Good fjallraven 'trouser' alternatives

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I don't begrudge paying for quality kit so that isn't the reason for this post. I do however like to have options.

So what alternatives are out there? I've seen the Helikon Tex trousers and clothing in general is good stuff.

I also use a pair of Dewallt work trousers. They are brilliant hard wearing and have pockets in all the tight places. However, the way the material is made in order to make it hard wearing for me makes them feel clammy and like I'm walking in cardboard.

Any thoughts on decent Fjallraven alternatives that are t work trousers or Helikon kit?

OLO
www.onelifeoverland.com
 

Erbswurst

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Mar 5, 2018
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That cheap trousers here are made of a polyester- cotton mix fabric and last as long as the Fjällräven Karl Zipp Off trousers my Brother uses.

Solognac Steppe 300
£ 15


They last far longer than the Pinewood Sahara, which is made of a to thin fabric in my opinion.

Decathlon Solognac offers a lot of similar reinforced trousers as well and a childrens version too.
 
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Erbswurst

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Mar 5, 2018
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Erbswurst

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Mar 5, 2018
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German Army Shirt, heavier quality than the Austrian one
Original, new 25 €
80 % cotton 20% polyester

Made by A Bloechel, Neuhaus am Inn


All original Bundeswehr Flecktarn Clothing that looks like cotton is made in a 35 % polyester 65% cotton mix.
Sold used very cheap in every Surplus Shop , produced and sold new by Leo Koehler for less than half the prices Fjällräven asks for its stuff.

 
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Van-Wild

Full Member
Feb 17, 2018
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Look at swanndri,they don't just do wool Bush shirts!. Their flannel work shirts are really good, (I have four). There's also a wax range of jackets, trousers, all kinds of fleece and even boxer shorts. All very robust.

Haglofs are a really good alternative as well. I like their Mid Fjell trousers (I have 2 pairs). I have had them for about 5 years, worn them weekly and done nothing more than washed them. In fact I'm wearing a pair right now......

5.11? Similar to Helikon. I have a pair of their trousers from 2011! A bit beaten now but still good enough to pop to the pub or into town. For a few years they were my only 'bushcraft' trousers.

Stony Creek UK? Another NZ brand, on a par with Swazi but cheaper.....

I have a pair of Fjallraven Vidda Pros and they are brilliant. I keep mine waxed regularly, wear them often to. I also have a Keb jacket which is superb. Both are pricy, but very worth it.

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk
 

Erbswurst

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Mar 5, 2018
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The problem with Fjälräven is mainly that a few years ago they changed the thread.

The old trousers lasted for many years, they had been a perfect option for long during expeditions and world journeys.

The new ones fall apart after round about 300 to 400 days of use. Very good for the income of Fjälräven, not so good for the user.
My 15 £ Solognac Steppe 300 trousers usually last round about 365 days of continuous use.

So if I buy for 100 £ a few Steppe 300 trousers they last round about 7 times longer than Fjälräven trousers for the same price.

Equally if I buy Leo Koehler Flecktarn or Austrian Army stuff, which last a bit longer than the Solognac trousers but don't have that civil look of the French design from Decathlon.
 
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Broch

Life Member
Jan 18, 2009
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www.mont-hmg.co.uk
Are you looking for trousers for camping in the woods or walking the hills? If you want one pair for all outdoor activity there will be compromises IMHO. I wear completely different trousers when backpacking (walking 10 to 12 miles a day - that's my lot these days :)) to when 'wilderness living' and only walking a few miles a day but maybe needing knee pads etc.
 

Erbswurst

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Mar 5, 2018
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Ha?
12 miles I usually walk in underwear and flip flops to the next gasoline station to buy cigarettes!

:cigar:
 
Are you looking for trousers for camping in the woods or walking the hills? If you want one pair for all outdoor activity there will be compromises IMHO. I wear completely different trousers when backpacking (walking 10 to 12 miles a day - that's my lot these days :)) to when 'wilderness living' and only walking a few miles a day but maybe needing knee pads etc.
Fjallraven style alternatives please. As ex-sar my mountain kit is good. So yes more camping in the woods style trousers I'm looking for really.

As I say I don't begrudge the fjallraven prices as they are quality kit but I like to have options also.

I also use a pair of dewallt work trousers at mo. I chopped the floppy pockets off and they are good. I particularly like the ruler pocket which is perfect fit for the bahco folding saw. Not seen that 9n any other trouser. The downside to those is the material used to make them hard wearing which feels like you are walking with trousers made of cardboard.

OLO
www.onelifeoverland.com
 

Nice65

Brilliant!
Apr 16, 2009
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W.Sussex
Thanks all for the suggestions. I created this last night after a few beers and missed one key words from the title which I have now added!

Trousers, I'm just interested in trousers not my whole wardrobe but thanks again for suggestions so far
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OLO
www.onelifeoverland.com

Dunno when you changed it, but I read it as a trouser thread from the off. The Decathlon spokesman took the thread all over the place with product placement, must be on a percentage, like the Amazon reviewers.

I like the 5.11 troos a lot. Taclite Pro in this weather, Stryke when it’s cooler. The Stryke do not wear well, but have done a couple of years. Pretty much all I wear apart from a pair of trousers from Ridgeline with knee and bum protection. Keela is a nice company, I’ve been wearing a Falklands Ventile for years, same one, never let me down. Went off for cuff and bungee replacement a couple of years ago, really nice to deal with.
 

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