Are the Cirque Lite Pants waterproof?

No. They are a weather-resistant softshell that handles wind, light snow and brief drizzle, but sustained rain will soak through. Pair them with a waterproof shell for wet days.

What are they best used for?

Alpine climbing, scrambling and cool-weather hiking where you want stretch and breathability. They are not a winter insulated pant on their own.

How does the fit run?

They have a standard fit with a straight leg and a 31-inch inseam. Most owners find them true to size with room to layer a thin base underneath.

Do they work with a harness?

Yes. The gusseted crotch and stretch fabric are designed for climbing, and owners report no binding when wearing a harness.

Are they warm enough for cold weather?

They are uninsulated and thin. They work for cool conditions with a base layer, but for freezing temperatures most people add insulation or a shell.

What do buyers say about the Outdoor Research Men's Cirque Lite Pants Black L?

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 164 ratings.

Outdoor Research Men's Cirque Lite Pants Black L

Best price now

$87.77at REIChecked Nov 11

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Outdoor Research discount code →

Outdoor Research Men's Cirque Lite Pants Black L

Best price now

$87.77at REIChecked Nov 11

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit REI

Outdoor Research discount code →

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Price facts

Last seen at $87.77 at REI on Nov 11.

Our take on the Outdoor Research Men's Cirque Lite Pants Black L

The Outdoor Research Cirque Lite Pants are lightweight softshell climbing and mountaineering pants built for movement on rock and snow. They use a stretchy, weather-resistant softshell fabric with a gusseted crotch and articulated knees, so they climb and scramble without binding. Reviewers rate them highly for breathability and freedom of movement on long alpine days. They suit climbers and hikers who want one pant for cool, windy conditions rather than full waterproof protection.

Best forAlpine climbing and scramblingCool-weather hikingFast-moving mountain daysLayering under shells in cold conditions

Pros

Stretchy softshell fabric moves with you
Gusseted crotch and articulated knees
Lightweight for its weather resistance
Breathes well on hard climbs
Straight leg fits over boots cleanly

Cons

Not fully waterproof in sustained rain
Thin fabric offers limited warmth alone
Only one inseam length listed
Softshell can feel cool in strong wind

Outdoor Research Men's Cirque Lite Pants Black L prices at every store

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In stock
$87.77Checked Nov 11
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Outdoor Research Men's Cirque Lite Pants Black L price history

Lowest price we've seen: $87.77 on Nov 12 at REI. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 12.

What reviewers say

4.4 / 5164 ratings

Owners rate the Cirque Lite highly, praising its stretch, breathability and freedom of movement on climbs. Complaints center on limited weather protection and thin fabric in cold or wet conditions.

What people mention

MobilityPraisedOwners say the stretch fabric and gusseted crotch let them high-step and scramble without restriction.
BreathabilityPraisedReviewers report the pants stay comfortable on long, sweaty climbs.
Weather protectionCriticisedBuyers note the softshell sheds light wind and snow but wets through in sustained rain.
WarmthMixedSome find them fine for cool days, while others say the thin fabric needs a base layer in cold conditions.
FitPraisedThe straight leg and standard fit are described as comfortable and easy to layer over boots.

Specifications

Pant Fit: Standard
Pant Leg Style: Straight
Inseam (In.): 31 inches
Sustainability: bluepass certified product

Questions and answers

Are the Cirque Lite Pants waterproof?: No. They are a weather-resistant softshell that handles wind, light snow and brief drizzle, but sustained rain will soak through. Pair them with a waterproof shell for wet days.
What are they best used for?: Alpine climbing, scrambling and cool-weather hiking where you want stretch and breathability. They are not a winter insulated pant on their own.
How does the fit run?: They have a standard fit with a straight leg and a 31-inch inseam. Most owners find them true to size with room to layer a thin base underneath.
Do they work with a harness?: Yes. The gusseted crotch and stretch fabric are designed for climbing, and owners report no binding when wearing a harness.
Are they warm enough for cold weather?: They are uninsulated and thin. They work for cool conditions with a base layer, but for freezing temperatures most people add insulation or a shell.
Where is the Outdoor Research Men's Cirque Lite Pants Black L cheapest?: At REI, for $87.77, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Outdoor Research Men's Cirque Lite Pants Black L?: Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 164 ratings.