If you spend a lot of time outdoors—hiking, camping, or simply exploring—you’ll know that a good pair of trekking trousers isn’t a luxury; it’s an essential part of your kit. Over the spring and summer, I put the Fjällräven Vidda Pro trousers to the test in a variety of conditions. In the Netherlands, I wore them in warm, dry weather, while in Scotland I encountered just about everything: sunshine, rain, wind, and chilly mountain air. That range made this review especially valuable; a pair of pants might look versatile on paper, but it’s only out in the wild where you find out if it truly holds up.
What interested me most was how the Vidda Pro adapts to changing weather and different types of use. A hike through the soggy greenery of the Scottish Highlands demands something different than a sunny stroll through the forests of the Dutch Utrechtse Heuvelrug. The key question: is this the kind of trousers you reach for without hesitation—regardless of the weather, terrain, or intensity of your journey? In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience with the Vidda Pro and explain why I believe it deserves a permanent spot in your outdoor wardrobe.
The Vidda Pro
The Vidda Pro is made of G-1000 fabric. 65% cotton and 35% polyester. The G-1000 trekking pants that I reviewed had a regular waist and regular fit. Reinforced seat and reinforced knees and practical compartments. These pants are also available in a 5 cm long version.
Fit & comfort
The Vidda Pro pants have a roomy, almost baggy fit, yet they are not in the freedom of movement. Despite being made of a mix of both polyester and cotton fibres, the G-1000 fabric feels pleasant and non-abrasive and artificial. Even though the knees and seat are firmer, you do not notice anything.
Wind-, water tightness & breathability
The most exciting aspect of these pants is the way in which the fabric is made waterproof; impregnation with Greenland Wax. The wax is not included. The pants are impregnated with Greenland Wax. A mix of beeswax and paraffin. It ensures that the pants are water-repellent. You notice that when the pants are new, you will see that the water is still lying on them. After some time wearing and washing, the wax will go off and become less water-repellent. In some cases, it is pleasant, for example, warmer conditions. Less wax then ensures that the pants are ‘cooler’ and breathes better.
It is also relatively easy to apply the wax. You can do this with hairdryer, iron and even with a burner – if you want to do during your trek.
Features
The Vidda Pro is made of G-1000 fabric. 65% cotton and 35% polyester. It is water-repellent, quick-drying, breathes well and very comfortable and makes these pants ideal for outdoor activities – for which it is intended – but also for daily use if desired.
The knees and seat are extra reinforced, and the pants are equipped with two well-fitted pockets. They are well deep. So loose coins or key do not fall at the moment you sit down.
On the left front, we have two bags. A deep one, for example, to be able to place a map. There is a somewhat less deep bag for that. On the left, the Vidda Pro has the so-called ‘axe pocket’, as Fjällräven calls it. You can put an axe in it and with these knots open the bottom of the bag to put through it.
On the right is a large ‘cargo pocket’. There you can easily take the larger tools with you. Also provided with a pocket for a smartphone, so that it does not bounce loose by the pocket. The buttons are of good quality.
Extra attention was paid to the knees. For example, these are double stitched, and two seams are applied so that the knees are pre-formed in the natural movement, which makes the knee flexion comfortable. For those on the knees, for example, when shooting or filming, there is an opening at the bottom of the kneepads where you can place knee pads.
The bottom of the trousers is equipped with elastic straps and press studs with which you can connect the pants to your shoes. Also in the hem, a lace hook is attached to ensure that your pants do not rise when you walk through high bushes.
Versatility
If you are looking for a versatile outdoor/trekking pants, the Vidda Pro is a good choice. On the one hand, durable construction and an abundance of subjects that it is an optimal choice for outdoor work or camping, and enables a cold weather walker to carry a lot of stuff and remain organised. On the other hand, these pants are also ideal for the warmer areas, with this note that the wax should then be (mostly) removed.
Conclusion
The Vidda Pro has a retail price of € 169.95, which is not cheap. On the other hand, I think this is a reasonable price for the quality that the pants offer. The Fjällräven Vidda Pro is one of the toughest and most durable trousers in its class. If you buy it for daily use only, it might be a bit of an overkill.
