Francesca Donovan awards the Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights Pro her Best in Test award saying they’re worth every penny. Find out why.
The Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights Pro have been classics for a long time. Having seen them adorn the legs of many a hiking peer on fells and mountains over the years, I was concerned by the high price tag and perhaps this made me skeptical about their rave reviews. Turns out, these leggings are classics for a reason and they’re worth every penny.
Francesca Donovan’s Best in Test
Fjällräven have designed the Holy Grail of hiking gear; leggings with the perfect balance between freedom of movement, breathability, and support.- super stretch fit
- freedom of movement
- abrasion resistance
- large pockets
- breathability
- none
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: £150 (available from Fjällräven) Weight: 245g (S) Materials: 70% polyester (recycled), 30% elastane; 90% polyamide, 10% elastane (PFAF-free Cordura reinforcement) Features: matte, opaque finish, reinforcements on knees and rear, waistband with inside drawcord, 7/8-length legs with low-profile hems Pockets: 2 thigh pockets (one concealed) Sizes: XXS – XXL Men’s version: yes fjallraven.com |
I’ve long struggled with heat regulation on hikes but I prefer the full-leg support offered by leggings with a hint of compression. The Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights Pro are super breathable and feel incredibly comfortable on long, strenuous warm spring days. However, they’re just at home in cooler climes with a silky soft next-to-skin feel and a stretch that allowed me a perfect fit with barely any waist cord adjustment needed.
The waist cord comes in handy to keep the leggings from slipping as you move while the fabric is just thick enough to feel very supportive – but they feel lightweight on. I’m as comfortable running in these leggings as I am scrambling, climbing or going for a gentle dog walk.
They’re also fully featured and mountain ready in a way not many of the other leggings I’ve tested can match. The abrasion resistance at the seat and knees coped extremely well with all manner of terrain – even on the notorious Peak District gritstone – despite boasting a good deal of stretch.
Unfortunately, I did find the seams at these reinforcements a little itchy at first but this eased after a few washes and, while it lasted, it still wasn’t uncomfortable enough to knock off a half-star. If you’re particularly sensitive to itchiness, I’d recommend the step down in the line, the Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights without the abrasion. I’ve also had these on test and they’re my go-to for any non-technical walk in temperatures under 20-odd degrees.
The Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights Pro are super durable. I’ve had no sagging despite plentiful washes. I’ve worn them on many multi-day hikes now and they also don’t retain odours in the way other leggings I’ve tested have done.
They have two huge thigh pockets, one with a concealed flap which comes in handy for valuable you want to keep extra secure on climbing days on exposed walks. Both are big enough for a smartphone, small map, snacks and other essentials you want to keep in reach. Both feel secrure and durable over many months of testing.
Overall, Fjällräven have designed the Holy Grail of hiking gear; leggings with the perfect balance between fit, freedom of movement, breathability, and support – plus enough technical features to make them feel mountain-ready.
How we tested
Francesca tested these leggings on multiple walks and day hikes in the Peak District and north Wales throughout late winter and spring 2026 as well as in the gym and at her local climbing wall. She also took these leggings on multi-day hikes on Glyndwr’s Way and Raad ny Foillan. She is 5’7 and has a small waist relative to large thighs (usually taking between a UK16 and 18, depending on brand) and runs hot.
To compare them to others, see our guide to the best leggings for hiking.
