With snow season right around the corner, many skiers and snowboarders are looking to upgrade their outerwear—especially when it comes to ski pants or snowboard pants. One thing that many seasoned snowboarders and skiers often gravitate towards when it comes to snow pants is bib or overall styles.
Why snow bibs?
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, you may wonder why ski or snowboard bibs are so widely recommended. After all, they’re bulkier than regular snow pants and seem like more of a hassle to get in and out of. What’s so great about them?
There are several benefits to wearing ski and snowboard bibs that have attracted such a fan base! Here are some of the top ones:
You don’t have to keep pulling them up.
This may sound like an obvious benefit, but it is a valid one! It gets annoying to feel your snow pants slowly slipping down as you get on and off the ski lift, get up from falling, helping your kids, etc. Snow bibs eliminate this problem since they are held up by the straps on your shoulders. For snowboarders, this is also a nice, secure feeling for all the time spent strapping in and out of bindings.
You’re less likely to get snow in your bibs, jacket, and other layers.
Snow bibs offer more coverage than regular snow pants. This helps eliminate snow from getting to your base layers. Plus, some styles of bibs attach to jackets for added protection from the elements. This is particularly helpful for park riders or anyone who falls frequently, and especially for powder days where snow can manage to find its way into every corner of your outerwear.
They have more pockets.
Pockets are something you can never have enough of, especially when you’re on the slopes and need a place to store any extra items! Snow bibs have more material than regular snow pants, meaning there is more space for pockets. Finding a pair with a chest pocket is the best.
They are more comfortable.
Because ski and snowboard bibs don’t have a waistband, they often fit more comfortably and offer you more range of motion through your activity both on and off the slopes.
Finally, they can help you ski/snowboard more confidently.
All these previous points together means that you can feel more comfortable and confident while you ski or snowboard! Because you won’t be distracted with your ski or snowboard bibs slipping down or snow getting stuck inside any of your layers, you can put all your focus and energy into why you came to the mountain in the first place!
These are all great benefits, but you likely still have that nagging question…what about bathroom breaks? You’re not the only one to have thought of this problem! Many outerwear companies have worked to solve this issue by incorporating elements into their designs, such as zippers, straps, etc., that allows both men and women to use the restroom more easily without having to take off all their snow clothing. So, rest assured that this doesn’t have to deter you from purchasing a pair of ski or snowboard bibs!
Types of Ski/Snowboard Bibs
When it comes to ski and snowboard bibs, there are actually a few different styles you can choose from. Classic snow bibs will go all the way up the chest, resembling overalls and offering more pocket space. Other styles, however, don’t go quite as high, and some only have straps rather than a full “bib.” You may want to try on a few different styles to see what feels the most comfortable for you.
Other things to consider
When you’re searching for the perfect pair of ski or snowboard bibs for you, there are a few other features you should be sure you look for just like with any other snow pants:
Ventilation
Snow bibs are great to wear in the early and spring season or on warmer riding days because they cover a bit more of your torso, so you can get away with sweatshirts, base layers, or thin jackets on top. Keeping warm riding days in mind, choosing bibs with leg vents is a must!
Gaiters and cuffs
Every pair of snow pants and bibs should have built-in gaiters to prevent snow from getting in your boots or up your leg, but it’s worth noting that this feature is one you should keep in mind! Along with this, some ski or snowboard bibs allow you to attach the gaiters to your boots for extra protection. Some also have zippered cuffs which makes it a little easier to put your ski boots or snowboard boots on.
Taped seams
Another thing most ski and snowboard bibs have is taped seams, which prevents moisture from seeping through. Some have critically taped seams in only “critical” areas, while others are fully taped along all the seams. Bibs or overalls tend to cost a bit more than other classic styles, so while you’re investing, make sure you’re getting a high-quality pair, so you can get the most bang for your buck and have them for many seasons!
Are you ready to invest in a quality pair of ski bibs or snowboard bibs this season? Visit our ski shop or snowboard shop to find something from top outerwear brands such as Burton, DC, and Salomon to find something perfect for you this snow season!
