At a glance –

Plusses: Well-fitting, tidy and flexible trousers, suitable for a broad range of activities. Comfortable with good ventilation options, functional pockets, and excellent boot closure system.
Minuses: Upper ventilation zips may rub when wet.

Features: Fjallraven’s G-1000 Eco fabric is breathable, windproof and durable. Functional thigh pockets with good closure systems allow essential items to be kept handy without fear of losing them. Less water resistant than I expected, but surprisingly quick drying. The placement of lighter elasticated fabric on the inner calf is prone to crampon holes.

Fit: The trousers have an athletic fit with pre-shaped knees and bottom. They are tidy and functional. The seams and elasticated fabric are strategically placed to optimise flexibility and do this well. The lace hooks and snap fasteners work well to keep the pants tight over the boot and the snow out, removing the need for additional gaiters.

Comfort: Once broken in, the trousers are a familiar and comfortable mid-weight fit. The upper ventilation zip may cause rubbing especially when wet.

In use: These trousers are versatile and functional, from mountaineering through to cragging to the pub after. Geared towards the alpine environment, they performed better on summit day than on the walk out.

Value: Although durable, pricing for the Keb is steep compared to other hiking trousers.

Verdict: These trousers are ideal for the fair weather adventurer, who does a broad range of dry activities and wants one pair of trousers that can handle them all.