Outdoor Research Essence Tights

For winter 2015, Outdoor Research added the Essence Tights to their lineup of women’s base layers. As a merino wool fiend, I was extra stoked when they sent me a pair to test as a part of #ORInsightLab.

The Outdoor Research Essence Tights are a pair of lightweight leggings composed of 88% polyester and 12% merino wool, aka drirelease® Merino. The tights are quick drying, breathable and moisture wicking. Flat lock seam construction means there’s no fabric bits and bobs rubbing against you on long days out. An anti-odor FreshGuard® finish keeps you smelling fresh. An elastic waistband prevents the tights from hanging out around your ankles.

Outdoor Research touts this as a snug, second-skin fit, but this was not my experience. Like the Outdoor Research Constellation Hoody, the smallest size this was produced in was a S. Where is the love for the XS ladies? That being said, despite the size discrepancies, the tights are super comfy and they do the job.

These performed admirably in cold weather ranging between low tens and thirties. Anything in the forties to fifties were too hot and I had to promptly remove the tights. The Essence Tights were also incredibly comfortable to wear to bed if your sleeping bag is on the higher end or if you don’t want to get your down dirty.

They dry quickly and wick sweat away if you’re huffing and puffing. Oh! If you’re heading out on city adventures, the Essence Tights also fit nicely underneath a pair of skinny jeans without adding extra bulk.

Even though these don’t fit me like a glove, I’m still pretty fond of the Essence Tights. It’d be cool if there was smaller sizing, but they still get the job done and are well worth the $60 Outdoor Research is asking.

Buy the Outdoor Research Essence Tights through Outdoor Research or Amazon for $60.

These were sent to me for review as a part of Outdoor Research’s #ORInsightLab.