Fjallraven Abisko Trail Stretch Pant Review
The Abisko Trail Stretch ($185) is one of Fjallraven’s simpler, less technical pants, pairing a lightweight softshell fabric with a slim-fitting design. I wore them over a month in Utah’s canyon country—on backpacking trips, day hikes, and around camp—scrambling through slot canyons and hauling a 40-pound pack up steep terrain. They struck an impressive balance for shoulder-season use: comfortable and mobile, durable against rough sandstone, and surprisingly capable in steady rain. They’re not the most breathable or technical option, and I have some gripes with the feature set, but for hikers who want a durable, versatile softshell that transitions easily from trail to town, they’re a strong all-around pick.
Comfort & Mobility
Durability
Breathability
Weather Resistance
Features
Sustainability
Category
Midweight
Materials
89% polyamide, 11% elastane
Weight
10.5 oz.
Waist
Snap/fly
Pros
Cons
Fjallraven Abisko Trail Stretch
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Hiking Pants.
With “stretch” in the name, it’s no surprise the Fjallraven Abisko Trail Stretch delivers a comfortable, easy-moving feel on the trail. The lightweight softshell fabric has a soft, slightly structured feel against the skin and hits a nice balance for shoulder-season or high-elevation use—substantial enough for cooler temps without feeling overly heavy or warm. It’s not quite as breezy as a pant like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi, but it’s a more protective option for cool-weather hiking that doesn't compromise on comfort or mobility.
The stretch-woven fabric offers a noticeable amount of give—you can actually see it when I pull on it—and that translates well in motion. I especially appreciated this while scrambling through Bullet Canyon, stepping up and down boulders, and again while navigating tight slot sections in Wild Horse Canyon. The Fjallraven Abisko Trail Stretch pants move naturally without feeling overly loose or baggy, striking a nice middle ground between structure and flexibility.
The waistband uses a traditional snap closure with partial elastic through the sides and back, plus belt loops. I usually prefer hiking pants with fully elastic waistbands for comfort under a pack, but the Abisko Trail Stretch performed well even with a 40-pound load, with no digging or bunching under the hipbelt. That said, the snap closure broke before my first trip and needed a DIY fix, and I generally find snaps less reliable than other systems.
Over about a month of use—including two backpacking trips, several day hikes, and casual wear around the house—the Abisko Trail Stretch pants have held up impressively well. I put them through plenty of abrasion-heavy scenarios, from squeezing through sandstone slot canyons to scrambling over boulders and sitting directly on logs and sand at camp. Despite that, they look nearly the same as when I first got them, with no visible wear, no pilling, and no signs of fabric breakdown after washing.
My one knock here is the snap closure, which failed on my first trip with the pants when the cap fell off the pants. I was able to rig a fix using a thread and a button, and it’s held securely since. My best guess is that this was a one-off issue, as my experience with Fjallraven otherwise points to strong attention to detail. Aside from the snap, the overall construction of the Abisko Trail Stretch pants feels solid, especially for a lighter softshell. I had no issues with the zippers, which operated smoothly throughout testing. From both materials and construction standpoints, these feel like high-quality pieces built to last, even in rough terrain.
I wore the Abisko Trail Stretch pants throughout a spring in Utah’s canyon country, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s in the morning to the mid-60s mid-day, with the occasional spike near 70°F in direct sun—plus light winds and intermittent rain. In those conditions, they struck a nice balance, never feeling especially airy nor overly stuffy. I especially appreciated them in the mornings and evenings at camp, where the softshell fabric provided a bit more protection against the elements than a thinner summer pant would.
On the move, the Fjallraven Abisko Trail Stretch pants breathed well enough to remain comfortable during moderate-to-high-output efforts. I noticed this most while climbing out of a canyon with a 40-pound pack, which is an activity where heat can build quickly. While they’re not particularly light or breezy, they allowed enough airflow—especially when a breeze picked up—to regulate temperature without having me scrambling to put on shorts.
That said, these aren’t hot-weather specialists. Compared to lighter options like the Patagonia Quandary, they run warmer and feel more restrictive in airflow. They’re even thicker than lightweight softshells like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi. Still, they’re more breathable than heavier softshells like the Stio Pinedale or Arc’teryx Gamma, which can feel stifling as temperatures rise. For shoulder-season use, they strike a solid balance, but once temps climb into the 70s and beyond, you’ll likely want something lighter.
Thus far, I’ve only had one real chance to test the Abisko Trail Stretch in wet conditions, but it was a solid one—a two-hour hike out of a canyon in steady rain. The DWR finish performed impressively well: Water beaded up immediately and never seemed to soak into the fabric. Despite the sustained rainfall—enough to fully soak a shirt—I never felt moisture reach my legs, and by the time I got back to the car, the pants were dry enough to sit in comfortably without changing.
That said, these aren’t a replacement for full rain pants in sustained downpours. I’d trust them in intermittent showers or uncertain forecasts where you want to skip bringing a dedicated shell, but not for all-day rain. Compared to other softshells I’ve worn, they outperform lighter options like the Outdoor Research Ferosi in water resistance and feel more in line with burlier hiking pants like the old Patagonia Guide Pant or Arc’teryx Gamma.
The Abisko Trail Stretch also offers a decent amount of wind resistance, which is par for the course for softshell fabric. But it’s not overkill: While hiking in exposed canyon terrain with light to moderate winds (roughly 15 mph), I stayed comfortable in both sun and shade. The fabric blocked gusts well enough to take the edge off without trapping too much heat, which made a noticeable difference when moving between warm, sunny sections and cooler, shaded canyon walls.
The Fjallraven Abisko Trail Stretch keeps things fairly simple on the features front, although some of the design choices left me scratching my head. Starting with the positives, I really appreciated the pocket layout. The zippered hand pockets and the more discreet vertical zip pocket on the right thigh are all impressively spacious—I had no problem fitting my iPhone 14 Pro in any of them. That said, I preferred using the thigh pocket for smaller items, since the phone sits a bit awkwardly that low on the leg.
Early on, the pants felt a bit snug around the hips, so I left the front pockets unzipped for extra room. As the fabric loosened up, that became less necessary, but it did lead me to use the pockets as vents on warmer stretches—they’re mesh-lined, and it works surprisingly well.
At the waist, the design feels a bit conflicted. Fjallraven pairs an elastic back half with a standard snap-and-fly closure and full belt loops, which seems unnecessary. I’d never wear a belt with a backpack due to the pressure under a hipbelt, and I’d much prefer a built-in system like what you get on the Arc’teryx Gamma line. The inclusion of belt loops makes me think Fjallraven is aiming for more casual crossover use here. The legs are slightly tapered and sit cleanly over boots, helping keep cuffs out of the mud, but the added drawcord adjustments at the cuffs felt redundant—I never found a need for them.
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Longevity
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Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Tester: 5’4” 128 lb.; 25” waist, 35” hips
Size tested: 4 (30” inseam)
I typically fall between an extra small and small (around sizes 2–4), depending on the brand and cut, and ended up going with a size 4 in the Abisko Trail Stretch using Fjallraven’s fit finder. It landed me in the right spot—the waist and length both fit well right out of the box, with the pants rising just to below my belly button and the 30-inch inseam hitting a clean, natural length for my height. The hips were a bit snug initially, but the fabric relaxed over time and ultimately resulted in a near-perfect fit.
Overall, the fit leans slightly slim with a tapered leg, which is a far cry from roomier hiking pants like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi. For my build, the sizing worked well, but if you’re between sizes or carry more through the hips, it’s worth considering sizing up.
Arc’teryx Gamma ($200): The More Technical Softshell
The Arc’teryx Gamma is one of the closest competitors to the Abisko Trail Stretch, using a similarly weighted softshell fabric that delivers excellent durability, breathability, and weather protection. But, as we’d expect from Arc’teryx, it leans more technical, with a built-in belt that’s much cleaner and more comfortable under a pack, and a less tapered cut that allows for better freedom of movement. By contrast, the Abisko Trail Stretch’s more casual look and feel make it a better fit for everyday wear—you can take it straight from the trail into town without looking overly technical. For more, read our review of the Arc’teryx Gamma.
Fjallraven Keb Agile ($210): A Step Up
Within Fjallraven’s lineup, the Abisko Trail Stretch is one of the more streamlined options, while the Keb Agile takes a clear step into more technical territory. It combines stretch fabric with reinforced G-1000 panels for added durability, along with a more feature-rich design that includes zippered thigh pockets and adjustable hems that can be snapped for a tapered fit. Overall, the Keb Agile feels more purpose-built for rugged use or longer backpacking trips, whereas the Abisko Trail Stretch is a simpler, lighter, and more versatile choice that transitions more easily from the trail to everyday wear. For more, read our Fjallraven Keb Agile review.
The Fjallraven Abisko Trail Stretch is a lightweight softshell pant with clean, everyday styling. It’s a great pick for both shoulder-season hiking and casual use, although the waist design isn’t our favorite.
Comfort & Mobility
Durability
Breathability
Weather Resistance
Features
Sustainability
Built for climbers and adopted by hikers and backpackers looking for a durable and protective pant for alpine environments, the Gamma is about as premium as it gets. The fit is exceptional, and all the details are thoughtfully sorted. Warmth and price should be your only hesitations.
Comfort & Mobility
Durability
Breathability
Weather Resistance
Features
Sustainability
Fjall’s do-all pant for mild-weather hiking, the Keb Agile offers a nice mix of style, durability, and mobility. It’s too much pant for hot weather, but thigh vents help increase the temperature range. If you can stomach the price tag, these pants are built to last.
Comfort & Mobility
Durability
Breathability
Weather Resistance
Features
Sustainability
Is the Abisko Trail Stretch for You?
The Fjallraven Abisko Trail Stretch is a great fit for hikers who want a comfortable, durable softshell pant that performs well in cool-to-mild conditions (around 40 to 70˚F) without leaning too far into technical territory. It strikes a thoughtful balance: It’s stretchy and mobile enough for scrambling and camp chores, while the slim fit and casual styling make it a solid crossover piece for everyday wear—you can take it from the trail straight into town without thinking twice. That said, if you hike in hot climates or want maximum airflow for high-output days, there are lighter options that will serve you better. And if you’re after a more technical pant, we do prefer one with a built-in belt.
Go for it if you want a comfortable, durable, and weather-protective softshell pant for mild-weather hiking that also looks good around town.
Pass on it if you’re looking for a warm-weather hiking pant, a relaxed fit, or a pant with a built-in belt.
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