If you want to play with powder snow, the best bottoms are Snowbib.
I'm not slacking off the mark, but when choosing outerwear for snowy mountains, you tend to spend a lot of time searching for jackets carefully, but you tend to neglect when choosing bottoms, so sorry for the wait. This time we're talking about snow pants.
Although winter mountains are all called, there are many different types of snow pants, from snow climbing and snow hiking to ice climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing, so of course, choosing a model that suits each of the characteristics will make your activities more comfortable and enjoyable.
In the past few years, the focus of snow mountain activities has been shifting from mountain climbing to backcountry skiing, and after trying out various snow pants, I have now completely joined the "snow bib pants" teaching. So this time, I would like to write about why bib pants are recommended for backcountry, what Snowbibs are recommended this season, and in the second half I would like to write about how to choose a Snowbib properly.
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5 reasons why Snowbib is recommended for backcountry
First, for those who have not yet skied (snowboarded) deep into the lift with suspenders, I will write about five reasons why snowbibs are more comfortable in the backcountry than pants.
Reason 1: It's hard to get into
For backcountry skiers who boldly aim for powder snow even during the high season from January to February, the easiest reason to wear a snowbib is that snow is less likely to get in through the gaps when skiing (in my case, it's when I fall but I'm in a sweat).
A snowbib that is up to your waist can prevent snow from entering from your waist, whether you are exposed to a fluffy powder snow on your face, or by digging into a snow cave. It is certainly true that the powder skirt that comes with the jacket can prevent snow to some extent, but in my experience, I often don't notice that the powder skirt was sliding up while it was moving. For this reason, I personally think that a Snowbib is safer when it comes to snowing.
Reason 2: Lots of pockets
Of course, you should think about it in combination with the jacket you're wearing above, but when backcountry skiing, it's often more convenient to wear lots of small items around you, so it's best to have lots of pockets.
Snowbibs often offer convenient pockets by making use of the large space in the stomach and chest area, and tend to have more pockets than regular snow pants. You can put things you want to take out from your smartphone, such as radios, inner gloves, sunglasses, snow shaving brushes, goggle wipers, wallets, cell phone wax, tools, lift tickets, etc. (which just thinks about it) in a flash. Moreover, these days there are high-performance pockets that allow you to safely store beacons, which seems to be an increasingly advantageous option of having many of these diverse pockets.
Reason 3: Stress-free waist
In reality, in winter mountains, you need to layer your lower body quite a bit, with base layers, cold-weather pants, and snow shells. At times like that, the more the elastic in my waist is stacked, the more painful it becomes.
This is true for all of Fuyuyama, but I think it would be better if you could even stop using the belt and use suspenders for even a little while, so this Snowbib suspender is more important than anything else to make you feel comfortable.
Reason 4: The hem of the back is difficult to slip up, and the pants are difficult to slip down
This is also a mountain climbing season during the snowless season, but when I carry my backpack on my back for a long time, my shirt tends to rise up and my pants tend to fall down.
Regardless of whether this is true or wrong, in the case of snowbibs, the back fabric is a certain level above the waist, and even if you carry a large backpack with you on your back for a long time, your jacket will not slip up or your pants will slip down, so I feel that it goes well with you (than ski pants).
Reason 5: Warm
Snowbibs cover the body more than the amount of fabric that is placed on the abdomen and back. Naturally, this makes it less likely to cause heat to escape from inside the clothing, so it generally tends to have better heat retention than pants types.
Of course, this also matches the clothes you wear on top, but wearing bibs allows you to ensure the warmth you need without having to layer 0.5 jackets, which makes you more grateful, especially in the harsh winter.
Snowbib pitfalls you need to know
Wearing a snowbib in the backcountry is of course not all benefits. So I'll explain some of the disadvantages too.
"Toilet" problem
The biggest structural problem with suspenders is "taking off and taking off." Once you wear it, it's fine as long as you can say you won't take off all day long, but as long as you're a human, excretion is inevitable. At that time, you may have to take off your shell jacket, and for some people, you may have to take off your middle jacket and remove the suspenders.
Fortunately, some bib pants solve these problems. By changing the connection position of the suspenders and allowing only the rear to be removed using the side zipper, you can enter the toilet without having to remove it.
However, even so, it is difficult to completely escape from the problems that are difficult to put on and take off when it's hot (cold), and since these are suspenders, it can be said that there is nothing you can do about it.
"Too hot" problem
In activities in early spring where you'll notice the heat and sweating when hiking, even just 0.5 sheets can seem unnecessary. At times like these, I often miss pants more than snowbibs. It is certain that snow pants have a wider range of temperature adjustments with layering, so be aware that when choosing snow bib pants, this is what you need to keep in mind.
Snowbib I want this year 2021-2022
While actually checking out this year's new Snowbibs in the store as much as possible, I picked out the models that were particularly frightening. As usual, ★★★, which shows rough characteristics, are just a guide. As you're heading out for the winter season, please use this as a reference when choosing reliable bib pants.
Patagonia Snowdrop Lifter Bib
Weather resistance★★☆ Heat retention★★☆ Fit/easy movement★★★ Ventilation★★☆ Pockets★☆☆ Toilet◯
This snobib has ideal specifications, with a sophisticated silhouette typical of Patagonia, and is made from a three-layer waterproof and breathable fabric that is easy to move in and durable, with stretchy properties. The fit when you put your feet through is not too loose or too tight, and it's comfortable. Although the ventilation on the outside is slightly short, the bib fabric is softshell material and the pockets are stretchy mesh, making it almost no problem to get stuffy. Moreover, the suspenders are made with a drop seat structure that allows you to go to the toilet while still wearing them, so there is no stress when you take them off.
The only drawback is that there are a few pockets, but there is a large kangaroo pocket so it is quite acceptable for ease of use. Personally, No. 1 ace candidate.
MILLET Meiju 3L Removable Bib
Weather resistance★★☆ Heat retention★★★ Fit/easy movement★★★ Ventilation★★☆ Pockets★☆☆ Toilet◯
As it is an authentic French long-established outdoor brand, the slim European-style silhouette is the first thing to catch your eye. However, this unique three-layer waterproof and breathable fabric with stretchability is not difficult to move with its calculated three-dimensional cutting. The waist also has an adjustable Velcro, allowing you to fit comfortably to your body type.
The large bibs are also sturdy, so they have excellent heat retention. There are long ventilation zippers on both sides, making it perfect for dealing with stuffiness. The bib itself is removable, so although it takes a little effort, the toilet seems to be generally smooth. Aside from the slightly smaller chest pockets, these bib pants are extremely easy to use.
Teton Bros. TB Pant
Weather resistance★★☆ Heat retention★★☆ Fit/easy movement★★★ Ventilation★★★ Pockets★★☆ Toilet◯
New bib pants from this season, using the popular breathable waterproof material "Täsmä". We have not actually tested this material on site, so to be honest, it is almost unknown about its weather resistance and heat retention, but given the thickness of the fabric it is unlikely to be too cold (too hot). In addition to the slightly thick silhouette (I personally think it's fine for me), the knees and crotch have solid three-dimensional cutting that takes into account flexion. In addition, it also has stretchability in four directions, so there is nothing to say about ease of movement. The breathable fabric and the ventilation zippers placed on the outside make it less likely to get stuffy, and the mechanism to reduce stress even in intense backcountry is undoubtedly established.
As for the pockets, the basic left and right pockets have been designed with a unique shape that makes them easy to use, and there are plenty of pockets that are useful for users who would not notice unless they are used in the field.
So far, I would like to say it's almost 100 points, but personally I wonder why I can't adjust the waist area, which is quite loose (I have to add a belt myself). There are some questions about the fit, but it seems to be bib pants with excellent functionality.
PeakPerformance Vertical Pro Pants
Weather resistance★★★ Heat retention★★★ Fit/easy movement★★☆ Ventilation★★☆ Pockets★☆☆ Toilet◯
Here is the set-up (bottoms) of the model supervised by Kristofer Turdell, the FWT 2018 champion, which was also featured in the previous Hard Shell Jacket Special The fabric is a highly breathable version of GORE-TEX PRO, just like the jacket, so you don't have to worry about dealing with sweaty weather or bad weather or cold weather. Furthermore, the knee area is made of GoreTex PRO Strech, which provides moderate elasticity, and overcomes the weaknesses of traditional GORE-TEX, which are stiff and difficult to move around.
The obvious drawback for me is the lack of pockets, and although the pockets on both thighs are large, I personally would like to have a little more storage around the bibs. Also, it's a bit too heavy and expensive, and it's a bit difficult to ignore. However, there's nothing to say about using materials.
THE NORTH FACE Future Lite A Cad Bib
Weather resistance★★☆ Heat retention★★☆ Fit/easy movement★★★ Ventilation★★★ Pockets★★★ Toilet◯
When the North Face unveiled the new material, "Future Light," I intuitively thought that pants must be the place where the "breathable waterproof and stretch" feature that this material possesses the most is best. The Purist Bib , the first backcountry snobib installed in Future Light, released two years ago , is still our favorite pants that are still in use, with outstanding breathability and ease of movement, and are guaranteed to act lightly in any situation.
This Future Lite A Cad Bib is notable for its comfort in a wider range of situations than Purist Bib. First of all, the lining is made of a slightly brushed fabric to reduce the slight coolness caused by the highly breathable material. However, there are ventilations on both the outside and inside, so there is almost no need to worry about it being too hot. There are also 6 pockets that are unmatched. In other words, it is easy to use in a wide range of situations, from slopes and side countries to backcountry.
The only weakness is Future Light's own drawback is the rapid decrease in water repellency (the outer fabric tends to absorb water quickly). In my experience, Future Lights tend to lose their water-repellent properties quickly, so frequent maintenance is required to maintain them. However, the overall performance was great and I would have definitely dabbled in with the colour variations.
Burton [ak] Japan GORE-TEX PRO Guide High Top Pants
Weather resistance★★★ Heat retention★★☆ Fit/easy movement★★☆ Ventilation★★★ Pockets★★☆ Toilet◯
Basically, it is a snowboarding brand Burton, so this model is also for snowboarders. However, although there are some differences in how the body is used, the silhouette is not unnecessarily buggy, and in the sense that it is the same backcountry, I think it's completely fine for skiers to wear it (as long as I've tried it on). Above all, the carefully designed and detailed design makes even a skier want to use it, so I deliberately took it to the attention to it.
The main material is GORE-TEX PRO. First of all, there is no doubt that its high quality, such as durability and waterproof and breathable, but by incorporating GORE-TEX PRO stretch technology into the buttocks and knees, it further improves ease of movement. I am captivated by the stunning three-dimensional cutting that combines good silhouette and ease of movement. Moreover, the bibs are also elaborate, and while avoiding the heat of covering the chest, the storage pocket is securely attached, making it a minimalist and convenient two birds with one stone.
There are ample pockets including ventilation zippers installed both inside and outside, beacon-specific pockets, and the drop seat structure makes it easy to put on and take off in the toilet, making it almost free of any drawbacks (the only drawback is the price). With pants that are as well-finished as possible, you can wear them for 10 years, and this is a piece that you would like to wear.
Salomon S/LAB QST GORE-TEX PRO 3L PANT
Weather resistance★★★ Heat retention★★☆ Fit/easy movement★☆☆ Ventilation★★★ Pockets★★★ Toilet x
All six of the items featured so far had some stretchy fabric, but this Salomon backcountry snowbib has no stretchy fabric. However, aside from that one point, this model is as attractive as it is, and in reality it is highly recommended.
What I would like to emphasize more is its cost-effectiveness. Although it is the lowest price out of the seventh place this time, it uses GORE-TEX PRO in great detail. Of course, since it is made from SALOMON pants, there is no doubt that it will be tailored. The silhouette is also beautiful, and even if you don't stretch, the three-dimensional cutting makes it easy to move around. There are also a lot of pockets, with one of them being beacon-compatible. The bib part is a modest mesh and does not overheat. Plus, the zippers placed inside and outside provide perfect ventilation.
Personally, the pockets on the abdomen are a bit small, but with its overall strength and cost performance, these bib pants are sure to be the best buy.
7 points to check when choosing the best snowbibs
So far, we have mentioned Snowbibs, which are recommended for backcountry, but for those who want to choose a Snowbib yourself, here are some of the "how to choose a Snowbib" that you should be careful about when choosing one.
Point 1: Materials and fabrics
Basically, I think it's a good idea to choose a waterproof and breathable material similar to rainwear, which is completely waterproof and breathable (pants made from this fabric are called hard shell pants). However, since the snowy season is long, in cases where the weather is stable or the temperature is high and the amount of sweat is expected to be extraordinary, softshell pants, which are characterized by higher breathability, may be more comfortable, even at the expense of a little waterproofing. I like that, but personally I recommend this because it's a three-layer waterproof and breathable material that is durable and comfortable to wear throughout the season.
When it comes to fabric thickness, there is a trade-off between durability, weight and ease of movement, and it is certainly more durable if it is thicker, but it tends to be heavier, stiffer and more difficult to move around, so that balance is important. Easy to move around in pants is important, so personally I don't like thick fabrics.
Point 2: Whether or not padded
To put it simply, when choosing a snobib for your backcountry, it is best to avoid models with a lot of padding.
Of course, warmth is an important factor in winter mountains, but when you are backcountry skiing, if you move violently during the climb, you will inevitably sweat a lot even if the temperature is low. For this reason, pants that cannot be easily put on and taken off like a jacket cannot be easily removed just because it's hot, so models with too much heat retention on their own are actually inconvenient.
Even pants are based on the concept of layering, and models with only the shell as outerwear or with a brushed lining would be easier to use. Relying on quality base or mid-layers is a much more versatile and preferred strategy than relying on thick outerwear.
The fluffy padded bibs are best saved in cases where you can automatically climb, such as skiing on the slopes or heli skiing at resorts.
Point 3: Fit and easy to move
Whether or not the fitting of the bib is comfortable for you is a big issue of preference, but when it comes to ski pants, there are a variety of types, from slim ones that fit the body more closely for mountain climbing to thicker models that prefer freestyle skiers. In any case, the most effortless bib is the most difficult thing to do, and this is something you want to avoid when you're moving backcountry skiing in a vigorous way. And the next important thing is the thickness of the hem. Even in backcountry, you may need to take off your skis and use a clamp, so even models with a hem too thick like a clay pipe should avoid this as there is a risk that their claws will get caught in the hem and will fall over.
Also, regarding ease of movement, you will never know the reality until you try on and bending and stretching, but the two important factors that determine the ease of movement of pants are whether they are three-dimensional cut or whether they are made of stretch material. If you have both, it's a big deal, but if there's one of them, there's a good chance that they're easy to move in.
Point 4: Breathability and ventilation
During steep hikes or under early spring sunlight, sweat fills the inside of your pants with moisture, so ventilation is required (even if it is made of highly breathable fabric).
There are several ways to solve this problem, but one is to use fabrics that have some degree of breathability. Simply put, the fabric itself allows air to pass through (even if it prevents wind), making it easier to get rid of sweat.
Another standard feature of many models is the ventilation zipper. Backcountry pants and bibs have zippers on the sides to improve breathability, which releases them to improve the airflow. It is generally attached to the outside of the thighs, but there are also stylish models that wear them on the inner thighs, worrying about the silhouette becoming worse. Alternatively, there are models that can be attached to both to increase breathability to the maximum.
Point 5: Pocket
As mentioned at the beginning, in the backcountry there are many small items you should carry around, and there are a lot of pockets that are great. Because of its construction, bibs can have lots of pockets, so each model can take advantage of its advantages and check if they provide effective storage. Of course, it's a bit of a stretch to make it heavy, and it's not worth it if there are pockets that are difficult to use, so it's important to have enough pockets to hold the items you expect, in the right position. No matter what you put, the pocket I want is a kangaroo-style pouch on my chest.
Point 6: Making a bib
The size, shape, and material of the bib part (chest position) affects heat retention, breathability, and functionality. This place is also a different kind of preference, and there is no common yardstick for what to do, so there is a large variation among the models of each brand.
In my case, I don't like bibs that are too big or less breathable, but I prefer the moderate height and the modest mesh fabric. However, I want a large pocket. I would be grateful if both would work together, but I think that's fine as long as either one is satisfied.
Point 7: Other features
In addition to the pockets, ventilation and bibs, there are also differences in the presence or absence of toilet-compatible suspenders, edge guards on the inside of the hem, transceiver-compatible and beacon-compatible pockets, RECCO system installation, weight, and of course design and price, but there are also small differences in characteristics. However, none of these are fatal elements compared to the points explained above, so you can choose according to each individual's preferences.
summary
Even Snowbibs have a variety of differences in characteristics, and it's not that all bib pants are okay, but there are small differences in performance and functionality, so I think you've been able to understand what to compare with them while vaguely understanding. However, the issue with pants is whether the size suits you or not, so I think it's best to try them on, not just on the specs, but also when it comes to choosing pants. We hope this article will be helpful to help you discover a snobib that is satisfying with performance, fit and design. Have a nice winter then.
