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Fjallraven Vidda Pro Review

A high quality and expensive pant that may be best used for hunting or bushcraft rather than simple hiking
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fjallraven vidda pro hiking pants review
Credit: Fjallraven
Price:  $165 List
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Manufacturer:   Fjällräven
By Andy Wellman ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 5, 2019
60
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#12 of 12
  • Comfort and Mobility - 35% 6.0
  • Venting and Breathability - 20% 3.0
  • Versatility and Style - 15% 6.0
  • Weather Resistance - 15% 8.0
  • Features - 15% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers are undoubtedly the most unique pair of hiking pants featured in this review. Constructed with G-1000 fabric, a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, they embrace a design ethos that fell out of favor long ago in the outdoor clothing world. This cotton blend pant uses an old-school manufacturing technique — impregnating the fibers with wax — to ensure that you don't end up water-logged while out on the trail. The advantages to this system include the ability to easily customize the performance of your outerwear as well as an increase in durability. The pants, on the whole, proved to be a mixed bag, with some laudable features as well as some apparent drawbacks.
REASONS TO BUY
Thick and durable fabric
Tons of pockets for storage and organization
Unique natural waterproofing technique
REASONS TO AVOID
Thick and heavy
Very warm
Expensive

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Overall Score Sort Icon
60
72
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65
Star Rating
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Pros Thick and durable fabric, tons of pockets for storage and organization, unique natural waterproofing techniqueAiry fabric, very comfortable, maximum mobilityComfortable, look good, versatile, blocks wind and water better than the restLook good, don't stretch, cinch cords in anklesSimple design looks good, comfortable, affordable
Cons Thick and heavy, very warm, expensiveWaist fit is loose, not great in cool weatherExpensive, no rear pocketsStiff, most pockets don't have zipsMinimal features, not water resistant
Bottom Line A high quality and expensive pant that may be best used for hunting or bushcraft rather than simple hikingOur favorite pant and the most comfortable and breathable pair that we testedThese functional, high-quality pants best serve those who hike in wet weatherA true enigma, these pants look great whether you find yourself in the wilderness or at the officeA solid pair of everyday pants that are also good for hiking or climbing
Rating Categories Fjallraven Vidda Pro Outdoor Research Fe... Arc'teryx Gamma LT... Royal Robbins Alpin... Prana Brion II Pants
Comfort and Mobility (35%)
6.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
Venting and Breathability (20%)
3.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
5.0
Versatility and Style (15%)
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
9.0
Weather Resistance (15%)
8.0
5.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
Features (15%)
8.0
4.0
7.0
6.0
4.0
Specs Fjallraven Vidda Pro Outdoor Research Fe... Arc'teryx Gamma LT... Royal Robbins Alpin... Prana Brion II Pants
Weight 20.8 oz 12.2 oz 11.6 oz 13.8 oz 12.0 oz
Material "G-1000 Original" 65% polyester / 35% cotton 86% nylon, 14% spandex; 90D stretch woven ripstop 88% nylon, 12% elastane 66% nylon, 31% polyester, 3% spandex 95% recycled nylon, 5% spandex
Water Resistance Greenland wax treatment DWR finish DWR finish DWR finish DWR finish
Sizing (Waist, Length options) W: 29" - 42"
L: Reg, Long
W: 28" - 42"
L: 30"- 34"
W: 28" - 44"
L: 31.5" - 33"
W: 30" - 40"
L: 30" - 34"
W: 28" - 42"
L: 28" - 36"
Sun Protection G-1000 fabric provides almost 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays UPF 50 not specified UPF 50 UPF 50
Convertible, or option available? No No, but convertible version available No No No
Pockets 7 pockets, including dedicated knife and map pockets 2 hand, 2 back, 1 thigh zip 2 hand, 1 side 2 front, 2 rear, 1 cargo 2 hand, 1 front coin, 2 back
Waist Strap/Fasten Button and zip fly Button and zip fly Integrated belt and zip fly Button and zip fly Button and zip fly
Other Features Knife pocket, reinforced knees and rear Drawcord cuff closures, side zip pocket Gusseted crotch, articulated knees, integrated belt Gussetted crotch, tapered leg, cinch cord at cuff Gusseted crotch, belt loops, mesh pockets

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Fjallraven Vidda Pro are super reinforced, highly durable trekking pants that feature not two but three cargo style pockets. We tested the "Solid Color" version of these pants. They are some thick, burly pants that seem much more ideal for harsh climates or heavy work, such as elk hunting or building a cabin in the wilderness than for warm weather day hikes or trekking. These pants are made to last.

Performance Comparison


fjallraven vidda pro hiking pants review - the vidda pro are by far the most burly and durable pant that we...
The Vidda Pro are by far the most burly and durable pant that we tested for this review, and also have a ton of large pockets for storage. We think they are ideal for hunting or other bushcraft.

Comfort and Mobility


The Vidda Pro trousers have a roomy, almost baggy fit, that is not constricting in any way. The heavily articulated knees enhance this quality. The G-1000 fabric is made from a blend of polyester and cotton fibers, and doesn't feel quite as soft and smooth as some but is not overly abrasive or synthetic-feeling.

While their loose fit allows for a decent amount of mobility, they are also noticeably thicker and heavier than other pants in this review, and they don't offer any of the light, stretchy qualities present in many other pairs we tested. At the end of the day, they aren't as comfortable or as mobile feeling as the highest scorers.

fjallraven vidda pro hiking pants review - the g-1000 fabric that makes up these pants is thick and heavy, but...
The G-1000 fabric that makes up these pants is thick and heavy, but the spacious and borderline baggy fit means that they retain plenty of mobility.

Venting and Breathability


Designed for the cold, the Vidda Pro has few features that accommodate either ventilation or breathability, and thus received the lowest score for this metric. Unlike every other model in this review, these pants didn't have a single mesh-lined pocket or zippered vent designed to allow warm, moist air to escape. Despite claims to the contrary, we found that the weighty, thick fabric trapped heat very quickly. It is apparent to us that these limitations mean that this pant is best suited for cold, harsh climates.

fjallraven vidda pro hiking pants review - the vidda pro have no mesh lined pockets or any other sort of...
The Vidda Pro have no mesh lined pockets or any other sort of ventilation, making them a pant best suited for the cold than the heat. However, you can use the many buttons around the ankles to tighten them up above the calves, providing some relief from the heat.

Versatility and Style


When it comes to versatility, we feel that the Vidda Pro falls right in the middle of our range of hiking pants. On the one hand, its durable construction and plethora of pockets mean that it is an optimal choice for outdoor work or camping, and allows the cold-weather hiker to carry lots of gear and still stay organized. On the other hand, we really wouldn't want to set out on a hike in the desert in these pants, and can't imagine wearing them in summer. Similarly, their aesthetic isn't one that we would opt for in a pair of casual, around town pants. Perfect for some conditions and anathema to others, we ranked them right in the middle.

fjallraven vidda pro hiking pants review - testing the water resistance after applying quite a lot of greenland...
Testing the water resistance after applying quite a lot of Greenland wax treatment to the Vidda Pro. These pants extend their versatility well into winter, which is what we expect from a pant born above the arctic circle.

Weather Resistance


The most interesting aspect of this pant is its method of water resistance — impregnation of Greenland Wax. A small, affordable block of wax must be purchased separately. The pants come already treated, but we found that we needed to add more on our own. Washing the pants in hot water removes any wax treatment you may have already added, a "reset" which is either helpful or annoying depending on the circumstances. Since we unknowingly washed out our treatment, we had to re-apply, which we found to be a combination of fun, tedious and mildly time-consuming. Because of the investment in time and labor, we could easily envision rarely washing these pants after the first treatment.

fjallraven vidda pro hiking pants review - customizable water resistance comes in the form of wax impregnation...
Customizable water resistance comes in the form of wax impregnation. Here we test the system out by rubbing Greenland wax all over the pants, later ironing it into the fabric.

In our initial shower test, after having washed these pants clean, they did an admirable job of holding up to light rain, but then became soaked through, absorbing a lot of water in the process. We couldn't help but think that perhaps adding 35% cotton to the blend wasn't a great idea for a hardcore outdoor pant. After applying our own wax, however, we found that they were easily among the best performers in heavy rain, although it took many repeated applications of wax for seriously impressive water resistance. While this was a neat system, we rated them slightly lower than other more repellant, less absorbent models.

Features


There is no doubt that these pants have a lot of features. They have two deep front hand-warmer pockets, but none in the rear. There is a large cargo pocket with mesh divider on the right side, and dual overlapping cargo pockets on the left that sit a little further forward on the thigh. All of these have button flaps. Also on the left is a tall and narrow pocket designed for a knife or hatchet with top and bottom button flaps. The reinforced knees have fabric with an opening at the bottom for inserting knee pads if your activity requires that type of protection. Finally, there are snap button tighteners at the lower leg cuffs that allow you to cinch the cuffs closed around a boot, or pull them up above the calf and hold them there. With so many well thought out features, we rated them at the top of the metric.

fjallraven vidda pro hiking pants review - the vidda pro come with a ton of storage in their large cargo...
The Vidda Pro come with a ton of storage in their large cargo pockets. On the left thigh are dual cargo pockets, one on top of the other, shown here.

fjallraven vidda pro hiking pants review - made of thick and heavy fabric and lacking any features to help with...
Made of thick and heavy fabric and lacking any features to help with ventilation, the Vidda Pro pants are best used in cool weather, as we verified here in the snow.

Value


Despite their lofty price, we think they provide a good value, as they are durable enough to last a very long time, and will surely outlast their thin nylon competitors.

fjallraven vidda pro hiking pants review - despite the fact that they cost far more than any other hiking pant...
Despite the fact that they cost far more than any other hiking pant, the Vidda Pro is super durable and provide good value. We went out for a hike in the first fall snow in order to fully experience these pants in their element.

Conclusion


The Fjallraven Vidda Pro are the heaviest and most durable pants we tested, and they come with a ton of cargo pockets for organization and storage. They also rely on a unique Greenland wax treatment for customized water resistance. While we think they make an optimal choice for hunters or other woodsmen, we found them to be a bit overkill for use as everyday hiking or around town pant.

fjallraven vidda pro hiking pants review - hiking in spirit gulch high on red mountain pass in the san juans...
Hiking in Spirit Gulch high on Red Mountain Pass in the San Juans, losing light and losing warm weather. For this cool hike we were wearing the Vidda Pro.

Andy Wellman
 

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