Men’s Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants Review

Bottom Line

Fjallraven Vidda Pro pants are among the burliest and most robustly made pants we have tested. Their reinforced design makes them perfect for anyone who plans on wearing them through thick brush, as work wear, or in some of the harshest conditions. We reached for these pants when we knew we were going to be spending time kneeling in the dirt and mud and wanted to protect ourselves from the elements.

The Vidda Pro’s heft comes from Fjallraven’s cotton-polyester blended G-1000 fabric. This thick material not only enhances durability but also makes these pants one of the most weather-resistant in our lineup. We wore these on rainy and sleeting days of Alaska’s snotty shoulder seasons and loved how they kept us protected from the elements. Loaded with unique features like an axe loop, knife pocket, and zippered ventilation, the Vidda Pro is one of the most heavily featured pants we tested. It’s perfect for anyone who demands the highest performance from their gear.

Though extremely durable and weather-resistant, the Vidda Pro is not our top choice to be worn on warm summer days. It’s available in both a standard and ventilated version. The zippered vents on the ventilated version help dump some heat, but there’s no getting around that these pants are hot and heavy compared to the rest of our list of the best men’s hiking pants. The Vidda Pro’s high price point may not make it accessible to entry-level hikers, either. However, those willing to spend the extra money will be reimbursed by a premium crafted piece of gear that will last for years of use.

How We Tested

We tested the Vidda Pros for 2 months in harsh Alaskan conditions. From clearing blowdown trees off trails with a chainsaw to chilly hikes and shoulder season climbs, we dragged the Vidda Pro through the mud, snow, and brush to test how well it holds up in a variety of conditions.

Comfort & Mobility

The Fjallraven Vidda Pro Ventilated Pants are one of a few we tested that required a break-in period. Off the rack, they felt stiff and almost cardboard-like. But after a few uses, they started to become more supple and let us move more easily without as much crinkling. 

Made with a blend of cotton and recycled polyester, the front of the pants is very stiff and not very elastic. However, this restrictiveness is somewhat relieved by a gusseted crotch. You won’t be doing yoga in these pants, but they still provide enough mobility and flexibility for climbing over downed trees or taking large steps in uneven terrain.

For those new to Fjallraven pants, their European sizing can be tricky to nail. However, in the latest version of these widely loved pants, Fjallraven has changed its slim, European cut to something more standard. This makes them more accessible to a wider range of body sizes and slightly more comfortable with more room through the legs. They fit true to size, and their improved fit is a step in the right direction to making them easy to fit and size.

Breathability

There’s no getting around the fact that these are thick and heavy pants. We found ourselves getting very warm in the Vidda Pro Ventilated pants, even in mild shoulder season temperatures. This Scandinavian-made pant is no match for lighter and more breathable materials on warm days. We don’t recommend the Vidda Pro for summer temperatures or for hikers who prioritize breathability for high-exertion activities.

Weather Resistance

At the same time, the Vidda Pro’s thick material makes these pants more weather-resistant than most we reviewed. When a freak mid-winter rain and wind storm blew through Alaska, wreaking havoc on the local trails, we wore these pants for working in the wind and rain to clear the trails of blown-down trees. When we kneeled in slush and ice, they resisted moisture for longer than we expected, beading rain and shedding snow that came in contact with the front of the pants. 

However, once wet, these pants took a long time to dry out due to their cotton-blend construction. If you want to further enhance these pants’ weather resistance, iron in some of Fjallraven’s Greenland Wax (paraffin and beeswax blend) to prevent rain and snow from seeping into the fabric.

Durability

The Fjallraven Vidda Pro sets the standard for how durable and well-made pants can be. Their double-front knees and strong stitching make them perfect for working outside and kneeling in gravel and mud. We reached for these pants often for trail work and yard work, and they have yet to show any signs of distress from what we’ve thrown at them. 

From running a chainsaw and getting oil spilled on them to thrashing through pokey branches, they’ve handled all the abuse we threw at them. These combine the durability of Carhartts with the hiking performance of athletic pants to form one pair of pants that can do it all. The Vidda Pros receive high marks for durability. We anticipate using ours for years to come.

Features

Fjallraven is renowned for making highly mature pieces of clothing that enhance their performance. This trend continues with these pants as well. With three metal snap closure cargo pockets, the Vidda Pro can carry an array of gear on the body. The left side also has a dedicated map pocket, perfect for orienteering or off-trail adventures.

Interestingly, these pants do not have back pockets. While this makes them comfortable to sit in and gives them a unique look, back-pocket users may miss them compared to a more conventional pair of pants. The double zippers on the ventilated Vidda Pros increase airflow to dump more heat than the standard pant.  Boot hooks on the front of the cuffs allow you to secure them to boot laces, helping keep debris and moisture out. The metal snap adjustment at the ankles allows you to dial in the fit, or it can be removed for a more streamlined look. Heavily featured, the Vidda Pros are perfect for working or carrying essentials on your hikes.

Should You Buy the Fjallraven Vidda Pro Ventilated Pants?

The Fjallraven Vidda Pro is a premium-grade pair of pants that comes at a premium price tag. They’re not for everyone, but those willing to spend the extra dollars will have a pair of pants with the durability and build quality to last for years of heavy use. These pants are perfect for someone who spends lots of time working outside, kneeling in the dirt and mud, or thrashing through brush. Given their heft and thick material, these are not the pants for ultralighters or hot-weather hikers. These would be perfect for trail crews or shoulder-season hikers who prefer durable, fully featured trekking pants.

What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?

Check out our full guide to men’s hiking pants to see all our favorites.

Arc’teryx Gamma Review: Another option highly ranked for weather resistance, the Gamma is another premium quality pair of pants sure to withstand years of use.

REI Activator Review: If you’re looking for another warm and solidly built pant but at a lower price point, the Activator is an excellent option for a colder weather hiking pant.

Mammut Runbold IV Review: Lighter and more breathable than the Vidda Pro, the Runbold IV is one of our favorite lightweight pants.