Best Baggy Ski Bibs Review: Comfort, Style, and Performance on the Slopes

Here at The Inertia, we’ve retired our ski pants and are firmly on Team Bib. Getting snow in your ski pants sucks. Ski bibs fix that. Ski bibs add a ton of pocket space. Ski bibs make things more comfortable at the waist, and they sure look good, too. For six or more months out of the year, we don snow bibs for -10-degree windchill, moisture-laden backcountry tours, stormy resort days, international missions, and while shoveling multiple feet off the deck.

The GearJunkie team has tested various men’s ski and snowboard bibs over many winters at the resort and in the backcountry. We carefully assessed these men’s ski and snowboard bibs for quality, value, sustainability, and long-term durability. Throughout the process, we noted the fit, suspenders, drop seat, ventilation zippers, pockets, backcountry compatibility, cuffs, material hand feel, noise, density, belt loops, stretch, and adjustability. Some of our testers have used their choice of snow bib for many years with no signs of wear or a desire to switch. We’re confident this list includes the best men’s ski and snowboard bibs available today.

Ski bibs keep snow out and warmth in. They’re versatile, comfortable, and stylish. The best men’s ski bibs offer more storage than ski pants, pair smoothly with ski backpacks, and you can ditch a belt.

Key Considerations for Choosing Ski Bibs:

• Waterproofness: Because pants spend more time in contact with the snow and potentially wet surfaces like chairlifts, waterproofing is more important than in jackets.
• Breathability: While it’s crucial to keep water out, you also want your ski pants to be breathable, so sweat vapor doesn’t leave you wet from the inside.
• Insulation: Consider the level of insulation you need based on the conditions you typically ski in and your personal preference.
• Fit and Mobility: Adjusting what you are wearing is part of the strategy for staying comfortable while skiing, which means being able to fine tune the fit of your outerwear is important.
• Durability: Metal edges, kneeling in the snow, sitting on chair lifts, all take their toll on ski pants.

Top Ski Bibs on the Market

Flylow Baker Bibs

Our favorite overall bibs are the legendary Flylow Baker Bibs for their thoughtful design and all-around versatility. The Flylow Baker bibs have been at the top of this list for a while, and no other bib has yet to come close to their fully-featured awesomeness, style, and versatility. With tons of pockets, good venting, and insane durability, these “workwear-inspired” bibs can do it all. The bibs are listed as a 50/50 resort and backcountry bib, and while they lean more towards the resort side of the spectrum, they can take on the backcountry as well. We love that the Baker bibs have both inner and outer thigh vents, which compensate for the less breathable material by allowing for cross-ventilation. That said, Flylow just announced a new partnership with GORE-TEX, which will bring the legendary material to the Flylow Baker bib to produce something that’s lighter and more breathable while retaining the Baker bib’s durability.

Read also: Staying Warm and Dry with O'Neill

The only downside we’ve found is the buckles for the suspenders. They’re a bit chunky and can be a little uncomfortable when worn with a backpack, but with a couple of layers on top, it’s not an issue. New this year is a Gore-Tex membrane, adding improved waterproofing and breathability to what was our favorite resort-focused bib. Add the better breathability overall and the generous inner-leg vents, and we found the Baker well suited to a day of earning turns on the skin track. Seven zippered pockets-two in the bib upper, two hand, two thigh, and a back-make it easy to stay organized and carry all the essentials. The chest pocket, in particular, is handy for carrying a beacon.

“These bibs are awesome,” said our 6-foot, 185-pound tester who wore a size large. “A bit heavier than what some would use in the backcountry, but I’d rather have the burliness.

Patagonia Snowdrifter Bibs

The Patagonia Snowdrifter Bibs should be on any skier’s radar, regardless of whether they spend most of their time on the resort or in the backcountry. With super comfortable and stretchy fabric, a great fit, and solid weatherproofing, there’s very little to complain about. The material is truly where these bibs shine. Features-wise, the bibs are fairly simple, but they certainly didn’t give us anything to complain about. The suspender straps are exceedingly comfortable, with low-profile attachment points that won’t feel uncomfortable under a pack.

Long side zips on both legs allow for a full drop-seat, as well as plenty of ventilation when you need it, and the mesh bib upper helps keep the user’s core from overheating on the uphill. Only three pockets aren’t anything special, but they provide plenty of room for essentials. They’re not the lightest or most breathable backcountry bib we’ve tested, but the tradeoff there is increased durability with a sturdier overall construction than thinner options like the Mountain Hardwear High Exposure or Strafe Nomad bibs, below. It’s also worth noting the very competitive price point of $399.

For instance, the drop seat on the Patagonia SnowDrifter Bibs allows you to unzip both sides of the drop seat, so you can choose the side that works for you or zip down both for extra range.

Mountain Hardwear High Exposure Bibs

Mountain Hardwear’s offering in the lightweight touring bib category is the bib for those who couldn’t decide between a softshell and a hardshell. The High Exposure bibs are made of a thin and super light material that, despite being GORE-TEX, has great breathability, helped by full side zips for ventilation. Four pockets provide plenty of room for essentials, and the straps are low-profile and comfortable. Our main concern is the bibs’ long-term durability due to the thin material. Still, it has, almost surprisingly, stood up to multiple seasons of mixed resort/backcountry use without any signs of wear. These bibs have been updated, receiving better pockets, a roomier fit, and a couple of extra features.

Mountain Hardwear Firefall Insulated Bib

Interested in a fully-featured, insulated bib at an incredible price? Look no further. Mountain Hardwear’s Firefall Insulated Bib hits all the right marks, at a hard-to-believe price. The competition for “Best Budget Ski Bib” is stiff. What elevated this bib above the rest were the well-thought-out features, ample ventilation, and durable construction. The main drawback is that the 60 g insulation will have you running fairly hot on warmer days, so these wouldn’t be our first choice for spring skiing (and certainly are not a winner for the backcountry). The fit is also fairly slim, a con for those looking for that baggy “freeride” fit, or those with larger frames.

These factors somewhat reduce the bibs’ versatility, but for those interested in a mid-winter bib at an incredible price, you can’t get much better than this one. The North Face Freedom bib, below, is another great budget option, running a bit colder with the lack of insulation for better versatility.

Trewth Bib Primo

Trew Gear has been making a name for itself recently with its fully-featured bibs that come in a variety of fun colors, and its flagship model, the Trewth Bib Primo, lives up to the hype with plenty of pockets, great style, and very durable 20k/20k waterproof/breathable Primo fabric made from recycled nylon. Of note is the roomy fit. With these bibs, pay attention to the size chart, and when in doubt, size down. Our tester is normally a medium in bibs, but found himself swimming in a size medium Trewth bib. However, short and tall sizes to the rescue! Trew, unlike most bibs here on this list, offers short and tall cuts for every size of bib they offer, and the small-tall size fit our tester great, accommodating his lanky frame.

They still had that roomier fit to them, but we’ve realized that’s just part of Trew’s freeride style. Side Note: If you’re looking to purchase a full set of jacket and bib for maximum style points, Trew has a matching jacket for every pair of bibs they sell. It was a very close call between these bibs and the legendary Flylow Bakers for Best Overall; however, the versatility provided by the Baker bibs’ inner-thigh vents and their more intuitive sizing took the cake for last season.

Scott Vertic 3 Ripstop Bib

In testing a sea of $600+ bibs, finding a pair that costs half as much while delivering on most key aspects is a special thing indeed. Scott has come up with a winning formula with the Vertic 3 Ripstop Bib, which provides robust weather protection, top-tier durability, ample pocket space, and more. While minimal, the three pockets are roomy and provide plenty of space for phone, wallet, keys, beacon, and a couple of other essentials. The loose fit is easy-moving and looks great, definitely “freeride inspired” but not overly baggy. This is easily one of our favorite aspects of the bib.

The material, often an area where lower-priced bibs suffer, is surprisingly good. It has a durable, workwear-esque feel that moves well and is not stiff. It’s a bit on the heavier side and has lower waterproof/breathability ratings than most 3L bibs (15k waterproofing, 10k breathability). The 15k waterproofing isn’t too much of an issue for the average resort skier, but those located in wet, coastal environments may want to consider upgrading to a bib with 20k+ waterproofing if they spend long days out in the elements. The 10k breathability reduces the bib’s applicability for backcountry touring, but the long side vents help this aspect considerably.

Overall, for resort skiers interested in saving a few bucks without dropping down to a 2L design, the Scott Vertic Ripstop hits all the marks.

Black Diamond Recon Stretch Bibs

Black Diamond has a top-tier bib option with their Recon Stretch Bibs. The best part about them is that there’s really nothing to complain about. The straps are comfortable, and the quantity of pockets isn’t as legendary as the Flylow Bakers, but the two thigh pockets are deep, with a sleeve on the right side for organization, and the chest pockets are spacious, providing plenty of room to store essentials. The fit is awesome, and the stretchy material means these are exceedingly comfortable bibs that move with you in a way that many other bibs on this list don’t. The only hit that the bibs take is on weight.

The material is burly and weighs as such, so these wouldn’t be our top choice for heading out on a longer tour or multi-day backcountry mission. However, for sidecountry and shorter, stormier tours, these perform admirably with the stretchy material, full side vents to dump heat, and a breathable upper-body construction. And on the resort, these will stand up to just about any abuse you can throw at them.

The North Face Summit Verbier Bibs

The North Face really came oh-so-close to all-terrain bib perfection with the Summit Verbier bibs. The pockets are great; there are five total, with plenty of room and internal organization, sleeves and loops to keep essentials where you want them as you ski. The material is bomber, with great waterproofing, and it’s now made with a GORE-TEX membrane. However, the weight of the material led us to classify this as more of a resort bib rather than a true resort/backcountry one. While they don’t come in the wide array of colors that some bibs do (2 color options), if you’re looking to complete the look, The North Face’s Summit Verbier Jacket is a similarly awesome piece of gear with incredible pockets and colors that match the bibs perfectly.

Strafe Nomad Bib

Strafe Outerwear is a brand that’s recently come onto our radar, and we’re very glad that it did. Their Nomad kit (jacket and bibs) strikes an incredible balance of lightweight and breathable material that is well-prepared to stand up to inclement weather and the rigors of resort use. These bibs do run a good bit colder than your classic resort-oriented bib due to the increased breathability, but that’s easily fixed by layering up underneath, and the “freeride” (a.k.a. roomy) fit provides plenty of room for layering without decreasing mobility. Other outstanding features include a super-breathable and stretchy bib upper, plenty of pockets (with internal organization!), reinforced scuff guards, and a comfortable suspender-strap system.

In comparison to the Patagonia Snowdrifter bibs, above, the Strafe Nomad has a lighter and thinner overall construction that isn’t stretchy like the Snowdrifter, but moves just as well thanks to a slightly roomier fit through the legs. Our main complaint here is the lack of a full drop-seat or swing hatch.

The North Face Freedom Bib

The North Face is by no means a budget brand, but it’s certainly a brand of the people and has produced some budget-friendly winners over the years. One such piece is The North Face Freedom Bib, which has been keeping backsides warm and dry at an affordable price for many seasons. For just $220, you get an uninsulated bib with plenty of pockets, comfortable suspender straps, durable fabric, some ventilation, as well as belt loops and velcro waist adjustments to dial in the perfect fit. The bibs are also offered in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can dial in your perfect ski kit.

What kept this bib away from the “Best Budget” top pick were a few things. First of all, the bib definitely has a bit of a budget feel to it, as it’s easy to see where some compromises were made to save a few bucks. The center front zipper is a one-way zipper, and starts at the top of the bib, making bathroom breaks more difficult as you’ll need to open the front of your jacket or awkwardly reach under and up to the top of the bib to unzip. Finally, the ventilation could certainly be improved, especially for a warmer shell bib.

While the bib is not really insulated, the liner adds some warmth, and with only interior-thigh ventilation zippers (that are mesh-lined, further cutting down on breathability), it can be hard to dump heat on warmer days. Vents on the exterior of the thighs tend to be better at getting rid of heat in a hurry. However, having interior and mesh-lined vents means you can keep them open while skiing without worrying (too much) about snow getting in, which is a definite plus.

REI First Chair GTX ePE Bibs

For a reliable and cheap option that looks good, too, the REI First Chair GTX ePE bibs don’t disappoint. Three pockets provide decent room for essentials, and while they’re a 2L rather than 3L construction (see the buyer’s guide section below for more info on the difference), the use of GORE-TEX provides some added peace of mind in terms of durability and waterproofing. We did not find ourselves disappointed with the performance of the material while at the resort. Best of all, they’re exceedingly comfortable, and the hanging liner provides a bit of extra warmth for colder days on the mountain.

With that in mind, these are certainly more of a resort bib than a backcountry one, although they sure won’t kill you on the odd tour or two. On the low end, the REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bibs has two drop-in thigh pockets with a Velcro flap, and one has a zipper for extra security. Albeit uncommon, REI is Climate Neutral Certified, so we give a nod to the REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bibs. So, the material combines 40% post-consumer fabric from used garments and 60% factory scraps that would otherwise go to landfill.

Patagonia Untracked Bibs

One of Patagonia’s more recent releases is the Untracked outerwear kit (bib and jacket). The standout feature of the Untracked Bibs is the sustainable GORE-TEX construction. GORE-TEX, while providing the gold standard in terms of durable, waterproof/breathable fabric, takes a toll on the environment, which is why Patagonia has always gone with its own in-house waterproof/breathable fabric made with more sustainable materials. And the fabric performs. Super durable and capable of withstanding wet conditions, the fabric, with a light flannel backer, moved extremely well, both on the resort and for colder backcountry expeditions.

The fabric wasn’t the most breathable we’ve tried, and ran a bit warmer due to the flannel backer, landing this bib a little further on the resort side of the spectrum, though for colder, stormier tours, this bib certainly is up to the task. Features-wise, the bibs have two deep pockets and a low-rise bib that sits fairly snug, keeping snow out despite the low coverage. The suspender straps are extremely low-profile as to be almost unnoticeable. The bibs are also backed by Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee - if you break them, they’ll fix them.

Additional Considerations

Most men’s ski bibs come without insulation, a.k.a. shells. These bibs work best by layering a base layer underneath. When it’s cold out - like if it’s well below freezing at the ski resort - you might also add a midlayer like puffy pants. An uninsulated shell or an insulated ski jacket should be worn outside your bibs. You could add a puffy over or under the bib and beneath a shell jacket for freezing days.

If you’re going into the backcountry, ensure your avalanche transceiver, a.k.a. beacon, is quickly accessible and far away from your other electronics, such as a phone and radio. Designers typically place pockets on bibs on the thigh, chest, or midsection to fit large electronic devices. For some skiers, bib pockets are often more comfortable and easier to use for beacons than a harness. However, nearly all avalanche transceiver manufacturers recommend wearing the beacon with the supplied chest harness.

A snow bib with 30,000 to 20,000mm of waterproofness will be supreme for the Pacific Northwest and other coastal areas. The snow water equivalent - the amount of liquid water in the snow - differs depending on where you ski across the country. Four snow climates exist in the United States: coastal, transitional, intermountain, and continental. Snow in continental climates is dryer, lighter, and accumulates less compared to the coast. That includes most of the Rocky Mountains, such as in Colorado. Intermountain regions and ranges show characteristics of both.

Usually, a second metric is displayed next to the waterproofness: The fabric’s level of breathability. Over the past year, most manufacturers have debuted snow bibs with PFC-free DWR and construction. GORE-TEX alternatives exist, too. Options include Oyuki’s proprietary YamaPro fabric, which uses a C0 DWR treatment, Montec’s Shield-Tec textile, and Stio’s PeakProof. We highly recommend choosing bibs with ventilation zippers.

Manufacturers place them alongside each leg on the exterior, interior, or both. A two-way zipper has two zip pulls, like the one used on the Outdoor Research Hemispheres II GORE-TEX Bibs. Very few zippers are fully waterproof. Inside the zipper, you sometimes have a mesh liner for skin protection against sun or snow flurries. The length of leg zippers varies from bib to bib, as does the size of the pull. We tend to dig longer zippers, which provide a larger drop seat or vent.

Baggy vs. Fitted

Baggy pants give you more freedom and layering options-ideal for street or park riders. Waterproofing Matters: Go for 20K if you’re riding in heavy snow. Fit Preference: Want freedom to layer? Go baggy. Prefer a streamlined look?

Table of Top Ski Bibs:

Bib	Key Features	Pros	Cons
Flylow Baker Bibs	Durable, versatile, plenty of pockets, good venting	Excellent all-around performance, workwear-inspired style	Buckles can be uncomfortable with a backpack
Patagonia Snowdrifter Bibs	Comfortable, stretchy fabric, solid weatherproofing	Great fit, comfortable suspender straps	Only three pockets
Mountain Hardwear High Exposure Bibs	Lightweight, breathable GORE-TEX, full side zips	Excellent breathability	Durability concerns due to thin material
Mountain Hardwear Firefall Insulated Bib	Insulated, budget-friendly, ample ventilation	Great price, well-thought-out features	Insulation may be too warm for spring skiing
Trewth Bib Primo	Fully-featured, fun colors, durable recycled nylon	Roomy fit, short and tall sizes available	Sizing can be tricky
Scott Vertic 3 Ripstop Bib	Robust weather protection, top-tier durability, ample pocket space	Freeride inspired, durable material	Lower waterproof/breathability ratings
Black Diamond Recon Stretch Bibs	Comfortable, stretchy material, deep pockets	Awesome fit, excellent mobility	Heavier material
The North Face Summit Verbier Bibs	Great pockets, bomber material, GORE-TEX membrane	Excellent waterproofing	Heavier material, more suitable for resort
Strafe Nomad Bib	Lightweight, breathable material, plenty of pockets	Good balance of lightweight and breathability	Lacks a full drop-seat or swing hatch
The North Face Freedom Bib	Affordable, uninsulated, plenty of pockets	Budget-friendly, comfortable suspender straps	Budget feel, ventilation could be improved
REI First Chair GTX ePE Bibs	Reliable, GORE-TEX, comfortable	Good value, comfortable, added warmth	More of a resort bib
Patagonia Untracked Bibs	Sustainable GORE-TEX, durable, comfortable	Excellent for wet conditions, sustainable construction	Not the most breathable

tags: #baggy #ski #bibs