Karthika Gupta is a Chicago-based photographer, podcaster, and journalist with over a decade of experience and bylines in Nat Geo, Vogue, Travel + Leisure, and Backpacker. She enjoys writing about destinations and brands in the outdoor, lifestyle and travel space. Follow her on Instagram @karthikagupta.
Fjällräven Keb Trousers W Quick Specs
Weight: 610 g Fabric: G-1000 Eco (65% polyester, 35% cotton) + four-way stretch panels Price: $235
Any adventure in Patagonia has a way of exposing weaknesses—whether in your gear, your planning, or your resolve. The landscape is as dramatic as the weather: turquoise lakes churn under fierce winds, knife-edged ridgelines steal your breath, and skies go from blazing sun to freezing rain without warning.
Photo by Chien-Hao-Wang
Last year, I joined the Fjällräven Classic, an annual trekking event in Chile’s Torres del Paine region, where I was treated to a four-day, 73-kilometer backpacking trip across spectacular yet punishing terrain. While I’ve been backpacking for over two decades, this was my first time testing Fjällräven gear—namely, its Keb Trousers. Carl Hård af Segerstad, Global Events Manager at Fjällräven and one of my fellow hikers on the trek, explained that “Keb” refers to Sweden’s highest mountain, Kebnekaise, and these pants draw inspiration from that rugged landscape. As a brand, Fjällräven’s mission is to create gear built not just to last, but to perform in unforgiving environments. This trek felt like the perfect opportunity to test that ethos, so I committed to wearing the Keb Trousers the entire time.
By the end of my trip, I was convinced the Fjällräven Keb Trousers are the best hiking pants out there—even if they're not the lightest. The utilitarian design is a masterclass in technical mountain adaptation. Read on for my complete review of these pants, which quickly earned the nickname “sexy pants” among many of the more than 200 participants of the events. (Yes, seriously.)
(Past testing has revealed the Keb Jacket to also be a keeper.)
Photo courtesy Karthika Gupta
Durability & Materials
The Keb Trousers are a unique hybrid. The pants feature stretch panels with strategically placed G-1000 fabric, a densely woven, extremely durable poly-cotton blend (65% polyester, 35% cotton). On the Keb, G-1000 is deployed in high-abrasion areas like the front thighs, knees, seat, and lower cuffs. Meanwhile, the inner thighs, rear yoke, and backs of the knees feature a four-way stretch polyamide/elastane fabric. This combination gives the trousers a technical edge over traditional all-cotton or pure nylon hiking pants because they are tough enough for scrambling over granite yet flexible for high steps through boulders.
In Patagonia, this hybrid design proved critical. On day three of our trip, I found myself on a steep pitch of loose scree, relying on just a rope to climb up. I was literally on my hands and knees, each move threatening to slice the fabric on sharp rock. But the G-1000 panels held up beautifully with no snags, no tears.
Photo courtesy David Webb
Keb Trouser Ergonomic Fit
The Keb Trousers have a slim European cut, and for my short and petite frame (5’3”), my usual size (US 4) fit just right around the waist and hips—even over the merino wool base layer I wore to handle colder mornings. However, the 30-inch inseam was a bit long. I had to fold the cuffs to keep them from catching under my shoes. The trousers are also articulated at the knees, which you really notice when climbing. The pants flex and wrap naturally, without binding at the thighs or pulling at the seat.
One downside is that the fit is close to skin so if you’re carrying bulkier gear in the thigh pockets (Note: there are no rear pockets on the Keb), things can start to feel tight. It’s a tradeoff as Fjällräven prioritizes mobility over cargo capacity. For technical trekking where the terrain is full of vertical ascents or if you have a heavy pack, I think it’s the right call.
Photo courtesy Chein-Hao Wang for Fjällräven
Weather Resistance
My time in Patagonia taught me that “four seasons in a day” is no exaggeration. Mornings and evenings were cold and often wet, while the midday heat felt oppressive. The Keb Trousers aren’t as waterproof as a dedicated rain jacket, but they’re impressively weather resistant. After all, Fjällräven is a mainstay in the Scandinavian outdoor scene, and they know a thing or two about bad weather up there, too.
I pre-treated my pants with provided Greenland Wax, which added an extra, organic layer of water protection without turning the fabric into a PFAS laden plastic bag. In moderately damp conditions, the stretch sections did wet out faster than the G-1000 panels and lose some wind resistance. But once the rain stopped, they dried quickly, and I never felt clammy or suffered chafing.
Photo courtesy Karthika Gupta
Temperature Regulation
On day two, temperatures pushed into the 80°s degrees Fahrenheit under intense sun. And let me tell you, Patagonia’s sun is no joke—the snowfields reflect the sunlight and hiking in heavy trousers could be a death sentence.
Thankfully, the Kebs come equipped with two ventilation zippers on each leg, running from hip to knee and from knee to calf. They are two-way zips, allowing you to dial in airflow precisely. When I opened both vents, I felt a tangible drop in heat buildup. Everyone on our trip made liberal use of these vents to keep cool, flashing bits of skin to each other as we walked. Soon, we were all referring to the Kebs are our "sexy pants"
In my past experiences hiking in hot and humid climates like India and Thailand, I’ve used lighter hiking pants typically made from synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester blends which are quick-drying, but those often stick unpleasantly to sweaty skin. The Kebs struck a solid compromise: protective enough for harsh terrain, yet ventable and breathable when conditions turned humid.
Photo courtesy David Webb
Additional Features of Note
The Kebs feature two large thigh pockets, one with a zipper, the other with a snap flap and an internal mesh phone sleeve. Both are well-sized for maps, snacks, or small tools. There are also two hand pockets, but notably, no back pockets. According to Harald Born, one of Fjallraven's field test coordinators and product specialists, this is a deliberate design choice to avoid seams and bulk when sitting or wearing a pack. The waist fastens with a double button closure and includes belt loops.
At the cuffs, the trousers have adjustable tabs and integrated boot hooks, allowing you to cinch them tight over boots or use them almost like minimalist gaiters. The ankles also have a press-stud closure to further narrow the fit. However, because of my cuff fold, I couldn’t test it while crossing streams and mud pits. Thankfully, my waterproof ankle hiking boots picked up the slack, keeping my feet dry and dust-free.
Photo courtesy Karthika Gupta
Weight and Durability
At about 610 grams (US size 18), the Keb Trousers are not ultralight. If you’re counting every gram for fastpacking, these might feel heavy. But in Patagonia, I didn’t mind the extra weight. Ultralight synthetic pants might save you a few hundred grams, but they’re prone to ripping under abrasion and don’t always offer the same level of weather protection. For multi-day trekking in rugged terrain, I’d argue the Kebs’ durability-to-weight ratio is worth the investment.
After a week in Patagonia, my Kebs looked broken-in but far from battered. The G-1000 panels showed minor scuffing but all its zippers still functioned flawlessly. They picked up a bit of Patagonian dust and a few faint stains from brush, but that’s the aesthetic of adventure.
Photo courtesy Karthika Gupta
Verdict: Should You Buy the Fjällräven’s Keb Trousers?
The Fjällräven Keb Trousers are not the cheapest or lightest option for trekking. But they’re among the best-engineered pants I’ve used, especially for demanding environments like Patagonia where they performed day after day.
If you’re hiking smooth trails in dry climates, lighter pants may suffice. But for real wilderness trekking where your trousers brush rocks, push through thorny scrub, and fight off sudden storms, the Keb Trousers are a worthy investment.
The Fjällräven Keb Trousers sell for $240, available in men's & women's sizing
