Fjällräven is a global staple in the hiking and outdoors gear world, and it’s easy to see why. With a commitment to durable, functional, and sustainably made items, they’ve carved out a strong reputation. We recently got the chance to test out some trekking gear from their Abisko Family—a lightweight line designed for movement, trail days, and warmer-weather activity.
Abisko Lite SS shirt
While technically this short sleeve is labeled as a trekking shirt, I’ve been reaching for it on my runs—and it holds its own. Made from a lightweight, breathable recycled polyester jersey knit, it has a mesh-like texture that keeps airflow moving and assists with moisture wicking during hotter sessions.
There’s not a lot to say here without overdoing it. Simply put, it has everything I want in a running top—light, breathable, quick-drying, and comfortable. It does its job well and stays out of the way.
Abisko Hybrid Trail Shorts
Who doesn’t need a solid pair of hiking shorts? Even though I’m not hitting the trails every weekend, I like having a few versatile pairs ready to go when the mood strikes. And these Abisko Hybrid Trail Shorts deliver.
Quick Specs:
- Material:
- G-1000® Lite Stretch: 52% recycled polyester, 13% polyester (T400), 35% organic cotton
- 88% recycled polyamide, 12% elastane (on the back)
- Weight: 244g
The blend of Fjällräven’s signature G-1000 Lite Stretch on the front and full-stretch recycled polyamide/elastane fabric on the back creates a really nice balance between durability and flexibility. They offer a bit of wind protection while still allowing for easy, unrestricted movement—something I appreciated whether I was out hiking or just running around town.
Fit-wise, they lean towards a more slimmer regular cut rather than a baggier relaxed fit. I’m usually a large, and while they fit great overall, I found them just a touch snug in the waist (not the legs). I’d still wear them regularly, but if you’re between sizes, you might want to size up.
They also pack in practical features—two side pockets and two leg pockets (one with a zipper)—which makes them functional without feeling overloaded. I do miss a back pocket, but that’s just me.
Now, the price point ($125) is definitely something to note. It’s a steep tag for a pair of shorts. That said, I’ve probably worn these 75% of the days since I got them, and they’ve become my go-to for everything: hiking, playing with the kids, biking, lounging—you name it. The comfort and performance have honestly made the cost easier to justify.
Abisko Softpack 16
Fjällräven’s Kånken pack might be the most well-known name in their bag lineup—even my kids rave about it—but the Abisko Softpack 16 feels more at home for active outdoor use. It’s a versatile daypack that I’ve used on a few medium hikes this summer and as a small weekend travel companion. It handled both well.
Let’s talk aesthetics first. Backpacks don’t need to look great, but it sure doesn’t hurt when they do. The design has that signature Fjällräven look—clean and outdoorsy but still appropriate for daily city use. The three available colors (black, mustard, and tan) all fit in equally well on the trail or in town. Honestly, if I were still commuting to the office regularly, this would be my new go-to work pack.
Functional Features:
- Hydration bladder + tube compatibility
- Trekking pole attachment points
- Cushioned laptop sleeve
- Made from recycled polyamide ripstop (durable and long-lasting)
- Soft, well-ventilated shoulder straps
This pack feels like it’s built to last, no matter what you’re using it for. It checks all the boxes for a solid crossover between trail functionality and urban practicality.
A couple of small caveats: there’s no hip belt, which didn’t bother me much for my shorter hikes, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re looking for something for longer excursions with heavier loads. I also would’ve liked a small external pocket for easy-access storage, but that’s more of a personal preference.
At $100, this is a really solid deal for a durable, versatile, and good-looking pack. It’s already proven useful for both outdoor adventure and weekend travel, and I can see it sticking around for years to come.
Final Thoughts
The Abisko Family from Fjällräven nails that elusive mix of performance and comfort. Whether it’s the ultralight top pulling double duty on runs and hikes, the trail shorts becoming my everyday summer staple, or the Softpack standing in as my new travel go-to, these pieces work across multiple use cases.
Yes, the price points are higher than your average box store gear, but if you’re someone who values versatility, quality materials, and gear that you’ll actually want to wear—the investment may just be worth it.
