Ski bibs are a superior alternative to traditional ski pants. If you don’t believe us, try them for yourself. It will change how you ride, ski, and recreate outdoors. In this article, we discuss the best ski bibs for women on the market, as well as all of the features and considerations you should have in finding the top pair for you.
Some key considerations on how to choose the best ski bib for you are:
Fit is crucial for comfort, performance, and warmth. Just like jeans for women, every ski bib brand fits differently. A baggier fit is better for comfort, range of motion, and warmth, with extra space for layers. An athletic fit is better for performance. When looking at bibs for women, keep an eye out for pieces that offer an adjustable waist, like Ortovox’s 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants, adjustable suspenders, and even belt loops. Bibs are more versatile and accommodating than ski pants.
Why would you rather wear a bib when it is already a hassle to pee outside? Two words: Drop Seat. A drop seat is an integrated zipper design that allows you to relieve yourself in the backcountry, off-piste, or simply in the bathroom without the need to take off layers and pull down your bibs.
Are you skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or doing it all? Do you prefer to earn your turns or resort romp? Regardless, there’s a bib for you with a specific design, fit, and insulation to match your level of activity outdoors.
The most high-quality bibs for women will be waterproof and prepared for snow, rain, or a damp climate.
Waterproofness varies by brand and garment. Each piece of clothing is measured by how much water can be placed on the fabric before it leaks. Then, the garment is rated from 5,000 to 20,000 mm or greater.
Anything from 0-5,000 mm is resistant to light rain or dry snow, while anything above 20,000 mm is waterproof from heavy and dense precipitation and wet climates. Typically if you live near the coast, you live in a wetter climate with heavier snow. If this is the case, you should invest in a product that prioritizes waterproofness.
The highest quality waterproofing technology is Gore-Tex. It’s not only waterproof and windproof but also breathable, which is typically harder to come by when materials have a higher waterproof rating. Although Gore-Tex is the standard, other companies are creating their proprietary version of waterproof and breathable gear that uphold just as well with a smaller price tag.
Fabric is essential because it impacts weight, waterproofness, durability, and breathability. Some fabrics are 2-layer (2L), while others are 3-layer (3L). 2L garments are actually bulkier and less breathable than 3L fabrics. 3L materials include a bonded third layer that separates the membrane from the other inner layers. This layer prevents moisture buildup and protects the waterproof membrane. Companies invest in this fabric technology to create a lighter, breathable, and waterproof product. Although these pieces come at a higher price. High-quality ski kits will often use a 3L construction rather than a 2L because of its proximity to wet conditions.
A bib that features exterior or interior leg vents is crucial for backcountry and spring skiing. It’s a bonus if the zippers are two-way constructed for more versatility and convenience. The option for ventilation not only keeps you cool on the uphills and on bluebird days, but it also allows you to wear your bibs for varying activities and weather conditions.
Give the ladies what they want: pockets!
This is one of the massive advantages to buying bibs over pants. Bibs are designed to feature more pockets. Typically, bibs feature one or two wide and long thigh pockets for beacons or cell phones (not both) and two additional hand pockets above. Then the upper half of the bib is home to varying sizes of pockets for snacks, ski passes, chapstick, etc.
When deciding on the best women’s ski bib for you, also consider price, ventilation, RECCO reflector, and pockets (who doesn’t love pockets?).
Find the best women’s ski bib of 2024 for you here:
MSRP Price: USD 430
Best for: Resort & Backcountry
Waterproof: Yes
Insulated: No
Weight: 650g/1.43lb
Flylow is created by and for skiers. They know their gear, especially ski bibs.
The Flylow Foxy Bib is the best women’s ski bib on the market. It’s stylish, flattering, and a functional essential for inbound laps and laying down the skin track. The fabric is a recycled Tactic 3-layer (three layers of fabric) softshell with high-performance Durable Water Repellent (DWR), which means it’s stretchy, waterproof, and breathable.
Other features are generous thigh vents for uphill missions, the drop seat, and pockets, pockets, and more pockets! For fit, the Flylow Foxy Bib makes it easy with a true-to-size design and options for three different inseam lengths.
The one con to be wary of on the Flylow Foxy Bib is the lack of a beacon clip for backcountry use and safety.
Flyflow Foxy Bib pockets
Features:
View On FlyFox | View On Backcountry | View On Evo | View On Amazon
MSRP Price: USD 199
Best for: Resort
Waterproof: Yes
Insulated: No
Weight: N/A
If, and only if, you’re casually skiing resorts or an entry-level skier, then the North Face Freedom Bib at $199 is hard to beat.
The bib fabric is seam-sealed DryVent 2L fabric. 2L rather than 3L is actually bulkier and less breathable. Additionally, the DryVent technology paired with 2L fabric is more prone to moisture buildup. You may feel moisture through the North Face Freedom Bib if you’re skiing in a wet climate or prolonged periods of wet weather.
As a low-cost option, other bibs outpace this particular design, but it still offers valuable features. The North Face Freedom Bib has inner thigh vents, a side-entry zip for bathroom access, and pockets. Although you should typically size up in this kit, the bib has adjustable suspenders, belt loops, and inclusive size ranges from XS to 3XL with an inseam range.
With the North Face Freedom Bib, you buy what you pay for with a little more upside.
Side entry zipper system
Features:
View On North Face | View On Backcountry | View On Evo | View On Amazon
MSRP Price: USD 699
Best for: Resort & Backcountry
Waterproof: Yes
Insulated: No
Weight: 658g/1.45lb
Are you asking yourself if $699 for a ski bib is worth it? Trust us, it is.
The Norrona Tamok Gore-Tex Pro Bib is the Norwegian brand’s most durable waterproof ski and snowboard bib pants. It’s made from a recycled 3L 200D Gore-Tex Pro fabric. What does this mean? The bib is waterproof, breathable, windproof, and incredibly durable.
The Norrona Tamok for women features a high-rise design for extra protection, a side left zipper for easy entry and pee relief, snow gaiters, pockets, and adjustable suspenders.
“This is my favorite bib I have ever worn/tried on,” according to another review. “The material is super sturdy without being too stiff, the cut is super flattering without being too tight or loose for me, and I love the pocket and zipper features. I am 5’2” 115lbs and the size Small fits perfectly (usually small pants are too long for me). Would recommend as a go-to freeride and backcountry touring bib.”
When deciding on a size, prepare for a relaxed fit or size down as these bibs run long and big.
Investing in the Norrona Tamok Gore-Tex Pro Bib is investing in your experience outside. Do it if you can!
Gore-Tex on Norrona Bibs
Features:
View On Norrona | View On Backcountry
MSRP Price: USD 365
Best for: Backcountry
Waterproof: Yes
Insulated: No
Weight: 583g/1.28lb
Rab’s Khroma Kinetic Waterproof Bib is one of the lightest weight bibs on the market. Weight, stretch, and breathability are a pro for this technical piece best used for ski touring and ski mountaineering.
What is stretch? Stretch is the mobility of a garment. Aside from its lower cost and weight, Rab’s Khroma Kinetic Waterproof Bib (and other Khroma Kinetic products) offers an integrated Matrix stretch double weave nylon back. This means there is more room for activity and durability!
These bibs also offer pockets for stashing and convenience when you’re skinning, a drop seat (of course), durable crampon patches, and Proflex Fabric. Proflex is Rab’s innovative fabric that is breathable, waterproof (20,000 mm), and protective. Plus it’s fluorocarbon-free.
Fluorocarbons are common chemicals where carbon bonds with fluorine to create a potent greenhouse gas. They are often used in waterproofing technologies.
“This highly breathable, waterproof fabric combines the performance and protection of a traditional hardshell with the comfort, stretch, and feel of a softshell,” according to Rab.
Features:
Price: USD 650
Best Activity: Backcountry
Waterproof: Yes
Insulated: No
Weight: 602g/1.33lb
One of the best technical bibs on the market is the Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Bib. Although these bibs shine in the technical terrain of the backcountry, these are a worthy resort piece if you’re willing to spend the money. Last year the German mountaineering company came out with its first women’s specific bib, and it quickly earned a place on the podium for best ski bibs.
First things first, this bib performs in every condition. Whether it’s whipping winds, dumping snow, or a glorious spring bluebird day, these bibs keep you comfortable. If the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants were bibs, these would be it.
The Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Bib is constructed from a 3L Toray Dermizac EV Elastic PU membrane that’s blended with merino wool. Integrated throughout the piece is a hybrid of Swiss wool and Tasmanian merino wool to protect areas that are susceptible to the cold. The technical detail given to this piece makes it 100% windproof and waterproof (20,000mm) with fully sealed seams too.
And it gets better. These bibs have two two-way zippers on the side that are long and set back for ventilation and easy bladder relief outdoors. The pockets are abundant and strategically placed. The right thigh pocket also has an integrated carabiner for your avalanche transceiver for ease of use.
The praise is endless for the Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Bib. They’re stretchy, stylish, sendy, and snowboard-friendly. Look good, ride good, right?
Ortovox bibs not letting any snow in anywhere
Features:
View On Ortovox | View On Powder 7
Women’s Carbide Bibs
MSRP Price: USD 299
Activity Use: Resort & Backcountry
Waterproof: Yes
Insulated: No
Weight: 618g/1.36lb
Outdoor Research’s Carbide Bibs won Ski Magazine’s Gear of the Year Award, and for good reason.
These bibs are built with the adventurous skier and snowboarder in mind. The Carbide Kit is constructed with Pertex 3L waterproof protection, an avalanche beacon pocket, dual side zips, and easy backcountry bathroom relief. One of our favorite details is the quick-release Arcade suspender buckles that make it easy to remove or add a layer.
The Carbide bibs also offer inclusive sizing for women, an initiative that Outdoor Research is implementing across its brand. You can purchase these bibs in an XS to a 4X. Plus, the bib is reasonably priced compared to the market.
Features:
View On Outdoor Research | View On Backcountry | View On Evo
MSRP Price: USD 449
Activity Use: Resort & Backcountry
Waterproof: Yes
Insulated: No
Weight: 535g/1.18lb
Based out of Aspen, Colorado, athlete-owned Strafe created the high-quality Willow 3L Shell Half Bib with the adventurer in mind.
“The new Willow Half Bib is a beautiful slimmer fitting shell pant that marries all-mountain performance and style,” according to Strafe.
The half bib is a shell pant with slightly more coverage and adjustable suspenders. This style is lighter weight, more breathable, and a perfect fit for backcountry missions.
The fabric features Strafe’s Recon Elite 4-way stretch with 3L waterproof (25,000 mm) construction and DWR finish. Strafe’s proprietary 4-way stretch ensures the garment’s durability, longevity, and mobility during strenuous activities like romping in the mountains all day. The waterproof and fully seam-sealed Willow 3L Shell Half Bib keeps you warm and the weather out, but the 2-way hamstring vents also give you the option for ventilation and breathability on warmer bluebird days.
The Willow also provides pockets, side entry access, and stretch powder gaiters. Plus it’s a true-to-size stylish, and flattering active fit.
Strafe’s Willow Half Bib allows you to skip the limitations of a full bib while reaping the benefits of a high-quality, weatherproof backcountry essential.
Features:
View On Strafe | View On Moosejaw
![Women's Burton [ak] Kimmy GORE‑TEX 3L Stretch Bib Pants](https://hikingandfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Womens-Burton-ak-Kimmy-GORE‑TEX-3L-Stretch-Bib-Pants.jpg)
MSRP Price: USD 619.95
Best Activity: Backcountry
Waterproof: Yes
Insulated: No
Weight: N/A
Although most bibs are compatible with skiing and snowboarding, designs typically favor the skier, and we want to look out for our lady riders too.
Of course, Burton and Kimmy Fasani, professional boarder, came out with the perfect bibs to earn your turns and search for untouched powder fields. The Burton AK Kimmy Stretch Bibs have 3L breathable and lightweight stretchy Gore-Tex fabric. Plus, the bib is fully seam sealed, so you’re protected from the elements if you’re waist-deep in powder.
Other features we love are the drop seat, chest pocket with a beacon clip, RECCO reflector, and adjustable suspenders. This piece is breathable, waterproof, durable, and an ideal staple in your backcountry kit.
It runs true to size with a relaxed fit for style and comfort.
Great side access and ventilation
Features:
View On Burton | View On Evo | View On Amazon
