Fjallraven Keb Review: The Bug Free Trekking Trouser

The scent of fresh grass, budding trees, blooming flowers… wait a second, what’s that sound? Oh no, it’s MOSQUITOES!! And there’s the cue to turn around and head back inside. Some of us seem to be born with a bullseye on our behinds that mosquitoes cannot resist. Surely, we are all tired of spraying half a can of bug repellent or rubbing ourselves with some putrid concoction that wards the bugs off for five minutes – only to keep reapplying. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Keep reading our Fjallraven Keb pant review, and I’ll show you why.

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Bug-Free Pants

I just came across a pair of hiking pants that looked fashionable yet durable and perfect for life in the bush. I also noticed the tag, which mentioned the material was mosquito-resistant. You know that social media short form LMAO, if you don’t it means laugh my ass off… I bought them anyway, not for the mosquitoes but for the coolness of the pants.

Finally, outside in my new hiking pants, sitting by the fire at sunset and low and behold, in comes those pesky little flying monsters. They land on me everywhere, but I kid you not, not one bite through the new trekking pants. These pants are remarkable!

So what are these pants I speak of? It is the Fjällräven Keb Trousers made from G-1000. It is a must-buy for anyone tired of watching the warm spring and summer days passing by behind a screen door. Also a must for anyone who loves filling their pockets with outdoor accessories, as the large pockets are laid out brilliantly and make for an awesome hiking outfit.

Wear & Tear, Durability

This is my first pair of trousers and I have had these Kebs for three years now and have worn them a great deal. Ok fine, I admit, I wear them almost every single day. And no, I have two pairs of Keb’s that are rotated and washed! I love these hiking pants, so leave me alone:) It is not just the style of the Keb, but because the stretch, breathable fabric is so durable and tightly woven, they are resistant to wear.

In fact, other than right by my belt where the sheath of the trusty Leatherman Charge rubs the pants, they pretty much look brand new. I also had two small holes from a chainsaw mishap, which I quickly stitched up and can happily report they have not spread. And no, seriously, what are you even thinking? They will not stop a chainsaw!

I do, however, follow the washing instructions very carefully. DO NOT put these in the dryer; they are to be hung and air-dried. While it’s a bit of a pain and causes a little extra work on laundry days, it’s well worth the effort.

What is G-1000?

Fjällräven is a Swedish company specializing in outdoor gear for over 60 years with a vision to make nature more accessible to more people. Sounds familiar, it should, as this is exactly what our blog is about.

Fjallraven has come up with a durable G-1000, which is a 65% polyester, 35% organic cotton blend woven in a tight pattern. The tight pattern makes the fabric special – including the ability to stop bugs from being able to bite through. The concept seems simple, yet humourous as it’s taken someone this long to figure it out.

Let’s talk about chemicals for a second. Several different outdoor clothing manufacturers are pumping out “bug-free” clothing. While it works, harsh chemicals like permethrin or some other variant can be found on these clothes. These chemicals kill bugs instantly on contact.

Only once was my house ever sprayed outdoors professionally for bugs. They had the full chemical suit with a respirator, and they asked me to leave for several hours. What did they use? Permethrin! So I have to ask, do you want that touching your body? And even if you are ok with it, it will wash out over time, and your bug woes will come back to haunt you.

Greenland Wax for Your Fjallraven Keb

The Fjallraven Keb trousers come coated in a Greenland Wax, which makes them resistant to rain and moisture. If they do get wet, I can tell you from experience that the pants dry very quickly. In terms of wind, same deal. The Fjallraven pants are wind-resistant yet breathable. For those of you that are curious, they come with UV protection.

The Keb pants are user tailorable, meaning you can re-wax them. Fjallraven sells Greenland Wax separately in bars. 

For more water and wind protection, rub the garment with the wax and heat it with a blow dryer for absorption. You can repeat this process until the desired protection level is achieved. It is an old-school method of waterproofing, but it works, not to mention it’s chemical-free!

Reversing the waxing process is simple. If you think you have over-waxed and/or for more breathability, simply washing the pants will slowly pull the wax out. It may take a few washes to remove the wax. Your laundry detergent will also play a role in the speed of removal. 

To give you more seasons from the Keb’s durable pants, wax heavier in the winter. Truthfully, I have not waxed mine yet but intend to in the fall as the windproofing has come down through the years of use.

Good News Ladies

Ladies, you too can enjoy the outdoors with the Fjallraven Keb pants for women. 

The ladies’ Keb pants have a curved fit, meaning a high waist, form-fitted around the hips and thighs and loose around the calf. Also available is a non-curved women’s pants option for those who do not like the fitted look. As a bonus, the bug proof pants are available in 9 colour options, whereas in the early days, there were only three.

My wife sadly missed many a campfire as she is a magnet for bugs. I can tell you I bought her a pair of these bite proof pants, and it has helped immensely in getting her back outside and enjoying basic things outdoors that we take for granted.

Form and Function

This definitely deserves its section. The Fjallraven Keb trekking trousers are cargo pants, which come with a number of pockets, one of them being a big storage pocket on the side of each pant leg. These thigh pockets are gusseted for maximum storage, yet they lay nice and flat when empty. The top flap has two snap enclosures to keep your precious hiking gear secure.

The regular hand pockets are nice and deep, giving you peace of mind that your keys, phone or wallet are secure. Gear generally goes in the cargo pant pockets. These pockets are handy when out on an ATV trip and bouncing around the terrain in a seated position.

Vents, yes you read that correctly. The sides of the Keb pants have zippers for venting, which is great for thermal efficiency making it perfect for those days when the temperature starts to cool and turns out hot. 

One item worthy of mentioning is the adjustable leg endings. The bottom cuffs have a stretchy band and several snaps. Ie. If you need to cross a river, you can hike up your pant legs and tighten this strap, securing your pant legs high and dry.

One last point here is stretchy material. The Fjallraven Keb has combinations of stretch sections and G-1000 non-stretch materials in high-wear areas, like the knees, behind and pockets. This stretchiness makes the lightweight trousers comfortable and allows for a full range of movement. 

The Verdict

Whether it’s outdoor activities, travelling or working outdoors, the Fjallraven Keb pants are a must-have for anyone with an active lifestyle. It allows for great freedom of movement, made from strong materials, and the best part is that despite how utilitarian these pants are, everyone will ask you where you bought them as they look so cool and add to your outdoor style. And yes, we can’t forget that these are insect repellant pants. For cross-seasonal use, throw on a thicker base layer, and you’re all set to enjoy your seasonal activity.

On a side note, we have no affiliation with Fjallraven. Our community of readers has asked if we had any recommendations on durable and versatile outdoor pants, which got us thinking about the Fjallraven Kebs. They are a bit pricey but worth every penny, especially when you consider how many pairs of pants you’ll go through by the time you replace one of these. 

If anything, what should be mentioned here is sizing, which will be in European format. Before ordering online, be sure to consult with Fjallraven’s sizing chart for the best fit. The Fjallraven pants come in three different inseam lengths: long length, regular and short.

Another thing to note is that Fjallraven offers a limited lifetime warranty against defects, but not wear and tear.

Where to Get Your Fjallraven Kebs

Through the years, Fjallraven has quickly penetrated the market with its sustainable fashion. What was once found only at specialty shops can now be found in pretty much every outdoor store. It is worth noting that not all stores carry the vast colour options. In Canada, you can find a pretty decent selection at Sail, and in the US, at Backcountry.

An Alternative to the Fjallraven Kebs

The other trousers I own and can speak to are the Fjallraven Vidda Pro. Also, great pants, just not as good as the long-time favourite Fjallraven Keb pants. The Vidda Pros are a more budget-friendly alternative to the Keb pants.

Men’s Fjallraven Pant Comparison Table

Women’s Fjallraven Pant Comparison Table

Conclusion to the Fjallraven Keb Pant Review

In conclusion, the Fjallraven Keb pants are not just ordinary hiking pants. They are a game-changer when it comes to adventure apparel. With their mosquito-resistant, durable, and breathable fabric, they are perfect for any outdoor activity. 

Plus, the fact that they are user-tailorable and chemical-free makes them an eco-friendly and sustainable choice. So, if you are looking for outdoorsy outfits that’s reliable, comfortable, and stylish pair of hiking pants, look no further than the Fjallraven Keb pants. Trust us – your next outdoor adventure will be more enjoyable with these pants by your side.

Be sure to check out another cool piece of clothing, the Lole Titan Insulated Jacket. Until next time, Humans 1, Mosquitoes 0! 🤣🙂

Thank you for reading my Fjallraven Keb Pant Review. Comment below what your experience with Fjallraven is – I would love to know.

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