The Best Women’s Ski Bibs of 2025-2026

At a lower price point with top-tier design details, the baggier-set freeride Salomon Absolute 3L Women’s Bib Pants ($380) are a stellar choice when winter hits hard and we need complete protection without sacrificing style and freedom of movement. Built with Salomon’s proprietary AdvancedSkin Dry+ 3-layer fabric, this sturdy shell textile delivers 20K/20K waterproof-breathability plus windproofness, which kept us dry while riding in heavy snow and wind at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. 

What stands out most is the high-reaching chest protection and forgiving, spacious fit. There’s plenty of room for bending over to adjust bindings or weaving through tight trees. An adjustment strap is integrated at each hip, acting as a belt to help close off the bibs or add articulation — we dig this detail. The generous exterior leg vents dump heat when we need to cool down. The upper panel — constructed of 85% nylon and 15% elastane — is stretchy, comfortable, and quick-drying to protect the torso. 

Getting docked points, the Absolute’s kangaroo pocket is surprisingly small — 5 inches by 8.5 inches — and we wish it could fit a large phone. In contrast, the Jones Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs take full advantage of the upper. A 7.5-inch-by-8.5-inch rectangular pouch and a secondary side zipper bring you to a smaller 4-inch-by-8.5-inch rectangular pocket sitting behind the larger chest pocket. Or the North Face Women’s Summit Series Verbier GORE-TEX Bibs has a full mesh hammock inside the torso and a zipped pocket on the face. We also don’t love the wide Velcro suspenders, simply because the length range is limited, and they don’t feel as smooth to adjust as a slider. 

We love the fit of the articulated knees, large hang loop, and durability of the huge CORDURA patches on the interior hems. The PFC-free DWR treatment keeps light precipitation at the surface while reducing environmental impact. Boosting sustainability, the membrane contains 27% recycled polyurethane, and the fabric’s front and backer are 100% recycled. 

Checking in at a lighter weight of 650 grams, this fully weather-protective bib lacks bulk and supports unrestricted movement. As a roomier design with a freeride style, it’s an excellent pick for resort hounds, especially in turbulent weather or if you need to don a midlayer or puffy beneath mid-season. 

While base camping and cat skiing for two back-to-back days at Baldface Valhalla in British Columbia’s Selkirk mountains, it was apparent that The North Face Women’s Summit Series Verbier GORE-TEX Bibs ($600) are fully decked out to block the elements. Despite temps hovering at 10 degrees plus windchill with blasts of snow, these bibs stayed totally dry and never wetted out — even after spending the night in an expedition tent. In the BC backcountry, we ventured with the Verbier for nearly 12 hours, 33 miles, and 12,300 vertical drops before riding two frigid days at Whitewater Ski Resort and RED Mountain Ski Resort.

One of the standout details of this bib is its thoughtfully designed pocket layout. Inside the upper bib is a unique kangaroo pocket: The drop-in mesh pocket perfect for stashing gloves or a neck gaiter. Outside, a deep, wide zippered chest pocket spans the torso for additional storage. Two fleece-lined, top-entry hand pockets offer warmth and easy access. Below those, dual thigh pockets feature flap-covered zippers and are spacious enough to hold a large phone or other tools. Because they’re positioned lower on the leg, the contents don’t dig into the hips when bending over to adjust bindings. Inside the chest pocket and one of the thigh pockets is a mesh security pouch with a gear clip. The second thigh pocket includes an elastic strap and a fixed loop to secure a radio.

The pant legs easily slip over our boots — even snowboard boots with a double BOA system — thanks to an adaptable design. A side zip plus three side-by-side snaps allow you to open the gusseted cuffs and choose between several circumferences.

Large 500-denier interior kick patches help protect the pant leg from getting chomped up. Two inches of that same stout material reinforces the entire lower hem. When duty calls, a 20-inch long side zipper enables drop seat action, so we can easily go to the bathroom without pulling off these bibs.

TNF uses the ePE GORE-TEX membrane, which eliminates human-made forever chemicals from leaching into the environment (and, eventually, making their way to humans through ingestion). In our experience, the new technology performed at the same top-notch tier as traditional PFAS-loaded textiles. Plus, the density and tenacity weren’t compromised. The Verbier certainly felt waterproof, windproof, and breathable. If anything, the fabric feels a tad on the heavy side for ski touring, and the interior leg vents are relatively short. If you’re an endurance gal and break a sweat, consider a leaner bib with more ventilation like the Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Bibs, a highly breathable design like the Ortovox Women’s 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants, or a bib without torso coverage such as the Mammut Women’s Haldigrat HS Bib Pants.

This iconic snowboard brand continues to impress with another season of women’s outerwear, and the Jones Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs ($475) are among the standouts. Built for resort rippers and backcountry explorers, these top-tier bibs pair all-weather protection with a smooth, flattering fit. We pushed the first iteration of these bibs through deep snow, wet storms, and multi-sport missions — splitboarding, snowmobiling, shoveling endless pyramids of snow — and they held up impressively for two seasons. This updated version is even more stout, made with stronger material, and we anticipate the lifespan to be even longer.

The tenacity stood out when we toured 25 Short in Grand Teton National Park and the conditions in Log Jam Couloir were spicier than expected. This 3-layer 30K/30K recycled fabric is stretchy, wind-blocking, and completely stormproof. It’s breathable but not so lean that we regret wearing it on -10 degree alpine starts in Wyoming. On fast ascents or windy lift rides, we stayed dry and comfortable. We appreciated the stretchy, breathable panel that sits against the lower back. The drop seat has two-sided access, which is a unique offer among a sea of single-sided drop seats. The bathroom access has generously long 23-inch zips, which double as exterior side vents with two-way pulls. The bibs are streamlined enough that it was easier to access the side zips with our backcountry pack off.

Pockets are thoughtfully laid out. In the torso, the kangaroo pouch has two stacked, zippered pockets. The larger one is accessed from the top — 7.5 in by 9 in. — and has an internal mesh pocket for a device. The smaller one is entered via a side zipper (it’s 4 in. by 9 in.) Inside the slightly bellowed thigh pockets, stretchy mesh sleeves and mini key loops offer secure storage. But accessing them with gloves on is unlikely, because the entrance is too tight. The mesh sleeves are also too small to hold a large phone, and they interfere with smoothly sliding our phone into the pocket. On the right backside, a fifth pocket rounds out the smart collection.

Beefy, broad cuff reinforcements wrap the interior and back of each leg, stretching 12¼ inches wide by 8 inches high. Belt loops are incorporated, as are internal gaiters and RECCO reflectors. The adjustable suspenders criss-cross against the back: They’re wide, super stretchy, and soft to handle. Ultimately, the articulated silhouette of the Shralpinist moves well with the body, aided by four-way stretch that never feels stiff or crinkly. Made with 100% recycled fabrics, PFC-free DWR, and crafted in WRAP-certified factories, these Stretch Bibs hit the mark for objective-oriented, eco-conscious riders.

They’re some of the best-fitting, highest-performing, and responsibly-made bibs on the market, yet they aren’t the priciest. As for weighing durability and time, we’d say the price tag is worth how well this layer served us in a myriad of weather and adventures. But if you’re willing to pay for bibs that last even longer, check out the Ortovox Women’s 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants.

A fairly recent drop from our favorite Teton-based brand, the Stio Women’s Figment Bib ($479) turns heads and makes our days on snow that much smoother. At the top, this design has a jaw-dropping amount of storage. A freeride silhouette means we can easily don a fleece below the bibs on extra cold ones. And we don’t need to worry about our quads or glutes busting out any seams. This piece hits the mark and even exceeds what we envision a favorite bib can be, especially for our pocket-loving ladies who want a baggier fit.

Diving into our favorite luxury, this bib boasts five functional pockets. The kit’s matching jacket delivers another eight. And each pocket manages to serve: Stio cracked the nut for combining two angled, softly-lined hand pockets alongside two boxy quad pockets that are spacious for quickly sliding in a phone. We don’t like sacrificing either, especially post-ski when we pull off our gloves, and now we don’t have to. One of our biggest peeves is when we can’t smoothly utilize an upper thigh pocket when the legs are too fitted around the quads. Not the case here. There’s also a zipped chest pocket.

Stio also achieved a bib with two entrances. Much like the other bibs on our list of faves, there’s a lengthy side zipper — this one is 20.5 inches long — that ladies can use to step into the bib. That’s also the zipper she pulls down to fold back the fabric and use the bathroom. A second zipper is front-center, and is our preferred entrance, because it’s a bit easier to slide our arms into the suspenders when the burrito is fully open.

The Figment has a few other fine details: An elastic belt with an adjustable slider helps you tighten up the fabric around your waist if you’d like. Parallel with the belt, a strip of Velcro fabric extends over the center zipper, providing a clean look. The suspenders are wide and easily adjustable with Velcro on the underside that adheres directly to the soft fabric, providing plenty of real estate.

Ultimately, the Figment Bib hits the mark as a super practical, comfortable, and weather-proof layer that’s also downright stylish. The material is a bit hefty for uphilling and backcountry sessions, and we found the fabric also feels heavy for touring in temperatures above freezing. If you’re backcountry skiing in a frigid climate, this bib is protective and roomy enough for lunging on the skin track. But as a hybrid piece, it’s not our first pick based on the breathability and the baggier fit. A more fitted and breathable design, like the Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs, hits that off-piste mark. That said, we’re hard-pressed to find a more hip and suitable kit for 9-to-4 resort laps. We love the Figment.

Read Review: Airblaster Women’s Sassy Hot Bib Review: Warm and Comfortable, Lap After Lap

Airblaster, a snowboard brand founded more than two decades ago, has long been known for producing base layers and outerwear with great drop seats. Within today’s lineup, the women’s Airblaster Sassy Hot Bib ($320) provides a step up in weather protection and high-tech doodads. Compared to our other top picks, this design has a front-entry zipper and a separate clamshell-style zipper for the drop seat: Some folks find that a center zip is easier to use than the side-entry zips on most other bibs, especially if they have restricted mobility or a large bust. Insulated and with slightly narrower suspender straps, the Sassy Hot Bib is one of our favorite options for riding at the resort in any and all weather conditions, especially in a climate like the erratic high-altitude Rockies. While these are a beloved bib among riders, they’re equally a great choice for skiers.

These 2-layer bibs have a super high level of waterproofing compared to many others, sitting at 30,000mm of waterproofing plus 20,000g/m breathability. Furthermore, the 2-layer Eco-Vortex fabric is treated with a PFC-free DWR to help moisture bead off the surface. The seams are fully sealed and garnished with strong YKK zips. The fabric feels smooth and substantial with a touch of insulation, which is available in certain colorways. Around the kit, the pocket options set a bar. Riders will find two zippered hand pockets, two backside pockets, and one chest pocket plus a key clip. Up top, the adjustable elastic straps are smooth and functional while the elastic lower gaiters have a lace hook. We love the smooth, playful taffeta lining printed with bats! Overall, the silhouette is a more fitted, feminine catch.

The drop seat on this bib is unique in that it wraps nearly entirely around, opening like a clamshell, similar to the TREW Chariot Bib Primo drop seat. In contrast, our other favorite bibs have a left- or right-side zipper that slide down, allowing you to fold the fabric to the opposite side, like on the Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs. In one case, the Ortovox Women’s 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants has lengthy zippers on both the left and right side, so you can choose your entry point. The Halfdays Isabel Soft Shell Bib Pant doesn’t have a drop seat at all. But on the Sassy, the backside zipper goes 350 degrees around your torso and functions seamlessly — we’ve never had it get hung up on the interior liner or jam.

A storm flap also covers the zipper, which adds style points. So svelte. But we have noticed that when wearing midweight base layers and mid-layers, the shuffling of fabric can get a little cramped with this design, especially in a tiny restroom. If you’ll often be donning thick layers underneath this bib, be sure to check the sizing chart and factor that into your selection.

While these fashion-forward pants are well-designed with excellent attention to whistles and textiles, the Sassy Hot Bib doesn’t cost as much as outerwear that’s more technical and backcountry-focused. We recommend another backcountry-specific bib if you’re worried about dumping heat on the skin track, uphill route, or if you prefer a more freeride fit. Otherwise, you can also read about the matching Airblaster Sassy Beast Jacket in our review.

Read Review: Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Bibs: Overhauled, Earth-Friendly, Buttery Soft

Patagonia set a new benchmark for technical sustainability last winter. Enter, the Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Bibs ($399), a first of its kind in the snow apparel space. Basically, if you want a high-reaching bib that’s extremely lightweight, breathable, and buttery, this one’s for you. But if you prefer a bit heftier fabric feel, especially if you live in a super cold or windy place and want that slight bump in warmth, check out other options like the Ortovox Women’s 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants or Stio Women’s Figment Bib.

Adopting the name of SnowDrifter, these bibs are totally overhauled with the launch of this 3-layer textile, which is made of 100% recycled materials that are Fair Trade Certified sewn. Even so, the product meets Patagonia’s in-house H2No performance benchmark for high waterproofness, breathability, and durability. The brand dedicated several years of R&D to fine-tune a completely PFC-free lineup of 2-layer apparel for winter enthusiasts, which you might recall debuted as The Powder Town collection, in 2022-2023. Here’s the evolution.

The lightweight, stretchy fabric and minimalist design feel like a soft-shell jacket, yet is a constructed hardshell to tackle burly conditions from whiteout blizzards to bluebird climbs. Malleability supports a full range of movement, as does the fit, without sacrificing the protection, breathability, and moisture-wicking characteristics needed for a big day out-of-bounds. On par with the SnowDrifter, the Mammut Women’s Haldigrat HS Bib Pants likewise felt extremely light and flexible but tapers at the top of the hips versus above the chest.

There are two zippered cargo pockets on the thighs and one large zippered chest pocket, which are spacious enough for a large device or other items. A super long side zipper with two dual-direction zip-pulls facilitates bathroom breaks with a door flap as well as easy entry and exit. The design doubles as a vent for breaking steam. And detachable suspenders provide a second option for quick entry.

We found that these bibs are super light and ideal for uphill or downhill pursuits — plus, they hang their hat on sustainability. Including a RECCO reflector and sturdy gaiters, the SnowDrifter Bibs is now one of our favorite options in the gear bin. Plus, the brand created a matching Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Jacket — don’t overlook the review.

When one of our most idyllic ladies’ snow bib offers an insulated iteration, we listen. Going unchanged, the Flylow Foxy Insulated Bib ($430) serves up 40 g of 100% recycled insulation to keep our backsides and quads shielded from ice-cold blasts. If you shred in a frigid and windy zone — like Jackson Hole, Vermont, Alaska, or Crested Butte — don’t hesitate to snag one of these toasters. After testing these chest-high pants at one of the coldest ski areas in the country, we found that the insulation delivers and the fit is still superb. We loved pulling these on for freezing bluebird laps.

On cold powder days, we even got a bit sweaty while romping runs, so we’d drop the exterior leg vents in the lift line. When the wind picked up, we were grateful to have this insulation to help keep us happy while waiting to load. We also like seeing that the insulation is recycled, using the brand’s proprietary recycled polyester, Greenloft. The design is Bluesign-certified, too. The fabric is cheetah-status against wet snowfall, too, with a premium waterproofness level plus a PFAS-free DWR coat. While the breathability is high, we found the only way to overpower the insulation is to use those leg vents. We’d slightly prefer interior leg vents, instead of or in addition to the exterior vents, but these do the job.

We love the creativity of layering two pockets in the chest zone: The smaller one has a horizontal zipper entrance and the larger pouch has a vertical zip entrance on the right side. That kangaroo-style pocket is spacious: 11 inches tall and about 7.5 inches wide. Two zippered pockets are on the thighs, which aren’t lined with a soft fabric nor are they the largest carriers among our choice bibs. One of the biggest upper-torso pockets among our choice bibs is in the Airblaster Sassy Hot Bib, which is likewise insulated. But, while these are moderately tailored, they’re a bit roomier in the torso zone compared to the Sassy. On the backside of this pair, there’s also a zippered pocket on the right cheek.

Flylow pays attention to a handful of other micro points. We like that the suspenders have an easy, slender, quick-release buckle on each side. The elastic bands are super flexible, which we appreciate for getting the bibs on and off. Belt loops are always a plus for the option to pull one on.

Snaps wrap around the waist, too, which can be married to powder skirts on Flylow jackets. Ultimately, if we’re heading out in a blizzard, the Foxy Insulated Bib is one of our top picks from the bin.

Read Review: The Plus-Size Technical Ski Bibs I’ve Been Waiting For: TREW Gear Women’s Chariot Bib PRIMO Plus Review

Based in the Pacific Northwest, icon-level TREW launched drop-seat snow bibs in 2009, including a massive overhaul of the OG Chariot Bib by lead female designer Brittany Crook along the way. Fifteen years from inception, the brand has now launched a sustainable fabric after several years of development, which is strong enough to withstand even the coastal elements. Introducing the Primo Collection, the brand’s 100% recycled nylon, 3-layer, waterproof-breathable fabric that’s durable and offers plenty of dynamic stretch. Made entirely of this proprietary Primo fabric, the new-to-the-scene TREW Chariot Bib Primo ($519) offers a relaxed freeride fit with room for layers — yet is flattering and feminine. We hugely approve. Throughout testing, we found that the fabric shielded hefty, wet snowfall with no damping and dried very fast. 

The bibs zip down the front to peel off, which provides easy access despite being a tall-reaching bib that completely covers the chest zone. Compared to the iconic Chariot Bib Classic, this fit runs slightly roomier. That said, our primary tester has a longer torso and would consider sizing up for the next round for a tiny more room in the undercarriage. But we’re also hard-pressed to find another brand with as many size options as this one. In early 2023, TREW launched 1X-4X with short and tall options in addition to the XS-XXL run. For both size blocks, the short has a 30-inch inseam and the tall offers a 35-inch inseam. 

These bibs aren’t tight but they’re not baggy — we found there’s not a ton of extra space, which we only noticed on freezing days during bathroom visits (not while shredding). Only this bib and the Airblaster Sassy Hot Bib on our list have a clamshell-style trap door design.

We needed a little patience to peel our layers up and down (and retuck them) with the drop seat open. The tailored waist area translates to a drop seat that needs an extra second to open and shut due to the closer fit.

It’s not a big deal, but it doesn’t make us want to wear these bibs on backcountry missions where we prefer an athletic fit yet spacious side-entry drop seat design like what’s available in the Ortovox Women’s 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants or Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs.

Nothing is better than bib straps that stay in place. We love the underside of the wide, stretchy straps, which offer a strip of sticky silicone, allowing the suspenders to sit still. The extra seconds they require to pull on and snag loose hairs are worth the delivery. 

We dug the variety of pockets: Two upper chest pockets, which were perfect for a house key and wallet — so they’re not the largest kangaroo pouches among our choice bibs. There are three pockets on the upper thighs (two that are zippered and one with a Velcro flap), which are great for other collectibles. 

The pockets have internal integrated 15mm D-rings for latching clips. Interior leg vents on the bibs get the job done and don’t have an interior mesh fabric for the zip pulls to get caught on. The hems and large interior kick patches (7½ by 7¾ inches) are made with SuperFabric, a lightweight fabric that’s touted as abrasion and stain-resistant. Every intersection of fabric on the Chariot Bib Primo is fully reinforced with 3L tape to keep out moisture — plus, the zips are water resistant. For moisture-heavy zones and ample style points, snag yourself a Primo kit. Read our coverage of the matching TREW Stella Jacket Primo in the Best Women’s Ski Jackets and Best Snowboard Jackets buyer’s guides.

Read Review: Outdoor Research Women’s Carbide Bibs-Plus Review: Technical, Non-Insulated Bibs for Bigger Bodies

We were stoked to find that the Outdoor Research Women’s Carbide Bibs ($329) won us over as soon as we tried the layer on. They fit well and felt lightweight yet kept us well protected on a few sub-10-degree days. The design dually works great for both resort and backcountry skiing.

The Carbide bibs are made with a 3-layer, waterproof-breathable Pertex Shield shell nylon fabric. These high pants also feature a 40-denier tricot knit backer and tough, tall 420-denier scuff guards, which help to extend the life of the textile. Because there’s no insulation, these pants might not be the best for resort rippers that run cold or frequent a super-cold area.

Given the streamlined cuffs are not expandable, they complement ski boots well but get jammed (or don’t fit) snowboard boots. Alternatively, the Ortovox Women’s 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants has a broad enough neck for riders’ footwear. And unless noted, all of the other snow bibs in our top list of contenders have legs that fit over wide-mouthed boots.

On the upper portion, the straps and buckles lay flat and are easy to adjust. The bib has a brand-designated beacon pocket with a clip, though beacon manufacturers do not recommend pockets as a replacement for the transceiver’s included chest harness. There’s also a large top stash pocket on the chest, and internal gaiters with PowerStrap slots.

For backcountry travelers, the Carbide Bibs has zippered venting on both sides. There’s a full-length zipper, from the torso to the top of the knee, on the right side of the bib for easy bathroom access. It also has two side-access thigh pockets. We really loved the placement of the venting and this design’s ability to help us adapt to different conditions on the mountain.

Leaving the Euro-style overseas, this shortie-fashioned bib isn’t contoured to be skintight: It’s a regular fit with a bit of articulation and plenty of breathing and bending room. Reaching below the chest, the Stio Women’s Environ Bib ($459) is an athletic bib that blends mountain-grade protection with a few thoughtful touchpoints that level up the design. Stio now offers extended sizes, too, with XS through XXL and a regular, short, or tall inseam option.

Most noticeably, this bib is outfitted with the same stellar fabric as the rest of the Environ lineup. That’s Stio’s PeakProof 3-layer shell, which is made from 100% recycled polyester. Soft to the touch yet enduring, the textile offers a stout 20K waterproof rating and 10K breathability, which easily holds its own in strong gusts, wet storms, and blower pow. There’s also a PFAS-free DWR that sheds moisture. In an era of lightweight construction, we appreciate options like this one that can barricade the harsh, cold wind in backyards like Crested Butte Mountain Resort. While testing these bibs during back-to-back days and blizzard conditions at Telluride Ski Resort, the fabric showed no signs of wilting.

This fit is dialed. As a mini-bib, there’s no fabric directly across the chest, and we found that a midlayer easily fits beneath the bib. A stretchy woven panel offers breathability and doesn’t hug, but lightly hovers around the body without looking boxy. A patch of the same light fabric rests against the lower back, offering reprieve on hot or hard-working days. There’s no bunching or sagging around the torso or backside. To prevent wear-and-tear at the hems, these bibs have robust kickpatches — 7.5 in by 5.5 in — made of a 420-denier CORDURA Dobby blend that’s topped with a DWR finish. Boots and ski edges don’t stand a chance. At the end of the ski day, that low-flung fabric is rollable and easily folds inside the internal boot gaiters. With a unique approach, these gaiters have a wide elastic band with ample inlaid grip: a border and the large-lettered motto ‘Let The Outside In.’ There’s no metal hook, either, so you don’t need to worry about scratches.

Other details that stand out include the softly lined hand pockets, which are well-angled and nicely placed. A third pocket rests on the right thigh, which is large enough to fit a big phone and has an internal hang loop for clipping keys. There’s a central zipper to enter and exit the bibs, in addition to using either lengthy side zipper: three options total. We tended to get tangled in the bib straps when entering from the side. But once we were inside, the wide straps sat comfortably and were easy to adjust with the sliders. We appreciated the additional reinforcement at the closure points. At the top of each size zip is a deep, easy-to-press snap plus a 2-inch by 1-inch patch of Velcro. The design lets you drop trou via side zips, providing adequate bathroom access.

While there are only three pockets, these were adequate for resort days and commutes. Stio could consider adding another thigh pocket, and we don’t think it’d muddle the clean look. The only snag we really noticed is that the burly zipper pulls at the bottom of the side zips had a tendency to get caught by a dense internal liner, requiring extra attention to fully shut. Other higher-reaching bibs with more pocket space, if that’s your preference, include the backcountry-ready Rab Khroma Kinetic Waterproof Bib and resort-shreddy TREW Chariot Bib Primo. If you’re looking for a windproof, waterproof, and breathable design that’s mid-profile suspender with a regular fit and flexible, breathable torso, look no further than this Environ bib.

The technical and sporty Rab Khroma Kinetic Waterproof Bib ($380) is a hard charger that’s perfect for an athletic skier or rider. The pants are breathable with durable 3-layer stretch woven nylon fabric. They boast a superb range of motion and tier of waterproofing. Rab says these pants offer the protection of a hardshell with the comfort of a softshell, and they’re spot on.

Full chest coverage differentiates this bib from some lower-slung styles we reviewed, like the Stio Women’s Environ Bib or Mammut Women’s Haldigrat HS Bib Pants. Here, we like the large front access pocket for storing things like a phone, GPS, chapstick, or snacks within reach. 

Another two thigh pockets and a backend pocket top off the options. Those exterior leg vents really open the window when a breeze is needed. With fully taped seams and a combo of YKK AquaGuard zippers (including a fully waterproof front fly zip), this layer is a warrior against moisture.

Extra features, like reinforced instep patches to shield crampons and strengthen the hem, make these pants a top choice for ski tourers and mountaineers. Internal gaiters block snow. The stretchy, breathable lower back helped keep us cool, even when carrying a heavy pack and motoring uphill in the backcountry. And everyone can get behind the generous drop seat to answer nature’s call.

These pants are ideal for a backcountry day, and they also worked well while lapping the resort in 30-degree temps with a warm wool base layer. The Khroma Kinetic Waterproof Bib is an ideal one-quiver pant.

These hardshell bibs felt miraculously butter-soft, like a slender base layer, yet they shielded the toughest squalls. As strong as the fabric is, the slim-fitting Mammut Women’s Haldigrat HS Bib Pants ($499) are among the most feminine, Euro-influenced silhouettes in our pool of top picks — the number of compliments we received while wearing this style-leaning yet bombproof kit was impressive.

Despite wrestling a snowmobile, trailer, backcountry tours, freeride laps, and blizzards at the resort, the fabric remains unscathed. We also had a professional guide test these out, leading to the conclusion that this bib was one of our favorites. Paired with the new Haldigrat Jacket, the kit looks so fresh. 

We loved how light and malleable this 3-layer pant felt on the ascent: completely quiet and supple. With an athletic design, there’s no bagginess or bulk, which is great from a performance standpoint. They’re form-fitting from the thighs to the waist and top of the bib, just below the ribcage.

The lower leg is roomier and fits easily over ski or snowboard boots even with a double BOA, and there’s a snap to fold back and tighten the circumference when needed. As a tradeoff, some of our taller testers wished that the crotch was more spacious or gusseted, for long-term comfort, especially on big days with continuous steep sections of uphill travel or bootpacking. The overall tight fit also means this isn’t the warmest option if that’s what you need, especially for a resort bib. 

Huge kudos for how deep and wide each thigh pocket is — 11.5 by 7.5 inches — though we’d like to see the pocket access improved. Sliding either hand in and out of the zippered thigh pockets was uncomfortable and inefficient due to the tightness — and a gloved hand wouldn’t fit. Inside the right thigh pocket is an integrated stretchy neoprene cellphone pocket (imagine a sleeping bag for your device) that retains warmth to help preserve battery life. We have a large phone that fits fine — but it takes time on the skintrack to squeeze in, and forget about sliding your phone into these leg pockets at all while sitting on the chairlift. There’s a brand-deemed beacon-compatible zippered pocket on the waist with an internal lanyard clip. A second internal clip for beacon attachment is in a thigh pocket. (Both pockets are convenient, though industry experts do not typically recommend them as a replacement for the transceiver’s harness.)

The vents on the exterior legs are generous: 12 inches on one side and 24 inches on the other, which also opens up the drop seat. We were able to use the drop seat in the backcountry with our jacket and pack on, but it was tough to do with the high-reaching zip and tight-fitted waist — we wouldn’t recommend it.

It’s easier to remove your pack and jacket first. Reinforced patches on each leg’s interior are mega tall, wide, and made of extremely durable Dyneema. Beyond the performance, the lean design of the Haldigrat HS Bib Pants makes these bibs packable.

If you like an athletic fit but want full torso coverage, check out the Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs. If you prefer a super-soft, lean fabric but want a higher cut, scoop up the Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Bibs.

Among the most premium bib builds on our list is the Arc’teryx Rush Bib Pant ($700), a GORE-TEX queen made with 3-layer construction that has a 80-denier tenacity plus 100-denier cordura cuffs on the interior legs. These puppies aren’t getting snagged by your ski edges or crampons any day soon. Even more, the bib has Gore’s C-KNIT backer, which is an extremely fine circular-knit fabric and a special lamination process that is supple despite being fully waterproof and breathable. Topped off with PFC-free DWR, this bib is made to be super waterproof, breathable, and windproof in tough, wet and remote touring weather.

Checking in at only 565 g, this is definitely one of the lightest, strongest bibs we’ve tested. Comparatively, the fabric of the Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Bibs feels leaner and more buttery, but the upper reaches higher, so the product inherently weighs more.

The most apples-to-apples bib is the slim-fitting Mammut Women’s Haldigrat HS Bib Pants, which has a higher waterproofness but slightly less durable (but still very strong) fabric and kick patches. The Haldigrat weighs a bit less and we thought that the fabric felt a bit slimmer, softer, and also cooler in temps well below freezing. But our taller testers also found the gusset on the Rush to be more comfortable when lunging uphill.

We’re happy with the three pockets on this lean machine. There are two thigh pockets that both fit a large phone. Better yet, the interior stretchy sleeve inside the right pocket can actually fit a phone — a first for us. For additional device protection, a stout storm placket covers the powerful water-resistant zipper.

The left side’s zipper lacks a storm flap, which is best for quicker access. The designers include an integrated loop to attach a beacon. Topped with a stretchier fabric where the bib tapers into the ribs, there’s a third horizontal pocket where you can opt to latch a beacon. However, beacon manufacturers do not usually recommend apparel pockets as a replacement for the transceiver’s included chest harness.

Adding ease, the very stretchy suspenders have slender metal sliders for adjustment. But there are also four hooks between the front and back, so you can fully slide off the suspenders if needed. Entering the bib couldn’t be easier with a front-placed snap and zipper that lets you open up the tall pants. A unique addition is a stack of three small zipper pulls on the right leg’s outer vent.

This allows one of the pulls to co-secure the closure at the top of the teeth adjacent to a strong snap. Reaching 23 inches in total, you can slide either of the other two zips to open and close what can be a humongous vent, and that side is also used as the drop seat. The left side vent has two zip pulls and reaches 14 inches.

While we liked the Euro-style silhouette overall, we noticed a bit of excess fabric in the lower back area, despite the rest of the bib being fairly fitted. Also, we’d like it if the waistband — which rests right below the chest toward the upper ribs — offered some stretch.

Overall, the fabric is not the stretchiest — which is fine because we prefer the sense of protection this construction provides — but that would be a nice spot to build in some give. This tailored, athletic fit and extremely durable machine is meant for a backcountry powerhouse. It could certainly be used at the resort, but it is a very pretty penny.

Hot pants, meet ski pants. The Halfdays Isabel Soft Shell Bib Pant ($355) is for the woman who doesn’t want to compromise style while on the slopes. The Isabel is a standout option for ripping groomers or sipping hot chocolate at the mid-mountain chalet, and stylish enough for a martini (or two) during après. A single zipper down the front adds flair. The bib’s super stretchy fabric fits like a glove. A slim hug accentuates legs and curves in a way that baggier pants simply can’t, without compromising general mobility.

Halfdays brand is a new women-owned business on the ski scene. Its founders say they like spending time outdoors, but don’t love ill-fitting apparel or the pressure that comes with a “hardcore” culture. So a team of women — Olympian Kiley McKinnon (who competed wearing men’s ski wear), product designers, and fashionable leaders — crafted outerwear aiming to balance well-made with chic. 

The silhouette is outfitted with two exterior pockets, gaiters, and zippered and gusseted hems, which we appreciate for ski or snowboard boots. The adjustable elastic shoulder straps are easy to maneuver and comfortable. While the seams are not fully taped for waterproofness, there are water-resistant YKK AquaGuard zippers.

Fleece insulation kept our legs toasty, which was great for a chilly day inbounds — but these bibs are definitely not a hybrid choice for backcountry adventures. There’s no drop seat (just the front entry zipper). And these aren’t the most technical pants or fabric, so also be choosy if you’re skiing in wet conditions: The TREW Chariot Bib Primo dishes out 20K of waterproofness, which is double the wall of this Halfdays bib. But for the snow athlete who wants to wear a feminine and classic silhouette, the Isabel Soft Shell Bib Pant is the way to go in a cold zone with mild precipitation. 

You can’t go wrong with the more affordable price point and workwear look of these women’s coveralls. The North Face Women’s Freedom Bibs ($220) are tailored in the right places, but they still have some utilitarian inner-thigh vents that complement this feminine look. The Freedom is where we point our price-conscious gals looking for a resort bib — as long as they don’t plan on taking ’em to Japan in January. If that’s the case, invest up in a bib with a higher waterproof rating.

These waterproof and seam-sealed high-cut women’s ski pants have only two layers. Unlike many of the premium 3-layer outerwear constructions above, these bibs won’t excel in the wet and wild climes of the coastal regions, but they hold their own in drier climates and for those who won’t be out as long. The silhouette also offers short, regular, or long fits, as well as XS to 3XL.

While the suspenders are adjustable, we also appreciate the belt loops. For spots to stash belongings, there are two zippered hand pockets, a cargo pocket on the right thigh, and two Napoleon pockets (accessed with the opposite hand) on the upper portion. If the day heats up, interior leg vents support a cool down.

This bib features a side-entry zip, which can double as a draw for restroom breaks. Simple slide down the pull on the left, and roll the backmost fabric around to the right.

Overall, the Freedom Bibs are a solid, stylish option for a new foray into the world of women’s bibs, especially for those who stick to resort and dabble in a bit of side-country skiing. While this is the most economical tag in our ring, the next priced choice is the Outdoor Research Women’s Carbide Bibs, at a hair over $300, which is a burlier build with a 3-layer, 40-denier face fabric, 20K waterproof/breathability (the best in the books), and a shark-tough 420-denier scuff guard.