Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD W Review

Bottom Line

The Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD W are the top choice for hikers in demanding environments, combining durability with high-quality design. These leggings provide an excellent balance of comfort and flexibility, making them perfect for long and technical hikes. Initially, the reinforced knees and rear might appear to cause discomfort, but after a few outings, we found they merely need some breaking in. It is these features that set the Abisko apart, with heavy-duty material in critical areas designed to withstand the toughest outdoor conditions. 

The fit may feel snug and compressive at first, but they loosen with wear. If a looser fit is preferred, sizing up, as we tried, ensures they stay in place thanks to the adjustable drawstring waist. Equipped with two pockets—a large zippered side pocket and a slim flap pocket—they provide secure storage, although the latter can be challenging for accessing smaller items. While the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights are pricier than most on the market, their performance justifies the cost for those who are willing to invest. Note sizing doesn’t go above 2XL.

If you’d like to see other options, check out our guide to the best hiking leggings.

How We Tested

We tested these leggings on a few different hikes, some at 6,200 feet in the woods of South Lake Tahoe, California (6,200 ft) and some near Genoa, Nevada (4,800 ft). We tested these on flat terrain, hiking uphill and downhill, over a span of about a month, wearing them as much as possible to see if the reinforced sections ever got uncomfortable, or if the material would stretch.

Comfort

The fabric, apart from the reinforcement at the knees and seat, is very soft, breathable, and stretchy. Initially, we thought the reinforced areas would be uncomfortable, chafe, and be unpleasant to wear for extended periods. However, they simply required a bit of getting used to.

We went on a 3.5-mile hike and honestly didn’t want to take them off when we got home. The leggings are incredibly flexible and easy to put on and take off. We thought the drawstring might be a bit difficult to untie, but it turned out to be much easier than other leggings with the same type of drawstring.

It’s also very easy to bend at the knees, even with the reinforcement.

Fit

When we wore the large size (sizing up), the leggings surprisingly stayed in place. The medium size felt too tight at the waist and dug in a bit. If we had a longer period to test both sizes side by side, we’d be interested to see if the smaller size stretched out. We really like the rise of these pants and the comfort at the waist. They feel compression-like without being uncomfortable.

Features

We kept our phone in the zipper pocket, and it didn’t feel like it was pulling the pants down. Over the course of 1.5 hours and 3.5 miles, we only had to pull them up about three times. The left zipper pocket barely fit our phone, while the right envelope closure was thinner and a bit harder to get the phone in and out of.

We would likely use the right pocket for smaller items like a pocket knife, ID, or trash. Items felt secure in both pockets, and we appreciate the unique placement of the pockets. They sit more on the side of the thighs rather than the front and are positioned a little lower down to avoid interfering with a hip belt.

Breathability & Warmth

We wore these leggings on a hike when the temperature reached a high of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Our legs never got cold, even though we weren’t moving fast or exerting ourselves. We believe these leggings would perform exceptionally well in cold weather, especially in areas like New Zealand, the Pacific Northwest, or places with precipitation or snowshoeing (especially when paired with gaiters).

The material seems to wick moisture, even in the non-reinforced areas. The reinforced sections help keep us dry and warm, and we feel we could sit in the snow or on a wet rock without discomfort.

On the other hand, we don’t think we would overheat in these leggings during warmer weather since they are highly breathable and don’t feel thick, except in the reinforced areas. These leggings truly seem to work in both cold and warm conditions.

Durability

The reinforced areas are clearly built to withstand just about anything, but the rest of the material also feels surprisingly sturdy. Since the knees and rear are covered, we feel confident that we can tackle any activity without worrying about wear and tear.

These leggings represent a type of high-quality product that costs more, but it’s clear why. We expect them to last a very long time. They seem to have been designed with sustainability in mind—if a product is built to last, then fewer products end up in the landfill.

Should You Buy the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD W?

The Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD are designed for the hiker who seeks more than what traditional leggings offer. They’re the type of adventurer accustomed to having their clothing caught on bushes or scraped against rocks while exploring. They prefer to sit in the dirt or on a log during snack breaks and may be prone to tripping and scraping their knees (ahem – yes, that last one is for us).

What Other Hiking Leggings Should You Consider?

If the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD W aren’t your style, take a look at the full list of our favorite Hiking Leggings for Women.

Athleta Headlands Hybrid High Rise Cargo Legging Review: These leggings are similar because they are more rugged and unique than traditional leggings. They feature a technical fabric on the front half and have six zippered pockets. They are also a pair that we recommend for trekking and more adventurous routes, similar to the Fjallraven.

Mammut Aenergy Light Tights Review: These leggings have a fabric feel similar to the Fjallraven in the areas where they are not reinforced. They are also more lightweight and breathable than other options.

Carhartt Force Lightweight Pocket Legging Review: These leggings are also highly durable for more rugged adventures, with the sturdy fabric covering the entire garment, so you won’t have to worry about snags. However, the fit of these leggings was far inferior to that of the Fjallraven.