Norrona Skibotn Flex Pants: Lightweight trail trousers from the premium outdoor expert
Stefan Frey
· 15.12.2025
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Not quite 200 euros for a pair of cycling shorts? Most of you will gulp at first or perhaps not read any further. Understandably, my jaw dropped when I researched the price of the Skibotn Flex Pants on the website. But I at least wanted to know what you get for your money from a premium outfitter.
Norrona doesn't let itself down when it comes to features. When it comes to the material, the Norwegians rely on lightweight but robust stretch fabric with ripstop, most of which is recycled and certified according to bluesign criteria. The seat area is additionally reinforced, taped and highly water-repellent. Knee pads can easily be worn under the wide, pre-shaped knee sections. The workmanship is a feast for the eyes - all the seams fit perfectly.
The waistband has a non-slip trim at the back and can be generously adjusted in width using Velcro straps. The Skibotn fastens with two press studs and a zip. The trousers have a total of four pockets: two classic slit pockets and two rear-facing zip pockets. The leg cuffs have a snug fit and reflective strips on the calves ensure safety on the road.
Norrona Skibotn Flex Pants in test
As enthusiastic as I was about the features of the Skibotn, I wasn't really happy with the fit. The trousers sit perfectly on the waist, can be adjusted neatly and don't slip down at the back even when pedalling uphill. However, the rest of the cut is more reminiscent of riding trousers than MTB pants - the trousers are tight around the calves, but then get a bit too wide just below the knees and are a bit too short overall. The material is constantly in motion when pedalling and the trousers tend to flap on fast descents. Even fat skate pads or thighs like those of track sprinter Robert Förstemann would easily fit into the voluminous cut.
The open front pockets are less practical than the zip pockets of other trail pants and the rear-facing zip pockets are unlikely to be used in practice.
At least the material is comfortable, as it is nice and airy and not too sweaty, even on climbs. Thanks to the ripstop fabric and reinforced seat area, you will enjoy the Skibotn Flex Pants for a long time - provided you can cope with the cut.
Norrona Skibotn Flex Pants - Info & Price
- Weight: 369 grams (size L)
- More than 50 percent recycled fibres
- roomier knee section for protectors
- two zip pockets at the back, two slit pockets
- Width adjustment with Velcro straps
- stretchy but robust ripstop fabric
- Reinforced seat area
- Oeko-Tex and bluesign certification
- Price: 199 Euro
Advantages
+ extensive equipment
+ perfectly finished
+ good fit on the waist
+ robust, stretchy and comfortable material
+ reinforced seat area
Disadvantages
- very expensive
- very short
- knee and thigh flattering and wide cut
MTB trousers in comparison: 6 trail trousers in the test
- Endura MT500 Burner Lite trousers (test) >> available here
- Fox Ranger Pan (Test) >> available here
- Monserat Trailpants TP3 (Test)
- Norrona Skibotn Flex Pants (just opened) >> available here
- O'Neal Trailfinder Pants (Test) >> available here
- Vaude Moab Pro cycling shorts (test) >> available here
Stefan Frey
Editor
