Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s Review

What to Expect from the Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s

The Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s are designed as a feature-rich, technical soft shell specifically tailored for female adventurers tackling backcountry skiing and alpine climbing. Outdoor Research aims to blend weather resistance with freedom of movement, creating a pant that performs in demanding environments. With a price point of $179.00, these pants sit in a competitive segment, promising a balance of value and performance.

I was searching for a pair of pants that could handle both the unpredictable conditions of backcountry skiing and the demanding range of motion required for ice climbing. My current ski pants are too bulky for climbing, and my climbing pants lack the weather protection needed for harsh winter conditions. I needed one pant to rule them all, or at least, to perform well in both disciplines!

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the lightweight feel of the material; it felt significantly less cumbersome than my insulated ski pants. The fabric has a soft, almost velvety texture, which felt comfortable against my skin. The overall construction appeared solid, with clean stitching and robust-looking zippers.

Compared to the Arc’teryx Gamma AR pants (similar price, more climbing-focused) and the Patagonia Powder Bowl pants (pricier, more ski-focused), the Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s seemed to strike a middle ground. The Gamma AR felt too minimalist for truly cold conditions, while the Powder Bowl felt overkill for climbing. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic – they looked like they could be the Goldilocks option.

I was excited to test them out and see if they could live up to the promises of versatility, but also slightly apprehensive about whether they would truly perform well in both skiing and climbing, or if they would end up being mediocre at both. Only time and testing would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s was a backcountry ski tour in the Colorado Rockies. The day started with clear skies but quickly turned to blowing snow and gusty winds at higher elevations. The pants were surprisingly effective at blocking the wind, and the DWR (durable water repellent) finish kept me dry during the brief snowfall.

The articulated knees and gusseted crotch provided excellent freedom of movement while skinning uphill. I appreciated the secure waist with the adjustable embedded belt, which prevented the pants from sagging, even with layers underneath. No initial issues to report, just a solid first impression!

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, including multiple backcountry ski tours, a few ice climbing sessions, and even some winter hiking, the Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s have proven to be remarkably durable. There are some minor scuff marks on the reinforced instep area from ski edges, but no tears or significant wear. The pants have held up well, with no degradation in water resistance after several washes.

Cleaning is simple – a machine wash with technical fabric cleaner followed by a tumble dry on low heat. Compared to my previous experiences with soft shell pants that quickly lost their DWR coating, these have outperformed my expectations significantly. They are a workhorse.

Breaking Down the Features of Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s

Specifications

• The Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s feature a wind and water-resistant technical soft shell fabric. This provides a crucial layer of protection against the elements while maintaining breathability for high-exertion activities.

• They include an Avalanche Beacon Pocket with Clip. A dedicated, easily accessible pocket ensures your beacon is secure and readily available in an emergency.

• The Boot Lace Hook and Grommets for Instep Lace help to keep the pants securely in place over your boots, preventing snow from entering. This is a simple but effective design that adds significant value.

• Drawcord Cuff Adjustments allow you to cinch the cuffs tight around your boots for a secure fit. This seals out snow and prevents the cuffs from flapping in the wind.

• Gusseted Ankle Zippers make it easy to get the pants on and off over ski or climbing boots. They also allow for adjustable ventilation.

• A Secure Waist with Adjustable Embedded Belt provides a comfortable and customizable fit. The integrated belt eliminates the need for a separate belt and prevents the pants from slipping down.

• The Updated Fit for Multisport Function is designed to allow a full range of motion for both skiing and climbing. This is a key feature that sets these pants apart from more specialized options.

• YKK DWR-Treated Zippers ensure reliable performance and water resistance in critical areas. YKK zippers are known for their durability and smooth operation.

• Zip Hand and Thigh Pockets provide secure storage for essential items like your phone, keys, or energy gels. The thigh pocket is especially useful for keeping items easily accessible while wearing a harness.

Performance & Functionality

The Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s perform admirably in a variety of alpine environments. They offer a good balance of weather protection, breathability, and freedom of movement.

The pants excel at blocking wind and shedding light precipitation, making them ideal for backcountry skiing and climbing in variable conditions. However, they are not fully waterproof, so they may not be the best choice for prolonged exposure to heavy rain or wet snow.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, with durable materials and reinforced stitching in high-wear areas. The fabric is comfortable against the skin, and the articulated knees and gusseted crotch allow for a full range of motion without restriction.

The design is well thought out, with features like the avalanche beacon pocket and boot lace hooks adding practical value. The fit is athletic but not overly restrictive, allowing for comfortable layering underneath.

Durability & Maintenance

The Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s are built to last. After a full season of use, they show minimal signs of wear, even in high-abrasion areas.

Maintenance is straightforward: machine wash and tumble dry on low heat. The DWR finish has held up well, but may need to be reapplied periodically to maintain optimal water resistance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The pants come with an integrated belt, which is a nice touch. There are no specific customization options available directly from Outdoor Research, but the pants are compatible with most standard ski and climbing boots.

The thigh pocket is conveniently sized to fit most smartphones, and the hand pockets are deep enough to securely hold gloves or other small items.

Pros and Cons of Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s

Who Should Buy Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s?

The Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s are perfect for female backcountry skiers, alpine climbers, and winter hikers who need a versatile and durable pair of pants that can handle a variety of conditions. They are a great choice for anyone who wants a single pair of pants that can perform well in both skiing and climbing without sacrificing comfort or performance.

Those who spend the majority of their time in extremely wet environments, or require maximum insulation for very cold temperatures, might want to consider a fully waterproof shell or insulated pants instead. A dedicated ice climber might prefer something more streamlined, but these offer a good balance.

A must-have accessory would be a high-quality base layer to wick moisture away from the skin during high-exertion activities.

Conclusion on Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s

The Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants – Women’s offer an impressive combination of weather protection, mobility, and durability. For the price of $179.00, they provide excellent value for anyone looking for a versatile pant for backcountry skiing, alpine climbing, and other winter adventures.

I would wholeheartedly recommend these pants to any woman who needs a reliable and comfortable soft shell pant for a variety of alpine activities. The performance, durability, and thoughtful design make them a worthwhile investment. Don’t hesitate to add them to your kit!