Snowsport Pants

Reviewed by Badass Outdoors

When I decided it was time for me to switch to bibs, the Flylow Baker Bibs beat out all of their competitors across all winter uses.

My Flylow Baker Bibs were a game changer this season. I knew I wanted to make the switch to bibs after seven previous seasons of constantly re-tucking my mid-layer into the back of my ski pants. The shifting of bottom and top layers during the four major movements that take place during any single ski day were causing me madness; boot up, lift riding, skiing, and hiking. These movements are far more enjoyable when done in the total-cover-comfort of the Baker Bibs. While booting up my entire system used to become completely untucked.

Read more: Flylow Baker Bib review (1)

Reviewed by Beacon

Omni-Heat is no joke, making these waterproof snow pants super warm without the need for overly bulky layers.

I've come to expect high-quality products from Columbia, and these pants are no exception. I've used them for downhill skiing and snow tubing so far. I'm 5'8" @ 180lbs, and the size Medium/Regular fit me pretty well, though I could use the ability to tighten down the waist a bit more for the ideal fit. The small was too small for me though. I have unrestricted range of motion in these pants, and they have not yet ever felt like they were getting in my way. I've been very comfortable in them for up to five hours of skiing, and I suspect I would be for even longer sessions.

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Reviewed by Burke MacLeay

The Outdoor Research Hemispheres Bib is an excellent snowsport pant. It was designed with backcountry touring in mind, but works well as an all-mountain pant, and is equally functional both on and off-piste. It has an extremely strong construction and fits me well, (I'm pretty skinny and there's still some room left in them, although this isn't a problem). The full Gore-Tex construction holds up to the brand's waterproof, all-weather protection claims and will keep the wearer dry even in pouring rain.

About The Outdoor Research Hemispheres Bibs are premium, waterproof, backcountry-oriented snowsports pants for skiers and snowboarders. They're offered in both men's (S-XL) and women's (XS-XL) sizing. There is also a coordinating Hemispheres Jacket for men and women.  I use the Hemispheres Bib as my only pant, both for park skiing and backcountry and sidecountry skiing. They definitely stand out as a touring bib, as they are extremely lightweight and breathable. I've been using them for about 100 days so far this season, and skiing at least three hours a day in them.

Read more: Outdoor Research Hemispheres Bibs review (1)

Reviewed by Paul Lapierre

Good pants for playing in the snow.

I have had the pants for a couple of years now and they are my main alpine ski pants. They have held up well considering what I put them through.  I mentioned most of the pros already. These also have a large thigh pocket that I have never used because the zippered front pockets are deep enough to handle what I carry. I am not sure how breathable these are, but you will appreciate the side vents that are on the inside thigh. And these pants are a little on the heavy side. With that said they always keep me warm and dry.  The only changes I would make is the front closer is a snap with a small Velcro backup that could hold better.

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Reviewed by El Eaton

A severe condition hard shell, drop-seat pant for winter climbers, alpinists, and ski-mountaineers. Used in all the previously mentioned as well as long winter hikes, snowshoeing, and backcountry Nordic skiing. Workmanship is excellent, Colour schemes limited, Internal powder gaiters along with kevlar instep protectors for protection against skis and crampons + errant snowshoes.

image courtesy Jöttnar Fit & Comfort I'm 6'2" (187cms) and the large size fits surprisingly well. They don't feel like a pair of swishy-swishy "fabric balloons" on your legs. They feel like hiking pants; it's kinda unreal. There's enough room in the crotch for a good step up when climbing and your waistline doesn't feel as if it needs choking to keep them up, mainly in part because of the braces.  The knees are reinforced and ergonomically designed bringing a welcome addition if you are out hiking and/or climbing in winter months or sitting down at a summit or campfire.

Read more: Jöttnar Valdyr Pants review (1)

Reviewed by Alicia MacLeay

Patagonia's PowSlayer Bibs are a premium, lightweight yet durable, waterproof snowsports pants for the backcountry-focused skier and rider. They work equally well for inbounds and side-country trips too. Their Gore-Tex Pro fabric keeps out all types of precipitation—not just powder—reliably and comfortably all day long. With a 100-percent recycled face fabric, they bring together environmental credibility with technical waterproof/breathable performance. At $599 the PowSlayer's MSRP is decidedly steep, but if you spend your winters on snow and they fit your budget (or you find them on sale) they're an excellent long-term option. Plus, with their solid construction, recycled fabric, and Patagonia's customer service and repairs program they're a worthy investment for the dedicated skier and rider. Note that overall sizing is roomy, and they're more of a high-waisted pant versus traditional bib though.

  About The Patagonia PowSlayer Bibs, corresponding Pants, and Powslayer Jacket are lightweight, packable, waterproof Gore-Tex Pro shells designed for backcountry touring, but which work well for inbounds snowsports as well. According to Patagonia, they feature "the first 100 percent recycled nylon face fabric to deliver the highest level of durable waterproof/breathable and windproof protection available." Bibs Weight: men's 20.6 oz / women's 19.9 oz (my women's medium also weigh 19.9 oz) Pants Weight: men's 19.3 oz / women's 17.5 oz Material: 100% recycled nylon ripstop Gore-Tex Pro fabric Fit and Comfort The PowSlayer bib and pants are very similar, with the bibs being more of a high-waisted pant with adjustable suspender straps.

Read more: Patagonia PowSlayer Bibs review (1)

Reviewed by BigRed

A top-quality (and top-price) Gore-Tex Pro bib. Tough, waterproof, breathable, and wind tight. Built for mountaineering but works well for rando/telemark and light backcountry skiing. It’d be a shame to use and wear it out away from snow and ice.

Like many outdoor people, I’m always on the lookout for a deal. Not to the point where I obsessively pick through sales racks of outdoor clothing or haunt discount websites, but I’ll take a peek if I’m passing by. Sometimes that works out well, with a score on some quality item at a deep discount. Sometimes, not so much. Take, for example, my search for some decent shell pants for backcountry skiing. Most outdoor wear, and especially shell layers, comes in the four canonical sizes, made for the all-around average guy.

Read more: Norrona Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Bib review (1)

Reviewed by Todd Papianou

When your bibs last ten years you need to tell folks. This is my go-to bib for any winter activity that I will be human powered. Superb durability and fantastic venting.

The greatest advantage is the ability to easily zip and unzip legs for breathable venting during uphill travel. I paused as I went to grab my bibs for a day of skinning and skiing the other day. Wow, ten years. So often we complain about the shortcoming of a piece of gear. But I just have to give a shout-out to Mountain Hardwear. The number of backcountry adventures and daily use for these bibs is a testament to the name Hardwear. I’m not particularly easy on gear and have been happy with this product as they have never let me down. Superior craftsmanship and materials. 

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Reviewed by Mark Russell

The are awesome, and very versatile bibs that come with plenty of pockets and can handle anything you throw their way.

I have only used these bibs for half a season now but so far I am very impressed. Full disclosure I very much prefer bibs over snow pants, I like having the extra pockets, warmth and not getting snow down my pants. With that being said these are a great combo pant that can be used either way. There are more than enough pockets to stash your lunch, keys, wallet phone and whatever else you may need. The reinforced cuffs are bomber and are showing no signs of wear yet and the dual crotch vents are a lifesaver when your bootpacking or skinning.

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Reviewed by Skier Dude

NOTE: These are bibs, not pants and not a one-piece suit. After a rainy day of riding the lifts skiing (was supposed to be 3-8 inches of new snow, but it was rain for four hours instead), and my inexpensive insulated bibs getting thoroughly soaked (your thighs are horizontal when you're sitting on a ski lift, and unless your pants/bibs are waterproof they'll act like a sponge when rain hits them) I went home and ordered a pair of these. I decided I won't wear anything less that waterproof pants when downhill skiing any more.

Read more: Patagonia Six Chuter Bibs review (1)