TREW Gear’s Chariot Bibs come packed with functionality, including seven pockets, a drop-seat, beacon-loop and plenty of ventilation options. Photo: Ella Boyd//The Inertia

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When we’re in the market for bibs, we’re looking for the top do-it-all bibs that not only handle but excel in the most important aspects of ski outerwear. Specifically, that would be moisture management, airflow, windproofing, waterproofing, keeping snow out, keeping heat in, overall ventilation, overall weight, and containing the right pockets and features. You can’t forget fit and style, and we didn’t. 

We tested over a dozen ski bibs from a variety of longstanding brands such as Arc’teryx, Black Diamond, and Mountain Hardwear, as well as newer brands to the scene such as Trew Gear and Flylow. This list contains the bibs that stood out to us above the rest, are capable of handling the coldest days in-bounds and the hottest days in the backcountry after a season of testing in the Lake Tahoe area. Our top pick is the Stio Women’s Figment Bib, and our top pick for the backcountry is the Ortovox Women’s 3L Deep Shell Bib.

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Related: The Best Women’s Ski Jackets | The Best Men’s Ski Bibs 

The Best Women’s Ski Bibs of 2025

Best All-Around Women’s Ski Bibs: Stio Women’s Figment Bib

Best Value Women’s Ski Bibs: Outdoor Research Women’s Snowcrew Bibs

Best Resort/Backcountry Ski Bibs: Black Diamond Women’s Recon Stretch Bibs

Best Backcountry Ski Bibs: Ortovox Women’s 3L Deep Shell Bib

Most Comfortable Ski Bibs: Patagonia Women’s Snowdrifter Ski Bibs

Best All-Around Women’s Ski Bibs

Stio Women’s Figment Bib ($480)

Best For: Freeride/resort
Weight: 850 g
Fit: Trim stylish fit with a surprising amount of room to layer up underneath

Pros: Stretchy, great pockets, fun color options
Cons: Breathability not rated as high as others on this list

If you’re looking for a capable, fully-featured bib that can tackle mid-winter storm skiing, bluebird spring-ski days, and some occasional trips into the backcountry, with a flattering “freeride” fit and stylish colors to boot, look no further than the Stio Women’s Figment Bibs. 100% recycled polyester fabric, 20k waterproofing, and plenty of pockets just add to the experience. 

This is a very capable and durable pant for a wide variety of conditions (with a similar feel to the TREW Chariot Bibs, which are also resort/freeride specific), and despite the higher weight, plenty of venting options make this bib capable of some backcountry-use as well. And for skiers who like to really get a workout in while skiing lift-accessible terrain, this is a great option. The bibs are fully seam-sealed for complete waterproof protection, with internal boot gaiters and a high bib to keep snow out, making them a solid choice for powder. The pockets and key loop are also highly functional, rendering these bibs a solid option for those pursuing bigger lines and more hardcore terrain inbounds. 

For being more resort-oriented, however, the bibs are not as warm as we hoped. That said, the roomy freeride fit allows for plenty of layering-up underneath without compromising fit and performance. We also couldn’t help but notice the material, while being rated to 20k for waterproofing is only rated at 10k for breathability, unlike some other options on this list. That said, we appreciate the plethora of venting options, including inner-thigh vents and a large side-zipper for bathroom breaks that also can double as a vent when things really heat up, making these bibs fully capable of warmer days or intense bootpacks (and some backcountry use) despite the lower-breathability material.

Best Value Ski Bibs

Outdoor Research Women’s Snowcrew Bibs ($299)

Best For: Resort
Weight: 714 g
Fit: Due to the insulation, not as “relaxed” as other bibs, but comfortably loose with enough space to add extra layers if needed, one of the best fits on this list

Pros: Warm, lightweight for insulated pants, good features, durable, stretchy
Cons: 2L construction, but for the price point and stretchiness, it’s hardly a complaint

Despite being insulated and lower-priced, the OR Snowcrew Bibs are one of our tester’s top picks for resort shredding. At 714 grams, these bibs are hardly bulky, and while being 2L constructed, they are extremely weatherproof, stretchy, and durable. There is really no room for complaints with these bibs. 

Compared to other resort-specific bibs, such as the Helly Hansen Powderqueen Reinforced Bib Pants, the OR Snowcrew Bibs are noticeably lighter and a lot more breathable. Considering that the OR bibs are just $74 more than the Helly Hansen bibs, it seems like a no-brainer to pick the more versatile, lightweight, and breathable of the two, especially if you mostly ski lift-accessed terrain. 

The features knock it out of the park, too: seam taping, inner thigh vents for ventilation, and a bib pocket are all appreciated elements of these bibs. A swing hatch makes using the bathroom a breeze, and the reinforced scuff guards ensure these bibs will last you many seasons to come. 

These are durable, functional, and extremely capable bibs, and the price point almost makes them too good to be true. The insulation is a boon for storm days, and the venting options make them capable of warmer resort days, too. They feel so good you just might forget you have them on. 

Best Resort/Backcountry Ski Bibs

Black Diamond Women’s Recon Stretch Bibs ($450)

Best For: Backcountry
Weight: 720 g
Fit: More fitted than other options on this list, but our tester had plenty of room and was never uncomfortable, thigh-area may be tight for some body types

Pros: Lightweight, extremely stretchy, comfortable, weatherproof
Cons: Limited color options

If comfort, versatility, and a well-rounded feature set are your primary concerns, the Black Diamond Recon Stretch Bibs are the ideal solution. The 20k/20k laminated BD.dry waterproof breathable four-way stretch shell fabric with DWR ensures that these bibs are comfy, allow for freedom of movement, and still keep you warm and dry all day long, up and down the mountain. The material is also highly durable, perfectly suited to the rigors of the resort without compromising on stretch and breathability for the backcountry. 

Our tester noted that these are among the comfiest bibs she tried, and the sizing is exactly on point, too. These bibs allow for room to layer without being overly baggy. There is also a belt loop waist with an integrated adjustable belt if there’s any need for adjustment. Compared to other lightweight, backcountry-oriented bibs, such as the Backcountry Cardiac, the Black Diamond bibs are noticeably stretchier than the Backcountry bibs, which feel a bit stiff. If you are looking for ski bibs that almost don’t even feel like ski bibs, the Black Diamond Recon Stretch Bibs are your ticket. 

The venting system is impeccable with a 3/4-length, two-way zipper on the right side for easy on/off, bathroom breaks, and venting, and a 1/2-length zipper on the left for venting. The pockets leave nothing to be desired as well, with zippered bib pockets and two zippered hand pockets. An integrated snow gaiter makes these bibs a storm-worthy option, although they may not be the absolute warmest compared to insulated bibs. Still, it’s hardly a complaint given their stretch and relatively low weight. 

Our only critique with these bibs is the color options: black and two shades of blue don’t leave a lot in terms of creativity, but it’s a pretty easy sacrifice to make when you consider all of the tech, design, and features that went into making these bibs a great choice for both resort and backcountry skiing. 

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Best Backcountry Ski Bibs

Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants W ($650)

Best For: Backcountry/freeride
Weight: 602 g
Fit: Small, size up if between sizes

Pros: Comfort, weatherproofing, breathability, features
Cons: Runs small; size up if in between sizes

Ortovox’s 3L Deep Shell Bib is the perfect option for women who spend most of their time in the backcountry but still want something durable enough to do some time on the resort. These bibs are perfectly capable of anything skiing inbounds could throw your way (read: wind, powder, hard snow, precipitation, and cold) without sacrificing low weight and breathability.

The weight of these bibs is right on par with other touring-focused bibs we tested, so we have been pleasantly surprised with how durable the 3L material is. Compared to the Arc’teryx Sentinel Bib, the weight is almost identical, however, the Ortovox bibs feel less prone to rips and tears in tight glades, and the general durability is more reliable. And despite hitting these benchmarks, the material moves super well, ensuring your range of motion is never compromised. Although they run slightly small (our tester sized up and was very happy with that baggier fit) the comfort is as good as you can ask for in a pair of ski bibs. The sizing issue is also improved by the fact that these bibs have an adjustable waistband with velcro fasteners, as well as the typical integrated suspenders to keep them up, ensuring a good fit, even if you size up.

The features provide everything you could need in a backcountry bib, with a chest pocket, hip pocket, extended thigh pockets with a beacon loop on the right, and integrated gaiters. The long, set-back 2-way zipper (ventilation/easy removal) isn’t our tester’s top choice for ventilation systems, compared to the Stio Women’s Figment Bibs, for example, but the system still works great, is not a hindrance to the overall performance, and you will not feel sweaty or overheated even in the deepest mogul fields or while wearing these bibs on the uphill. Ortovox is known for its high-quality, backcountry-oriented gear, and the Deep Shell Bibs live up to the hype. 

Most Comfortable Ski Bibs

Patagonia Women’s Snowdrifter Ski Bibs ($400)

Best For: Backcountry
Weight: 600 g
Fit: Surprisingly good fit – trim and tailored-feeling, but plenty of room underneath and no uncomfortable tightness

Pros: Comfort, warmth, breathability, drop-seat
Cons: Vents are small 

Without a doubt, these bibs were the comfiest of all the ski bibs we tested this season. A flawless fit and stretchy material leaves you perfectly happy skiing bell-to-bell, or getting multiple laps in the backcountry. 

These lightweight bibs are packed with serious weather protection, and our tester was surprised by how warm the bibs felt on colder resort days despite being so breathable and backcountry-oriented. And to cap things off, the 3L H2No protection in a 100% recycled polyester stretch fabric is not only eco-friendly, it’s functional. 

The pockets and features, while solid for a backcountry bib, are fairly minimal because pockets add weight and reduce stretch. We are also surprised at the fairly small outer-thigh zip vents, which don’t offer a ton in terms of ventilation. However, the lightweight and breathable fabric makes up for this fact on the uphill. These bibs are noticeably lighter than other backcountry options such as the Black Diamond Women’s Recon Stretch Bibs. Also, these bibs offer a drop-seat for easy bathroom access, a huge plus for any bib in any setting. Insanely comfortable and functional, these are a no-frills-except-where-it-counts style of bibs, and they rank high on our list as a simple, reliable option. 

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Best Of The Rest

Durable Resort Shell

TREW Gear Chariot Bib ($499)

Best For: Resort/backcountry
Weight: 893 g
Fit: On the baggier/relaxed side of things, but fit great, less freedom of movement due to heavier material

Pros: Pockets, durability, features, color options
Cons: Suspender straps with buckles can irritate if wearing backpacks

The Trew Chariot Bibs are the perfect choice for the skier who gets a ton of days in at the resort, rain or shine, and needs something durable that still allows for layering underneath. These bibs deliver on many levels: the construction is extremely sturdy without being overly stiff, they are water-resistant, seam-sealed, and the leg vents allow for letting off steam on the toughest boot packs. 

The fit is seamless: truly relaxed without being overly baggy, these bibs allow for a full range of motion without feeling flimsy. They feel a tad heavier than other shell options, such as the Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants, but lighter than other resort-specific bibs such as the Helly Hansen Powderqueen Reinforced Bib Pants (which are also insulated, so not a perfect comparison).

The features on these bibs also add to their high score: internal boot gaiters, TechSteel cuffs and kick patches to reduce tears when walking around are all necessary elements of any good resort bibs. For safety features, these bibs are fully equipped with a transceiver chest pocket and a RECCO reflector. The drop seat, while it may seem silly, is a standout, especially for women’s bibs which often do not consider nature’s calling into ski bib constructions. 

The color options, while a little abnormal, certainly offer something for everyone, with rusty orange, deep green, pastel purple, midnight blue, pear green, and, of course, black and white. 

The only downside of these bibs, if we had to pick one, would be the straps, which are a strange material and have buckles at the end, which can be irritating if you are wearing a backpack. But it definitely isn’t a reason to avoid these bibs, and being made of 100% recycled nylon (sustainable!) with 20k/20k waterproof/breathable material, these bibs rise to the top for skiers looking for a heavy-duty, non-insulated resort shell bib. 

Runner-Up Backcountry Bib

Backcountry Cardiac GORE-TEX Pro Bib Women’s ($550)

Best For: Backcountry
Weight: Not listed
Fit: Very baggy, most relaxed fit on this list

Pros: Weatherproof, GORE-TEX material, abundance of pockets, lightweight, fun color options
Cons: Slightly stiff, runs baggy, if between sizes, size down

If you are looking for an extremely lightweight, functional, and weatherproof touring bib, look no further than the Backcountry Cardiac GORE-TEX PRO Bib. 

The 3L GORE-TEX ensures these pants will keep you warm, dry, and still allow your skin to breathe on the hottest days. This bib is slightly stiffer than other bibs we tried, but due to its very relaxed fit, that isn’t an issue. Movement is not restricted at all. 

The side-waist zippers, adjustable suspenders, and abundance of pockets (in fact, there were pockets in pockets!) make this bib a top choice for the backcountry. Compared to other backcountry bibs, such as the Arc’teryx Sentinel Bib Pant Womens, these bibs are perhaps less sleek looking, but have far more accessible pockets (and far more of them) than the Arc’teryx bibs. It is also worth noting that the Backcountry Cardiac GORE-TEX Pro Bibs are $439, while the Arc’teryx bibs are $700, making the Backcountry bibs a steal in comparison.

The gaiters and RECCO system also make this a highly functional option for powder days, although you’ll want to layer up underneath (and there is plenty of room to do so). Our tester enjoyed this bib even in bounds, noting on windy days, nothing got through even with minimal layering underneath. 

Of note, Backcountry has just released the 2025 version of these bibs, with a more flexible, but still weather-ready material. We’ll be sure to update this review with the latest version as we get out and test them this winter.

Luxurious Freeride Bibs

Arc’teryx Sentinel Bib Pant Womens ($700)

Best For: Freeride
Weight: 595 g
Fit: Fitted, size up if between sizes

Pros: Durability, stretch, GORE-TEX material, color options
Cons: Fit smaller than normal (size up if in-between sizes), front pocket smaller than ideal

The Arc’teryx Sentinel Bib feels luxurious. The 3L GORE-TEX fabric and DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish repels moisture and keeps you warm in serious weather (wind and snow), while the thigh vents keep additional heat out when needed. 

The brushed liner adds noticeable softness and gives these bibs the iconic, high-end Arc’teryx feel. They excel in comfort compared to other freeride bibs our tester reviewed: they are a tad softer than the Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants, and they are stretcher than the Stio Women’s Figment Bib. However, they are sleeker (meaning they have fewer features and pockets) than the other options, so the trade-off is clear: these Arc’teryx bibs are for the comfort and style-oriented skier, while the Stio and Ortovox bibs are geared towards the hardcore charger and the backcountry specialist, respectively.

The front pocket is incredibly useful for stashing a phone or small items, but if we had to critique something on these bibs, we would like to see a bigger pocket for storing larger items. An embedded RECCO reflector adds to security when pursuing bigger lines, and there are two pockets with sewn-in loops for a transceiver if you pack one. 

These bibs do fit small, which is a trend with Arc’teryx products, and something the brand even notes in the item description on their website due to customer feedback. So, it goes without saying, but size up with these bibs.

Other than that, these are sleek, stylish, comfortable, and durable bibs, and are a great option for the resort with the ability to take on the backcountry as well.

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Runner-Up Hybrid Bib

Flylow Moxie Bib ($430)

Best For: Resort/backcountry
Weight: 680 g
Fit: Small, size up if between sizes

Pros: Stretch, true resort/backcountry hybrid
Cons: Runs small, size up if in between sizes

The Moxie Bib has a straight-leg fit as opposed to more relaxed styles, but that’s not to say it isn’t relaxed. The 3L fabric ensures breathability and stretch, as well as stormproofing. A 20k/20k waterproof/breathable membrane and DWR waterproofing are somewhat of a given for all bibs, but still makes this a solid contender for a hybrid ski bottom. 

The features are solid, too. Large pockets, a drop-seat in the back for ease of using the bathroom, durable enforced knee and seat fabric, and seam taping ensure that this bib will last you all season riding chairs and hiking up trails and tracks in the backcountry. 

Inner and outer thigh vents mean you won’t get too hot, no matter how high your output, and because this pant is designed for both in and out-of-bounds skiing, you won’t get chilly, either. Compared to other backcountry options, such as the Patagonia Women’s Snowdrifter Ski Bibs, for example, the Flylow Moxie Bibs are much warmer, but, also heavier given their hybrid nature. While the Flylow bibs are not perfect for backcountry skiing, they are a one-bib-quiver for people who truly split their time down the middle (and they will definitely keep you warm no matter which part of the world or which month you are skiing in). 

The color options are somewhat limited but definitely have an option for everyone (with just plain black if that’s your jam). Our one bone to pick with these pants (and it’s not a major one) is the sizing: size up if you are in between sizes. This was one of the slimmest pants on the list besides the Arc’teryx and Ortovox, but again, that’s something that can easily be navigated by sizing up. Once you’re in the right fit, everything else about this bib will be a breeze. 

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Runner-Up Best Insulated Bib

Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bib Pants ($300)

Best For: Resort
Weight: 811 g
Fit: Fitted with room to layer, true to size, insulation adds some bulk but doesn’t impact range of motion

Pros: Price point, weatherproof, warm, versatile, durable
Cons: Not the most breathable, but this is an insulated pant

At The Inertia, we usually prefer shell bibs to insulated ones for a more versatile use while skiing. But the Helly Hansen Powderqueen Reinforced Bibs almost made us rethink that opinion. 

Somehow extremely durable without being bulky, these bibs offer complete weather protection on storm days and warmth even in sub-zero temps, and are actually designed with backcountry use in mind (but if you’re shopping for a year-round backcountry bib, you may want to choose a non-insulated option). There is room to layer underneath these pants, but the light insulation should be more than enough for all but the absolute coldest of days. Large outer thigh vents allow you to shed heat quickly on warmer days or on the uphill. These pants are fully seam-sealed, windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. 

As mentioned previously, despite their durable nature, the bibs do not feel overly stiff. While the insulated element makes them slightly less free-moving than other stretchier or lighter options, they feel extremely durable and can withstand any type of skiing you’re after. On powder days, this may be our first choice. 

Compared to other insulated bibs our tester tried, such as the Flylow Moxie Bib, the Powderqueen Bib does feel slightly bulkier (on the plus side, they also felt more durable), but their price point more than makes up for it. Plus, the fit is impeccable, and the durability is the best out of all three insulated options. 

The features are highly functional, which makes sense because lots of Ski Patrol teams use Helly Hansen gear to work in. A chest pocket, hand pockets, thigh pocket, belt loops, beacon-specific pocket (a huge plus in our book), and adjustable waist ensure you can pack it in and dial in an optimal fit. Our tester is extremely impressed with not only the amount of pockets but ease of getting things in and out of them (some bib zippers are sticky or concealed behind other fabric). 

At a low price of $300 (under half of what other companies charge for bibs), this is a no-brainer first choice for those on a budget who are looking for bibs that will last. 

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Best Mountaineering Bibs 

Mountain Hardwear Women’s Routefinder GORE-TEX Pro Bib ($650)

Best For: Backcountry/mountaineering (very capable bib)
Weight: 636 g
Fit: More fitted than most options on this list with an emphasis on function over style

Pros: Attention to detail with pockets and features, GORE-TEX material, stretchy
Cons: Color options

The Mountain Hardwear Women’s Routefinder GORE-TEX PRO Bibs leave almost nothing to be desired. These things are durable, and the attention to detail shows through. 

The 3L construction ensures these bibs are stretchy and allow for freedom of movement, however, a regular fit will feel slimmer than many of the other, more relaxed options on this list. Our tester does prefer freeride fits, but because of how functional these bibs are, they still ranked very highly in terms of scoring and capability on the mountain. 

Where these bibs shine is really in the pockets and features. Not only do these bibs have a lot of pockets, but there are internal elastic gear bands to strap stuff down and keep things from bouncing around in your pocket. Storing keys and your phone in one pocket? No problem. Besides pockets, (there are two zippered chest pockets, thigh, and hand pockets) there is also a full rainbow zipper configuration with drop-seat functionality, and a front zipper with fly access.

The features excel even between similarly priced bibs: for the same price, the Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants come with a chest pocket, hip pocket, extended thigh pocket, and additional light carabiner (avalanche transceiver loss protection) on the right, and integrated gaiters, but the sheer amount of pockets and the drop-seat capability of the Routefinder bibs makes a big difference when the temps drop low.

Breathability is another strong suit for these bibs, and full-length side zippers with snap closures at the ankles allow for a ton of venting without making these bibs seem flimsy or overly cooled. The hem cinch, cuff eyelets, and internal gaiter all feel like a bonus. Because these bibs were designed for mountaineering, perhaps it comes as no surprise that these are some of the more capable bibs on our list. The only downside, if we had to pick one, is the color options. Then again, the colors that are offered are neutral, so again, it’s not a huge dealbreaker. Unfortunately, it seems that Mountain Hardwear is discontinuing these bibs, so grab them while you can. 

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An integrated belt on the Stio Women’s Figment Bibs helps ensure a snug, high-performance fit. Photo: Ella Boyd//The Inertia

Best Women’s Ski Bibs Comparison Table

Getting after it in the Arc’teryx Sentinel Bib Pants. Photo: Chase Boyd//The Inertia

How We Tested The Best Women’s Ski Bibs

We scoured the internet, ski movies, friends of friends, the resort parking lot, what the local pros are wearing, and more to find the top ski bibs in the game. All the bibs on this list come from reputable brands with an eye for trends in the outdoor industry and years of experience, so while a few rose to the top, these are all very capable options. 

Lead gear tester Ella Boyd is a lifelong and accomplished skier, who cut her teeth on the ice-slopes of Maine before turning her attention to the powderfields of the West. Last season, she got in over 100 days under her belt – er, bibs – in the Lake Tahoe area, putting these ski bibs and a variety of ski jackets to the test on piste, off-piste, on strenuous bootpacks, and, due to the wacky season we had, skiing in an extreme variety of conditions. No matter if the weather threw out wind, rain, bluebird skies, or (especially) deep (sometimes heavy) powder, Ella got out there. Hiking when the ropes drop, cruising when they didn’t, and finding secret stashes long after storm days. Comfort, ventilation, and capability in deep snow are all important to her. 

Despite being backcountry-oriented, the Patagonia Women’s Snowdrifter Bibs are more than capable of taking on the hardpack of the resort. Photo: Chase Boyd//The Inertia

We rated each of these bibs out of 10 on their Durability, Breathability/Ventilation, Pockets/Features, and Comfort (with considerations for fit). We’d include waterproofing as a rating category, but all of the bibs included here repel rain and snow as they are designed to do so, so this didn’t turn out to be a defining category. 

Style was also a consideration, though we left it out of the ratings as personal preference plays a huge role in whether one might consider a bib to be stylish, or not. When we talk about style in this guide, we are mostly referring to how well the bibs fit on a woman’s body (meaning more hips than our male versions of these bibs) and color choice. That said, style is certainly something to consider in choosing your ski bibs. After skiing a hard line, you may want to hit the bar or the burrito window with your friends and should feel comfortable and proud to be wearing your ski gear when you do so. 

Inner and outer-thigh vents on the Backcountry Cardiac Bibs let you really get a cross-breeze going when hiking. Photo: Chase Boyd//The Inertia

Best Women’s Ski Bibs Ratings Table

Interior-thigh vents on the Stio Figment Bibs add critical breathability. Photo: Ella Boyd//The Inertia

Best Women’s Ski Bibs Buyer’s Guide

What Features Should I Look For On A Pair of Ski Bibs?

To some extent, that depends on your jacket. But all of the bibs listed here have solid ventilation, lots of pockets, drop-seat capabilities for easy bathroom access, and weatherproof material for when you actually rely on your outerwear. 

Ventilation and Breathability
Vents are important (and a necessity for touring) but what really counts is the material. We at The Inertia love GORE-TEX for its weatherproofing and breathable nature. Besides that, thigh vents are appreciated (although not as good as full-on waist-t0-ankle vents), and inner-leg zip vents like those on the Stio Figment Bib are appreciated as well. 

In-bounds, while it may seem breathability is not a factor if you’re just looking for warmth, it is just as important. If sweat freezes, you freeze, so staying dry and ventilated will actually help keep you warm, too. 

TREW Gear’s Chariot Bibs come with a whopping seven pockets. Photo: Ella Boyd//The Inertia

Pockets (lots of them)
Pockets are not just a convenience thing. They are a bona fide essential feature. They can reduce weight in the sense that if you have enough, and big enough, pockets, you may not need a day pack. 

However, pockets add weight and reduce movement slightly, so for pure touring capabilities, perhaps opt for bibs with only the pockets you really need. Does your jacket have them? Does your backpack?

The Patagonia Women’s Snowdrifter Ski Bibs, for example, may run light on pockets, but as they are made for backcountry skiing, the assumption is that the skier is carrying a backpack. Freeride bibs, such as the Stio Figment, have pockets almost to a fault, but weight isn’t as much of a consideration, and the benefit of freeride bibs is that often they allow skiers to head to the resort backpack-free. 

The other aspect of pockets that changes depending on the design is the internal organization. Keyholders, straps, and elastics can help keep things separate and secure while you’re bouncing around.

Suspender Straps

Suspenders need to be durable to keep your pants on, comfy enough to wear all day, thick enough not to cross over at the slightest movement, and not fight with your backpack straps. That’s pretty much it. But as simple as it is, it is surprisingly hard to find. The TREW Chariot Bibs, for example, excel in almost every way, but the straps on the bibs have big buckles (which can interfere with backpacks) which are placed where backpacks may sit, and are thin and elastic, rendering them more finicky than, say, the straps on the Backcountry Cardiac where the straps fall into place where they will not interact with a backpack, should you choose to wear one. 

Extended side zippers on the Ortovox Deep Bibs (top of the bib down to the knee) provide both ventilation and drop-seat capability. Photo: Ella Boyd//The Inertia

Drop-seat capability
Especially for us women, having a drop seat saves time and energy. No one wants to completely undress to use the bathroom. While you can save some money with bibs that forego this feature if you are after a resort-specific bib, having a drop-seat capable bib is not a want, it’s a need in the backcountry. Many bibs, including the TREW Chariot Bib and the Mountain Hardwear Women’s Routefinder, have included drop-seat capabilities into their bib designs. 

Material
The goal of your bibs is to keep you warm and dry. Some materials, like GORE-TEX, are more breathable and weatherproof, but worthy contenders include Black Diamond’s BD.dry, Flylow’s Perm HD fabric all fit the bill. 

Bibs that use GORE-TEX typically put it right in the name, and for our list includes the Arc’teryx Sentinel, Backcountry Cardiac GORE-TEX Pro, and the Mountain Hardwear Routefinder GORE-TEX Pro.

Besides material, though, the enforcements at the knees, ankles, and seat will improve the durability of your bibs. The Flylow Moxie Bib, for example, features enforced knee and seat fabric for those parts of the bib that see the most wear and tear.

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Stio’s Figment Bibs come in some awesome, stylish colors. Photo: Ella Boyd//The Inertia

Editor’s Note: To complete your kit, check out The Best Women’s Ski Jackets. For more options in women’s outerwear, check out our guides to The Best Women’s Snowboard Jackets and The Best Women’s Snowboard Pants. For winter jackets, here’s our guide to The Best Women’s Winter Jackets. For men, see our guides to The Best Ski Bibs and The Best Ski Jackets. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here. 

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