Bought a pair on your recommendation 3 years back, bought another pair this summer. Great pair of strides, once you get past thinking they're falling down 🤣
I have a pair, very good but I overheat in them in the warmer months. Just got a pair of Austrian Army surplus lightweight trousers- quite impressed so far. Only £15 too
I've got a few pieces of Varusteleka kit and I'll be getting one of their wool jumpers soon too. Trousers will probably come next year when I need to replace a pair of 5.11s I have for outdoor pants.
When these are available at that price and Helikon Pilgrim pants (which are truly superb) can be had for about £69, it seems ludicrous to even contemplate Fjallraven’s designer prices, not to mention their really awkward leg pockets!
@@RedBranchBushcraft thanks for the replies mate, really appreciate it. You’re a living legend lol. So are you referring to the Helikon tex pilgrim pants, which your saying were light? I thought they’d be heavy being duracanvas and part of their bushcraft range??? Also, if I order the Sarma, will I have to pay import tax into the UK? Pants are around £60 atm the min, with limited sizing and due to be discontinued… 😱 Edit: just chatted to customer support they confirmed a 42W is an XL (shocking, lol) but also said that I’d have to pay import charges due to brexit and that if returning anything, it would have to be tracked which could cost as much as the item itself haha. Gutted! They did say that the Sarma anorak which has been discontinued would be available later this year, made in EU. So will look forward to your review on that. As for the pants, 🙁
You know why I prefer combat clothing over most outdoor companies is that on contract scale clothing there are specific criteria that must be met to be accepted and if your willing to spend the time you can get in and read those contracts, bids, and the conformational test data in them I actually get to know what your buying is capable of. The other nice part is most military uniforms are designed to be repaired with nothing but a field sewing kit, so they lack many flimsy design elements in modern cloths.
I have a pair and love them, but do find them quite hot if you are working hard. Have you ever tried their Sarma Cargos? Think I might give them a try.
I have used one for about 2 months. I work as campsite security in a huge campsite - we are meant to do everything on the field when other services are closed for the night. I received a size too large (despite choosing on par with their size helper, but that's a common thing for Särma stuff), but they don't come off, a belt will maintain them at a place I'm comfortable with. Overall they're nice, when you overload the (huge) pockets the pants tends to slide under the belt but I guess it's a size issue. Cargo pockets are roomy enough for a notebook, you can hold a medium size phone or a knife within the "under cargo pocket" and the hip pockets are what you expect from an average pant, the back pockets are decent but not useful to me. The pant itself survives scratches coming from branch and stuff, is not too hot even loaded for summertime temperatures, and offer decent protection against wind and water, tho it's not rainproof at all. The bottom of the pant leg is secured by a sort of thread, but it's annoying to get a double knot loose and feels like the thread will just snap after a much more prolonged use. I'd say those are ideal for moderate weather, with everyday use. On each side of the pants you have buttons to make a slight size adjust, those are nice, but paired with a belt + some tools attached to it (radios, lamp...) these buttons tend to press on the hips and it's a bit bothering. Worth 50 bucks? I'd say yes altho 5 bucks less would be my spot.
Interesting review, thx a lot With your different videos I discovered much the brand Särmä, I just ordered the thermal cloak :) Intersting pants As I have several Fjällräven pants (different models) and Helikon-Tex (Pilgrim ones) just my two cents: In all I do not like ... I just LOVE my Fjällräven :) ... but far too pricy So in a sense I prefer my Helikon-Tex for the price because the quality is also very good I try to compare with the Särmä you reviewed here. - It seems rough as the 2 other brands so is it a real difference between the 3 ? - Pockets: I prefer my Fjällräven and Helikon-Tex ones because there are much pockets than the Särmä ... but I like the fact that there are bigger ones here (cargo ones) - Price: How to say ... Fjällräven is eliminated ^^ (far too pricy even if it is made in Vietnam (for all models ? I do not know)). So hand to hand for the Helikon-Tex and the Särmä. Just a remark about Särmä price, it is 'cheap(er)' but probably it will change in the future because the production will move back from China to Europe (as explained on their site ("The manufacturing of this product is moving out of China as part of our Project MEGA. We will not replenish it. A redesigned, made-in-Europe product will replace this one.")
Where is helikon Tex made? I had a pair and I hated them , felt to lightweight and I didn't like the European cut at all
7 місяців тому+2
@@RedBranchBushcraft Helikon-Tex is from Vietnam (just speaking about mine I have since some years ;)) European cut ? What you mean (i have only european 'design' if not made in Europe) ? As far as I know Finland is also in Europe ... :p :p
Hi Wooly. Hope you are well. They look great, but… For a cheaper pair of outdoor trousers, I don’t think you can beat ex military German Army Moleskins. All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧
Oddly, these have been my least favourite item I've picked up. Perhaps I've not worn them enough to fully wear in, but I've made several ruckwalks around my area and so far, there's still something about the fit in the crotch area that irritates. Only trousers that do so, so it's not anatomical on my part. I've tried both with belts and with suspenders (but not both, because that would be silly!) and every time it's felt the same. Even after a couple washing, same. Anyone with suggestions?
@@RedBranchBushcraft That's what I tried first, and only got the suspenders when the fit seemed off in case hoping the belt was the issue. No worries, thanks for your continued reviews - I'm probably picking up the Centurio 45 in a month or two, based on your video review of it.
@@jack.charlesc4750 For what some rando internet guy says, I have the anorak and love it. I picked up the large (103cm chest) and it fits well enough over a few layers. It's very warm, the collar really covers up the face/neck to stop drafts. The kangaroo pocket could be better if it had sub pockets inside, but as it, I'd say it's a buy .. and I've been considering a second in black.
Bought a pair on your recommendation 3 years back, bought another pair this summer.
Great pair of strides, once you get past thinking they're falling down 🤣
Lol, I completely understand
@@RedBranchBushcraft that first pair has done 3 work trips to the Falklands and are still going strong 😉
@haroldvonschwartzenstien3581 class ! Great gear
THANKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My pleasure, get a pair before their all gone
💯💯 ABSOLUTELY 💯 💯
❤🏴 love from Scotland 🏴 ❤
Cheers buddy
Well ask our designers to look into if it's possible to produce shorter variants.
No hurry, I won't need another pair for 3 years
I have a pair, very good but I overheat in them in the warmer months. Just got a pair of Austrian Army surplus lightweight trousers- quite impressed so far. Only £15 too
That's a great deal
I've got a few pieces of Varusteleka kit and I'll be getting one of their wool jumpers soon too. Trousers will probably come next year when I need to replace a pair of 5.11s I have for outdoor pants.
The wool trousers are excellent too
dude, what is the jacket you wear here?
Varusteleka wool shell jacket
When these are available at that price and Helikon Pilgrim pants (which are truly superb) can be had for about £69, it seems ludicrous to even contemplate Fjallraven’s designer prices, not to mention their really awkward leg pockets!
Agreed
Which ones should I buy, the sarma or the pilgrim? Also, with Helikon don’t have to pay import tax but think I might have to for the sarma?
@anonymous4201 I tried the helikon and the were very light , especially compared to the sarma
@@RedBranchBushcraft thanks for the replies mate, really appreciate it. You’re a living legend lol.
So are you referring to the Helikon tex pilgrim pants, which your saying were light? I thought they’d be heavy being duracanvas and part of their bushcraft range???
Also, if I order the Sarma, will I have to pay import tax into the UK? Pants are around £60 atm the min, with limited sizing and due to be discontinued… 😱
Edit: just chatted to customer support they confirmed a 42W is an XL (shocking, lol) but also said that I’d have to pay import charges due to brexit and that if returning anything, it would have to be tracked which could cost as much as the item itself haha. Gutted! They did say that the Sarma anorak which has been discontinued would be available later this year, made in EU. So will look forward to your review on that. As for the pants, 🙁
@anonymous4201 my pleasure, anytime you need help just ask
You know why I prefer combat clothing over most outdoor companies is that on contract scale clothing there are specific criteria that must be met to be accepted and if your willing to spend the time you can get in and read those contracts, bids, and the conformational test data in them I actually get to know what your buying is capable of. The other nice part is most military uniforms are designed to be repaired with nothing but a field sewing kit, so they lack many flimsy design elements in modern cloths.
Good to know
I have a pair and love them, but do find them quite hot if you are working hard. Have you ever tried their Sarma Cargos? Think I might give them a try.
Notyet
I have used one for about 2 months. I work as campsite security in a huge campsite - we are meant to do everything on the field when other services are closed for the night.
I received a size too large (despite choosing on par with their size helper, but that's a common thing for Särma stuff), but they don't come off, a belt will maintain them at a place I'm comfortable with.
Overall they're nice, when you overload the (huge) pockets the pants tends to slide under the belt but I guess it's a size issue. Cargo pockets are roomy enough for a notebook, you can hold a medium size phone or a knife within the "under cargo pocket" and the hip pockets are what you expect from an average pant, the back pockets are decent but not useful to me. The pant itself survives scratches coming from branch and stuff, is not too hot even loaded for summertime temperatures, and offer decent protection against wind and water, tho it's not rainproof at all. The bottom of the pant leg is secured by a sort of thread, but it's annoying to get a double knot loose and feels like the thread will just snap after a much more prolonged use. I'd say those are ideal for moderate weather, with everyday use. On each side of the pants you have buttons to make a slight size adjust, those are nice, but paired with a belt + some tools attached to it (radios, lamp...) these buttons tend to press on the hips and it's a bit bothering.
Worth 50 bucks? I'd say yes altho 5 bucks less would be my spot.
@breizhrudie4757 that's spot on, I find the stitching on the belt loops on the cargos can dig in
Ordered!
Nice
Interesting review, thx a lot
With your different videos I discovered much the brand Särmä, I just ordered the thermal cloak :)
Intersting pants
As I have several Fjällräven pants (different models) and Helikon-Tex (Pilgrim ones) just my two cents:
In all I do not like ... I just LOVE my Fjällräven :) ... but far too pricy
So in a sense I prefer my Helikon-Tex for the price because the quality is also very good
I try to compare with the Särmä you reviewed here.
- It seems rough as the 2 other brands so is it a real difference between the 3 ?
- Pockets: I prefer my Fjällräven and Helikon-Tex ones because there are much pockets than the Särmä ... but I like the fact that there are bigger ones here (cargo ones)
- Price: How to say ... Fjällräven is eliminated ^^ (far too pricy even if it is made in Vietnam (for all models ? I do not know)). So hand to hand for the Helikon-Tex and the Särmä.
Just a remark about Särmä price, it is 'cheap(er)' but probably it will change in the future because the production will move back from China to Europe (as explained on their site ("The manufacturing of this product is moving out of China as part of our Project MEGA. We will not replenish it. A redesigned, made-in-Europe product will replace this one.")
Where is helikon Tex made? I had a pair and I hated them , felt to lightweight and I didn't like the European cut at all
@@RedBranchBushcraft Helikon-Tex is from Vietnam (just speaking about mine I have since some years ;))
European cut ? What you mean (i have only european 'design' if not made in Europe) ? As far as I know Finland is also in Europe ... :p :p
@ it's the skinny style, European style I call it, I prefer baggy style trousers
@@RedBranchBushcraftAh oki, as far as I can compare mines are not skinny (i dislike also :))
But do they come in MiddleAged man/Average Clown size?
Large regular fits my 38' beer belly happily. They've got handy braces loops also 😉
Lol
Nice
Hi Wooly.
Hope you are well.
They look great, but…
For a cheaper pair of outdoor trousers, I don’t think you can beat ex military German Army Moleskins.
All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧
Ah man, I loved my moleskins , haven't seen any around in awhile
Those were a solid seller back when they were readily available 💪🏻
@@RedBranchBushcraft They are still around, mate.
I have three pairs...
Me too
Mine sadly broke down after the first wash. A seam came undone in the washing machine.
No way! Did you contact Varusteleka?
Oddly, these have been my least favourite item I've picked up. Perhaps I've not worn them enough to fully wear in, but I've made several ruckwalks around my area and so far, there's still something about the fit in the crotch area that irritates. Only trousers that do so, so it's not anatomical on my part. I've tried both with belts and with suspenders (but not both, because that would be silly!) and every time it's felt the same. Even after a couple washing, same. Anyone with suggestions?
That's strange, are they too tight?
@@RedBranchBushcraft No, large enough that if I don't use either belt or suspenders, they'll just about slip off the waist totally.
@@VosperCDN mnnn, 8 always wear mine with a belt
@@RedBranchBushcraft That's what I tried first, and only got the suspenders when the fit seemed off in case hoping the belt was the issue. No worries, thanks for your continued reviews - I'm probably picking up the Centurio 45 in a month or two, based on your video review of it.
@@VosperCDN ah man, it's a great bag, the front opening ISA game changer
If thats the case… they probably can split the wood and run the camp on their own, if not at least stand up on their own!😂😂😂
Yep
Whats the deal with TAX?
Import tax because of Brexit I think
@@RedBranchBushcraft yes
Yes
I wear jeans mostly. Usually, I can find them like new at the secondhand store for about 5 us dollars.
Nice one
And what about the varusteleka anorak ???
And let’s say that Finnish people are tall 😂😂😂
I haven't tried the outdoor jacket , but the windproof anorak is great
I am afraid this is not a response because I am on the fence for the anorak and the wool shirt just a brief opinion about them would suit me right 😉
The anorak is excellent, very very good for the price, the wool shirt hasn't been tested yet , only coming into winter now
@@jack.charlesc4750 For what some rando internet guy says, I have the anorak and love it. I picked up the large (103cm chest) and it fits well enough over a few layers. It's very warm, the collar really covers up the face/neck to stop drafts. The kangaroo pocket could be better if it had sub pockets inside, but as it, I'd say it's a buy .. and I've been considering a second in black.