Gear Review: Fjällräven’s G-1000 Pants
If you’ve followed our adventures for a while, you’ve probably spotted Matt in the same pants over and over again—because when you find something that works for hiking, camping, yard work, travel, and everyday life, why mess with a good thing?
Mount Lindeman, Chilliwack BC
Mount Lindeman, Chilliwack BC
Enter: Fjällräven’s G-1000 line.
Matt has been wearing G-1000 pants for over 8 years now. From deep forest hikes to muddy campsites to projects in the yard, these pants have taken a beating—and they’re still going strong. Whether we’re doing a quick local summit or heading out on a 3-day backpacking trip, they’re almost always what he reaches for first.
Squamish BC
So, what is G-1000?
G-1000 is Fjällräven’s cornerstone fabric—originally launched in 1968 and designed to be the ideal outdoor material. It’s a densely woven blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, treated with Greenland Wax for extra durability and weather resistance.
The result? A tough, breathable, and highly versatile fabric that can handle wind, light rain, and years of wear. You can add more wax to increase water resistance (ideal for shoulder seasons or wet climates), or wash it out a bit for breathability in dry, hot environments.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Matt’s G-1000 Favourites
After years of testing and trying different models, here are the pants Matt swears by:
1. Vidda Pro Trousers (Standard, Lite & Ventilated)
Matt’s #1 pick. The standard Viddas are a staple in cooler months, while the Lite and Ventilated versions come out for our sweaty summer hikes. Built-in pockets, reinforced knees and rear, and a rugged fit make these ideal for any backcountry trek.
2. Vardag Trousers
These are Matt’s go-to for everyday wear. A more casual cut with the same G-1000 durability means he can go from the school run to working in the yard without changing. They’re less “expedition” and more “urban-adventure,” which is exactly what makes them so versatile.
3. Keb Trousers
More technical, these pants are great for high-output activities like scrambling or multi-day routes. The Keb trousers in particular have some thoughtful features—ventilation zips, stretch panels—that make them ideal for longer hauls.
Mount Lindeman, Chilliwack BC
Durability You Can Count On
We hike over 100 trails a year, and these pants have seen everything—bushwhacking, scrambling, snowshoeing, and more. Some pairs are over 5 years old and still have no holes or major signs of wear. At this point, we’ve joked they’ll probably outlive most of the other gear in our garage.
How to Care for G-1000 Pants
Caring for G-1000 is simple but intentional:
Wash sparingly to maintain the wax coating.
Spot clean when possible.
Re-wax with Greenland Wax to keep them weather-resistant. Simply rub the wax on, then heat with a hair dryer or iron to absorb. You can apply it just on high-wear areas like the knees and seat for targeted protection.
We usually give the pants a full re-wax before our fall hiking season begins and again before spring if they’ve been washed over the winter.
Mount Macfarlane, Chilliwack BC
Fjällräven gear isn’t cheap—but for us, it’s absolutely worth the investment. The G-1000 pants have more than earned their place in our gear closet and daily lives. When you’re wearing something this often, it needs to work well, fit comfortably, and last.
For Matt, they’ve checked every box.
Upper Pierce Lake, Chilliwack BC
Our Picks:
Have a favourite pair of G-1000s? Let me know below—We love finding new gear to test
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Mount Lindeman, Chilliwack BC
