ORTOVOX, a maker of top-tier technical backcountry ski pants for women, just launched its first-ever women’s bibs — and the design is paramount.
ORTOVOX’s new women’s 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants immediately topped our favorite bibs for backcountry missions and days at the resort, especially in wet or blizzard conditions and on powder days. Frankly, we’re not surprised.
Since 1988, the Germany-based brand (which launched in the U.S. in 2015), has crafted high-end, wool-based apparel for alpinists.
In short: The robust yet malleable women’s ORTOVOX 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants ($600) deliver freedom of movement, excellent waterproofness and breathability, and deep, wide pockets that serve backcountry travel days.
The bibs also received a 2021 ISPO Award Gold Winner award and a 2022 She is Outdoors Women’s Gear Award for the top-notch, female-tailored design. (Of course, the bib is also available for men.)
ORTOVOX 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants Review
Before testing these bibs, I’ve worn an ORTOVOX merino-lined hardshell kit for four backcountry seasons in Crested Butte, Colorado, which is known for extreme cold and huge winter storms. (This season, we’ve seen -20 degrees Fahrenheit lows and a 100-inch storm cycle the last two weeks of December.)
In all conditions, my women’s Guardian Jacket ($750) and hardshell pants (a discontinued model similar to the Ortler Pant and 3L Deep Shell Pants) have withstood splitboarding, skiing, snowmobiling, trailer maintenance, tons of shoveling, and even wood-hauling for bonfires. The kit still looks and performs in mint condition, which is a nice indication of how these bibs should fare over time.
In recent years, though, I’ve become more of a bib convert (because, more pockets!). So I was really excited when ORTOVOX announced its debut women’s bibs.
These freeride and touring bibs for skiers and riders standout thanks to:
- Wind and waterproof fabric
- Four deep, functional pockets
- A drop-seat bib with a very wide opening and range
- Integrated wool for breathable warmth and odor control
- Broad side ventilation
- A lightweight design (602 grams)
- and more
Nearly every time I wear these bibs, guys and gals alike tell me the look is rad and ask how they fare in the snow. Folks are generally attracted to ORTOVOX’s aesthetic but often haven’t heard of the brand. Or if they have, are curious if the performance delivers to ORTOVOX’s higher price point.

A Unique Drop Seat

ORTOVOX Deep Shell Bib: Fabric & Features

Testing the ORTOVOX 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants (and Jacket)

- PFC-free (they contain no per- or poly-fluorinated chemicals)
- Climate-neutral with certified carbon offsetting projects
- Fair Wear certified
- Certified, third-party audited ORTOVOX Wool Promise (OWP), which according to ORTOVOX is more extensive than the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)