Take It From Someone Who's Trekked on All 7 Continents, These Are the Only Hiking Pants You'll Ever Need

My first pair of hiking pants were wind pants — those bright neon nylon bottoms (often paired with a matching jacket) that you could hear swish-swishing from a mile away. Don’t get me wrong. I miss the ’80s and early ’90s. However, I’m happy to leave those hideous “hiking pants” in the past. In 2017, I inadvertently discovered my present — and forever — pair during a May trip to Iceland. Delta somehow lost my luggage somewhere between New York City and Reykjavík, so instead of spending my first day in the Land of Fire and Ice hot springs-hopping, I spent it shopping. 

Not knowing where to start, I followed some well-dressed locals into my first Fjällräven store. Like the Pied Piper of pants, they led me straight to the beloved Fjällräven Keb Trousers. Figuring Delta would eventually pick up the tab for the things I had to replace, I splurged and bought a pair. To this day, they’re still the priciest pants that I own. But in hindsight, they were well worth any inconvenience caused by losing my luggage. And a few years later, I bought another pair with my own hard-earned money. 

Fjällräven Keb Trousers Curved

One of the best-selling products in Fjällräven’s 64-year history, today’s Keb Trousers Curved are the result of nearly 400 design hours. A representative from the brand told me that each pair is made with 88 different pieces and features five sustainable materials. The main component, of course, is Fjällräven’s famous G-1000 Eco fabric, a proprietary woven blend of polyester, organic cotton, and high-quality paraffin and beeswax. The last two ingredients make these pants virtually indestructible and weather-proof. Not only have I worn mine during downpours in Iceland, but they’ve also kept me warm and dry while cruising around in a zodiac in Antarctica, and most recently, winter hiking in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. 

I love that the new Keb Trousers Curved have a looser, more “inclusive fit” because, during the colder months, I layer them over long underwear for extra warmth. I’m also a big fan of their impressive stretch factor. They look like Carhartts, and are certainly just as durable — only they have the feel of my favorite Lululemon leggings. Whether I’m limboing under a fallen tree or rock scrambling, my hikes always require a wide range of motion.

I also need pockets, and these pants have plenty: five to be exact. Since they’re all conveniently located in front, I’m never sitting on anything, and I enjoy the easy access to my phone, keys, wallet, and the pepper spray I never hike without these days. 

Fjällräven Keb Trousers Curved

Another feature that I appreciate is the above-average breathability. If I’m going to drop $240 on a pair of hiking pants, I want to be able to wear them year-round, in both cold and hot climates. The Keb Trousers Curved boast zippered ventilation in the calf area and from the knees to the hips. I’m hiking in Australia’s humid-but-beautiful Scenic Rim Region soon (where it’s approaching autumn), and I know that these pants will keep me cool, comfortable, and protected from the sun. The reinforced knees will also allow me to get down and dirty. While visiting Grey Peaks National Park, I plan on doing an indigenous-led hike, where I’ll learn how to forage. 

Currently, the Fjällräven Keb Trousers Curved are available in four colors. My only complaint is that they’re not available (yet) in this beautiful blue hue that the Men’s Keb Trousers come in. My boyfriend recently bought his first pair, and I wish that we were the same size so I could borrow them. Despite only having had his for a few weeks here in wintry Montana, he’s already a Keb Trousers convert (previously he wore Kühl hiking pants) and is planning on packing them on our trip to Nicaragua (where it’s summer) in two weeks. 

That’s the beauty of these pants, they work in every season — which is why fellow outdoor adventurers love them. In their review, one REI shopper said, “I’ve worn them hiking, camping, cross-country skiing – in snow and rain and winter desert — and they performed great in all of it.” They also deemed them “the everything pant.” Of course, they’re also wear-everywhere pants, and if you’re like me, you’ll want to wear them every time. 

Fjällräven Keb Trousers Curved

Chiming in, another satisfied REI customer, called out that they have “rugged, comfortable, heavy-duty quality, stretch, pockets, vents all in one" in their wonderful word salad of a review, and a third fan, who bought theirs at Zappos, left a rave review that reads, “These awesome pants got me through a variety of weather conditions – from 80 degrees Fahrenheit and humid to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and nonstop rain. They also helped thwart the swarms of mosquitoes.” 

So far, I haven’t found any reviews that mention how quiet these pants are, but that’s also worth mentioning. I’m doing a walking safari at South Africa’s Loapi Tented Camp in May, and I will definitely sport these pants so I don’t spook the wildlife. 

Whether your next hike involves mozzies (or mosquitos if you're not from down under), monkeys, or simply your favorite four-legged friend, I can’t recommend the Fjällräven Keb Trousers Curved enough. They’re worth losing your luggage for, and that says a lot in this day and age. If they’re too expensive, or you want a different look, keep scrolling. Below are five pairs of hiking pants with comparable features. 

More Hiking Pants at Amazon and REI:

Baleaf Women's Hiking Pants

Toomett Women’s Quick-dry Convertible Hiking Pants

Mocoly Women's Cargo Hiking Pants 

PrAna Women's Double Peak Pants

Marmot Kodachrome Convertible Pants 

At the time of publishing, the price started at $240. 

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