Fjallraven Vidda Pro Outdoor Pants - 1 Year Review

[@robmechanic]

A fair and honest review. Thank you.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thank you - I try to be fair :)

[@zack8399]

finally a review by someone who has some experience in them! I think ill get a pair, as i won't be as hard on them but the functionality is better then other brands i've seen

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hi Zack - thanks for the comment. I try and make sure I use something before giving an opinion 😀 - not like some other channels (aaahhemm) 1 year seemed about right for something that SHOULD last several years. 👍

[@-ZELTHELD-]

Honest review. I think the stronger guys usually wear the pants out earlier. Small and slim dudes on KZbin seem to own them forever. I also think waxing the full pants will help on very fine campfire sparks, as that millisecond the spark needs to melt the wax maybe just enough for these fine spark to light down. We also bought slightly different Barents Pro pants from Fjällräven. You miss that hook for the shoe laces and the cut is broader, but as you trim off the legs to size yourself, we have plenty left overs material to make patches for any holes. My wife had a very big wood piece spark landing on her front pocket and as we speak I'm patching it. The spark went through two layers. It is the winter Barents Pro with 3 layers. Fjällräven are very light outdoor pants. They are designed for nature use and long walks. When it comes to heavy bushcraft and tools, they should have a vise versa mix, so rather 65% cotton, which they just don't have design-wise. For heavy duty work I would get used military cotton gear. Fjällräven is really premium for hiking and backpacking through the woods. Happy hiking.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks for the insight ZELTHELD. They don't stop sparks like I would like and you are right I might move to some military surplus wool trousers for winter. I do like some of the feature you pointed out such as the hook for the boots - that it a great feature! Good luck with your patching!

[@-ZELTHELD-]

@Jeremy K541 agree, snug fit is not good. As people hard want the Fjällräven pants versions with shoe lace hooks on the legs, so they often buy too snug ones, as there are no different size length versions.

[@jgarcia9011]

For the knee pads, an easy design upgrade would be an internal strip of Velcro. As for the Ax pocket, my hatchet fits through the top but gets stuck at the bottom. The lower cuff and button should be eliminated.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

I think there could be some upgrades to the knee situation - you are totally right! And the axe pocket is asking for trouble, if you use it in my opinion. The cuff at the bottom is the best part! Its perfect for bug/tick season and provides some good protection! 👍

[@jgarcia9011]

@@TheEmporiumOutdoors I only meant the button and cuff for the ax pocket. They are removing mine as we speak. I won't use it, but would like to know I can if need be.

[@robertphillips93]

C.C. Filson makes waxed pants in several styles that are fitted up for suspenders or belt. They're absolutely unbeatable for quality of workmanship and materials, but most of the fabrics are all cotton or cotton/nylon blends or even 100% wool. For the long wear and drying qualities of the G1000, these Vidda Pros are still attractive, especially if you can find them on sale.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Love, love love Filson - They make extremely good quality products - and they are worth the high price in my opinion. I currently don't own any items but have coveted them for many years - especially their fly fishing gear......One day! 😉

[@MrMikebarrie]

Great review. Maybe the knee pads load from the bottom so the pockets don’t fill up with dirt, twigs, and crud?

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

I thought the same thing but they could have put a small opening at the bottom to let that out. I might mod them myself now they are broken in :D

[@christophermcghee5677]

Yeah I'm with Mr Barrie on that one, waxed trousers would guide anything mainly water straight into the kneepad pocket and yes a hole below would help... But waxing the inside of those pockets may be harder and require more attention than some would be willing to spend time doing. I just recieved my fjällräven sten jacket and questioned the lack of wax duuuh I didn't choose waxed option but great review mate

[@jamesbailand4311]

It helps the knee pads not bunch up when in compression. It's common in the higher end tradesmen trousers. The lower end are top loading, it doesn't work as well.

[@MarksGoneWalking]

Good honest review - glad I bought my percussion shooting trousers now 👍 I’ll stick with them instead. Review up on Friday. ATB Mark.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks Mark - Ill look out for your review! 👍

[@TheVespap200e]

Thanks for the review! The price tag on these pants is what has been holding me back from buying them. I'm going to take your advice and look for another alternative. Cheers!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

They are good - but for less money there are some good alternatives. Watch out for them being on sale. I see them at 15% off sometimes.

[@jumanjiwarlord]

I just got 15% off mine. Makes it a little less painful. What I’m really looking for is gear that will be resistant to burrs and sticky seeds and whatnot.

[@ChrisRedfield--]

Great trousers, would like to see more fire and spark resistance.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Yup - But they are holding up so far, despite the torn knee seam.

[@SHADOW-ke6xz]

Just bought a pair of the slate and black Vida pro g1000 and I paid 160.00 lol and that was the sale price of 20% off 180.00. That's Canada for you. Great video.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Very nice - I hope they work out well for you! Mine have some more wear and tear but they are holding so far!

[@outdoorandbushcraft39]

If the slot for the kneepads were on the top these pockets would collect lots of dirt and debris. You can cut them to the right size so they don't fall out

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Just make a slot in the bottom too for debris 😃

[@Jax4umalta]

Even though it is nothing I will ever buy, being a woman who loves to camp sometimes I will buy men’s pants because they don’t really make clothing for women like this. A great review thank you so much MICHAEL.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hi Jacqueline - Yea - I think you are right. The outdoor market is skewed toward males. Even my viewing demographic shows only 13% women watch my channel. I truly believe the outdoors is for everyone - you just have to try it and you will fall in love. Best wishes Michael.

[@Jax4umalta]

The Emporium Outdoors I have always been a tomboy and at 52 years old, last year I earned my distinguish expert level for shooting. I went through all of the sharp shooter levels, got my civilian marksmanship pin and after months of intense practice I finally got my distinguish expert. Many times I am the only girl on the range or in competitions. I also do four wheeling with my truck, nine out of 10 times I’m the only girl driver. These women don’t know what they’re missing.

[@-ZELTHELD-]

Fjällräven has a complete women line up. My wife wears Fjällräven Women's Barents Pro Pants and Women's Barents Pro Anorak. I wear both from the Men's line of Fjällräven.

[@ragnarzetterberg9032]

You are a big guy. I would advise you to go up one size. I have had mine for 5 years now (however not every day use) and have no quality issues. On the contrary one of the most durable trousers I have had. Best Regards

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks Ragnar - Im a 35" waist - Thats not that big - lol!

[@aliceg9571]

Yes sending them back would not be worth it but just thinking that they maybe they would give you a super good discount on a new pair? If not then no harm done. Wishing you good luck if you do get a hold of them. Thanks for your response. No need to reply to this message. Take care and see you on the next Video. Thanks again for sharing.

[@jiffywartbustle2348]

A pretty fair summary of all Fjallraven attire these days, possibly excluding the numbers series. You can get good deals a couple times a year(Canada Day sale, for us, and probably Black Friday or Xmas if past year trends are any predictor) but they definitely charge a premium for the brand name. Nice, honest review, thank you!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hi Justin - I had to buy some to get my own opinion of these popular trousers. I guess I was expecting some miracle fabric that shed sparks and wear but they burn like other plastic pants as they have too much polyester in them. I tend to buy from www.bushcraftcanada.com or atmosphere.ca. The later tends to do 15% from time to time. They are good but not great :)

[@jiffywartbustle2348]

Fjallraven's official Canadian site/outlet gets smoking deals about twice a year, re: about 50% off a wide variety of stock, albeit the Vidda Pro's haven't gone on sale for about 2 yrs now. Notably, Keb trousers and several numbers series of clothing recently went for 50% off this past Canada Day, along with a shwack of other clothing. Backpacks almost never go on sale, as an aside, and the secondary market remains the best place for a deal. I also shop from Bushcraft Canada and Canada Outdoor Equipment Co, plus Varusteleka.com occasionally. Varusteleka have taken off with their own clothing line in the last year and now sell a similar version of trouser to the Vidda Pro that I haven't pulled the trigger on yet, though I really do like their jeans with average-height waistlines. I look forward to your next adventure, cheers!

[@Artist_in]

Your dog is so cute!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thank you so much Wana! 👍

[@praetor47]

thanks for the fair and balanced review. i just got myself a pair (~130€ on sale for a pair of ventilated ones) and i'm not as enamored with the design as i thought i would be. they feel nearly indestructible and with proper care and waxing i believe they will last a long while if i got a good pair they also have a hunting line which is honestly probably more suited for bushcrafting and stuff. wish i knew beforehand :/ as far as pricing goes... eh. unfortunately, that's the world we live in. IF (and it's not a small "if") the stories they sell are true, quite a bit of the cost is from sustainable, responsible, ecological and energy efficient materials and production methods. though the biggest part of the price is, as usual and as you noticed, "the name". but that's just the name of the game. it's true for everything in every niche. my "justification" in my mind for their price was when i was looking at what's out there. a) the hiking companies don't really offer competitive products that i could find. it's usually much lighter/more technical materials that wouldn't stand up well to forest abuse, and if they do have something similar, it's not all that much cheaper. b) the "tactical" brands are in a similar position, though a bit better, imo. and the really good ones (like First Spear) are quite a bit pricier c) the quality alternatives from hunting brands are even more spicey pricey (Harkila, Blaser, Jagdhunter, Sasta...), making Fjallraven seem like a bargain, lol. hell, even the more budget friendly brands like Pinewood, Deerhunter, Verney Carron aren't all that much cheaper (if at all... though they are definitely much easier to find on sale. so i guess they are significantly cheaper... if you have the patience?). that said, recently one company has emerged that seems to have just the right recipe: Helikon Tex (link, for those too lazy to use google :): www.helikon-tex.com/), who are slowly but surely starting to offer some pretty serious outdoors clothing. their Duracanvas material, from composition, seems to be a "copy" of G1000. the recent Pilgrim line (i really wish they released this a couple of months ago :/) is pretty much "Fjallraven on a budget" and probably offers 90-95% (if not 105%) of the performance for less money (from pictures, at least the pants seem to be smarter designed with the pockets layout and high elasticated back and suspenders points etc). i hope they continue on this path... what are your alternatives?

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks for the detailed post and you make some very good points. I didn't know about the hunting line from Fjallraven - Ill have to look them up! I have several Helikon-tex items and I have been more than impressed with the durability - Especially their fleece garments! I have the new woodsman's anorak which I really like! I find I wear my under armour fleece cold weather pants more as they as so comfortable!

[@praetor47]

@@TheEmporiumOutdoors For now i only have a pair of OTP by Helikon and i'm quite happy with them. Super comfortable, stretchy, DWR on the surface, and the pocket placement+design is a masterpiece. I'm kicking myself for not getting the Hybrid Outback 'cause they're almost exactly the same, but much better for outdoors (same front pockets, no back pockets [which are redundant considering the amount of front pockets], but it has parts reinforced with duracanvas [their g1000] and leg cuffs adjustable with velcro) i'll probably be picking up one of the Anoraks (leaning towards the Pilgrim one) or that shirt/jacket hybrid (or both, if funds permit :D) they'll be releasing soon when i'll find them on sale next time. and if you say their fleeces are good, i'll have to pick at least one up for the missus :)

[@Matt.Jungfleisch]

Michael, I have to agree with the previous commentor Richard T. I thought you had a closet full of these pants. A good honest review. You mentioned the Under Armour pants, Are they still available. I think U A makes some really comfortable and durable clothing. Simon seems to be doing well out in the Bush. Thank You for all that you do.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hi Matt - I'm glad you enjoyed the review. I don't think they are available anymore but I'm sure they have been superseded. This is my review of them (kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZfTiYF4ptx0kLc). I was surprised they held up so well for how light and warm they felt. Simon is doing well - I used to leave him at home to keep my old dog George company - but now there is only Esme and Simon, they will both come camping now. Best wishes Michael

[@peakbagger2014]

Good review. Very thoughtful

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thank you kindly!

[@sipapito]

160 big ones? holy crap I paid 110 euros G1000, I love mine but I do baby them a little, I wax them too but you definitely wear them more than I, I just finish waxing mine as we just stuck in the house. Thanks for the video.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thats a good price! Yup - I've used them a lot! I have the wax too and I do the seat and knees mostly! 👍

[@mayclesyrup7348]

I've always wondered the same with trousers as to why they don't insert the knee pads from the top,i much prefer external pads honestly and id say take a gander at Alta ones or even construction use ones with a solid full knee protection that are harder at the front with a softer back and fastened with elastic strapping and a plastic clip fastener over a button as i equally find velcro ones useless aha,brilliant review though i've had my eye on a pair for a while.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hey Maycle - It seems more logical for them to go in via the top :) Ive tried the external pads and they always slip on me or cause pressure behind the knee. These ones are pretty comfortable and I' don't even notice them (but they do look weird). Thanks for the comment!

[@mayclesyrup7348]

@@TheEmporiumOutdoors Hey :) I have encountered some that have top accessible slots for knee pads but I can't for the life of me remember them,I encountered the same issues until I came across the Alta loc brand,I can't swear by them enough but everyone has their preference and honestly I think they look kind of cool I did wonder what they were at first haha and no worries.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Ill check them out! Thanks for the heads up!

[@onetimeoutdoorsdj1394]

Thank you so much for your honest review

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Anytime! 👍

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Are these pants stretchy?

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

No - they are the G-1000 fabric made from 65% polyester and 35% cotton. 👍

[@THENEWWRANGLER]

with the help of my G/F we sowed the bottom of the opening for the knee pads so they stay in place 100% mine are a closed cell foam, I ordered them from amazon.ca they are rectangular in shape. The knee pads stay in place and are good to go. Just an idea.

[@whitemountainshikes8556]

Hi Mike- Your old buddy Adventures With Dogs here on my new channel (still have the old one, but wanted one specifically for the mountains). Tell the truth, I prefer my Columbia hiking pants. They're very light, and flexible, and in the cold weather, I just use an L4 base under them. I wouldn't pay that much, anyway- mine were about $60. But I think yours are probably a lot more durable. Who's Esme's friend? I haven't seen the new pup before. Doesn't look like Esme's jealous, though!

[@stevenV57]

Thank you for the review and sharing your experience.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

No Problem Steven!

[@goldennewf7098]

Trousers. Another good one, Michael

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks! :)

[@luckyjim51]

Good looking pants... I'v tried them on a couple of times and they are a little short in the seat and to much money. Good work on your videos!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hi James - You found the same as me they are a little short. For outdoor gear a high waist is much better in almost all circumstances. Thanks for commenting!

[@georgesalmon8113]

good review am looking at them

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Anytime George! 👍

[@aliceg9571]

Maybe you could call them about the gap in the seam and they might offer you a discount on another pair? Or try a different style. Your right in that I think you mentioned it may have been a manufactur defect. It doesn’t look like you damaged it at all. Just thought it might be worth a try to contact them and also suggest your knee pad idea. Is that another dog of yours? He/she wanted some attention. How sweet. And precious Esme, such a great companion. Lol on her comment.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hi Alice - I will probably just repair them myself. The shipping will cost more than the repair :/ They might like the knee pad idea though :). The other smaller dog is Simon. He's another rescue dog like Esme. He's quiet and has a bad leg but lives a very charmed life :)

[@JustDoit-bl6pq]

What material ?

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

The material is G1000. 👍

[@Thedagda801]

Most knee pads in any trousers are put in from the bottom

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Indeed 👍

[@johngergen1215]

Nice video. Have you reviewed tru spec? If got a couple pairs and they are pretty good.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hi John - I have not. Which ones do you recommend?

[@johngergen1215]

The Emporium Outdoors I have a pair of the 24/7 expedition pants, and 2 pair of the 24/7 shorts. I haven't worn the pants much, but the shorts have been my outdoor go to all summer.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks for the info - I'll take a closer look!

[@Maritimer]

good honest review ! thanks !

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thank you Maritimer!

[@davemoulton8051]

Thanks you for saving me money 👍

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

No problem Dave!

[@paulyoung5073]

Great review

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thank you Paul!

[@TheUnknownReject]

How do they fare in hot weather?

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

They are pretty good but don't have any vents like the more expensive styles. As an all season trousers they are good all round. In winter I use a merino wool base layer that really helps keep the cold out.

[@RichardT2112]

Not second .... For some reason, I pictured you having a closet full of nothing but those trousers :)

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

LOL - I wish I had the money for a wardrobe of Fjallraven gear :). I really want the Fjallraven Anorak No #8 but its $500 :/ I have to think carefully about that.

[@RichardT2112]

The Emporium Outdoors My wife would kill me :)

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hahaha ;)

[@hermit6208]

Richard T , he has everything else!! You've got a hell of a toy closet, Michael!!

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

I'm very lucky - I certainly know that :)

[@puma1304]

why should I pay that much? I bought 3 NEW (1980) Army pants for $10 each, and waxed them, and they perform very well. Besides they have really big pockets and a wider cut which I find much comfortable. I agree that outdoor-pants should have a higher waist! I have some old Canadian Air Force wool pants with a very high waist, which are superb for cold winter days. With this in mind I found some (new for $12) Dutch Navy insulated pants with a high waist, which I will test during my next winter trip. I think Fjällraven does make very good stuff, but for my taste certainly overpriced.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

I agree the price is too much and from my experience they don't hold up as well as people say. The Helikon-Tex Pilgrim Pants have held up amazingly and are by far the most practical and comfortable. Ill check out the Dutch Navy pants and see how they look 👍

[@scottsmith6571]

Better than tin pants?

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

I guess you mean the Filson pants? Filson are on a whole new level and I would love to own some of their gear. I'm not sure how supple the oiled fabric is. Do you own a pair?

[@lumpsum1642]

Good review just make sure u get more shots with the dog

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Sure thing!

[@susannau.3535]

Is that Simon with you? Such a good boy...Esme is beautiful as always. God bless Michael

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hi Susan - that is indeed Simon - he will be with me much more now George is no more. Best wishes Michael :)

[@mariumrajah]

Ive been wearing these trousers there excellent but expensive

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

I like them but I was a little disappointed at the wear resistance after 1 year of use. For comparison take a look at my latest video with the Helikon-Tex Pilgrim trousers. I've enjoyed wearing those and they have some very nice features 👍

[@ShadowdesforgesShadowdesforges]

Good review .

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks buddy!

[@ScaleModelAlberta]

I was interested until you mentioned the price, nope can find way less expensive stuff on sale at Marks' or Cabella's.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

You can get really good military surplus for better prices if you don't mind the colours etc. Check out atmosphere.ca its part of (Canadian Tire, Marks etc). They have good sales sometime on stuff but rarely the top brand gear.

[@scottsmith6571]

Cheap skate check out tin pants

[@ScaleModelAlberta]

@Jeremy K541 That's true to an extent. But my point was you can find other items that cost 50% less and still deliver 99% of performance.

[@bushlifeaholick790]

I here ya mate I broke down&got a pair there nice but don’t think I’d pay 150$ for another pair heck I got a Very nice heavy Field and stream duck hunting paints on sale for 39$ at Dicks sporting goods very nice pants allso

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Yep - I agree with that. Unless I found them on sale I would pass on another pair.

[@6911redneck]

Buy a Helikon Tex UTP....

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

I really like the Helikon brand - Ill check them out!

[@GsdDude]

I bought these pants, and I will say that i wont recomment anyone to buy these, they broke within 3 weeks, 3 holes and areas with bad stitching, not worth it, i will admit they are very comfortable to wear, but thats about it :)

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Ohh - that's too bad - I would contact them for a warranty claim. I also found them not as durable as they lead you to believe 🤔

[@peterichardson3267]

The stitching on mine went in the same place. I agree with you good trousers but over priced

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Hi Pete - Isn't that interesting :/

[@albertapeet]

Omg $160! I would love to chat with you about some ocean front property I have for sale in eastern Alberta

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Well - Alberta has enough beaches - there must be an ocean not far from here :/

[@tanmilne]

Dog comments are great

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Thanks Tanner!

[@albertapeet]

I feel wierd...? Esme and I are on the same page:)

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

LOL :D

[@joekelly9369]

its a knife pocket / ice axe

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Yea - both those things I wouldn't put I that pocket. The reverse flap at the bottom makes it hard to get anything pushed all the way through. Do you use the pocket for anything?

[@SKULLKR3W]

part of the cost is due to international trading

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Perhaps - but I believe their products are made in Asia. I think it's more likely to be just be what the local market price will support.

[@charlesblake7552]

I see the mosquitos.

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

They see me too! :D

[@albertapeet]

You know you can buy a pair of jeans for under $20 at Costco

[@TheEmporiumOutdoors]

Yup - You could buy 8 pairs for the money and wear them all at once. They would be certainly be wear resistant!

[@albertapeet]

Or .. you could buy one pair and wear them for a few years on overnight camps and get another pair etc for the next 20 yrs :-)

[@genghiskhanjunior9581]

@@albertapeet You're on the wrong video Cowboy!

[@albertapeet]

john evans don’t take it too seriously John. Mike is a good friend of mine and if I didn’t bust this chops now and again he would think I didn’t care