Women Outdoor Research Womens Aspire 3L Pants

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Light, breathable, and thoughtfully designed, these rain trousers handle severe weather without feeling overbuilt.

Outdoor Research says: 

The Aspire Plus 3L Pants are our top-selling three-layer high-performance rain shell and the new standard in breathable, waterproof rain protection. Now featuring an exclusive Nikwax DWR and 100% recycled 3L fabric with movement-mirroring stretch, the Aspire is the first technical apparel in the outdoor industry to be certified carbon-neutral by Climate Impact Partners.

The Aspire features an all-new stretchy three-layer 100% recycled nylon shell and Nikwax’s Direct.Dry, a high performance, durable factory-applied DWR exclusively available on our Foray/Aspire Collection. Our proprietary AscentShell™ Dry technology delivers superior breathability, waterproofing, and wind resistance, keeping moisture out and allowing sweat vapor to effortlessly pass through to regulate body temperature. The Aspire’s mechanical stretch, articulated knees, and gusseted crotch provide an unlimited range of motion while full seam taping and YKK® Aquaguard® zippers keep moisture out. 3/4-length side zippers allow for easy on and off, even over footwear. And when the sun finally comes out, the pants stow away in their back pocket and can be clipped to a harness or backpack daisy chain.

Perfect for hiking in the rain, cycling in challenging weather, or embarking on a wet weekend adventure, the Aspire Plus 3L Pants are engineered for dependable wet-weather protection and performance and are the most sustainable rain pants we have ever created.

Our Verdict

The updated Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Pants strike a good balance between protection and comfort. At 367g for the medium, they’re light enough for multi-day use but robust enough for regular wear. The 3-layer recycled nylon fabric sheds water reliably, and I appreciated the quieter, less crinkly feel compared to older shell materials. The ¾-length side zips, with dual zips, allow the trousers to be vented without fully opening them, letting heat escape while still deflecting rain. The mechanical stretch significantly improves mobility, especially on steep climbs or when crouching. Fit is relaxed but not baggy, and the articulated knees and gusseted crotch help them move naturally without tugging. They’re best for wet trails and hillwalking rather than rocky scrambles, but they work well for backpacking or quick transitions through foul weather.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• 3/4 – Length Side Zippers
• Articulated Knees
• Back Pocket Doubles As Stuff Sack
• Carabiner Loop
• Elastic Waist with Drawcord
• Gusseted Crotch
• Internal Loops For Instep Lace
• YKK® Aquaguard® Zippers
• Breathable
• Fully Seam Taped
• Mechanical Stretch
• Waterproof
• Windproof

Specifications

• XSmall (UK 08) weighs: 333g
• Small (UK 10) weighs: 349g
• Medium (UK 12) weighs: 367g
• Large (UK 14) weighs: 386g

Material & Construction

• bluesign® Approved AscentShell Dry 3L
• 100% Recycled Nylon 40D with Mechanical Stretch

Help & advice:

• MVTR and Breathability Explained
• What is Hydrostatic Head?