Japan is world-renowned for having some of the best powder skiing on the planet. It’s this famed powder-hound terrain that the new Oyuki Goshiki YamaPro 3L ski bib was designed for. This popular Japanese kit is available in the U.S. (score!), so we put it to the test to see how it fares in Rocky Mountain powder.
In short: The new Oyuki Goshiki YamaPro 3L ski bib is designed specifically for the backcountry. It has 20K YamaPro dry technology (the brand’s waterproof breathable membrane), which was designed and tested in Niseko, Japan. The bib includes vents and performance two-way mechanical stretch to keep skiers comfy while skinning, as well as plenty of pockets. It’s easy to see why these ski bibs are a hit in Asia. In the powder of Colorado, it performed beautifully. On the slopes, the lightweight bib is ventilates well, and blends into the background. Whereas some ski bibs require constant adjusting or pulling, these bibs move like a second skin. They are super functional and feel freeing while skiing. But for $500, does its design and performance pay off?
Oyuki Goshiki YamaPro 3L Bib Review
- Material: Synthetic
- Construction: 3-layer
- Waterproof rating: 20,000 mm
- Breathability: 20,000 g
- Insulation: None
- Seam sealing: Fully taped
From Japan to America
With the acquisition of Rhythm Japan and Oyuki ski apparel by Seattle-based Evo, it’s looking to broaden the reach of Japanese ski gear into the U.S. market.
It was announced last year that Evo acquired Oyuki as part of the purchase of Rhythm Japan. Rhythm Japan is an outdoor retail and rental store based in Japan, while Oyuki is a ski apparel brand. With the acquisition, Evo is now looking to spread the Oyuki gear across ski slopes here in the U.S.
Oyuki, which means “big snow” in Japanese, started in the Niseko ski resort on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.
The company makes everything from mittens to ski jackets and pants. On the YamaPro ski bib, and all apparel, is the logo in Japanese kanji lettering, which translates to “smash pow.” With that mantra in mind, we set out to smash some pow of our own in the new Goshiki YamaPro 3L ski bib.
Design, Materials, and Performance
Oyuki certainly has its work cut out. There is no lack of ski bibs to choose from at any given outdoor store. But the philosophy of making products that keep backcountry users dry and comfortable while smashing pow is a good starting point.
While the shin-deep powder we encountered while skiing may not compare to Niseko’s, it was immediately evident how comfortable and flexible these bibs are. While the bib comes up to your chest, it doesn’t restrict movement at all.
Walking and skiing in it are free and fluid as the three-layer bib moves with you. It acts like a second skin with the performance of two-way mechanical stretch face fabric. Oyuki’s standard fit includes what it calls “articulated performance patterning,” which should allow for a wide range of mobility uphill or downhill.
The heart of the bib is the 20K YamaPro dry technology, which was designed and tested in Niseko. YamaPro is designed to keep wearers dry all day long, no matter how deep the snow is — a crucial factor for backcountry trips.
An Essential Bib for Deep Powder
Ski bibs are essential for every backcountry skier’s kit. They provide more coverage, storage, and comfort when skiing and skinning.
I found the Oyuki bib covered me similar to a pair of fishing waders. It came up to my chest and dropped a bit in the back. The access is fairly easy, with side and front zippers that enable you to step in and out without issues.
The suspenders are permanently attached to the pants. The straps cross in the back and hold strong all day while skiing. While it would be nice if you could remove the suspenders from the pants for easier access, they work just fine.
While I stayed dry, the ski bib didn’t keep me warm. It’s just a shell, meaning it has zero insulation, so make sure to layer up underneath. The bib is minimal in that it has everything you need to get out into the deep powder but nothing extra such as insulation.
One major plus that I appreciate is the bib has plenty of integrated pockets and inner/outer leg vents, which is great for backcountry touring. It’s easy to slip a pair of gloves, a phone, or an energy bar into one of the side, leg, or chest pockets. And the bib opens up on the side to allow for venting if you get a little toasty on the climb. The vents on this bib and the stretch are definitely one of its best design features.
Oyuki Goshiki YamaPro 3L Bibs: Conclusion
Overall, the Oyuki Goshiki YamaPro 3L ski bib is a stalwart of a backcountry bib that would also work just fine inbounds at any resort. It’s probably overbuilt for your average skier, but when you find yourself in waist-deep powder, this bib is going to crush it.
The high points of the Goshiki are comfort, flexibility, pockets, and the 20K YamaPro dry technology.
The only drawbacks to the bib are the lack of insulation (really a plus if you intend to use them for the backcountry) and the price. At nearly $500, these are not ski bibs for beginners.
They are certainly an investment, but for those looking for a well-designed, comfortable bib to last the long haul, the Oyuki YamaPro will do the job for sure.
