If you want to play in powder snow, snow bibs are the best bottoms
It's not that we're cutting corners, but when choosing outerwear for the snowy mountains, we spend an incredible amount of time searching carefully for the right jacket, but we tend to neglect choosing the right bottoms. Sorry to have kept you waiting. This time, we're going to talk about snow pants
Winter mountaineering can encompass a variety of activities, from snow mountain climbing and snow hiking to ice climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing, so there are many different types of snow pants. Naturally, choosing a model that suits the characteristics of each activity will make your activity more comfortable and enjoyable
In recent years, my focus on snow mountain activities has shifted from mountaineering to backcountry skiing, and after trying out a variety of snow pants, I've now become a complete believer in the "snow bib (bib pants)" religion. So in this article, I'd like to write about why bib pants are recommended for backcountry skiing, the recommended snow bibs for this season, and in the second half, how to choose the right snow bibs
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table of contents
5 reasons why snow bibs are recommended for backcountry skiing
First, for those of you who haven't yet put on suspenders and skied (or snowboarded) to the back of a chairlift, here are five reasons why I believe snow bibs are more comfortable than pants for the backcountry
Reason 1: Snow doesn't get in easily
For backcountry skiers who boldly aim for powder snow even during the peak season in January and February, the most obvious reason to wear snow bibs is that they prevent snow from getting in through gaps when descending (or in my case, when I fall, but sweat)
Snow bibs that reach up to the waist will prevent snow from getting in through the waist area, even when you're skiing with fluffy powder snow hitting your face, doing some serious snow-breaking, or digging a snow cave. It's true that the powder skirt attached to your jacket will also protect you from snow to a certain extent, but in my experience, I've often found that powder skirts slide up while I'm moving and don't notice. For this reason, I personally think that snow bibs are safer when it comes to preventing snow from getting in
Reason 2: Plenty of pockets
Of course, you need to consider how it will be combined with the jacket you're wearing on top, but backcountry skiing is often an activity where it's more convenient to carry lots of small items with you, so the more pockets the better
Snow bibs often utilize the ample space in the stomach and chest areas to provide convenient pockets, and tend to have more pockets than regular snow pants. These pockets can hold everything you need to access quickly, from smartphones to walkie-talkies, inner gloves, sunglasses, snow brushes, goggle wipers, wallets, cell phone wax, tools, lift tickets, and more (just thinking about it, there are so many!). What's more, some of the pockets these days are highly functional and can safely store beacons, so it feels like the benefits of having lots of these versatile pockets are only increasing
Reason 3: Stress-free waist
In winter, you need to layer your lower body with a base layer, thermal pants, and snow shell. When that happens, the more layers of elastic waistband you wear, the more uncomfortable it becomes
This applies to winter mountain climbing in general, but I personally believe that if you can even slightly ditch the belt and use suspenders, that would be the best option, and the suspenders on these snow bibs are more important than anything else for comfortable movement
Reason 4: The back hem stays in place and the pants stay in place
This also happens when hiking in the snow-free season, but when you carry a backpack for a long time, your shirt tends to ride up on your back and your pants tend to slide down.Am I the only one who notices this?
Regardless of whether this is right or wrong, snow bibs have fabric on the back that comes up to a certain height above the waist, so even if you're climbing or skiing for long periods of time while carrying a large backpack, your jacket won't ride up and your pants won't slide down, so in that sense I feel they're a better match (than ski pants)
Reason 5: It's warm
Snow bibs cover more of the body due to the fabric applied to the abdomen and back, which naturally makes it harder for heat to escape from the garment, so they generally tend to retain more heat than pants-type bibs
Of course, this also depends on what you're wearing on top, but by wearing bibs you can ensure the necessary warmth without having to wear half an extra layer of jacket, which is especially valuable during the harsh winter months
Snow bib pitfalls you should know
Of course, wearing snow bibs in the backcountry doesn't only have its advantages, so we'll explain some of the disadvantages as well
The toilet problem
The biggest structural problem with suspenders is simply putting them on and taking them off. It wouldn't be a problem if you could say you'd never take them off once you put them on, but as humans, it's inevitable that you'll have to defecate. When that happens, you'll have to take off your shell jacket, and for some people, your mid-layer as well, and remove your suspenders
Fortunately, some bib pants have solved these problems by repositioning the suspenders and using a side zipper to remove only the back, allowing you to go to the toilet without having to take them off
However, it is still difficult to completely avoid the problem of them being difficult to put on and take off when it is hot (or cold), and this is something that cannot be helped since they are suspenders
The "too hot" problem
During early spring activities, when you start to worry about the heat and sweating while hiking, even half an extra layer can seem unnecessary. At times like these, you'll often find yourself missing pants more than snow bibs. As you can see, snow pants do offer a wider range of temperature regulation through layering, so keep that in mind when choosing snow bib pants
Snow Bibs You'll Want This Year 2021-2022
We've checked out as many of this year's new snow bibs as possible in stores, and picked out the models that really stood out to us. As always, the ★★★ rating, which indicates the general characteristics, is only a guide. As winter approaches, we hope you'll use this as a reference when choosing your go-to bib pants
Patagonia Snowdrifter Bib
Weather resistance ★★☆ Heat retention ★★☆ Fit and ease of movement ★★★ Ventilation ★★☆ Pockets ★☆☆ Toilet ○
These snow bibs offer Patagonia's signature elegant silhouette, neither overly slim nor baggy, and feature a lightweight, stretchy, durable 3-layer waterproof and breathable fabric for superior mobility. The fit is comfortable, neither too loose nor too tight. While the outer ventilation is a little short, the softshell bib fabric and stretch mesh pockets mean that they're virtually breathable. Plus, the drop-seat suspenders mean you can wear them to the bathroom without any hassle, making them easy to put on and take off
The only drawback is that it has a slightly smaller number of pockets, but it has a large kangaroo pocket, so it's perfectly acceptable in terms of usability. This is my number one pick
MILLET Meiju 3L Removable Bib
Weather resistance ★★☆ Heat retention ★★★ Fit and ease of movement ★★★ Ventilation ★★☆ Pockets ★☆☆ Toilet ○
As you'd expect from a long-established French outdoor brand, the slim, European-style silhouette is what catches your eye. However, the unique 3-layer waterproof and breathable fabric with excellent stretch and a well-thought-out draping ensures freedom of movement. The waistband also has an adjustable Velcro closure, allowing you to customize the fit to your body shape
The large bibs are made of sturdy fabric, so they provide excellent heat retention. Long ventilation zippers are firmly attached on both sides, so they're perfect for preventing stuffiness. The bibs themselves are detachable, so although it takes a little effort, going to the toilet should be generally smooth. Aside from the slightly small chest pocket, these bib pants are extremely user-friendly
Teton Bros. TB Pant
Weather resistance ★★☆ Heat retention ★★☆ Fit and ease of movement ★★★ Ventilation ★★★ Pockets ★★☆ Toilet ○
These new bib pants for this season are made with the much talked about breathable waterproof material "Täsmä." I haven't actually tested this material in the field, so to be honest, it's still a mystery as to its weather resistance and warmth, but given the thickness of the fabric, I don't think you'll feel too cold (or too hot). The slightly chunky silhouette (which I personally find just about OK) and the knees and crotch are well-cut to allow for flexibility. Plus, with four-way stretch, there's nothing to complain about when it comes to ease of movement. The naturally breathable fabric and the ventilation zippers on the outside keep things from getting stuffy, so they're well-equipped to reduce stress even in the most intense backcountry
As for pockets, the basic left and right pockets have been redesigned to make them easy to use, and there are also plenty of convenient pockets that users will not notice until they actually use the jacket in the field, such as pockets that are convenient for handling beacons and radios
I'd like to give these a perfect score, but I'm not entirely convinced that the waist is too loose and can't be adjusted (you have to add a belt yourself). I have some doubts about the fit, but functionally, these bib pants seem to offer no flaws
Peak Performance Vertical Pro Pants
Weather resistance ★★★ Heat retention ★★★ Fit and ease of movement ★★☆ Ventilation ★★☆ Pockets ★☆☆ Toilet ○
our previous hard shell jacket feature . The fabric is made with the same highly breathable GORE-TEX PRO as the jacket, so you won't have to worry about sweaty, bad weather, or cold temperatures. Furthermore, the knees are made with Gore-Tex PRO Strech, which provides just the right amount of stretch, eliminating the drawback of traditional GORE-TEX fabric, which can be stiff and restrictive.
The obvious drawback for me is the lack of pockets. While the thigh pockets are large, I personally wish there was more storage space around the bib. It's also a bit too heavy and expensive, which is hard to ignore. However, the material is excellent
THE NORTH FACE Future Lite A-Cad Bib
Weather resistance ★★☆ Heat retention ★★☆ Fit and ease of movement ★★★ Ventilation ★★★ Pockets ★★★ Toilet ○
When The North Face announced its new material "Futurelite," I intuitively knew that pants would be the best place to utilize the material's breathable, waterproof, and stretchy properties. The Purist Bib , lived up to my expectations with its outstanding breathability and ease of movement, ensuring light and nimble movement in any situation. It remains my favorite pair of pants to this day.
The Future Lite Acad Bib is notable for its consideration of comfort in a wider range of situations than the Purist Bib. First of all, the lining is made of a slightly brushed fabric to reduce the slight cooling effect caused by the highly breathable material. However, with ventilation on both the outside and inside, you'll hardly ever have to worry about getting too hot. There are also an impressive six pockets, making it versatile for use on the slopes, in the side country, and even in the backcountry.
The only downside is that the Futurelite's water-repellent properties deteriorate quickly (the outer fabric tends to absorb water quickly). From experience, the Futurelite's water-repellent properties tend to deteriorate quickly, so frequent care is required to maintain them. That said, the overall performance is excellent, and if the color variations were right, I would definitely buy it
Burton [ak] Japan GORE-TEX PRO Guide High-Top Pants
Weather resistance ★★★ Heat retention ★★☆ Fit and ease of movement ★★☆ Ventilation ★★★ Pockets ★★☆ Toilet ○
Since Burton is a snowboard brand, this model is also aimed at snowboarders. However, while there may be some differences in how you use your body, the silhouette is not unnecessarily baggy, and since it's also for backcountry skiing, I think (as far as I've tried it on) it would be perfectly fine for skiers to wear. Above all, the careful design down to the smallest detail is so impressive that even I, a skier, would want to try it out, so I decided to feature it
The main material used is GORE-TEX PRO. Its durability, waterproofness, and breathability are undeniable. Furthermore, the generous use of GORE-TEX PRO stretch technology in the hips and knees further enhances mobility. The impressive three-dimensional cut combines a good silhouette with ease of movement, and I'm also captivated by it. The bib design is also ingenious, avoiding the oppressive feeling of covering the chest, while still providing ample storage pockets. It's both minimalist and convenient, killing two birds with one stone
With ventilation zippers on both the inside and outside, ample pockets including a dedicated pocket for a beacon, and a drop seat design that makes it easy to put on and take off when going to the toilet, these pants have almost no flaws (the only drawback being the price...). With pants of this high quality, you can wear them to the bone for 10 years, and we hope you do
Salomon S/LAB QST GORE-TEX PRO 3L PANT
Weather resistance ★★★ Heat retention ★★☆ Fit and ease of movement ★☆☆ Ventilation ★★★ Pockets ★★★ Toilet ×
All six of the items featured so far have some kind of stretch in the fabric, but this Salomon backcountry snow bib is the only one that doesn't. Aside from that, however, this model is just as attractive as the others, and I would actually highly recommend it
What I want to emphasize above all else is the excellent value for money. Despite being the cheapest of the seven items in this article, they are made with a generous amount of GORE-TEX PRO. Of course, since they are SALOMON pants, you can be sure of the quality of the tailoring. The silhouette is beautiful, and even if they don't stretch, the three-dimensional cut ensures ample freedom of movement. There are five pockets, one of which is compatible with a beacon. The bib area is made of discreet mesh, so you won't overheat. Plus, zippers on the inside and outside ensure excellent ventilation
My personal complaint is that the pockets in the abdominal area are a little small, but the overall quality and cost performance more than make up for that, making these bib pants a top buy and one of my top picks
7 things to check when choosing the perfect snow bibs
So far I have talked about snow bibs that are recommended for backcountry use, but for those who want to choose snow bibs themselves, I will summarize the ``how to choose snow bibs'' that I pay attention to when making my selection
Point 1: Material and fabric
Basically, it's best to choose a waterproof and breathable material similar to that used for rainwear, which is completely waterproof yet breathable (pants made from this fabric are sometimes called hard shell pants). However, since the snow season is long, in cases where the weather is stable or the temperature is high and you're expected to sweat a lot, soft shell pants, which are characterized by their higher breathability even if they sacrifice some waterproofness, may be more comfortable. It's a matter of preference, but personally I recommend 3-layer waterproof and breathable material, which is becoming more durable and comfortable to wear, as it can be worn throughout the season
When it comes to fabric thickness, there is a trade-off between durability and weight/ease of movement. Thicker fabrics are certainly more durable, but they tend to be heavier and stiffer, making it harder to move around, so it's important to find the right balance. Ease of movement is important for pants, so I personally don't like thick fabrics
Point 2: Whether or not it has padding
In conclusion, when choosing snow bibs for backcountry use, it is best to avoid models with a lot of padding
Of course, warmth is an important factor in winter mountains, but when it comes to backcountry skiing, sweating is inevitable when climbing vigorously, even in cold temperatures. For this reason, pants cannot be easily put on and taken off like a jacket, and you cannot simply take off a shell just because you're hot, so a model that provides too much warmth as a single piece can actually be inconvenient
Even with pants, it's important to keep in mind the concept of layering, and it's best to choose a shell-only outer layer or one with a brushed lining. Relying on high-quality base layers and mid-layers is a much more versatile and preferable strategy than relying on heavy outerwear
The fluffy padded bibs are best saved for automatic climbs, such as down-slope skiing or heli-skiing at the resort
Point 3: Fit and ease of movement
Whether or not the bib fit is comfortable for you is largely a matter of personal preference, but ski pants come in a variety of styles, from slimmer styles that fit closer to the body for mountaineering to wider models preferred by freestyle skiers. In any case, the worst thing you can do is have bibs that are too tight, something you want to avoid when skiing in the backcountry, where you'll be moving around a lot. The next most important thing is the width of the hem. Even in the backcountry, you'll likely need to take off your skis and use crampons, so it's best to avoid models with claws that are too wide, like a sewer pipe, as your fingernails could get caught in the hem and cause you to fall
Regarding ease of movement, you won't really know until you try them on and bend and stretch, but the two important factors that determine how easy pants are to move in are whether they are "draped" or "made of stretch material." If they have both, great, and if they have either, there's a good chance they're easy to move in
Point 4: Breathability and ventilation
When hiking up steep slopes or under the early spring sun, the inside of your pants will become filled with sweat and moisture, so you will need to provide ventilation (even if the fabric is highly breathable)
There are several ways to solve this problem, but one is to use fabrics that have a certain degree of breathability. Simply put, the fabric itself allows air to pass through (even if it blocks the wind), making it easier for sweat to escape
Another feature that is standard on many models is the presence of ventilation zippers. Backcountry pants and bibs usually have zippers on the sides to increase breathability, and opening them allows for much better airflow. They are usually located on the outside of the thigh, but some stylish models have them on the inside of the thigh to avoid spoiling the silhouette. Some models also have zippers on both sides to maximize breathability
Point 5: Pockets
As mentioned at the beginning, there are many small items you'll want to carry with you in the backcountry, and the more pockets you have, the better. Bibs, by their design, can accommodate a large number of pockets, so I check to see if each model takes advantage of this and provides effective storage. Of course, having too many makes the bib heavier, which makes it a concern, and there's no point in having pockets that are difficult to use, so it's important to make sure that the bib has the necessary number of pockets to hold the items you plan to carry, and that they're positioned appropriately. The pocket I want more than anything else is a kangaroo-style pouch on the chest
Tip 6: Making the bib
The size, shape, and material of the bib (chest area) affect the warmth, breathability, and functionality. This is also an area where personal preference differs, and there is no common standard for what it should be, so there is considerable variation between models from different brands
Personally, I don't like bibs that are too big or don't have much breathability, and I prefer bibs that are a moderate height and have a modest mesh design. However, I do want some decently large pockets. It would be nice if they could do both, but I'm okay with either one
Point 7: Other features
In addition to pockets, ventilation, and bib construction, there are also differences in other small features, such as whether or not they have toilet-safe suspenders, edge guards on the inside of the hem, pockets that are compatible with walkie-talkies and beacons, whether they have the RECCO system, weight, and of course design and price. However, these are not critical factors compared to the points mentioned above, so you can choose based on your preferences
summary
Even snow bibs have different features, and not all bib pants are the same; there are subtle differences in performance and functionality, so I hope this gives you a general idea of what to compare. However, with pants, whether the size fits you can be a crucial issue, so when choosing pants, it's best to actually try them on, rather than just looking at the specs. I hope this article will help you find snow bibs that are satisfactory in terms of performance, fit, and design. Have a great winter!
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