Aside from choosing the correct skiing equipment, you also need to meticulously pick the outfit that you will be wearing for your day on the slopes. Your clothes should be comfortable and allow you to move freely, and most importantly, your clothes should keep you warm. One of the clothing items that you should consider getting is a pair of ski bibs.
Bibs are good for skiing, especially if you are looking for more coverage than what a normal pair of ski pants can offer. Some skiers and snowboarders also find bibs more comfortable than regular snow pants as they take off less strain on the waist and do not restrict movements.
Continue reading this article to know more about ski bibs, their features, and why you should consider getting them for your next skiing trip.
Bib overalls are a good choice of clothing for winter activities because of the warmth and protection that they provide. If you still don’t have one of your own, we definitely recommend that you get one. If you’re not sure which overall to get, check out our article about the best insulated bib overalls where we shared our top recommendations.
What to Look for in Ski Bibs
Protection
Ski bibs provide more protection to help withstand deep powder, frequent crashes, and harsh weather conditions. They extend about the waist, thus providing necessary coverage.
Invest in Gore-Tex or good waterproof fabric and choose between two-layer or three-layer fabrics that have different weights, waterproofing, and breathability ratings depending on your activity.
Fit
You can either choose a relaxed or more athletic fit. However, note that sizing may differ from a manufacturer to another.
If you prefer an unrestricted range of motion, go with a relaxed fit. On the other hand, if you get easily cold, consider an insulated ski bib or size up so you can wear thicker layers underneath. Furthermore, a good fit will depend on the length of your torso and legs.
Ski bibs can also be a versatile option for growing kids as their length can be adjusted easily by simply tightening or loosening the shoulder straps.
Insulation
Protect yourself from the coldest temperatures by considering the amount of insulation that ski bibs offer. The higher the amount, the more efficient the insulation.
The insulating material should also be breathable enough to dump excess heat and wick away moisture, so that it can keep you warm and dry. However, if you get cold easily, you should wear thicker layers for extra warmth.
Additionally, ski bibs have the advantage of offering more warmth as they can insulate you from up until your core. Ski pants can only provide warmth up to your waist, so if you plan to use ski pants for less active outdoor activities in the winter, ski bibs can help provide the body heat you need.
Which should you wear for skiing, ski pants or bib overalls? We’ve compared these two pieces of winter clothing to help you decide which one to wear for your next ski trip.
Flexibility and Comfort
You have to make sure that your ski bibs offer a wide range of mobility so you can handle extensive tasks.
Being comfortable is also very important to enable optimum flexibility and minimize the risks of accidents. You should look for features that can add extra comfort, like adjustable straps, reinforced paddings, and soft fabric materials.
Durability
Choose ski bibs that can last a long time. For that, look for a model made of durable materials and featuring reinforcements that can minimize wear and tear, and preferably, engineered with high-quality materials.
Functionality
Your ski bibs should also be multi-functional to offer a wide range of mobility so you can handle extensive tasks. Look for a pair that allows you to keep control while being comfortable and warm during the cold season.
Can you wear normal bibs for skiing?
You cannot wear normal bibs or streetwear bibs for skiing as they don’t provide any features that can keep you warm and protect you from snow and the harsh weather conditions you might encounter. The bibs you can use for skiing should feature insulation and the right material and construction to withstand the elements.
Ski Bibs Features
Pockets
The pockets that come with insulated overalls may be one of the reasons why skiers and snowboarders are interested in wearing them.
Outdoor work will also be easier if you can store all your valuables, tools, and equipment in many different pockets. Therefore, you have to make sure your ski bibs offer spacious, lined, and secured pockets.
Vents
Most ski bibs come with zippered vents that you can easily open to dump heat. These are usually located on the inside or outside of the thigh. Both styles work well, especially if you are hiking uphill or skiing on a warm day.
If you plan on skiing with these vents open, you have to make sure that they have a mesh lining to keep the snow out of your ski bibs.
Knee Pads
Some overalls will have a double front that is compatible with knee pad inserts. Although, keep in mind that not all types of knee pad inserts will fit into all types of knee pad openings. The truth is, most knee pads will fit. However, it is still best to buy your knee pads from the same manufacturer who made the overalls to ensure they fit.
Storage
One major benefit of ski bibs is that you can keep your gear and other essentials within reach.
The more storage you have, the more functional. Here are some common storage options you may want your overalls to have:
- Multi-compartment bib
- Zip pockets
- Pen slots
- Pass-through seam pockets
- Side leg utility pockets
- Side leg tool loop
Adjusters and Suspenders
Adjusters will offer you a more comfortable fit, while elastic suspenders will allow for an optimum range of motion and make fastening much easier.
When choosing ski bibs, you need to make sure they can be adjusted to fit you and the layers you may need to wear.
Recco Technology
Some ski bibs have a small RECCO unit sewn into them. Although, this does not, by any means, provide the level of safety of an avalanche beacon. It is designed to work with a RECCO transponder, which is a relatively large unit that many resorts or rescue operations have on hand for search and rescue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a bib to ski?
A skier or snowboarder should own a pair of ski bibs because they are comfortable, feature more storage, and offer an optimum range of movements.
However, whether you wear those or not will depend on your personal preferences, as some may be more comfortable with ski or snow pants than ski bibs.
What do you wear under a ski bib?
You need to wear a base layer under your ski bib. These base layers are also called long johns or long underwear and are not made of cotton. Instead, base layers are made with fine natural or synthetic fabrics that will keep you warm and dry as they can wick moisture. Check out this article to learn more about the best base layers available in the market today.
Should ski bibs be tight?
Ski bibs should neither be too tight nor too loose. They should offer enough space for your base layers and body type for you to be comfortable and have a maximum range of movements.
Size up when choosing ski bibs, especially if you are thinking of wearing thicker base layers.
Conclusion
Overall, bibs are good for skiing since they can provide added protection from extreme weather conditions, such as snow and ice.
Ski bibs extend past your ways, making it difficult for elements to reach your skin. They are a good option if you think you need more coverage when skiing and if you don’t want to worry about having to check your ski or snow pants every now and then.
When choosing ski bibs, you should look for insulation and quality materials and construction. Note that such ski bibs are different from normal or streetwear bibs. Thus, they must hold the right features to protect you from the elements you will encounter while skiing.
