The 11 Best Ski Bibs of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

As an avid skier, I have always preferred ski bibs over pants for fit, coverage, and versatility reasons. Whether I’m skinning uphill, skiing deep powder, or ripping groomers, bibs stay on and in place comfortably without needing a belt. Plus, they give me an excellent range of motion, provide plenty of storage for snacks and a cell phone, do a much better job of keeping snow from touching my skin or base layers, and provide the venting necessary to offload heat to help prevent sweating.

We tested and evaluated 17 ski bibs for aspects like weatherproofing, fit, comfort, design, and durability. Last ski season, we even got our hands on gear that wasn’t officially released until this fall, giving us the chance to test it ahead of the new season. We took them into the backcountry around Jackson, Wyoming, and to mountains like Oregon’s Mount Bachelor and New York’s Hunter Mountain, and many in between. Check out the rest of our picks and guide on how to purchase the best ski bibs for you below.

Best Ski Bibs for Women

Credit: Stio

Why We Love It

• These bibs have it all—excellent waterproofing, vents, pockets, and a back-door design that lets you go to the bathroom without fully removing them.

“These bibs really have it all,” T+L associate editor Anna Popp said. Indeed, Jackson, Wyoming-based Stio seemed to have thought of everything with its fully functional set of bibs. Durable waterproofing? Yep. Quick-drying? Absolutely. Zippered vents to offload heat? You bet. A drop-seat back door opening for quick bathroom breaks? Affirmative. Protective gaiters and boot cuffs to keep snow out? Check and check. 

In particular, Popp loved the fit of these bibs compared to others she tested. Stio employs a straight-legged, regular fit, high-waisted, “mini-bib” design, meaning that while the waist of the bibs comes up higher than ski pants, the top of the bibs sits lower than other bibs we tested. Stretchy shoulder straps increase the bibs’ adjustability. Popp also loves the articulated knees and gussets that allow for a full range of motion. Combine that with the vent zippers, and these are excellent for the skin track and off-piste adventures. The seam-sealed waterproofing kept her dry in some slushy snow conditions, and the 100 percent recycled polyester construction dried quickly. We also appreciate the planet-friendly build, including the fully recycled materials and PFAS-free waterproofing.

While the bibs come in short, regular, and long sizes, and six sizes from extra-small to extra, extra-large, our one nitpick is that we’d like to see a wider range of inclusive waist sizes and more colorways. 

The Details: XS-2XL (short, regular, long) | PeakProof 3L plainweave, 100 percent recycled polyester, 150 denier face fabric | 10k/20k breathability and waterproofing

Credit: Marmot

If you live in a climate where it can snow a ton, or where the snow is wet and heavy (the Pacific Northwest), you might consider a pair of ultra-waterproof bibs like Marmot’s Gore-tex Orion Bibs. These bibs are packed with waterproofing features, including recycled 3L Gore-tex fabric, an additional DWR treatment, and 100 percent taped seams. Even the thigh pockets and zippered leg vents are water-resistant. But these pants are also designed for backcountry travel, meaning that despite the material’s extreme waterproofing, the bibs are still lightweight, stretchy, and packable. And there are some helpful backcountry features, like full-leg vents, loads of pockets, scuff guards below the knees, and a Recco Avalanche Rescue Reflector. 

We used these at Mount Bachelor in Oregon last winter, where it absolutely dumped (600-plus inches of total snowfall last season!). We found that these are highly waterproof and excellent for intermediate to advanced skiers who spend long days on the mountain, both in the resort and off-piste, who value durability, comfort, and reliable waterproofing.  

The Details: XS-XL (32-inch inseam) | 3L Gore-tex material, 3L Gore-tex fabric and C0 DWR treatment | Waterproof

Credit: Mountain Hardwear

The Mountain Hardwear High-exposure series is the brand’s most ski touring-forward pieces of outerwear. While the kit is definitely designed for ski touring and backcountry travel, it’s also an incredibly versatile option for anyone who spends time off-piste or inside the ropes. The core of the versatility lies in the fabric. Mountain Hardwear employs Gore-tex’s 3L ePE C-knit shell fabric, which is ultralight yet fully weatherproof. The water-resistant side zips also boost the versatility, making it easy to offload heat while powering up the skin track. The pants’ waterproofing and light weight allowed us to dial in our layering, again boosting the bibs’ versatility. We spent last season in these during Mount Bachelor’s record-setting snowfall season, loved how dialed the fit is, and the functionality of both the zippers and pockets. If you’re out for dozens (or more) days a year, going between the resort, side, and backcountry, these bibs are an excellent option. Compared to the Marmot bibs above, these are a lighter-weight, more breathable option better suited for anyone who spends time in and out of bounds. 

The Details: XS-XL (short, medium, long lengths) | Gore-tex 3L fabric, Gore-tex C-knit ePE 30D 3L with ripstop 100 percent recycled nylon | Waterproof

Credit: Amazon

Not everyone needs to spend $500 or more on a pair of bibs. If that’s you, we highly recommend these insulated bibs from Helly Hansen, which are the bib version of the brand’s best-selling ski pants. These bibs retain many of the features of the pricier bibs above. Helly Hansen employs some of its proprietary waterproof and breathable materials, including PrimaLoft Black Eco insulation, a PFC-free DWR treatment, and various ventilation options. We used these for multiple days at New York’s Hunter Mountain, and were impressed by how easy it was to put on and remove the bibs—thanks to the large side zips. The bibs also helped her keep warm in some of the colder conditions in which we tested the bibs (between 17 and 28 degrees Fahrenheit). Overall, these are very solid bibs for anyone who skis in resorts a couple of weeks or less total a year. 

The Details: XS-XL | Helly Tech Performance (100 percent polyester) | 80 percent recycled polyester, 20 percent polyester insulation | Partially waterproof

Credit: Norrøna

If you’re spending long days in your bibs, comfort might be a bit more important to you. In which case, we’d highly recommend the Norrona More Flex1 Bibs. Established in 1929, Norrona remains family-owned and excels at creating high-quality, planet-friendly outerwear and outdoor gear. The Flex1 materials are a blend of softshell materials that are stretchy, durable, and breathable. These bibs use Norrona’s “regular fit,” which the brand calls its largest. The articulated knees and seat help boost mobility. The bibs also have all the standard features of other bibs on this list, including ventilation zippers, thigh pockets, a card pocket, adjustable snow gaiters, and a snap-and-zip system on the right hip for easier bathroom use. One thing we’d like to note about these bibs is that, being made from a softshell material, they are best suited for skiers and riders in dryer climates.

The Details: XS-L | 90D 69 percent recycled nylon, 19 percent recycled polyester, 12 percent elastane double-weaved material | Partially waterproof

Credit: REI

If you’re familiar with Arc’teryx, our experience testing the Sentinel Bib Pant for women will make a lot of sense to you. Yes, it’s expensive, but these pants will last you multiple seasons, if not more. The bibs are Arc’teryx’s regular fit, which tends to run looser, but what really makes them stand out is that there are 10 waist sizes (00 to 16) and three inseam lengths (short, regular, and tall), so you can find a really dialed fit. It’s tough to hit all the specifics of why these bibs—and Arc’teryx outerwear in general—are super high-quality, but it basically comes down to the fact that Arc’teryx uses premium materials that are extremely weatherproof and durable. Arc’teryx employs Gore-tex ePE weatherproof and breathable shell and some 80D ePE Soft Shell Dope Dyed flannel backer for boosted comfort. And some PFAS-free DWR increases waterproofing. These bibs are incredibly durable, especially for technical skiers and riders, and are built to last. So are they worth it? We say yes if you’re a serious, intermediate, or advanced skier who spends time in the backcountry or at a resort.

The Details: Sizes 00-16 (small, regular, and tall inseams) | Gore-tex ePE, 80D recycled face, C-Knit backer | PFAS-free DWR and waterproof

Best Ski Bibs for Men

Credit: Black Diamond

Why We Love It

• We think these are a truly do-it-all pair of bibs that are functional, durable, and well-thought-out. 

We loved basically everything about Black Diamond’s Men’s Factor Bibs. And that makes sense. They are the company’s top-of-the-line ski bibs, made for deep powder and long days on the mountain. First, the number and placement of zippers made these bibs easy to put on and take off and to secure. Zippers are on the torso, thighs, waist, and ankles. The vent zippers along the thighs also have snaps, allowing you to totally drop the pants for bathroom breaks without having to take the bibs totally off or readjust the suspenders.

Next up, the side pockets are easy to reach, and the one on the right side has some extra padding, presumably for a cell phone. And there’s a pocket at the small of the back where we store hand and toe warmers. While it’s not the stretchiest material, we easily had a full range of motion. We like that these are shells, since it makes the bibs more versatile and gives us the layering customization that works best for the conditions. You’re paying for Black Diamond’s most premium materials, like its BD.dry waterproofing technology, and PFAS-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. We were also very impressed with the bibs’ durability, and expect to wear these for many, many seasons.

The Details: S-XL (all 32-inch inseam) | BD.dry material | Waterproof with BD.dry and PFAS-free DWR finish

Credit: Outdoor Research

Why We Love It

• These bibs are straightforward, lightweight, packable, and functional, making them an excellent value.

Outdoor Research’s Carbide Collection is a super-versatile, relatively affordable line of ski and ride outerwear designed for beginners to experts who ski in-bounds or in the backcountry. Essentially, if you’re looking for a one-quiver ski outerwear solution, we highly recommend the Carbide Collection, including the bibs. Outdoor Research uses 3L Pertex material and fully taped seams, making it weatherproof and breathable. The lightweight material is packable and comfortable. We appreciated the dual thigh zips for helping to offload heat on the skin track, especially on warmer days. And we noticed thoughtful features like quick-release buckles on the suspenders, a larger right-side zipper, a swing hatch for pit stops, and an avalanche beacon pocket. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better pair of bibs, which is why it’s our best value for men. 

The Details: S-3XL (regular, short, and tall inseams) | Pertex Shield 3L, 100 percent nylon, 40D face with tricot knit backer | Partially waterproof

Credit: Rab

Why We Love It

• Offering excellent durability, stretch, and comfort, we expect to use these for plenty of seasons down the line.

If there’s one thing you definitely want when it comes to backcountry travel and skiing, it’s solid and durable gear. Designed for off-piste travel and skiing, we found these bibs highly durable, waterproof, comfortable, and stretchy. There are a few reasons for the durability: first, Rab employs its 20D Pertex stretch woven nylon shell material, which includes three layers of waterproofing with an additional fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment to amp it up further. These bibs are also very breathable, as Rab tried to achieve the backcountry outerwear unicorn: the protection and weatherproofing of a hardshell with the breathability of a softshell. Rab reinforces the cuff durability with some crampon patches. These bibs also come with the typical bells and whistles you’d expect with high-end bibs, including a drop seat for pit stops, stretchy internal gaiters to wrap around your boots, lots of pockets, articulated knees for ease of movement, and vent zippers at the thighs to offload heat during uphill travel. These are fairly tech-edged pants, so we recommend them for those skiing many days a year and who are especially hard on gear.

The Details: S-2XL | 20D Proflex stretch woven nylon 3L waterproof technology with a fluorocarbon-free DWR finish | 25k/25k breathability and waterproofing

Credit: Mountain Hardwear

New for this season, Mountain Hardwear constructed the Mythogen bibs for the most extreme conditions and backcountry missions. Mountain Hardwear employs a 3-Layer Gore-Tex Pro ePE shell fabric that is incredibly durable, waterproof, ultralight, and constructed with recycled materials. These bibs had a design feature we hadn’t seen on any other bibs we tested: a rainbow drop seat. The vent zips on the thighs meet up in a rainbow on the backside, essentially connecting the drop seat with the vents, which we liked quite a bit. Like the Arc’teryx Sentinels, the Mythogens are an investment. We see that investment being worth it for three types of skier: those skiing a ton of days a season in places with wet snow, advanced skiers spending a lot of time in the backcountry, and anyone wanting to make an upfront investment in a pair of high-end bibs that will likely last many seasons.

The Details: S-2XL | Gore-tex Pro ePE 80D 3L plainweave | Waterproof

Credit: Flylow

If comfort is your jam when it comes to ski outerwear, look no further than the Flylow Baker Bibs. These were so comfortable, we left them on during his long drives home from the ski mountain. There are a few reasons for the comfort. First, Flylow designed these bibs for resort and backcountry skiing. Meaning, they included features to make these bibs excel in many different conditions. They’re also a freeride-style cut, offering a bit more bagginess and stretch compared to some of the other more technical bibs on this list, which are designed to be more form-fitting. We also love the inner and outer thigh vents so you can really offload that heat when you’re earning the turns, the 1000 Denier cuffs and knee reinforcements, ankle gaiters, and a long zipper on the left side to expedite bathroom stops. 

New for this season, we also tested the Gore-tex version of these bibs. Similar in design to the original ones we love, these boast exceptional waterproofing after wearing them in a torrential downpour during spring skiing. They’re a great option if you’re looking for the extra waterproofing, but we stand by our tried and true review of the Baker Bibs.

The Details: XS-2XL (short, regular, tall inseams) | Surface 3L hardshell, 100 percent recycled polyester | PFAS-free DWR treatment

Other Ski Bibs We Liked

There were a few other pairs of bibs we liked for various reasons, but not quite enough to make the list above, which were better overall bibs or had standout features our testers loved.

Helly Hansen Men’s Ridge Infinity Shell Bib 2.0: We liked the fit and flexibility of these pants. They’re comfy, and we had no problem wearing them all day, but there were a few design issues we didn’t love, like the asymmetrical zipper and entry system, and the layout of the zipper pockets. 

Helly Hansen Women’s Aphelia Bibs: We appreciated how warm and waterproof these bibs were, but the fit was a bit awkward with some extra material on the front in the stomach and chest area we didn’t love.

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Arctix Essential Insulated Women’s Overall Bibs: These are a more budget pair of bibs with good warmth and fit. But there was nothing super flashy about these bibs that made us want to move them into the above section.

Our Testing Process

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To find the best ski bibs, we researched and selected 17 bibs to test at resorts in the U.S.

• We made sure to test bibs for skiers of all levels, from newbies to experts with ski racing and backcountry experience. We also tried to get bibs for as many different body types as possible. 
• We skied in these bibs in the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast. Multiple skiers also took their bibs on ski trips to the Rocky Mountains. We tested during frigid bluebird days, smoke-like powder days, and wet Pacific Northwest dumps. 
• While testing the bibs, we considered design, fit, comfort, weatherproofing, and durability. 
• We considered aspects like layering, mobility, warmth, breathability, ventilation, and design features that made the bibs excel in any category, among many other things.
• We also washed each pair of bibs according to the manufacturer’s instructions to test for durability and post-wash weatherproofing.

Tips for Buying Ski Bibs

Consider the conditions

The weather conditions are super important to consider when investing in ski gear. Consider the conditions of the mountain where you ski the most. Are you in the northeastern U.S., where temperatures can be frigid? You may want some ski bibs with some insulation. Same with the Rocky Mountain states. Temperatures can be freezing, and the snow is usually dry. You’ll probably want to prioritize warmth over waterproofing. But if you live on the West Coast of the U.S., you might want to prioritize waterproofing, as it’s usually a bit warmer and the snow is wetter. 

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Fit and mobility are key

For fit, consider your body’s natural temperature regulation. Do you need a lot of layering underneath, or can you get by with less? If you naturally run cold and need more layers, you might consider a size larger than you typically wear. Most brands will have sizing charts for their bibs. We highly recommend consulting those charts.

Mobility is also important, especially if you’re an aggressive or advanced skier or spend a lot of time alpine touring. Look for materials like nylon, polyester, and elastane. Also, look for keywords like stretch woven or four-way stretch. It used to be that you had to choose between weatherproofing and mobility. But these days, companies are doing an excellent job of creating fabrics and weatherproofing materials that are bomber and stretchy. 

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Prioritize weatherproofing and breathability

Speaking of weatherproofing, it’s probably one of the most important aspects to consider. In general, the higher a ski outerwear’s waterproof rating, the less breathable it will be. But, as mentioned above, outdoor gear technology continues to advance, and you can now find ski jackets, bibs, and pants that are highly waterproof and reasonably breathable.

Some brands provide waterproofing and breathability ratings. Companies measure waterproofing in millimeters (mm). The measurement is how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before it leaks. Anything that has a rating of 5,000mm or higher can withstand light rain. Most ski gear is at least 10,000 millimeters, and some of the list above go into the 20,000 millimeters or 25,000 millimeters.

Outdoor gear companies rate breathability using a Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR). The calculation measures grams per square meter per 24 hours, or essentially how much moisture vapor passes through a square meter of material in a 24-hour period. Conveniently, it’s also measured in the thousands, and anything above 5,000 g/m2/24h is considered somewhat breathable. If you mainly ski in resorts and ride the lifts, we recommend something with a rate of 10,000 g/m2/24h to 15,000 g/m2/24h. If you ski backcountry, do alpine touring, or any sort of skinning, we recommend going 15,000 g/m2/24h or higher.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ski pants and ski bibs?

Ski pants stop at the waist and don’t have suspenders or shoulder straps. Ski bibs typically reach up to the chest (though some stay around or just above the waist) and definitely have suspenders or shoulder straps. I have a super skinny waist and have trouble keeping ski pants on, so I started wearing bibs so I didn’t have to continually pull my pants back onto my (non-existent) hips. Bibs also do a better job of keeping snow away from your skin, so if you spend a lot of time on the ground or ski in places with deeper powder and snowfall totals, you might also consider bibs. Bibs are also generally warmer. They just have more material that goes up to your chest, adding another layer of weatherproofing and warmth.

Should I size up to add layers?

This depends on you and your body’s temperature regulation. Most of the bibs we featured above are shells and do not have insulation. So you’ll want to do some base layers. How many base layers come down to personal choice. Most ski bibs run a bit big to account for this, but if you run cold and know you need a lot of layers, you might consider going up a size. Most company websites do a good job of explaining the fit of their ski outerwear and whether you should size up for layering. So make sure you thoroughly read what each brand advises and check out some customer reviews. 

How do I properly care for ski bibs?

Always check the washing and care instructions on your ski bibs and follow those. Most brand websites also have how-to sections on cleaning and caring for your ski outerwear. There are a few general rules for caring for your ski bibs. First, don’t put them away wet. Make sure you hang them dry and let them dry thoroughly before storing them for any length of time. We also recommend folding them to dry instead of hanging them by the suspenders, as that can stretch or wear out the suspenders (similar to not hang-drying a wetsuit by its shoulders). If you can’t find any washing instructions, here are some general rules to follow. First, use a technical detergent designed for outdoor gear. I recommend anything from Nikwax. Use cold or lukewarm water and wash on a gentle cycle, as hot water and intense wash cycles can ruin any DWR coating. Use an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is thoroughly rinsed, and either air-dry or tumble-dry on low heat. Again, avoid any high heat or aggressive tumble drying. As part of our testing, we washed each pair of bibs at least once to test for durability.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure writer Nathan Allen is a professional gear tester, editor, and avid skier. Based in California, he’s skied at dozens of resorts across the western United States. Some of his favorite ski areas include Taos, New Mexico; Kirkwood, California; and Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where he lived for multiple years. Nowadays, you can find him mostly earning his turns in the backcountry. Nathan prefers bibs over pants and has tested ski outerwear from every brand featured in this guide.

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