The Best Women’s Ski Bibs of 2024-2025

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.

A 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. Launched in the 2023-2024 season, 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 that 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 and 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.

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.

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 beacon 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.

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

Introducing the brand’s first-ever women’s bib, the Ortovox Women’s 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants ($650) quickly became one of our favorite technical bibs for backcountry missions as well as full-on resort days, especially powder-flying and high-moisture ones. The price is steeper than most other options on our list. But the garment’s quality, resilience, purposeful details, and ease of movement deliver. Ortovox also prioritizes sustainable design, including being PFC-free and certified climate-neutral, ensuring a lower footprint on the planet. With a freeride-leaning fit, this bib is slightly tailored but on the baggier side. If you prefer a more fitted style, and one that’s ready for backcountry rigor, check out the Euro-inspired Mammut Women’s Haldigrat HS Bib Pants. Or, if you’re simply looking for a leaner price tag, check out the Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs — but expect to get two seasons out of the Jones bibs instead of the four you can expect from the Deep Shell Bib.

Despite us wearing these Deep Shell bibs while loading and driving off-trail snowmobiles and ski mountaineering, we are only starting to see wear and tear on this pair (on a front thigh pocket) after several seasons of rig wrestling, trailer maintenance, immense shoveling, and backcountry skiing. To protect the hems, a generous Dyneema-CORDURA fabric wraps around each ankle area and reaches 11 inches high on the interior side, keeping the pants from getting ripped during kick turns on the skin track or while booting with crampons on.

In wet or blizzard conditions and on powder days, the 100% windproof and 20,000mm waterproof fabric is a barricade against the elements. On the ski lift during bell-to-bell snowstorms, the material didn’t get soaked. We were able to spend back-to-back full days outside working and playing in the snow during a 100-inch, 5-day historic storm without the fabric getting soggy. Those seams are fully sealed, and you’ll find integrated gaiters that fit over snowboard boots, too.

Based in Germany, Ortovox has specialized in manufacturing high-end wool-based apparel for alpinists since 1988. Each product integrates Swiss wool from the Swiss Alps or Tasmanian merino wool, providing warmth and odor management that we found to work. With natural fibers, these bibs breathe to a competitive degree, and the leg vents are very generous. Yet the merino wool also added warmth against biting wind, especially while sweating on the skin track. A breathable Merino insert against the lower back is a nice touch for protection against the cold.

We love the deep, wide, and spacious pockets: two extremely roomy ones on each quad, one on the hip, and another across the chest. They can easily fit our large phone, a beacon, or a backcountry field book. And each pouch has strong, easy-to-glide, waterproof zippers that haven’t worn out. With double-sided, extended zipper access, the drop seat is unique on the Deep Shell Bib Pants. The long, two-way zippers on each side are set slightly back for ease of opening the drop seat from the left or right. The zipper reaches from the upper half of the back all the way to above the knee, making a huge section of fabric easy to grab and pull to the side. Another perk: The kit’s matching Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Jacket is well-designed, earning a spot in our Best Ski Jackets for Women buyer’s guide.

Read Review: Best Durable Backcountry Bibs for Women: ORTOVOX Deep Shell Bib Pants

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

Sliding into their third winter season of producing women’s outerwear, this core snowboard brand carries over the 3-layer Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs ($475). When considering what to wear, we gravitated toward these snow bibs on most days, be it time in the backcountry or at the resort, and really dug the design. The Shralpinist is extremely comfortable, malleable, and mission-serving with timeless style and an excellent fit. Over two full seasons, we thrashed these bibs on big, deep backcountry days by snowmobile, splitboard, with crampons, shoveling hundreds of inches of snow, maintained a trailer, and took countless resort laps. Only then did we see seams start to bust and fabric tear. 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 looking for bibs that last even longer, check out the Ortovox Women’s 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants.

First, what’s the point of bibs without a bundle of thoughtfully placed pockets? This architecture checks out with smart textile cradles from the backside to the sternum. Two chest pockets are layered in a simple, brilliant way: A 7.5-inch-by-8.5-inch rectangular pouch is accessed from the top zip, which includes an interior mesh pocket for a device. A secondary side zipper brings you to a smaller 4-inch-by-8.5-inch rectangular pocket that technically sits behind the larger chest pocket. Another two pockets on the thighs are 7 by 7 inches. Inside each is a mesh pocket for a device and a small loop in each seam to clip onto. While the thigh pockets are just spacious enough for a sizable phone, the brace is a tad snug, and we found that reaching into the fitted pant legs often required a glove-free fetch. With close quarters, we considered cutting out the mesh pocket, which annoyingly snagged the smooth entrance of our phone. In contrast, the quad hammocks on the Ortovox Women’s 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants never hang us up. Lastly, there’s a zippered pocket on the backside. No shortage of options! 

Lengthy 23-inch-long zips flank each side of the drop seat with double zippers. We like that the entrance could be from either side, increasing practicality, which we especially appreciated on the skin track while hauling a heavy pack. We could choose which side zip down, based on our shoulder mobility, the terrain, and where we could shift weight to. The lowermost pulls are two-way, doubling as air ventilation. Broad cuff reinforcements are placed along the interior and back of each pant leg, stretching 12¼ inches wide by 8 inches high. Belt loops are incorporated as are internal gaiters. The fully taped seams are decorated with YKK AquaGuard Coil zippers.

This piece is among the most sustainable out there to date. It crosses off an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label, which certifies that the textiles are free of toxic chemicals and safe for humans, and incorporates 100% recycled materials from the face to the backer. Even the polyester zip pull cords are recycled. The manufacturing site is also WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) stamped, meaning the facility is safe, legal, and ethical. Awesome.

Overall, the fit of the Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs is sleek, athletic, and attractive with a stretchy four-way fabric that feels malleable. We didn’t experience any restrictive seams, and the material offered solid weather protection in freezing temps, wind blasts, chaotic flurries, and sunshine. We would like to see a slight improvement in the suspenders, which tended to get twisted every time we pulled on the bibs, requiring a minute to adjust — which is not a huge deal but a tad annoying. Making sure the suspenders are tightened up well is also key with these stretchy straps, which can easily slide off your shoulders if they’re too loose and you’re charging moguls on a pow day. You can also scope our Jones Snowboards Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket review for a matching kit.

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 to launch in the 2023-2024 window. 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 an avalanche beacon-compatible zippered pocket on the waist with an internal lanyard clip, which we really dig. A second internal clip for beacon attachment is in a thigh pocket.

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.

When one of our most idyllic ladies’ snow bib offers an insulated iteration, we listen. Going unchanged, the Flylow Foxy Insulated Bib ($430) was new for the 2023-2024 season, serving up 40 grams 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.

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 re-tuck 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 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 (7.5 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.

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 dedicated beacon pocket with a clip, 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.

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 apres. 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. 

While our editors appreciated the extra protection up top, not all women are sold on a chest-high bib like the Rab Khroma Kinetic Waterproof Bib or Trew Chariot Bib Primo. Some prefer a lower-profile suspender pant that still hits well above the belly. The Stio Women’s Environ Bib ($459) is a great choice for this cut.

Stio makes this mini-bib ski pant with high-end waterproof-breathable materials throughout. And this athletic bib designed for women still lets you drop trou via side zips providing adequate access. The shoulder straps are easily adjustable.

We appreciate the option of belt loops to top off easy-to-adjust elastic suspender straps. For stashing goods, there are two zippered hand pockets and a single thigh pocket. Blocking moisture, the seams are fully sealed. Snow travelers will find YKK water-resistant AquaGuard zippers at the outset vents plus a YKK zippered fly, hand pockets, and thigh pocket.

Tough CORDURA kick patches ensure your leg cuffs won’t fray too soon, and there are conveniently placed pockets (though, we’d like to see some more). Plus, articulated knees mean you can actually move in the Environ Bib. For sizing, ladies can choose between a regular or short inseam, too.

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.

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 grams, 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: A loop is integrated into the pocket 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.

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 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.