The Best Men’s Ski Bibs of 2024-2025

Snow bibs keep snow out and warmth in. They’re versatile, comfortable, and serve you well for all types of ski days. The best men’s ski bibs offer more storage than ski pants, are compatible with the shoulder straps of ski backpacks, and you can ditch a belt. These trousers are rounded out with quality material, leg vents, a drop seat, and often a matching jacket.

King options like the Flylow Gear Baker Bib dish out top-of-the-line waterproofness and breathability, knee patches, a side zipper that serves as a drop seat, shoulder straps that swiftly buckle on and off, plus kick patches with double the tenacity of other bibs. Other 2-layer designs, such as the The North Face Freedom Bibs, lack a drop seat, detachable suspenders, and stretchier fabric but are stylish, functional, and fit the bill for the average in-bounds shredder.

For bib buffs who are simply searching for a quality pair, we’ve broken trail on that account since this guide was first published in 2022. For six or more months out of the year, we don snow bibs for -10 degree windchill, moisture-laden backcountry tours, stormy resort days, international missions, and while shoveling multiple feet off the deck. Our picks range from crown-shelf, pricey options to more affordable kits that won’t break the bank.

If you’re not sold on the benefits of bibs, read on for reasons to hop on the bandwagon in our Buyer’s Guide, which spotlights Price & Value, at the bottom of the article. Scroll down to the Comparison Chart to help guide your decision-making process. Otherwise, read our full gear guide below.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Men’s Ski Bibs buyer’s guide on November 11, 2024, to include the awarded Arc’teryx Sabre Men’s Bib Pant.

The Best Men’s Ski Bibs of 2024-2025

Men’s Ski Bibs Comparison Table

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Best for, Fit, Waterproofing, Pockets.

How We Tested the Best Men’s Ski and Snowboard Bibs

The GearJunkie team has tested a huge variety of men’s ski and snowboard bibs over many winters at the resort and in the backcountry. From icy midwestern slopes to deep Rocky Mountain pow and mountaineering expeditions in Swedish Lapland, we’ve worn snow bibs just about everywhere.

Our Expert Testers

Lead author and tester Eric Phillips likes finding the deep stuff and has tested a huge variety of bibs over many winters at the resort and in the backcountry, as well as while serving on Crested Butte Search & Rescue. From deep and cold powder days to hot and sunny spring days, he has used these bibs for skiing, snowboarding, backcountry snowmobiling, bootpacking, search and rescue missions, bonfires, and après.

In the winter, GearJunkie Assistant Ski Editor Will Brendza slides on two sticks as much as possible. As a lifelong skier, he’s not afraid to take on-the-bench bibs into a blizzard, inbounds, or in the backcountry.

Gear tester Austin Beck-Doss originally authored this guide in 2022. Athlete Will Martinez tested men’s ski bibs in the 2022-2023 season. Another significant field tester and contributor to this guide is Drew Zieff, who’s based in Tahoe City, Calif. Phillips rounds out the crew with photography, gear testing, and written reviews. This guide has been updated five times as of fall 2024.

Our Testing Grounds

With a home base in Crested Butte, Colo, Phillips tests ski bibs in the coldest temps, harshest wind, and deepest snow in Colorado and the Lower 48.

While Zieff is based in California, he travels all over the world with his snowboard testing gear from Alaska to Japan and even the Arctic Circle. Beck-Doss is based in Wyoming. After being raised there, Brendza still calls Colorado home.

In spring 2022 and 2023, Crested Butte Mountain Resort was the host location for the official GearJunkie Ski and Snowboard week, where our team meets to test upcoming hardgoods and softgoods.

Our Testing Process

These men’s ski and snowboard bibs have been carefully assessed for quality, value, sustainability, and long-term durability. We take note of the fit, suspenders, drop seat, ventilation zippers, pockets, backcountry compatibility, cuffs, material hand feel and noise, density, belt loops, stretch, and adjustability.

Some of our testers have used their choice snow bib for many years with no signs of wear or a desire to switch. Beyond our team’s experience, we considered the most popular, innovative, and acclaimed snow bibs on the market, as well as a broad range of price points, applications, and styles.

We’re confident this list is composed of the best men’s ski and snowboard bibs available today. We’ll be sure to update the list as new models hit the market and more field notes spill in.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Men’s Ski Bibs

‏Now that we’ve covered the best ski bibs on the market, we’ll break down everything you need to know so you can find the perfect product for you.

Keep in mind, ski bibs come in many different styles and cuts including the chest height of the one-piece, insulation, number of pockets, fixed versus removable suspenders, and the cut: freeride and baggy versus athletic and fitted.

For a few reasons, ski bibs have a leg up on ski pants.

Reasons to Try Snow Bibs

Other than adding more grams to your kit, there are a handful of pros that come along with swapping out ski pants for ski bibs:

• ‏Defense against the deep stuff: Forget a powder skirt — the upper section of your bibs will keep out unwanted snow whether you’re breaking trail through thigh-deep pow, digging a pit, or choking on face shots.
• Pockets galore: Thanks to additional real estate on the chest, bibs tend to have more pockets than your average backcountry ski pants.
• No belt needed: Ditch the belt and rely on suspenders for a more comfortable stride on the skin track. (Or, add a belt to create an extra kangaroo pouch.)
• Backpack compatibility: In the backcountry, you wear a backpack. We’ve found that bibs are more compatible with fully-loaded airbags than ski pants, as the hip belt of the pack can rub on the beltline, causing discomfort, and make ski pants sag.

How to Layer: Ski Bibs

Base Layer

Most men’s ski bibs come without insulation, a.k.a. they’re known as a shell. These bibs work best by layering a men’s base layer underneath. When it’s really cold out — like if it’s well below freezing at the ski resort — you might also add a midlayer like puffy pants. It’s important to have these layers underneath a ski bib for the best comfort, sweat-wicking power, and warmth.

Outer Layer

An uninsulated shell or insulated ski jacket goes on the outside of your bibs. For freezing days, you could add a puffy over or under the bib and beneath a shell jacket. Generally, a down jacket will reflect heat faster if it’s below your bib and closer to the body.

Avalanche Safety Gear

If you’re going into the backcountry, make sure to wear your avalanche transceiver in a zippered beacon pocket with D-ring: on bibs, the pockets on the thigh, chest, or along the midsection are typically designed to fit a beacon. If the device isn’t in a pocket, secure it in a chest harness underneath or above your bibs.

Either way, you want to be sure the beacon is quickly accessible and far enough away from your other electronics such as a phone and radio. According to the Utah Avalanche Center, you want your beacon 20 cm (8 inches) away from other electronics while it’s transmitting and 50 cm (20 inches) away from electronics when it’s in search mode.

Resort vs. Backcountry Ski Bibs

In the backcountry, if you want to go down you’ve got to go up — which usually means hiking or skinning through unimproved terrain. Also, backcountry skiing and riding tends to involve harsh weather conditions, deeper snowpack, and fewer laps versus at the resort. 

The ski resort is a more controlled environment. For the most part, a day of resort skiing involves riding a chairlift uphill and descending on improved and avalanche-mitigated terrain. Riders often charge harder in-bounds, utilize pockets over a ski backpack for storage, and get significantly more runs compared to the backcountry. Style, fit, and color also might play a bigger role in the resort and après scene.

Many of the ski bibs on this list will function perfectly well in both resort and backcountry settings. However, this versatility often means that the bib is a jack-of-all-trades — and a master of none. If you’re looking for a bib that you will primarily use for one discipline over the other, you’ll want to buy one that’s purpose-built for your skiing style of choice.

Resort Ski Bibs

Since resort skiing doesn’t require uphill hiking, resort-style bibs tend to be less breathable than backcountry bibs. Some even lack a drop seat and generous leg vents. The resort is where you’d consider wearing insulated or baggier freeride bibs. On this list, The North Face Freedom Bibs are perfect for resort skiing or riding.

Backcountry Ski Bibs

Generally, backcountry-leaning bibs have more pockets and storage options. They typically come with a more durable fabric for the uphill motion and gear load from a pack to crampons. Backcountry bibs will have accessible places to store essentials such as an avalanche beacon or extra apparel.

They’ll be a lighter-weight fabric that’s super breathable for uphill performance. You’ll absolutely want a drop seat and generous leg vents in a backcountry bib. The Outdoor Research Hemispheres II GORE-TEX Bibs thrive in the backcountry.

Drop Seat

Using the bathroom in the backcountry — or frontcountry, for that matter — can be a challenge. Fortunately, ski bibs have that figured out with the drop seat. You don’t need to take off your jacket in a stuffy stall in order to pull down your snow bibs to relieve yourself. Instead, you snug up your jacket a bit, pull the side or back zipper all the way down or around, and the fabric on the back of the bib will ‘drop away.’ Then you can take a seat and follow your normal routine. Most bibs have a separate front zipper fly for business number one.

Drop seat designs vary from brand to brand. For instance, the drop seat on the Patagonia SnowDrifter Bibs allows you to unzip both sides of the drop seat, so you can choose the size that works for you or zip down both for extra range. Other drop seats have side zippers that reach super far down the leg to offer an even larger opening, which can be convenient for variable terrain in the backcountry, like the Trew Trewth Primo Bib.

Waterproofness & Breathability

The waterproofness level of your ski bibs is important. The snow water equivalent — the amount of liquid water in the snow — differs depending on where you ski across the country. Often shared as millimeters, the waterproofness rating is based on the amount of water the fabric can withstand before being soaked through when a 1-inch diameter of the fabric is stretched tight for 24 hours.

Generally, four snow climates exist in the United States: coastal, transitional, intermountain, and continental. The closer you are to the coast, the water content will be higher in the snow, meaning it’ll be wetter and heavier. Snow in continental climates is dryer, lighter, and accumulates less compared to the coast. That includes most of the Rocky Mountains, such as in Colorado. Intermountain regions and ranges show characteristics of both. Transitional areas are similar to the coast but with less rain and snow.

A snow bib with 30,000 to 20,000mm of waterproofness will be supreme for the Pacific Northwest and other coastal areas. A 10,000mm level of waterproofness is a good choice for climates with dryer and less snowfall or folks that only ride on sunny days. The less waterproofing, the smaller the bill.

Usually, a second metric is displayed adjacent to the waterproofness: The fabric’s level of breathability, which is based on how many grams of water vapor can pass through a square meter of fabric, from the interior to the exterior, in 24 hours.

Here’s a glance at the waterproofness and breathability levels of our selected men’s ski bibs:

Water Resistance & Chemical-Free Construction

In addition to the fabric construction, various chemical treatments can be used on the exterior face of ski bibs to add water resistance. The treatment changes the surface texture of the fabric and allows water to collect in droplets or beads, which then roll away.

Some products like the Helly Hansen Odin 3L Bib are challenging the industry norm by achieving the same performance as a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) without the use of chemicals and also without a surface treatment for water resistance.

Ski bibs often use PFC-free or chemical-based DWR, which needs to be reapplied every season. Make sure you know which type of DWR your bibs have so you can be prepared to reapply if necessary, as well as the exposure you might have to chemicals.

Pushing the outerwear space for 2023-2024, GORE-TEX and Patagonia are helping to pioneer ski outerwear kits made with 2-layer and 3-layer recycled fabrics that are totally free of PFCs (per- and poly-fluorinated chemicals), as well as PFC-free membranes and PFC-free DWR. Many brands are starting to launch ski bibs with that GORE-TEX ePE technology, including Patagonia, followed by REI Co-op with the REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bibs.

‏Insulation & Layers

When shopping for backcountry outerwear, it’s best to avoid the blubber. Insulation is key to enjoying the backcountry — let alone surviving it — but relying on quality base layers and midlayers is a much more versatile and preferable strategy than relying on thicker outerwear.

Be on the hunt for uninsulated shell bibs. If you’re touring in colder weather or operating on a budget, you might check out very lightly insulated bibs. Fully insulated bibs are best saved for laps at the resort or snowmobile adventures.

While none of our favorite bibs are insulated, the Patagonia SnowDrifter Bibs have a noticeably feathery feel. If you prefer a heavier shield over shaving grams, opt for a different bib.

‏Ventilation

We highly recommend picking out ski and snowboard bibs with ventilation zippers, which are placed alongside each leg on the exterior or interior or both. The zippers will be one-way or two-way. A two-way zipper — like the one used on the Outdoor Research Hemispheres II GORE-TEX Bibs — has two pulls, which allows the teeth to remain latched at the top while the other slider opens the lower portion of the elements, creating a window to draw in air.

Very few zippers are fully waterproof but some brands do invest in that upgrade. Inside the zipper, you sometimes have a mesh liner for skin protection against sun or snow flurries while other brands opt for no mesh, which can potentially get snagged in zipper teeth. Overall, the length of leg zippers varies from bib to bib, as does the size of the pull. We tend to dig longer zippers, which provide a larger aeration port and bigger pulls that are easier to grab with gloved hands.

Bib Straps & Belt Loops

One of the most convenient features of men’s ski bibs is using shoulder straps to hold up your pants instead of relying on a waist belt. Belts are one thing when you’re skiing at the resort, but when you’re touring in the backcountry, they can be a literal pain in the ass. Ditch the belt and rely on suspenders for a more comfortable stride on the skintrack.

Straps give you the adjustability to raise and lower the bibs on your torso. Most of the time this comes from a plastic slider buckle on the elastic shoulder strap. But the Picture Welcome 3L Bib have a Velcro strap adjustment, which also lets you release the suspender from the front for easy entry. The width and density of the shoulder straps is unique from one bib to the next.

Some straps lie straight over the shoulders, like the Jones Snowboards Men’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs, while others cross in the back like the Picture Welcome 3L Bib. Certain designs are fixed while others are totally removable.

That said, some men’s ski bibs include belt loops, too, including the Outdoor Research Hemispheres II GORE-TEX Bibs. Some of our testers swear by loops, which they use to create a kangaroo pouch inside chest-high bibs, for quickly stashing gloves or other small apparel pieces against the torso.

While the Stio Men’s Figment Bib drops loops, it has a unique integrated belt with an adjustable slider. The Jones Snowboards Men’s MTN Surf Recycled Bibs keeps belt loops in addition to an adjustable waist.

Pockets 

Every bib-pant is different, but all ski bibs need useful pockets. A couple of our favorites are kangaroo-style pouches on the front chest and zippered avalanche beacon pockets with D-rings. 

Wide and long thigh pockets are especially great if you don’t like larger items, like a cellphone or beacon, bunching up near your hips. It’s also important for the dimensions to be large enough so that (ideally) you can grab belongings without removing your gloves.

A medley of pockets with a range of sizes are usually situated on the upper half of the bib unless the bib is designed to be shorter and end at the waist. The Outdoor Research Hemispheres II GORE-TEX Bibs has a unique off-centered chest pocket for a beacon with an angled entry. Some bibs also have two zippered hand pockets in the front — which are angled and closer to the hands compared to thigh pockets — or pockets on the backside.

Fit & Extended Sizes

Bib fit comes down to your style and application. Athletic designs are slightly more form-fitted, mountaineering-friendly, and ergonomic for ski tours like the Jones Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs. Baggier, freeride kits, such as the Stio Men’s Figment Bib, provide comfort for a wide range of motion. But the extra material can add weight and bulk in the backcountry, so those bibs are typically better worn at the resort.

Snowboarders tend to want a roomier torso because they constantly bend over to adjust bindings. Pant legs need to have a broader circumference to fit over snowboard boots, while ski boots are narrower.

Bibs that are too tight will chafe on the skin track. Designs with tapered, unobtrusive, and reinforced cuffs will go a long way, especially if you’re planning on wearing your bibs while using crampons. Voluminous pant legs can be downright dangerous in the backcountry and can get torn to shreds by crampon spikes or metal edges.

If you’re looking for extended sizes, don’t overlook the Trew Gear Trewth Primo Bib. Trew is one of the few brands to offer short and tall options, plus they launched 3XL-5XL plus sizes (with short and tall iterations) in 2023-2024. While they don’t offer plus sizes, the REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bibs delivers short and tall options up to XXL plus XXXL.

Reinforced Cuffs & Gaiters

At the bottom of the pant leg, narrower cuffs fit better over ski boots compared to snowboard boots. That’s especially true for larger boot sizes or those with a BOA system that sticks out.

Some cuffs are adjustable with side zippers or snaps, which allows you to expand the circumference when you pull the pant leg down over your boots. We prefer that design approach for snowboard and splitboard boots if the pant leg is more fitted.

For tenacity, most cuffs are reinforced with materials like Kevlar or Cordura to help prevent the material from shredding over time or getting cut up by metal edges in the lift line or on backcountry tours. Fabric patches, also called scuff guards, can help protect the lower pant leg from ski crampons like on the Helly Hansen Men’s Odin Mountain Infinity 3-Layer Bib Ski Pants.

To help keep the pow out, we recommend ski or snowboard bibs with internal gaiters that secure well over boots. Gaiters with boot adjustment access are also a plus but are not common.

Sustainability

We’re seeing some ski bibs represent more sustainable manufacturing with details like recycled materials, PFC-free water repellency and construction, and carbon offsets. Some brands meet third-party standards and accreditation related to the environment or workplace health and safety, like the OEKO-TEX standard.

Green Textiles

While most bibs that dabble in recycled materials hinge on a blend, the Jones Snowboards Men’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs is made of 100% recycled materials, taking the green crown.

Pushing new technology, Picture recently developed an upcycled fabric dubbed the Circular, which launched in their 2023-2024 winter apparel and is used in the Picture Welcome 3L Bib Pants. The material combines 40% post-consumer fabric from used garments and 60% factory scraps that would otherwise go to landfill. The in-house textile replaces Picture’s bio-sourced polyester, offering a lower carbon footprint that boasts the same quality standards as traditional polyester. Kudos.

Chemicals & Surface Treatments

An acronym that you now see everywhere is PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals). They’ve been used for decades in the outdoor industry to impart Durable Water Repellent (DWR) properties onto technical fabrics by coating the exterior surface. PFCs also exist in other steps in the manufacturing of textiles.

These components can generate health problems for humans and animals, plus they’re extremely toxic and persistent in nature. ‍Many brands have switched to PFC-free water repellents that function as well as or better than their chemical counterpart. The Flylow Gear Baker Bib is one of our favorites that has a PFC-free high-performance DWR coat. 

In 2023-2024, Patagonia became the first brand to produce winter apparel completely free of PFCs with the 3-layer GORE-TEX ePE membrane in the Patagonia Men’s Untracked Bibs. The design eliminated long-lasting perfluorinated chemicals from the fabric, membrane, and topical treatments.

Third-Party Environmental Certifications

Several manufacturing certifications have been achieved in our men’s ski bib guide including the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Bluesign certification, and Fair Trade qualified.

OEKO-Tex Standard

Our highlighted Jones Snowboards Men’s MTN Surf Recycled Bibs and Jones Snowboards Men’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs are certified to the OEKO-TEX Standard. Every component of the garment — every thread, button, and other accessories — has been tested for harmful substances aand supports human health.

Bluesign Certified

The Trew Gear Trewth Primo Bib, REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bibs, and Flylow Gear Baker Bib are Bluesign certified. This means that chemicals of concern are kept out of the creation process, and the material impact is low or eliminated, all benefitting the health and safety of the environment, workers, and wearers.

Fair Trade Certified

In another column, the Patagonia Men’s Untracked Bibs, REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bibs, and Patagonia Men’s SnowDrifter Bibs are Fair Trade certified. The outer layers’ materials have all met rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards, including safe working conditions and environmental protection.

Carbon Neutral

Albeit uncommon, REI is Climate Neutral Certified, so we give a nod to the REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bibs. The organization measures its annual carbon emissions and purchases an equivalent amount of verified carbon credits to offset those emissions.

‏Price & Value

Budget

Our budget pick for this guide is The North Face Freedom Bibs ($220) and, boy howdy, do they stack up for the price. Not far off is the REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bibs ($269). The biggest differentiator for economic options is they’re typically 2-layer designs versus a stronger, more weather-resilient 3-layer build. In this case, both designs lack detachable suspenders, a stretchier fabric, and the Freedom Bibs lack a drop seat. All considered, they’re still stylish and functional and can deliver weather protection for many in-bounds shredders.

Mid-Tier

Many of our favorite men’s snow bibs fall into the $300-$480 range. Here, you find more of the jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none designs. But some of these bibs are tailored to a particular purpose and made with top-shelf materials yet have brought the price tag down like the Jones Snowboards Men’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs ($475).

These mid-level bibs are often made with tenacious material, thoughtful design touches like removable suspenders and drop seats, and sustainable upgrades. But they might not all offer lightweight textiles, performance in extreme or persistent conditions, the utmost durability, and the versatility that’s packed into the premium bibs. This tier also includes the ultra-sustainable Picture Welcome 3L Bib Pants ($387), Patagonia SnowDrifter Bib ($399), and Jones MTN Surf Recycled Bibs ($400), as well as the well-rounded Flylow Baker Bib ($430) and Stio Men’s Figment Bib ($479).

Premium

The most expensive bibs on our list are the most ergonomic and technical when dealing with the elements. These sit around the $500-600 range and are tailored for extreme backcountry use due to lighter, breathable, durable, high-end, and sustainable fabrics. The pockets are usually dialed and you can expect the durability to be the best in the books.

If you count grams on the up, these bibs are worth the extra pennies. The Trew Trewth Primo Bib ($499), Helly Hansen Odin Bib ($500), Patagonia Untracked Bib ($649), and Outdoor Research Hemispheres II Bib ($649) all fall in this arena.

But the priciest option on our list is the Arc’teryx Sabre Men’s Bib Pant ($700) with a PFAS-free ePE fabric, membrane, and flannel backer. Some skiers feel that the buttery ePE fabric is very lean and provides light protection, especially from cold and wind, despite high durability — so adding a flannel layer combats that issue. The bibs also have RECCO, multiple reinforcements surrounding the cuffs, belt loops, easily adjustable suspenders, and a spacious drop seat. If you’re looking for a top-notch backcountry tool, this is the one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ski bibs are like high-waisted ski pants that are suspended by straps over the shoulders. Picture a pair of denim overalls, but ski bibs are made out of multilayered water-resistant materials like nylon blends.

Both options are great. The bibs versus ski pants decision comes down to personal preference. If you plan on spending a lot of time skiing or riding in deep powder, bibs are a great bet. The extra-high waist keeps snow and moisture out, and the suspenders prevent them from sliding down or bunching up. Bibs generally offer more pockets for carrying essentials.

Ski pants have their benefits, too. It’s easier to go to the bathroom in ski pants — especially in the backcountry. Also, pants tend to provide a bit more flexibility and breathability than bibs. Layering can be a bit more simple in ski pants.

Bib fit can generally be broken down into three categories: slim, regular, and loose. Each of these options has advantages and drawbacks. For example, slim bibs might match your style preferences, but you might also struggle to fit additional midlayers underneath.

No matter how you choose to style your bibs, you’ll want to make sure they provide good protection from the elements. The bottom hem of your bib legs should reach or cover your ankles. Ideally, they shouldn’t touch the ground.

The best ski bibs will also have good stretch in the waist and chest area. All the bibs we’ve reviewed here had an accurate fit and great adjustability in the suspenders.

For many backcountry skiers, bibs are the preferred choice. Deep powder is common in the backcountry, and the high waistline of bibs provides an excellent snow and moisture barrier when you’re floating through the good stuff or take a tumble.

Though many skiers and riders prefer bibs in the backcountry, they do come with a few downsides. First, bibs can be very warm while hiking uphill. Be sure to find a pair that features breathable materials and functional vents. Also, using the bathroom in the backcountry while wearing bibs can be tricky. Many bibs have built-in flaps to simplify the process: the drop seat, which is opened via one or two side zippers or a clamshell zippers that goes around the hips.

Ski bibs work well for both skiing and snowboarding, as well as snowshoeing or snowmobiling. The biggest difference between these sports is the boots. The necks of snowboard boots are generally wider than ski boots, and they don’t always fit smoothly into narrowly designed leg hems.

Most snow bibs have a traditional front zipper for number one.

These days, most snow bibs are designed to be able to use the bathroom for number two without needing to take off the entire bib. This is achieved through a drop seat, which is a specialized zipper that allows the fabric on your backside to drop away from your body while the shoulder straps remain in place. It might take a few tries to master, but don’t let nature’s call scare you away from snow bibs. 

Most ski bibs are shells, meaning there’s no built-in insulation. Depending on the weather — including the temps, wind, and precipitation — you’ll tailer your layer underneath the bib for the best warmth.

On cold below-freezing days, we recommend wearing a heavier-weight wool or wool-hybrid base layer. Or, you could wear a lighter base layer plus a midlayer underneath the snow bib like puffy pants. Make sure your upper body’s base layer and midlayer are situated underneath the shoulder straps and upper fabric of the bibs, as well. It’s more insulating and comfortable even though it takes additional time to pull the layers on and off throughout the day.

In the backcountry, you can wear your avalanche transceiver with a chest harness (under or over your bibs) or clip it into a bib pocket on the chest or thigh. You just need to be aware of the other electronics you’re toting around. The Utah Avalanche Center reports that your beacon should be 20 cm (8 inches) away from other electronics while it’s transmitting and 50 cm (20 inches) away from electronics when it’s in search mode.

For hot spring days, it’s common for folks to just wear underwear beneath their bibs (and no base layer) and to open a vent directly to the skin.