Once you feel the freedom of the drop-seat winter bib, it’s hard to go back to traditional ski pants. Clever rear access is the new necessary when weeing in the woods, or even a resort bathroom. But that’s just one benefit of today’s women’s bibs.
Women’s drop-seat bibs have been around for a few years. Flylow’s surprisingly popular high-chested, rear-drop technical bib is a huge seller. It topped the brand’s direct sales of all products immediately after launch.
Clearly, women were looking for just such a thing.
The demand for women’s ski bibs remains strong. And there’s a reason: They’re not just convenient, they’re also comfy and capable. And while Flylow was the first to dial in the right fit and function for female ski coveralls, there are numerous brands doing modern bibs right.
These women’s ski and snowboard bibs are on top of our list.
Best Ski & Snowboard Bibs for Women
Trew Chariot Bib: $420
I’m going deeper on the Chariot because I just tested these puppies.
Trew completely overhauled the original Chariot with insight from a new lead female designer, Brittany Crook. She clearly knows women’s bodies. The Chariot’s rear-end zip curves hip to hip, providing enough room to pull those skivvies down and do your business, either in the backcountry or the bathroom.
The Trew Chariot is noninsulated and uses an incredibly effective performance fabric call Dermizax. It competes with the best Gore-Tex for storm protection but breathes exceptionally well for sweaty backcountry efforts.
These bibs delivered excellent protection from the cold and wet recently while I worked for a half hour to dig myself and my family out of 3 feet of powder at Wolf Creek Ski Area. While you will need a solid base layer under these bibs for winter outings, the fabric and carefully placed leg vents mean the Chariot will ride comfortably into spring conditions.
Having no waistband to deal with or tuck anything into was a surprising relief that I hadn’t thought about since the days of slouchy denim overalls. I could let it all hang out and find the wiggle room to get low on my snowboard for carving tighter turns.
Plus, there were two perfectly accessible mini pockets in the chest. Having my lip balm super handy was a joy. As a storage hound, I was pleasantly surprised to find two streamlined leg pockets, cleverly placed so as to not add girth, and an accessible Velcro compartment on top of one zippered pocket.
I used the zip one to secure my RFID season pass and the Velcro one for some quick cash, goggle lens wiper, or flat snacks.
The only drawback was strap slippage. A single front tab secures rubber-backed straps at the right length. And two little chest stuff pockets allow you to hide the dangling straps.
I liked that feature and the minimalist look of the strapping system, but the grip wasn’t enough to secure the straps over time. So the bibs did loosen up, eventually leading to a baggy look that I wasn’t going for.
That said, the Chariot Bib is my new trusty companion. It comes in four colors (Toffee, Sherbert, Bluebird, and Blackout) that you can pair with a bright shell for extra playfulness.
Flylow Foxy Bib: $400
The women’s Foxy Bib by Flylow is the original. You can’t go wrong here. These high-chested, streamlined bibs are downright flattering.
Our editor’s wife (pictured above) wears these in all conditions. And while she beams about the technical features for backcountry ski endeavors, she said the compliments she gets on these bibs are almost as good as how well they move with her when she rips in them. (She’s 5 feet 9 inches tall and wears a size large.)
Here’s what else you’ll love: long thigh vents so you don’t overheat and a roomy kangaroo pocket for easy access to snacks (practically at your chin). They have a side zipper and stretch that lets the bottom drop easily when nature calls.
Beware here — and with any bib, really — of the midsection fit. Check out the reviews on the Foxy. Most are positive, with some women scouring the country to find a pair of these popular pants. But a few mention the sizing chart being off from, say, fitting for jeans.
Stio Environ Bib: $450
While I I appreciated the extra protection up top, not all women are sold on a chest-high bib like the Chariot. Some prefer a lower-profile suspender pant that still hits well above the belly.
Stio’s Environ Bib is a great choice for this cut. The athletic bib designed for women still lets you drop trou, just without the big zip in back. Instead, side zips provide adequate access.
Stio makes this “mini bib” ski pant with high-end waterproof-breathable materials throughout. Tough Cordura kick patches ensure your leg cuffs won’t fray too soon, and there are plenty of conveniently placed pockets. Plus, articulated knees mean you can actually move in these bottoms.
Patagonia PowSlayer Bibs: $600
OK, these are pricey. But as you know by now, most Patagonia outerwear lives up to its sticker price. You could get a remarkable amount of seasons out of one pair of these performance PowSlayer bibs. And maybe that’s the point of Patagonia only making these in two tame colors — black and cargo green. They’re classic.
The PowSlayer women’s bib is definitely a more generous cut than any other bib covered here. But for primarily backcountry skiers or women with more athletic builds, these will be incredibly comfortable and functional.
The recycled outer textile is a respectable thing to pay for, too. These bibs also have a clever drop-seat configuration. And for extra protection, a yoke loop attaches to the powder skirt on a Patagonia jacket.
Dakine Brentwood Bib: $250
I like the more affordable price point and workwear look of these women’s coveralls by Dakine. The Brentwood Bib is tailored in the right places but still has some utilitarian knee patches that complement this feminine look, especially in the Amethyst color.
This waterproof high-cut women’s ski pants have only two layers. But, unlike many of the premium three-layer outerwear constructions above, these come with something those shell-style pants don’t: a cozy fleece lining. Don’t worry: The fleece won’t lead to overheating thanks to built-in leg vents.
Overall, the Brentwood is a solid, stylish option for testing a new foray into the world of women’s bibs.
Armada Cassie Overall Pant: $210
The Cassie is a budget-saving bib with some slope style. I wouldn’t ride long days in the backcountry in these, but they’re fine for staying warm and dry at a typical ski area.
The Armada Cassie Overall comes with a basic waterproof membrane to stave off winter weather and mesh vents to control moisture from the inside out. A full mesh lining also makes sliding these ski pants over necessary base layers a breeze.
These women’s bibs are business in the front, covering everything to the chest, and party in the back with a lower hip cut and flattering jean-style rear-end pockets. Plus, the Cassie’s two patterns — Banana Leaf and Ocean Lava — are a nice deviation from standard black and blue bibs.
The post Best Women’s Bibs for Skiing & Snowboarding appeared first on GearJunkie.
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