Fjallraven Zippy ‘zip-off/zip-on’ shorts-to-trousers

Made from Fjallraven’s very strong, reasonably light weight, quiet, windproof, wax-impregnated G-1000 fabric, the Zippy Trousers offer a high level of comfort and weather resistance, plus UV protection and a high level of protection from insect bites (including mosquitos!).

The cut of the trousers gives a high waist and regular fit and the leg cuffs are left unfinished for you to hem for the ideal fit.  There is plenty of fabric here for those with extra long legs.  As my legs are quite short compared to my waist, I was left with some useful patching pieces should I have a major mishap.

Unfortunately for me, the Zippys are designed more for those with longer legs and the shorts length is such that the zip/shorts hem is right at knee height.  On my legs this is not the most flattering of lengths, though on longer legged folk the shorts look good as well as proving practical.  I initially thought I might have a problem with the zip rubbing on the tender flesh behind my knee, but I have suffered no discomfort at all and find the Zippys practical, smart and comfortable as trousers and practical and comfortable as shorts.  The zips run easily and are of a stronger grade than used on some “zip-offs”.

Although the longer zip-off legs are fairly plain, the shorts/trousers share many useful features.  These include a button stud closed waistband with belt loops, a zip fly, lightly pleated front, 2 generously deep “bag” style front pockets, a press-stud closed right hip pocket, a half bellows cut right thigh pocket with a press stud closed pocket flap and, on the front of the left thigh, two smaller pockets, one twice the depth of the other, with press stud closed pocket flaps.  Described as knife pockets, these offer a discreet carry for either a medium sized fixed bladed knife, or your folding knife.

Inside the left side of the waistband there is mounted a zip-closed security pocket which can fold out for easy access when you want.

The build quality of these trousers is excellent, with reinforced stitching at stress points, and spare/replacement press studs are supplied with the trousers for use in the event of a stud failing.

Available in sizes 44-58 (S-XL) in colours Dark Grey, Off White, Light Khaki, Olive and Dark Olive, the Zippy Trousers cost around £80.