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

Patagonia does it again: The earth-conscious brand pushed another huge initiative to the apparel world. For the first time, the brand produced a H2No accredited three-layer ski kit that is 100% (previously 70%) recycled and completely free of PFC chemicals. That lineup includes a SnowDrifter Bib and Jacket for both men and women, all of which arrived in GearJunkie testers’ hands earlier this spring.

Our team fully tested each updated piece before they hit the market this fall for the 23/24 season. The Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Bibs overhaul includes clean lines, details, and zipper installations. A better fit in the overall bib, leg and seat area. Increased stretch and breathability. And 100% recycled polyester, which means it’s ready to participate in downcycling.

Patagonia’s H2No technology is Fair Trade Certified sewn with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that does not contain perfluorinated chemicals that are scientifically known to cause harm to human immune systems. This fabric and membrane are PFC-free, too. The lightweight, stretchy shell fabric and minimalist design allow for full range of movement with added protection, breathability, and moisture-wicking characteristics that resemble a full hardshell pant.

In short: After testing for 3 months, I found that the Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Bibs ($399) are as light as a softshell, as durable as a hardshell, and ideal for both uphill and downhill pursuits, plus they’re among the most sustainably-made products out there. To see how they compare to other products, check out our full Buyer’s Guide of the Best Women’s Ski Bibs.

Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Bibs: Review

Overview

I tested these pants at the end of February during the GearJunkie Ski & Ride Test week. It snowed almost 6 inches on the first day, and we were greeted with some stormy, windy conditions. The snow was dry, and the air was brisk. I wore a women’s base layer underneath, which was perfect while skiing during the day. The pant legs were a bit long for me at 5’3”, but I don’t mind the extra length, which helps cover the top of the ski boots.

I also tested these bibs on several backcountry tours and felt amazingly comfortable in them during the duration of each step and each turn. This is where these bibs felt most in tune with the true nature of their design and construction.

I felt at home with the feathery, softness, and maneuverability of these pants on the up, and completely sheltered from the wind and snow on the down. Truly a perfect combination for such technical standards and needs in the backcountry.

Fit and Bib Straps

Upon initially throwing these on, I felt undeniably at home, as if I could sleep in this outfit. The upper portion of this women’s ski bib fell high above my chest and wrapped nicely around my bust, and is made of a soft recycled polyester knit.

The bottom consists of Patagonia’s H2No standard shell with very little constriction around on my quads, hips, and glutes, which allowed for freedom of movement with every step.

Two zippered thigh cargo pockets and one large zippered chest pocket are roomy enough for a beacon or other necessities you might need quick access to. The straps fit well over my shoulders and were adjustable to fit both a taller and shorter gal at my height (5’3”, size small bib). Suspenders detach in the front for easy entry.

The pant circumference was wide enough to just fit over a touring boot, and at times I felt the longer length helped in covering the boot even more. The backside is roomy but not overly baggy — still very flattering when not covered by a jacket.

Ventilation Zippers and Drop-Seat

I generally steer clear of bibs due to a complicated design when nature calls. Yet, the placement and easy access to the two-way zipper is my favorite aspect of this bib design. The top-down, bottom-up zipper spans the upper majority of your outer thigh up toward the side of your torso, which allows for all the extra room when needed.

The rest of the bib stays in place allowing for convenient relief and extra functionality when the zipper is entirely open. The two-way slider also doubles as ventilation, offering breathability on a tour or a warm, sunny day at the resort.

Taped Seams and Cuffs

Seams are an important feature that I tend to notice and appreciate when it comes to outdoor clothing, and these seams take both the technical and aesthetic cake. They are Fair Trade Certified sewn with an overall tidy, finished look. This is important to me as I need to trust the enclosures of the openings of my gear when in extreme backcountry conditions.

The bottom interior of each pant leg cuff boasts a thicker, tenacious material which prevents holes or deterioration caused by repetitive, quick steps, metal edges, or crampons. The design spans diagonally from the front exterior of the boot upward to the inner lower leg, which are all areas exposed to deterioration with movement and due to gear.

Lightweight Durability

The airy, light feel of these pants can be deceiving when thinking about overall durability. Patagonia found a balance with these two characteristics that makes it feel like you’re wearing a softshell yet boasts all the durability and protection of a hardshell.

The pants move well with every step, without bunching or feeling restricted with the guarantee of coverage in every area of the bib.

Snaps and Fasteners

The bib straps are fastened up front and fall on both sides of my inner shoulder for overall great coverage of the chest. The fasteners are made of a strong alloy material and secured by a small tooth which prevents them from unhooking. They are easy to secure and release with an easy reach from the opposite or same arm when pulling them on or taking them off.

There are two snaps on the backside of the suspenders that fall on my mid-back, which are strategically placed at the top of the side zippers. I felt that they really secured the overall structure of the bib at the top and kept the drop-seat zippers from unzipping, which kept me feeling secure and confident in more complicated terrain.

Cons

Although minor in terms of my overall positive functionality review of these bibs, I found that the rubber piece that crossed the bib straps against the upper back got twisted a few times and could only be realigned by taking the bib off entirely to adjust. I tested the sleet green color which is very flattering and matches the kit well. However, it is very light and can get dirty easily.

The super lightweight 3L standard shell certainly performs like a hardshell but I would likely prefer a heavier material for resort skiing on wetter days, especially when sitting on a snowy, cold lift which I did a handful of times. Again, I felt that these were minor and did not overshadow my love for these bibs.

Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Bibs: Conclusion

The Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Bibs are an ideal piece for human-powered pursuits in the backcountry. They also suit the tourer on any backcountry day regardless of the weather, snow conditions, or duration of the mission. These bibs performed exceptionally well on long, uphill sections and equally in stormy, downhill and snowier conditions.

We also appreciate the integrated RECCO reflector. At the resort, the design likewise was a great fit for sunnier, warmer days and held up fairly well in colder temps with extra base layers.

From fit to aesthetic, I fell in love with these bibs the minute I put them on. The women’s Patagonia SnowDrifter Bibs are a top-tier choice for out-of-bounds adventure and look great on the hill.

Typically, I prefer a denser outerwear option at the ski resort but look forward to continuing putting this textile through the wringer all of next season to prove otherwise.

The Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Bibs will be available October 1, 2023. Don’t miss our full review of the new Women’s Patagonia SnowDrifter Jacket on GearJunkie, as well as our Buyer’s Guide with the Best Women’s Ski Bibs.