra inexpensive various for many who prioritize type and luxury. Just like the Abisko, these have been our go-to pants after we needed to really feel comfy. We like that these pants might be worn round city, into the workplace, or on the path. The most important downsides are that the pockets might be extra useful and the pants fell down just like the Abisko leggings.
Outside Analysis Ferrosi Evaluate: The Ferrosi is one other large hitter for consolation on and off the path. These pants have a number of nice pockets, a waist tie, and ankle cinches. We like that they’ve a classy minimize, which makes them perfect to put on round city. The material of the pants is product of comfy materials, and the looser minimize makes it straightforward to stroll in whereas mountain climbing. Just like the Abisko, they may do higher on brushy trails however have a way more inexpensive price ticket.
The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Evaluate: Consolation, good hip pockets, and an inexpensive price ticket are all strengths of the Aphrodite pants. We like that these pants really feel like sporting scrubs within the backcountry however nonetheless have adjustability due to the waist tie and ankle cinches. The double hip pocket is a pleasant contact, with a zipper pocket nestled inside a bigger hand pocket on the appropriate aspect. They’ve some sturdiness considerations, with pulled threads and piling, however are a wonderful various to the Abisko.