Dialing in the perfect fit is never more important than in ski pants designed for touring. The last thing you want to be thinking about as you tackle variable conditions and mitigate safety issues is pants that are too tight, falling down, or pinching in unfortunate areas. That鈥檚 where we come in. Our testers put almost three dozen pairs of backcountry ski pants through the paces to bring you these six fully vetted pants and bibs. Here are the best options for backcountry missions that kept us dry and comfortable on the up and the down.

The Winners at a Glance

Unisex/Men鈥檚 Pants

• Best Do-Everything Pants: Ortovox Ravine 3L Pant
• Best For Deep Days: Orage Grade 3L Bib
• Best Bibs For All-Day Comfort: Helly Hansen Odin BC Softshell Bib Pant

Women鈥檚 Pants

• Best For Storm Days: Patagonia Untracked Bib
• Best For Bombproof Protection: The North Face Women鈥檚 Summit Tsirku GTX Pro Bib
• Best For Long Days on the Skin Track: Mammut Haldigrat Air HS Pant

The Reviews: The Best Backcountry Pants and Bibs of 2024

Men鈥檚 Pants

Best Do-Everything Pants: Ortovox Ravine 3L Pant ($520)

Weight: 1 lb
Sizes: S-XXL

Pros

• Lightweight
• Excellent windproofing

Cons

• Didn鈥檛 hold up well to long periods of wet precip

The all-new Ravine Pant is part of Ortovox鈥檚 new freeride collection, a lightweight yet durable kit that provides a welcome departure from the tight and stretchy uphill-oriented clothes we鈥檝e tested from the Euro brand in the past. Ortovox is known for pairing its waterproof pieces with components of merino wool鈥攊n this case, a Dermizax NX membrane backed with a merino layer鈥攁nd it resulted in impressive breathability without sacrificing weight and packability. 鈥淚 appreciated the thin design when it came to temp regulating on the up and how light and mobile they felt to skin in,鈥� said Jackson-based tester Lucy Iselin. Two large thigh pockets were more than spacious enough for a dedicated beacon pocket as well as a spot to stash snacks and a pair of gloves. While some pants suit midwinter touring and some work better for warm spring missions, testers found the combo of the light construction and protection of the Ravine pants to stick with them from frigid to storm days through balmy spring temps. 鈥淭hese pants do very well in the wind,鈥� said tester James Temple after slogging up a 3,500 feet in bone-chilling winds in Grand Teton National Park. 鈥淎nd I felt equally comfortable skiing belly button deep powder as a late-April corn mission!鈥�

Bottom line: An excellent do-everything touring pant that holds up to deep powder days as well as spring missions

Best For Deep Days: Orage MTN-X GRADE LIGHT 3L BIB ($525)

Weight: 1.4 lbs
Sizes: S-XXL

Pros

• Breathability
• Stretch and mobility

Cons

• Back zipper sometimes bunches around a backpack

Stretchy and breathable while maintaining a freeride fit, these bibs impressed testers with their all-day comfort and protection while going out for long missions in Grand Teton National Park. We put the DWR-treated polyester shell through the wringer in the Tetons and found it no worse for the wear, skiing through a storm that dropped 12 inches throughout the day and shwacking our way through overgrown forests. Jersey backing provided a soft feel and stretch that one tester claimed he 鈥渨ore day and night during a yurt trip.鈥� We loved the stretchy elastic bib strap design, which never dug in while wearing a pack thanks to the adjustment piece at the waist (instead of the shoulder). One tester noted that the back zipper rubbed a little bit while skiing choppy terrain with a pack on, but that he could mitigate that by throwing on an extra layer, and it was worth it for the full-length side venting.

Bottom line: Stretchy and breathable bibs for freeriders who want to go deep into the backcountry.

Best Bibs For All-Day Comfort: Helly Hansen Odin BC Softshell Bib Pant ($400)

Weight: 26 oz.
Sizes: S-XXL

Pros

• Breathability
• Stretch and mobility

Cons

• Small thigh pockets

For fast-paced days in the backcountry, the new Helly Hansen Odin BC Softshell Bibs boasted the best breathability and all-day comfort in our test. Built with a synthetic blend of polyester, polyamide, and elastane, the Odin softshells regulated temps on long tours and steep bootpacks, while still shedding light snowfall. 鈥淒espite the relatively tight fit, these are supremely comfortable for athletic skiing missions,鈥� said Jackson-based tester Max Ritter. 鈥淎 great bottom for technical ski mountaineering.鈥� The low bib design with adjustable elastic suspenders was a hit with testers who are used to wearing softshell pants, allowing a more secure fit for long days out. 鈥淐ombining the cut and fit of a hardshell bib with a softshell pant is really cool,鈥� added Ritter. Reinforced panels below the knee upped the durability, which was much appreciated while donning crampons and kneeling in the snow when strapping skis to our packs. The only real downside was the small thigh pockets, which we had a hard time fitting more than a few snacks inside.

Bottom line: A comfortable and unrestrictive softshell bib for crushing vert during high-pressure windows

Women鈥檚 Pants

Best For Storm Days: Patagonia Untracked Bibs ($649)

Weight: 1.3 lbs
Sizes: XS-XL (women鈥檚)

Pros

• Storm proofing
• Easy to use drop seat

Cons

• Less packable
• Baggy in the back

Not only did the new Untracked Bibs top the charts for storm protection, but the new kit utilizes a Gore-Tex ePE three-layer membrane approved for use in harsh weather. The strong and lightweight membrane is PFC-free, backed with a solution-dyed recycled nylon flannel backer. On snow, testers raved about the protection and moisture-shedding properties while skiing in weather that would have kept most of us mere mortals inside. 鈥淚 skied a day in Revelstoke in the worst freezing rain/snow/sleet I鈥檝e ever been in,鈥� said PNW tester Mikayla Olin. 鈥淚 was completely covered in ice. The jacket and bibs repelled water and I was bone-dry underneath all day.鈥� Despite the robust shell design, the Untracked Bibs offered impressive articulation, with a drop seat and side vents that pull down easily mid stride. Initially, we noticed a stiff and crunchy feel at first that broke in after three or four ski tours. Ladies also noticed they did run a little baggy, especially in the back.

Bottom line: Ladies looking for a protective bib for deep storm days will be satisfied with this option

Best For Bombproof Protection: The North Face Women鈥檚 Summit Tsirku GTX Pro Bib ($700)

Weight: 1.2 lbs
Sizes: XS-XXL

Pros

• High coverage bib offers maximum protection
• Ample pockets for all your gear

Cons

• Pretty thick, so not ideal for spring tours
• Less breathable

The all-new TNF Summit Tsirku GTX Pro Bib was our favorite high-coverage bib, with ample pockets for all our gear, a super-adjustable fit, and impressive storm protection while testing them out during a record-breaking winter in the Tetons. With an 80-denier nylon face fabric and a Gore-Tex Pro membrane, the Summit Tsirku made us feel invincible while lapping our favorite pow stashes in 30 mph winds on a Teton Pass storm day. We stashed a spare set of gloves, a phone, sunnies, and a few Lara bars in the vertical chest pockets, which had a tether on the right side for stowing a beacon (which you鈥檒l also find in the thigh pockets). Waist pockets bump up the storage even more, and although one tester claimed she 鈥渂arely ever had to reach into my backpack with all these pocket options,鈥� these bibs never felt overly bulky. A waist cinch helps create a customizable fit that helped with the overall baggy design, and full length leg vents kept us reasonably cool once spring skiing finally hit.

Bottom line: A durable bib that offers maximum protection for deep winter days, this bib is a great hybrid piece for the resort and backcountry

Best For Long Days On the Skin Track: Mammut Haldigrat Air HS Pant ($449)

Weight: .9 lb
Sizes: US 2-16

Pros

• Lightweight
• Breathable

Cons

• Missing belt loops or suspenders

While we felt that the Haldigrat jacket was a great inbounds layer (page TK), the lightweight and breathable pants stood out in our backcountry test, especially on longer hikes and missions. A robust three-layer construction complete with a 40-denier polyamide face fabric was both soft and easy to move in. 鈥淚 wore these pants on a four-day hut trip in the Tetons, and they kept me dry and comfortable on the deepest days where the snow never let up, but also breathed well and almost felt like yoga pants on days where I spent all day walking,鈥� said tester Lily Krass. Testers appreciated the two thigh pockets, which had enough space for a transceiver on one side and snacks on the other, without adding too much bulk. Snap buttons attached the pants to the jacket, but since we rarely utilized that feature in the backcountry, we missed the presence of a belt loop or suspenders like the men鈥檚 version has. There are two Velcro straps on the sides, but we had a hard time getting them to stay.

Bottom line: A lightweight touring pant for long days on the skintrack

How We Test

• Number of testers: 19
• Number of products tested: 27
• Number of miles: 1,200
• Number of vertical feet: 410,000
• Overnight ski tours: 8
• Peaks bagged: 16
• Deepest storm day total: 49 inches
• Longest single day ski tour: 8,600 vertical feet

From high alpine peaks to low-angle pow laps, our team of 19 testers tested 27 pants and bibs last season, evaluating each piece for its breathability, durability, protection, and features. Testers spanned the gamut from vert-crazed uphill fiends to downhill-inclined freeride skiers, newer backcountry skiers, and everything in between. Jackson, Wyoming was our hub for testing this year, the perfect place to put jackets through the wringer on both deep storm days and high pressure windows in the alpine. Testers also took these layers for a spin in maritime climates like the Pacific Northwest and Interior British Columbia, as well as the high peaks in Colorado鈥檚 San Juan Mountains and steep slopes in Southeast Alaska. We slogged up steep bootpacks, meandered along skintracks, walked knife-edge ridges, scored deep powder turns, smeared spring corn, and fought our way down variable wind crusts to bring you the best backcountry pants of the year.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Lily Krass is a freelance storyteller based in Jackson, Wyoming with a love for long days in the backcountry. In addition to an all-consuming addiction to powder skiing and exploring high places on skis, Lily takes snacking seriously, and when she鈥檚 not writing or sliding on snow, she鈥檚 likely deep into a baking project in her tiny kitchen. She is the co-author of Beyond Skid: A Cookbook For Ski Bums, a collection of dirtbag-friendly recipes inspired by life in a mountain town.

More From the 2024 Winter Gear Guide

The post The Best Backcountry Ski Pants of 2024 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Ski jackets get more attention, but we think it鈥檚 much harder to find a great pair of ski pants. And more important, too. Your legs do a lot more moving in skiing than your upper body, so if your pants are too tight, too baggy, or just don鈥檛 sit right, you are going to notice. Plus, pants spend more time in contact with other surfaces鈥攕itting on the chair, soaking in the slush, kneeling in the snow鈥攕o durability and weather resistance really matter. We sorted through two dozen new ski pants and bibs to find these six standouts that will fit better and help you stay out longer.

The Winners at a Glance

• Editor鈥檚 Choice: Stio Figment Bib
• Best For Frigid Conditions: Flylow Baker Insulated Bib
• Best Universal Fit: Orage Exodus Insulated Pant
• Most Eco-Conscious: Patagonia Stormshift Pant
• Best Budget Buy: Eddie Bauer Chair Six
• Best Weather Protection: 686 Gore Pro 3L Thermagraph

The Reviews: The Best Resort Ski Pants of 2024

Editor鈥檚 Choice: Stio Figment Bib ($479)

Weight: 2 lb
Size: S-XXL

Pros

• Excellent weather protection
• Functional pocket placement

Cons

• Belt is not adjustable enough for thinner skiers

Usually, the first time wearing a bib pant involves a few stops to make adjustments. Not with the Figment. Adjusting the fit required just a quick tighten or release of the Velcro tabs on the suspenders and a pull on the waist belt. Done! Whether sitting, carving, or picking his way down the steeps off of Whistler鈥檚 Peak Chair, category manager Ryan Stuart didn鈥檛 notice the pants again. 鈥淭hey felt like a custom fit,鈥� he says. Articulation in the knees, gusseting in the crotch, and stretchy shoulder straps that stayed put played a big role in ensuring everything sat as it should. Beyond fit, the proprietary weatherproof-breathable membrane was impenetrable, even sitting in a chairlift puddle for a 20-minute ride. The pocket layout was equally dialed for resort riding. The two hand pockets were accessible sitting or standing, the bellowed thigh pockets easily carried extra gloves, and the chest pocket could hold a beacon or other valuables. Finally, Stio beefed up the recycled polyester face fabric in the knees and seat to a burly 150 denier. With a relaxed, but not too baggy look and a timeless color-blocked style, these bibs are ready for years of abuse.

Bottom Line:With an inner thigh vent and an uninsulated design, these bibs are optimized for the resort but ready to play beyond the boundary line too.

Best For Frigid Conditions: Flylow Baker Insulated Bib ($430)

Weight: 2.2 lb
Size: S-XXL

Pros

• Super durable in high-wear spots
• Just the right amount of insulation

Cons

• Buckles on the bibs conflict with packs

These insulated bibs were designed for skiers like tester Paul Karchut, who skis fast, works hard, and breaks things. Flylow took their popular Baker Bib shell pant and stuffed it with 40 grams of recycled insulation. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just the right amount to cut the cold, but not make them unusable once the weather warms up,鈥� says Karchut, who tested them in temps ranging from -30 to 20 degrees F skiing in the Canadian Rockies around Banff. Heating up on bootpacks and skin tracks, he cracked the mesh backed thigh vents. There were pockets in all the right places: hands, thigh, back, and two on the chest. And the fit was dialed for an athletic guy like Karchut, though stockier skiers might find the bibs snug. As a mostly reformed telemark skier, Karchut also appreciated the durability. The 150-denier polyester was already stout, then Flylow cranked it to 1,000 denier around the articulated knees and the cuffs. His only gripe was that pack straps overlapped with the oversized bib buckles. Small quibble for Karchut, who happily wore these all winter long.

Bottom Line:A tough bib for resorts skiing in colder zones.

Best Universal Fit: Orage Exodus Insulated Pant ($325)

Weight: 1.7 lb
Size: S-XXL

Pros

• Stretchy materials helped with fit and mobility
• Lightweight insulation

Cons

• Narrower fit

Tall, short, stocky, or thin, these pants were body inclusive, shape-shifting to fit every tester. Velcro tabs on the waistline played a big role, providing several inches of adjustment. Four-way stretch throughout the pants also helped. The Oeko-Tex waterproof-breathable membrane, recycled polyester exterior fabric, and synthetic insulation had plenty of stretch. Add articulation through the knees and gusseting in the crotch and even a tester whose massive quads filled out the pants said he never felt restricted. The fit is narrower than some might like, but the 60-gram insulation seemed just right for typical winter conditions. No tester complained about them being too warm鈥攖hey are super lightweight for insulated pants. And 鈥渢he pockets are perfect,鈥� reported Ryan Stuart. Sitting on a chairlift, he could pull his phone out of the hand pockets without contortion and he could stuff the thigh pockets without them bouncing around or feeling bulky.

Bottom Line: Best for resort skiing in cold weather and a good choice if your waist size tends to vary through the winter. Hello, apr猫s beer gut!

Most Eco-Conscious: Patagonia Storm Shift Pants ($400)

Weight: 1.6 lb
Size: Regular, short, XS-XXL

Pros

• No PFCs
• Comfortable wear and fit

Cons

• Bulky two layer design
• Some fit concerns

We were rooting for these pants even before testers reported loving them. They feature the new Gore Tex ePE membrane, which is the first waterproof-breathable barrier from the industry leader that includes no perfluorinates, or PFCs. These forever chemicals have long-term health and environmental concerns. Patagonia went even further and eliminated PFCs in the DWR and the rest of the two-layer design. The change resulted in no loss in performance: We stayed dry all day during a soggy, above-freezing snowstorm in the Coast Range near Whistler.

The lining is a comfort booster. It feels soft next to your skin (and wicks moisture, too), slides over the roughest of base layers, and adds a hint of insulation. That鈥檚 welcome on cold days, but not an issue in warmer weather. Overheating on the bootpack up to Blackcomb鈥檚 Chimney, tester Ethan Sjogren said that opening the mesh-lined outer thigh vents instantly dumped heat. 鈥淏ut they didn鈥檛 let snow in when I forgot to close them.鈥� After 20 days of use, he reported that the pants were still in good shape, with no signs of wear around the cuffs thanks to oversized scuff guard patches. Some testers reported inconsistencies in sizing, but with multiple length and size options, everyone should be able to find a pair that fits.

Bottom Line:Casual resort pants that will ease (some of) your environmental worries.

Best Budget Buy: Eddie Bauer Chair Six Shell Pant ($229)

Weight: 1.3 lb
Size: Regular, tall, S-XXL

Pros

• Resort to backcountry design
• Great value

Cons

• Thigh pocket gets floppy

The Chair Six Shell Pant is all about value. Normally, $200 will get you ho-hum quality, but Eddie Bauer outfitted these pants with a three-layer fabric for more packability, better weatherproofing, and superior breathability. The membrane is EB鈥檚 proprietary Weatheredge Pro, which boasts 20,000 mm of water resistance. 鈥淚 was shocked when I saw the price,鈥� reported tester Chris Baikie. 鈥淭he pants performed about as well as the Gore Tex pants I鈥檝e owned, but cost about half as much.鈥� He tested the weather resistance during a full day of skiing in the drizzle at Vancouver Island鈥檚 Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

In nicer weather, the hot-running tester appreciated the inner thigh vent, which ran right through the crotch with two-way zips. 鈥淚 could use it as a regular vent or unzip it all the way,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a unique design that would be welcome on hot ski tours.鈥� He found the 75-denier polyester fabric with a hint of stretch was burly enough for the ski hill, but not too bulky for slackcountry laps. His one complaint: Packing too much into the big thigh pocket made it floppy. Otherwise, these are an awesome deal for shell-loving skiers.

Bottom Line: Budget shell pants with top-shelf quality and materials.

Best Weather Protection: 686 Gore Pro 3L Thermagraph Bib ($600)

Weight: 2.9 lb
Size: S-XXL

Pros

• Super tough and highly waterproof
• Lightly insulated in all the right places

Cons

• Pricy
• On the heavier side

These bibs proved that believing in science will lead to more skiing. 686 paired Gore Tex鈥檚 most durable Pro waterproof-breathable membrane with a 150-denier face fabric that feels like rhino skin (which is the name of the gray fabric color). Then they added panels of Polartec Alpha, a synthetic insulation developed for U.S. Special Forces, to the seat and knees, where research shows the body feels cold the most. They also placed vents on either side of each leg to engineer a cooling cross breeze. And they built a water bladder system into the lumbar area, because the human body performs best and stays warmer when properly hydrated. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know if it鈥檚 the insulation, the Gore Tex, or actually being hydrated, but I felt more energetic all morning,鈥� said Ryan Stuart, who tested them during several soggy days of skiing. 鈥淭hese are the most waterproof pants I鈥檝e tried.鈥� Testers reported the fit on the baggy side of the spectrum and running a little large for the size. But unlike most 686 pants, these are made for skiers, with a scuff guard around the bottom of the legs and a gaiter that played well with ski buckles. They are pricey, but then science and technology is never cheap.

Bottom Line: When staying dry is your biggest challenge, these are the bibs you should own.

How to Buy

Consider these six factors when buying ski pants.

Waterproofing: Because pants spend more time in contact with the snow and potentially wet surfaces like chairlifts, waterproofing is even more important than in jackets. Pick pants with a waterproof rating higher than 15,000 mm with sealed seams to prevent water from seeping in.

Breathability: While it鈥檚 crucial to keep water out, you also want your ski pants to be breathable, so sweat vapor doesn鈥檛 leave you wet from the inside. Look for pants with breathable membranes and venting zippers. For the resort, mesh-backed vents are best, so you can ski with them open.

Insulation: Consider the level of insulation you need based on the conditions you typically ski in and your personal preference. Uninsulated shell pants paired with base layers offer versatility. Insulated pants will always be warmer and are good for colder regions. For reference, between 40 and 60 grams of synthetic insulation offers a versatile warmth.

Fit and Mobility: To help fine-tune the fit, look for pants and bibs with adjustable waistbands and shoulder straps. Articulated knees, gussets, and stretchy materials help with mobility, which plays into fit. Finally, check that boot gaiters and venting zippers are compatible with your boots and body shape.

Durability: Metal edges, kneeling in the snow, and sitting on chairlifts, all take their toll on ski pants. To add longevity to your gear, look for pants made from higher-denier materials and reinforcements in key zones, like knees, seat and, especially, around the boot cuff.

Features and Extras: Consider additional features that may enhance your skiing experience, including the number and placement of pockets, integration with jackets and powder skirts, and RECCO locators.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 16
• Number of products tested: 26
• Number of chairlift laps: 5,000-plus
• Most vertical skied by a tester: 1.7 million feet

Testing ski pants is all about vertical. The more time our testers spend sitting on chairs, turning on snow, and hiking to the goods, the better they can judge whether a pant is good or great. To make our test team, testers have to log at least 30 days per season. We recruit from across the continent and try to find a variety of skier types and interests to give us as diverse feedback as possible. We send them each several pairs of pants to test and ask them to put in at least a couple days with each item. We also ask them to hand each pair off to friends and ski buddies to try, too. Once the flakes start melting, we check back in with our test team to record their feedback and find out which ones stood out from a winter of testing. These are the top six.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Ski buddies of Ryan Stuart, our Lead Tester and category manager, say it鈥檚 tricky to keep track of him at the resort. Not so much because he skis so fast, but because he鈥檚 always wearing something different. Is it the red jacket and black pants today or the yellow jacket and gray pants? His helmet doesn鈥檛 help either. As the technical editor at Ski Canada Magazine, he also tests lids and other ski gear. When he鈥檚 not on the slopes or traveling the world to write about skiing, Ryan鈥檚 at his desk on Vancouver Island. He鈥檚 a full-time freelance writer focused mostly on the outdoor world and is working on his first book, a history of skiing in Canada.

Other integral testers include Canadian Broadcast Corporation weekend radio host Paul Karchu, whose flexible weekday schedule allows him to chase storms around western Canada. He visited nine resorts last winter, the highlight being a 20-inch day at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

The post The Best Men鈥檚 Ski Pants of 2024 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The best ski days are the ones where the mountains, the snow, and the friends you鈥檙e with are the only things on your mind. A great pair of ski pants or bibs eliminates distractions, like a wet butt or a cold one, so that every day you ski can be memorable for the right reasons. This year鈥檚 ski pants and bibs are lighter and softer overall, making it easier to move freely down the slopes. And bibs? They鈥檙e nearly universally better designed to make dropping the seat for a bio break a stress-free event. Whether you鈥檙e looking for insulated pants for sub-zero days skiing Stowe鈥檚 Front Four or you want bibs that can bounce between JHMR and Teton Pass, read on for our favorites.

The Winners at a Glance

• Most Functional Bibs: Backcountry Cottonwoods Bib
• Best Value: Columbia Highland Bibs
• Most Stylish: Beringia St. Elias Bib 2.0
• Most Breathable: Arc鈥檛eryx Rush Bib Pant
• Most Versatile Bibs: Patagonia Untracked Bibs
• Best Bang For Your Buck: Helly Hansen Powderqueen Pant
• Best Resort-Meets-Backcountry Bibs: Salomon QST GTX PRO Bib
• Best For Tall and Lean Skiers: Adidas Terrex Techrock 3L Gore-Tex Bib Pants
• Best Insulated Bibs: Flylow Foxy Insulated Bib
• Best Mobility: Jones Shralpinist Stretch Bib

The Reviews: The Best Women鈥檚 Resort Pants of 2024

Most Functional Bibs: Backcountry Cottonwoods Gore-Tex Bib Pant ($399)

Weight: 1.9 lb
Sizes: XS-XXL

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Can be worn as a pant and bib
• Generous cut

Cons

• Fabric is stiff and crinkly
• Lots of zippers
• Built-in waist adjustment system is redundant with belt loops
• Run large (size down)

If you find ski pants confining, you鈥檒l jump with joy when you slip into Backcountry Cottonwoods. The fit is generous. Idaho-based tester Michelle Nicholson said, 鈥淭hese are the best fitting women鈥檚 bib I鈥檝e tried in a while. They gave ample room for layering since they鈥檙e just a shell, but didn鈥檛 feel bulky when I wasn鈥檛 all layered up.鈥� Nicholson said she loved the bibs鈥� clean lines, and that they weren鈥檛 too form-fitting. 鈥淚 even liked how loose they made the halter,鈥� said Nicholson. 鈥淭here was space to breathe for women with breasts.鈥� Testers also praised how easy these were to operate when nature called. 鈥淭he relief zippers are on point, there was no having to awkwardly sit so you don鈥檛 pee on yourself or your pants when going inside isn鈥檛 an option,鈥� said Vermont tester Bec Wojtecki. Made from woven nylon with a Gore-Tex membrane, the Cottonwoods can take the hardest abuse and come out the other side as good as new. They have tons of pockets鈥搕he chest one fit a beacon perfectly, and we loved the pleated leg pockets that had room to hold snacks, gloves, and more. Ankle gaiters kept snow out, and the bib is removable if you prefer to wear these as pants.

Bottom Line: Super durable, and highly functional bib with plenty of space for layering and movement

Best Value: Columbia Highland Summit Bib ($200)

Weight: 1.1 lb
Sizes: XS-XXL in long, regular, and short; 1x-3x come in regular and short

Pros

• Big size range
• Great value
• Relaxed fit

Cons

• Boxy cut
• Leg zip flaps didn鈥檛 lay flat

鈥淎s I was riding the quad up the face of Mt. Mansfield on a sub-zero Vermont morning in Columia鈥檚 Highlands Bibs I realized that for the first time in a very long time, my butt cheeks were completely warm,鈥� said Vermont-based Louise Lintilhac. If you hate a cold butt sitting on a chair lift, these bibs will eliminate that problem permanently. 鈥淥n the chair, I was super warm and comfortable, which was relaxing because the Highlands kit was soft, not stiff,鈥� said Montana-based Caroline Painter. 鈥淭hese pants helped me last a little longer on very chilly days.鈥� But the Highland Summit Bib鈥檚 great features don鈥檛 stop at warmth. Dual waist-to-knee side zips made getting into and out of these bibs a cinch and testers loved the broad, comfortable shoulder straps. The bibs weren鈥檛 fully bathroom-break-friendly without removing the shoulder straps due to the high-cut back. But we had high praise for the two sets of waist snaps. The bibs had plenty of room for layering, but could also be made more shapely on days that required fewer fleecy tights. Snaps on the lower leg accommodated bulky ski boots but also cinched down for standard snow boots. And the bibs had a unique microfleece-lined chest pocket with a handwarmer kangaroo pocket at the waist. They were fuzzy and warm, but only usable with an unzipped jacket.

Bottom Line: The best value cold day ski bib, and a killer choice for skiers who struggle to stay warm on the lift.

Most Stylish: Beringia St. Elias Bib 2.0 ($675)

Weight: 1.4 lbs
Sizes: XS-L

Pros

• Convertible bib to pants
• Made from soft and quiet material
• Wide shoulder straps were comfortable

Cons

• Halter has to unzip for pee breaks

Not sure if you prefer pants or bibs? With Beringia鈥檚 St. Elias, you get both. You also get a weather-adapting membrane that subtly releases extra heat or seals tighter against the wind as conditions and your body temp require. 鈥淭he convertible bib to pant system is the best I have seen so far鈥t鈥檚 super easy to use, and I especially like the front zipper for getting in and out of the bibs,鈥� said Vermont-based Caitlin Kelly. Kelly and others also praised the stretch and the generous waist belt loops. Sometimes bibs can feel like they鈥檙e cutting into your shoulders. These have broad straps that were notably comfortable. They also have a wide, breathable mesh back panel that enhanced the fit without making us overheat. Thigh zip pockets were spacious. One has a lanyard. One of the oversized chest pockets has a top and side velcro closure that made getting a phone in and out fast and glove-friendly. A bootlace or buckle hook kept the cuff from riding up when we weren鈥檛 wearing ski boots.

Bottom Line: Durable, flattering, functional, frontcountry/backcountry ready, and a great choice for serious skiers.

Most Breathable: Arc鈥檛eryx Rush Bib Pant ($700)

Weight: 1.3 oz
Sizes: 00-16

Pros

• Lightweight
• Generously cut
• Not restrictive

Cons

• Not the warmest bibs in our test

Often, simpler is better, and that鈥檚 what testers loved about the Rush Bib Pant. These Gore-Tex bottoms, which some called high pants, and others considered a bib, have a C-Knit backer which made them one of the most breathable pairs of bibs we tested. Plus they just feel good to put on. They鈥檙e lightweight, but the high-tech fabric combined with water-resistant zippers kept the weather out. And when we needed to let heat out, hip-to-knee zips were one-hand operable and fully vented the legs. After skiing in the Rush for a week in deep powder in Jackson Hole, Vermont tester Broudy said, 鈥� The mid-high below the boobs halter didn鈥檛 crush my chest. It didn鈥檛 restrict my breathing, it wasn鈥檛 confining in any way. Plus, the bibs were easy to get out of when I needed to pee thanks to the full side zip that鈥檚 secured with a snap on top. I loved them.鈥�

We also loved the cuffs, which were easy to slide over boots, as well as the robust kick guard that kept these from getting cut by ski edges. And the pockets were perfect. Both thigh pockets had extra features鈥揳 loop lanyard on the left, and an inner pocket on the right. The bib pocket, which was sized to hold a beacon, also has a loop lanyard. 鈥淩elaxed fit and true to size,鈥� said Vermont tester Douglas. 鈥淚 felt like a pro in these bibs. They were incredibly versatile for all weather conditions and easy to layer and vent.鈥� 鈥淥n an extra-early storm day dawn patrol, I had to do my morning business in the woods, in the dark, in a blizzard, due to an unfortunate misalignment of circadian rhythms and athletic ambitions,鈥� said New Mexico-based tester Abigail Barronian. 鈥淭he drop seat is perfect鈥揺asy to access with a jacket still zipped, and long enough to easily get the pants out of the way.鈥� The bibs have an embedded RECCO reflector to assist search and rescuers in an emergency. They鈥檙e also cut more generously than other Arcteryx ski bibs we鈥檝e tried, which was a huge win.

Bottom Line: An all-around stellar bib/pant that was a top pick of all testers, and a favorite of women who don鈥檛 usually love bibs because the chest is too tight

Most Versatile Bibs: Patagonia Untracked Bibs ($649)

Weight: 1.3 lb
Sizes: XS-XL

Pros

• PFC-free waterproofing
• Easily transitions from frontside to backside
• Perfectly placed and sized thigh pockets

Cons

• Suspenders aren鈥檛 removable
• Too long for some testers

Freedom. That鈥檚 the word testers most often used to describe these bibs. 鈥淭he pant legs were wide but not too wide and the cuffs fit excellently over my ski boots which often doesn鈥檛 happen with size small bibs,鈥� said Utah-based Anneka Williams. 鈥淚 liked how soft and flexible the material felt. Bibs often feel like they constrain movement or are just made of stiff, resistant fabric. These bibs, though, were super flexible and comfortable for a long day of movement. This made them really versatile across different terrain types.鈥� And long-legged skiers were over the moon with the length. Easy-to-operate dual waist-to-knee zips with one-hand operable zippers made pee breaks quick and efficient. Testers loved the overlapping zipper plus snap high-cut princess waist.

The Untracked bibs are made with an ePE membrane built for the harshest weather and extreme and extended use that doesn鈥檛 leech bioaccumulating PFCs into the snowpack. The bibs use a lighter face fabric and membrane paired with a soft-shell recycled nylon flannel backer and a PFC-free DWR finish. 鈥淭hese bibs offer easy venting so you can regulate your temperature throughout the day and the season,鈥� said Vermont-based Lintilhac. 鈥淭he mid-coverage bib with the drop-seat configuration made it easy to go to the bathroom without taking off all your layers, and these pants gave me all the range of motion I needed in the skin track. The back panel breathed really well and the side vent did a great job of dumping heat while I was on the up track鈥�.

The drop-seat configuration and single-snap, zip-fly closure allowed testers convenient relief when nature called. And testers who bounced between the front country, sidecountry, and backcountry praised the exterior belt loops at the waist which allowed them to lower the bib top on sweaty tours. The Untracked bibs have two zippered thigh drop pockets, and the right pocket has an internal stretch-mesh pocket to hold a beacon or phone.

Bottom Line: The most versatile, and the most eco-friendly bibs you can buy.

Best Bang For Your Buck: Helly Hansen Powderqueen Pant ($300)

Weight: 1.6 lb
Sizes: XS-XL

Pros

• Fun colors
• Gusseted thigh pocket
• Vented thighs

Cons

• Hand pockets have limited use
• Waist doesn鈥檛 stretch

Fully waterproof and breathable, but without the crinkly, techy feel of a lot of the pants we tested, Helly Hansen鈥檚 Powderqueen is made for every skier who wants to have a warm, dry, unrestricted day on the mountain. This pant鈥檚 biggest wins are in the details: double pockets on the right thigh, a redundant snap and clip waist, and stretchy fabric without a ski tight fit. The knees are articulated and the crotch is gusseted for full freedom of movement. And the Powderqueen is outfitted with RECCO to help you get found in an accident. To give these lightly insulated pants weather versatility, Helly added mid-thigh-to-knee zips. Reinforced fabric on the bottom hem prevented ski cuts, while a snow gaiter kept the fluffy stuff out of our boots. Broudy says she loved them because the heathered shell is warm, waterproof and breathable with a chill vibe, 鈥渟o you get pro-level performance in a pant that鈥檚 a little lower key.鈥� Bonus: every pants purchase comes with a free ski ticket through HH鈥檚 Ski Free program.

Bottom Line: An approachable pant with all the best tech, and a more relaxed attitude.

Best Resort-Meets-Backcountry Option: Salomon S/LAB QST GTX Pro Bibs ($600)

Weight: 1.7 lb
Sizes: XS-XL

Pros

• Loads of pockets
• Dual zips for easy bio breaks

Cons

• Loud fabric
• Gaiters were hard to slide over alpine boots

If you鈥檙e often frustrated by the lack of pockets in women鈥檚 ski pants, you鈥檒l be thrilled when you zip into Salomon鈥檚 S/LAB QST GTX Pro Bibs. When Idaho tester Michelle Nicholson was 鈥渟wimming in powder鈥� on the deepest day of the year at Grand Targhee, these bibs kept the snow out. She sang the praises of the QST GTX鈥檚 baggier fit, which accommodated her athletic build without binding. Vermont-based tester Bec Wojtecki felt the same. 鈥淭hese bibs were roomy enough on a curvy medium body to allow me to layer up and down.鈥� The stretchy halter accommodated most chest sizes and shapes. And a long chest zip made the QST GTX easy to get on and off. To-the-knee side zips facilitated bio breaks, and a snap at the waist kept zippers from working their way open as we shussed down the mountain. The bibs are lightweight but heavy-duty. And testers loved that these bombproof bibs came in black, which hid the salsa stains. One chest pocket has a beacon tether, but the thigh pocket does not. The cuffs are adjustable, but inner gaiters are not, and both are cut slim.

Bottom Line: A techy pant that鈥檚 front-country/backcountry ready.

Best For Tall and Lean Skiers: Adidas Terrex Techrock 3L Gore-Tex Bib Pants ($550)

Weight: 1.3 lb
Sizes: XS-XL

Pros

• Easy to operate drop seat
• Sweat-wicking back panel
• Generous two-way zips for venting

Cons

• Thigh pocket is tight for a beacon

Brushed for softness against the skin, and cut for freedom of movement, Adidas鈥� Terrex Techrock 3L Gore-Tex Bib Pants were slim, trim, and sweat-wicking. 鈥淔or taller, leaner skiers, like Douglas, 鈥淎didas really knocked it out of the park with these bibs fit-wise. I didn鈥檛 want to take these off and got compliments apr猫s-ing.鈥� 鈥淭he fit was great: trim through the butt and torso but baggy in the legs, which made them easy to move around in,鈥� said Barronian. They鈥檙e light, with a protective rubber print on the inner cuffs instead of heavyweight fabric, and ribs-to-mid-thigh zips for venting, which also made bio breaks easy. Testers loved that we never needed to worry about snow down the pants with these bibs. They鈥檙e cut high in the back, but the back panel is stretchy and breathable, enhancing movement along with the gusseted crotch, and pre-shaped knees. Major props for the oversized chest pocket that held a phone, keys, and even a sandwich. But the inch-and-a-half webbing waist belt got mixed reviews because it鈥檚 not removable without cutting it off, and some testers thought it didn鈥檛 match the bib鈥檚 clean aesthetic. Bonus: the pants come with a repair patch to keep them in service longer. And another bonus: the bib straps are quick-release and easy to adjust. Snow gaiters let us snap these tight around different kinds of boots, and an inner gaiter snugged around boot cuffs to keep snow out.

Bottom Line: Technical bibs cut for straight, not curvy, women.

Best Insulated Bibs: Flylow Foxy Insulated Bibs ($430)

Weight: 1.7 lbs
Sizes: XS-XL

Pros

• Easy drop seat
• Double thigh vents and chest pockets
• Good value

Cons

• Chest insulation made these too warm for some testers

With universally-appealing steezy style, and all the bells and whistles of the best bibs, Flylow鈥檚 Foxy fit great and held up beautifully even after a season of heavy use. Made from Intuitive Tactic 2L, a wallet-friendly, proprietary waterproof breathable membrane under a 100 percent recycled polyester shell with 40 grams of insulation, the jacket kept testers warm and dry whether the wind was blasting and the snow was falling, or we were being pelted with a wintery mix. 鈥淪uper comfortable, perfectly fit, and warm!鈥� said Jackson-based Flo McCall. Designed for practicality, the drop seat was user-friendly. 鈥淎nytime I needed to use the restroom, these bibs made it so easy鈥� the mesh stretch in the back made it quick to move the butt fabric aside,鈥� said Utah-based Abby Ghent. We also loved that leg pockets close by zipping down, a thoughtful detail that made grabbing a quick snack or some lip balm a non-event. Testers appreciated the oversized side entry chest pocket that was overlaid with a small pocket for keys and a credit card. Powder skirts aren鈥檛 always useful. Powder skirts in Flylow jackets snap to Foxy Bibs to give skiers and riders onesie-like snow protection. Zippered thigh pockets held essentials. These have a back pocket too. And all key zippers are waterproof.

Bottom Line: An insulated bib with attitude and all the features.

Best Mobility: Jones Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs ($500)

Weight: 1.4 lb
Sizes: XS-L

Pros

• Spacious chest and thigh pockets
• Belt loops
• 100 percent recycled fabric

Cons

• Limited sizing

Whether we were lapping the hill, then lunching before lapping some more, hammering out as much vert as we could before work, or snowmobiling to ski backcountry lines, we loved these bibs. Made for big missions, but just as good at handling moderate ones, Jones鈥� Shralpinist Bibs have all the features to let skiers focus on the line without being distracted by confining clothing or gear limitations.

Four-way stretch and a 30K/30K waterproof breathable membrane were protective, soft, and easy to move in without being crinkly or confining. The adjustable shoulder straps were 鈥渟et em and forget em鈥� comfortable. Side seam venting doubled as a release for stress-free bio breaks. And stretch woven panels in the chest and back left plenty of breathing room. The fit was relaxed and flattering without being baggy with belt loops that let us trim the fit if needed, and also drop the bib for hiking. 鈥淭he pockets were perfect,鈥� said Broudy. 鈥淭high pockets accordioned and had an inner stretch sleeve tether to hold a beacon, and chest pocket storage was separated so I could keep track of stuff I needed to carry, and didn鈥檛 have to search around.鈥� And, when the ski day continued into a ski night, these bibs had enough stretch to handle the dance floor. Testers also loved the ski edge repelling gaiters and elasticized inner gaiters which worked as well for skiers as for snowboarders.

Bottom Line: A high-performance bib with extreme weather protection for winter missions.

How to Buy Women鈥檚 Resort Pants

Buying ski pants or bibs is a little like buying jeans. Sometimes you have to try on a few pairs before you find the ones that feel like they were made for you. Here are our top tips for buying the bottom half of your ski kit.

Pants or bibs? Are you a bibs girl or a pants girl? If you hate tight things around your waist, you sometimes tour as well as ski lift-serve ski, or regularly ski in deep conditions, bibs might be the best choice. They have more weather protection, more pockets, and most can be easily dropped without stripping when nature calls.

How鈥檚 the fit? Whatever your size and shape, there are pants and bibs out there for you. Buy a pair with space to layer underneath, and with enough stretch or space that they aren鈥檛 restrictive on the chair, on the slopes, and during apres.

Do the pockets deliver? Whether you need to carry snacks, an avy beacon, a goggle wipe, sunscreen, or something else, get ski pants that have pockets that are intuitive, easy to access, and the right size to hold what you need.

Insulation and vents? The best ski pants for you will keep you warm enough but not too warm. If your personal temperature seems to fluctuate, get pants or bibs with thigh vents. Choose insulated if you always have a cold butt and don鈥檛 want to wear too many layers. Or go for shell pants for ultimate temperature flexibility鈥搚ou can add as many or as few layers as the day requires.

How We Test

First, we get in touch with all the brands we know and love. Sometimes we even awkwardly introduce ourselves to steezy skiers in the lift line when we see ski pants we like and we want to know more. Then we reach out to our favorite ski clothing brands and wrangle samples of next year鈥檚 styles. We box up those pants and bibs and ship them to testers all over the country: Vermont, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, and New Mexico. Then we hit the slopes, the side country, and the backcountry. We ski our faces off, and keep those pants on for other winter activities too: snowmobiling, fat biking, sledding, and of course apres. We do everything we can think of in the pants to see how they hold up, how warm they keep us, and how they feel when we ski them bell to bell, and if the salsa stains wash out. We鈥檙e women from 23-59. Some of us are expert skiers and ski professionals. Some are full-time moms who shred. Some of us are weekend warriors and dawn patrollers who get laps in before work and after hours. All of us love to ski whenever, wherever, and however we can.

• Number of testers: 19
• Number of Products Tested: 28
• Number of Days on Snow: 846
• U.S. States Tested In: 8 (plus 4 countries)

Meet Our Testers

Berne Broudy is a Vermont-based skier who calls Stowe Mountain Resort her home hill, though she spends as much time in the backcountry as possible. Broudy has been reporting on environmental issues, gear, and travel for two decades. She鈥檚 developed and guided hiking and cycling trips all over the U.S. and South America. She鈥檚 led students through Ghana and Peru, and she鈥檚 biked across the United States. She鈥檚 had fat biking first descents in Alaska, she helped establish the first sport climbing in East Greenland, and she was on the first female team to traverse the country of Jordan by bike. Before writing and photographing professionally, Broudy worked in the sustainable forestry industry. She skis every day there鈥檚 snow on the trails behind her house, and clocks resort days and backcountry days anytime and anywhere she can, from Vermont to Japan and all points in between.

Salt-Lake City-based writer and climate scientist Anneka Williams grew up roaming around New England鈥檚 trails and trying to keep up with the 鈥渂ig kids鈥� on ski lines at Mad River Glen. Now 25, she鈥檚 already notched adventures in Chilean Patagonia, the Bhutanese Himalaya, the streets of Copenhagen, the trails of the French Alps, the Alaskan tundra, and the Andean paramo. One of Williams鈥� favorite places to ski is Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico. 鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing better than finishing a ski in the Wheeler Peak basin and then going for a dip in the Rio Grande Gorge, unless you鈥檙e also snacking on chocolate-covered espresso beans,鈥� said Williams.

Kerry Douglas, a 38-year-old Vermont-based ex-ski racer loves groomers, the woods, steep and deep pow turns, and everything in between including earning her turns in the backcountry. Douglas learned to ski at 18 months old sliding down the driveway of her family鈥檚 Stowe, Vermont home between her Dad鈥檚 legs. Douglas recently returned to Vermont after 12 years in New York City where she worked in marketing and visual design for Patagonia. Now she鈥檚 a mom, and she loves raising her daughter in the mountains. Douglas logged 500,000 vert this season. But that wasn鈥檛 her most memorable time on snow. In August 2017, her husband proposed after they booted up La Chimenea in Portillo, Chile.

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