Outdoor Research

Cirque Lite Pants - Women's

Very nice, looks good, wish they were shorter

The use: I live in the south (hot/humid), so I needed lightweight hiking pants that wick moisture and can be layered to add warmth in the cool season. I wanted stretchy & breathable but somewhat durable for sitting on rocks, walking through brush, etc. The fit: I am petite/short with narrow hips. 118 lbs, waist 29", hips 36", inseam 27". I bought a size Short Small so that the hips would fit, and hoped the waist would have enough stretch in it to be maxxed out but still comfortable. I am glad to report that the fabric has enough give to accommodate my waist while still flattering the hips. The pants look sharp and they are very comfortable. The buckle is a bit unecessary for me since I always max out the waist, but it's a cute detail. Unfortunately they are still too long for me, even at the Short size. I have to unzip the ankle zipper and fit them over my boots so they don't bunch up at the bottom. I really wish the Short sizes were 3+ inches shorter rather than just 2" shorter. The wear: I've worn them on about 4 hikes so far in winter and spring. They're great in the southern winter climate. Stretchy & easy to layer with thermals underneath. The mud guards function well and the pants wash well. I hang them dry to give them extra care. However, I'm not convinced they'll be my go-to pants for spring/summer hiking. The black color heats up as soon as the sun hits them so they heat me anytime I'm in sun. That was the only color available when I purchased, I wish I could have gotten the gray or blue. Also, the texture of the fabric on the interior of the pant has a slight softness to them, which feels a bit insulating. Not sure how that will feel yet in the summer. I think I want a different pair of summer hiking pants because the color alone is too hot for me in the southern climate, and they're just too long. I may need to go with ankle jogger style pants due to my inseam because the short size of the full pant is too long. Overall I really like the pants for southern fall/winter, but will continue my search for a shorter summer hiking pant for my southern climate.

Great all-weather travel pant for outdoor adventures

Loved how these pants kept me dry on a very rainy adventure in Scotland. Comfortable to hike and move in and durable!

Great pair to wear if you are taking a short hike in the spring. It sits pretty high on the waist in my opinion. I wish it had belt loops.

Great pants but not my size !

im medium short size person and they didnt have the medium short anymore so i order the size large but they dont fit. So i return them and hopefully they will be back in medium short size soon or....other fun color !!

Terk tested

I bought these this summer for a 5+ day trek across Isle Royale and they were perfect for this trip. Between crazy rain and trails that turned to rivers and mud bogs I feel like I put these pants to a serious test. My only complaint is that after one wash (using tech wash) they are pilling a bit in places. I plan to keep using them as a top layer when cross country skiing this winter, but I wish they still looked a bit better.

I want another pair please!

These pants are amazing! I had been searching on second hand sires for the perfect hiking pants for a 4 day Trek in Peru during rainy season and these were prefection! They aren't rainproof after being in the rain for a couple minutes but they dry out so quick, even in a humid foggy window room. They provide the right amount of protection and breathablitiy. We had to pass through mud that was mid shin and while some took there shoes off and did it, I chose to tighten my shoes and zip down my pants. I made it through with not a spec of mud on my skin and when the mud dried it just flicked off.

Great for summer mountain climbs

These were a last minute purchase since we were going to see temps in the 50's and 60's on our climb. They were great and I'm really glad I went with something lighter. The reinforced ankles are clutch and didn't rip at all during a very long climb.

My most favorite pants yet!

I absolutely love these pants! They are the most comfortable, flattering, well-made fall/winter pant! I 100% recommend them!!

Nice fabric but cuff fits weird

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

M

The bottom cuff of the pants fit sort of weird. Too long and tight fit around the ankle which looks weird, and when the zipper is unzipped it also looks weird. Belt is bulky under a harness.

OR Cirque Lite Pants

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

12

What a cool and lightweight, but durable and comfy pair of trail pants!! Excellent choice for a hot hike!