Fjällräven Men's Vidda Pro Regular Trousers

Product Information

At Fjallraven no decision is taken lightly. When considering a material Fjallraven will evaluate its efficiency, functional qualities, chemical composition and the amount they’ll need before making a choice. Fjallraven use a Preferred Materials And Fibres List that grades materials in terms of their impact on the environment. And this list is constantly updated, reflecting new research and new materials. In 2012 Fjallraven decided to switch to fluorocarbon-free impregnation throughout its full product range. They feature a mid/high waist and a regular, comfortable fit throughout. They're not slim, they're not baggy, just right in the middle. Pre-shaped knees mean they never feel restrictive. The only aspect I cannot yet pass opinion on is the lifespan of the Vidda Pro’s. Despite putting a lot of miles through them, I feel have not owned them for long enough to compare the longevity to other items in my arsenal. However given Fjällräven’s reputation, there is no doubt in my mind that these trousers will live up to the standards. The two layers of fabric on the knees have a gap in between so you can stash a set of kneepads in for work duties (kneepads not included), and the lower leg is adjustable to suit a range of different footwear sizes.

The Kaipak is best seen as a good middle ground between comfort and durability. If you’re looking for lighter, trousers like the Abisko trekking trouser will definitely offer this. If you want heavier, then the aforementioned Vidda Pro will offer more protection. However, for a good marriage of the two, the Kaipak is our recommendation.

Performance Comparison

As for the Greenland Wax mentioned earlier, to apply a layer one must simply rub the wax onto the material and melt it into the fibres. An iron is recommended to melt the wax, however as I don’t want to use a potentially waxy iron on my nice shirts, I would use a hair drier. That way I can see how the wax is behaving in the heat, without risking any heat damage to the Material. Greenland wax is what really brings Fjallraven to the next level. Made from high-quality beeswax and paraffin, Greenland wax can be applied to any piece of G-1000 clothing or equipment. To apply simply rub the wax on dry from the bar, then melt into the fabric using an iron, radiator or campfire. The benefits of using Greenland Wax are numerous. The main use is to add layers of waterproofness to your garment.

However, remarkable though G-1000 is, there are conditions where it may not be appropriate. And although Fjällräven have other materials to hand, their design team have developed a range of G-1000 variants to satisfy all parties: Water Repellent; AKA Hydrophobic. Resistant to heavier rain, for longer period’s water will bead and run off the material. Can be achieved by waxing or “proofing” water-resistant material. Waterproof; a rating measured through a water column test, if a material withstands a minimum 1,500mm or more, it is classed as waterproof. But in the right, sustained conditions, water can still permeate. The higher the rating, the moreThe main idea behind the Vidda Pro is durability. If you find yourself with a pair they’ll be in use for a very long time. These rugged trousers are built to take a beating thanks to their G-1000 construction. They’re reinforced at the knee and behind for extra protection when kneeling or sitting. They're constructed from Fjallraven's own G-1000 Original fabric, an ultra durable mix of polyester and cotton. This combination gives you the durability of polyester and the comfort of cotton, making them a pleasure to wear. The outer of the fabric has been pre-waxed slightly for wind and water-resistance, however the beauty of this fabric is that it can be unwaxed if you require greater breathability, or waxed even more heavily for improved weather-resistance. The rear and knees has been reinforced with a second layer of fabric to deal with regular abrasion.

As for the number of layers? As many as you deem fit for the conditions you’re intending to subject yourself to. It’s also worth mentioning that the regularity of the waxing process depends entirely on the regularity of the use of the garment. And to reinforce a previous point mentioned, impregnating a garment with wax does not waterproof the material, only adapts it from water resistant to water repellent. Another remarkable advantage to water resistant material over waterproof material, is the time taken to dry, either on the go from the heat radiating off your body, or in camp over a fire. One occasion springs to mind, climbing Torridon in Scotland, occasional downpours were forecast, and so I opted for my water resistant shell. A squall of rain would come in, I would get wet through, but within half an hour I would be fairly dry again. Even when wet, the shell would act as a barrier against the wind. Had the forecast predicted constant downpours, I would of course consider a waterproof shell.Since Åke Nordin founded the company in 1960, Fjällräven have lead the way in producing all round outdoor kit, whether you’re hanging off the side of a mountain or on the school run, their gear is suitable for all levels, covering a broad range of activities. Based out of Sweden, their team has invested a considerable amount of time and knowledge into ensuring that they can outfit the outdoor community in the right equipment for all seasons, in both arduous and serene conditions. Due to the tight weave used when making G-1000, all 5variations are durable, breathable and will offer you degrees of protection from the sun, wind and rain on their own and allows G-1000 to outperform other similar polycottons. As an added bonus G-1000 garments can also utilize a secret weapon; Fjallravens Greenland Wax. Heavy Duty; sacrifices a bit of weight and breathability for more water resistance and durability. Comes in Eco variations*