You have many choices when it comes to what to wear when you participate in snowsports. In recent years, bibs, which are essentially overalls you can use for skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing, have become increasingly popular. Snow bibs tend to offer extra snow protection, warmth and storage. Still, some athletes continue to prefer snow pants for their ease of use and familiarity. The choice between the two comes down to comfort, features, capabilities and, of course, your personal preferences.
To better understand the best option for you, let’s look at the differences between snow pants and bibs, and the benefits of each.
What’s the Difference Between Bibs and Snow Pants?
Snow bibs or snow pants are waterproof or water-resistant bottoms that keep you dry and warm during winter activities. The main difference between bibs and pants is the amount of coverage they offer. Pants (also called snow pants or ski pants) secure around your hips and waist, whereas bibs ride higher, covering your upper body and securing via adjustable (sometimes stretchy) straps that go over your shoulders. Picture the difference between jeans and overalls. Same idea.
The Benefits of Snow Pants
Snow pants tend to be more straightforward to wear and they're familiar. You can pull them on and off quickly, even while wearing a jacket. They may be more comfortable for skiers and snowboarders who run warm and so don't need the added coverage of a bib. Most ski and snowboard pants come with some kind of waist adjustability system, almost like an integrated belt, so you can cinch or expand the waist for a custom fit. Some snow pants also have loops so you can add a belt. Bathroom breaks are generally easier with snow pants and more intuitive; while many snow bibs brands are designing bibs with features like drop seats or long side zips to simplify bathroom breaks, it can still be annoying to answer nature's call.
Snow pants have their downsides, too. They might slip down or feel too constricting if they don’t fit correctly or lack a proper waist adjustment system. And pants, unlike bibs, leave a gap where they meet your jacket, so snow can get in when you fall.
The Benefits of Bibs
Some people prefer bibs for added protection and warmth in cold temperatures. Bibs secure over your shoulders with help from an adjustable suspender-like system. “I wear bibs 100% of the time,” says Britt Berg, a senior designer at REI Co-op and creator of the First Chair and Powderbound snow outerwear lines, which feature both snow pants and bibs. Berg says she finds bibs more comfortable “as they don't constrict the waist when doing the moves that snowboarding and skiing require, from sitting on the chair to deep squats when carving."
Bibs’ high coverage also stops snow from entering your waistband after a tumble or on a deep powder day. And bib tops can serve as an extra layer to provide warmth under your jacket, almost like an insulating vest. Bibs have a comfortable, loose feel around the midsection, given that there’s no waistband. Another bonus: Bibs typically offer extra storage thanks to ample pockets.
Of course, bibs have drawbacks. The shoulder straps can be difficult to adjust or uncomfortable. Some adjustable straps may loosen and slide off your frame or dig into your back when you’re wearing a backpack. If you’re someone who tends to run warm, bibs’ extra material may cause you to overheat. Some bibs require you to remove your jacket and pull down the suspender straps to disrobe for a bathroom break. Others have a side or rear zipper that lets you make a pit stop without too much undressing. “I recommend finding a pair of bibs that zip up the thigh as it makes for easier access,” says Emma Cullen, a brand advertising specialist for REI who skis about 100 days a season. “It is always nice to not have to take off all your layers to go to the bathroom, especially in the backcountry.”
What Activities Are Best for Bibs or Snow Pants?
The good news is that both bibs and snow pants are designed to handle all activities in the snow, whether you’re a backcountry skier, a park-and-pipe snowboarder or a snowshoer. For backcountry users and those recreating in warmer winter climates, choose uninsulated, breathable snow pants or bibs. If you’re someone who skis or rides mostly in-bounds at resorts or you run cold, you might consider insulated snow pants. Remember that bibs offer an extra degree of warmth for your upper body.
You’ll also want to consider waterproofing. If you plan on skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing in a place that’s typically cold and dry, you may be able to get away with a water-resistant pair of snow pants or bibs. But if precipitation is in the forecast, opt for fully waterproof snow pants and bibs. All snow pants and bibs should be breathable, to allow moisture to escape when you’re work up a sweat. You can read more about waterproofing and breathability below.
For more information on what to wear for snowsports, read What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding.
Size and Fit
Check the manufacturer’s sizing chart to determine the best size snow pants or bibs for you. Most pants and bibs come in sizes ranging from, XS to XXXL, and some have options for shorter or longer inseams. A few brands have switched to numeric sizing for pants, with sizing options that look more like size 0–16.
You should also consider your preferred fit. Whether you choose snow pants or bibs, you want your clothing to move with you and accommodate layers. Too-tight outerwear restricts movement while skiing or snowboarding; overly baggy outerwear can make motion feel cumbersome. Having a vision of your intended use for the pants or bibs can help guide your decision.
Whether you go with snow pants or bibs, you’ll want to make sure you leave enough space underneath to fit a base layer (long underwear) for added warmth. “I love that I don’t need to worry about snow going between my layers when I wipe out," says Cullen. "Bibs are also easy to layer jackets over when you’re taking layers on and off throughout the day.”
For more information on how to layer for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, read How to Dress in Cold Weather.
Additional Features of Bibs and Snow Pants
Still deciding on the right bibs or snow pants for you? These features can help you narrow down your choice.
Drop Seat: Some bibs have features that make it easier to use the restroom. “Drop seat” refers to a feature where the rear unzips to allow for pee breaks. Sometimes bibs may have one (or two) extended side zippers that run from the top of the bibs down to yours knees to let you peel the pants away when nature calls. “Bibs can make going to the bathroom annoying if the design requires taking your jacket off, so check that the back can drop without taking everything off,” says Berg. For example, she designed the First Chair GTX Snow Bib and Powderbound Insulated Bib with two-way outer hip/thigh vents so you can drop the back for easier bathroom breaks.
Materials, fabrics and insulation: Choosing a fully waterproof fabric is smart if you ski or ride in wet conditions. Look for snow pants or bibs made of a two or three-layer hard-shell or insulated-shell fabric with a waterproof membrane or coating treated with a durable water repellent (DWR). DWR helps prevent precipitation from saturating your outer layer’s exterior. On the other hand, bibs or pants made of soft-shell fabric may not perform as well in wet conditions but tend to be more breathable and flexible for high-output activities like ski touring or hiking.
Leg vents: Many snow pants and bibs have a ventilation system that allows you to regulate your body heat. This feature usually looks like a zipper on the inner or outer thigh or both sides of the leg that you can unzip for maximum airflow. Some leg venting comes with a barrier feature—like mesh or another light breathable cloth barrier—to prevent snow or moisture from entering.
Pockets: Consider options for storage, too. Bibs tend to provide ample pockets, especially in the torso area, where a kangaroo pocket or pouch might fit larger items like a smartphone. Consider what you’ll need for your outdoor endeavors and how much you plan to carry. Many brands also intentionally position pockets to accommodate a harness or backpack straps.
Safety features: Some bibs or pants incorporate RECCO technology, a reflective rescue system that’s sewed into the pants or bibs, typically on the leg near the boot cuff. In the event of an avalanche or snow immersion incident, rescuers can utilize a special device compatible with RECCO to locate victims. Other bibs and snow pants come with a pocket or secure attachment system for an avalanche transceiver, a critical device for backcountry travelers that emits and receives radio signals to help locate people buried in avalanches.
How to care for snow pants and bibs
Follow manufacturer instructions when washing and maintaining your snow pants and bibs. You can typically find care instructions on the outerwear label or the brand’s website. After washing, many snow pants and bibs can go in a dryer on low or medium heat (always check manufacturer instructions).
The buildup of dirt and debris on snow gear can impair the performance of its DWR finish. You might notice that water no longer beads up on the surface of your snow pants or bibs when this is happening. To revive your garment’s DWR treatment, wash and dry it following manufacturer guidelines, and then dry for an additional 20 minutes on low or medium heat.
For more on how to care for snow pants and bibs treated with DWR, read Rainwear: Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Care.
