Skip to Content

Ski Pants Vs Bibs: Which One is Right for You and How to Choose the Perfect Pair

By: Author Alisha McDarris

Posted on

Sharing is caring!

REI Co-op Members spend $100 and save $20 at REI Outlet from 2/13 - 2/17 with coupon code OUTFEB25

 

A woman in a jacket and bibs stands in front of mountain with a backpack and snowboard on her back.

It’s a debate as old as time itself (OK, maybe just as old as the sport of skiing): Ski pants or bibs? After all, they each bring something different to the table. And often, folks who love one hate the other (though we’ve been known to be fans of both). So if you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, it’s important to get this right. After all, the right pair of bottoms can result in hours of fun on the slopes while the wrong pair can result in frustration and discomfort.

But which is right for you? We’ll break down the pros and cons of both bibs and pants to help you decide, plus tips on choosing the perfect pair. And check out this post for our favorite sustainable ski kits this year.

A man wears ski pants and a ski jacket while holding a snowboard.
Josh in a Patagonia Powder Town jacket and snowboard pants.

Ski Pants

Ski pants are exactly what they sound like: pants for skiing. Usually they have a button and zipper fly, they sit on your waist, and they protect you from the cold snow. But what else makes them unique?

Pros

  • Easy on, easy off: Because they’re pants and they fit like pants and you’re probably wearing baselayer pants underneath, they’re easy to put on and take off.
  • Quick Bathroom breaks: You know how to go to the bathroom in pants. Ski pants are no exception and are easy to drop when you gotta go.
  • Useable Pockets: Usually (not always), ski pants have more usable hand pockets than bibs. This can come in handy when you with your jacket in the lodge and still want access to things like your cell phone, lip balm, or wallet.
  • Easier adjustments: Whether you’re adjusting the tightness of the waist or trying to better situate your baselayers underneath, pants are easier to work in and around.
  • Cooler: This could technically be a pro or a con, but either way, pants will be cooler than bibs by simple virtue that they cover less of your body.

Cons

  • Easier to get snow down your pants: Even if your ski jacket has a powder skirt, on powder days when the snow is flying or if you’re a beginner and fall a lot, it’s easier to get snow down your pants if you’re wearing ski pants.
  • Fit issues: Depending on your body type and where your waist/hips sit, ski pants can be tricky to fit on some body types. For example, while I’ve never had trouble keeping my pants secure at my waist, Josh, who has a larger stomach, has had issues with pants that ride way too low on his hips.

How to Choose a Pair of Ski Pants

  • Look for a pair with a high back. This isn’t necessary, strictly speaking, but we have found it helpful. This offers a little taste of the functionality of bibs (it keeps the snow out and prevents plumber’s butt) but with the ease-of-use of pants. We love the Backcountry Crestcruiser pants for this.
  • Check the pockets. By which I mean look for a pair that have usable and functional pockets for your use case scenarios. There’s nothing more frustrating than reaching out of habit for a pocket and not finding one.
  • Prioritize fit: Try pants on before you commit. If they don’t stay put, the waist is restrictive or not adjustable enough, or they sag when you squat or sit, look elsewhere.
Ski Kit Helly Hansen bibs.
Alisha in Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity bibs and Norrona Tamock ski shell.

Ski Bibs

Ski bibs are like an extreme, weather-proof, grown-up version of these Osh-Kosh denim overalls your parents dressed you in when you were 8. But like, way cooler. Instead of fastening and tightening at the waist, straps go over your shoulders for a no-fuss fit.

Pros

  • Snow-free: If you fall often or like to shred powder, bibs will keep snow out of your pants way better by virtue of how high up inside your jacket they come.
  • No plumber’s butt: For the same reason, you’re guaranteed to never have to deal with sagging pants or showing have your butt to the folks on the lift when you fall and are struggling to stand back up.
  • Comfort: No snug waistband means no pinching or tugging or fit issues. Bibs are practically guaranteed to not only stay where they’re supposed to be, but never have to be readjusted.
  • More pockets: Most bibs have at least one or two more pockets than ski pants, usually on the chest. It’s a great place to store stuff like cell phones, snacks, etc.
  • Warmer: This could technically be a pro or a con, but either way, bibs cover more of your body, so they’ll be warmer (unless you opt for shell bibs like the Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity Bib).

Cons

  • Difficult bathroom breaks: While not all bibs have this issue, many don’t feature a way to easily drop the seat of the bibs so wearers can use the toilet, which is extremely inequitable toward women especially.
  • Size Inclusivity: Many bibs aren’t very size inclusive and those with larger bodies may have trouble fitting into the more restrictive design of bibs.

How to Choose a Pair of Ski Bibs

  • Look for a pair that has at least one zipper down the side to allow for quick and easy bathroom breaks (one on each side is better, like on the Jones MTN Surf Bibs). Even if you don’t think you’ll need it that often (men), you’ll be super frustrated when you do and you have to spend five minutes wresting with fabric in a too-small bathroom stall as you take off off every single outer layer and your bibs just to go to the bathroom. Women, this is a non-starter. Don’t support brands who don’t make clothing and gear women can use and don’t dehydrate yourself or give yourself a bladder infection because you held it because your bibs are too difficult to use.
  • Get the right size, meaning pick the size based on the widest part of your body or they’ll feel very uncomfortable.
A man in a snowboard jacket and pants jumps with his snowboard on his boots.
Josh practicing snowboard tricks in a Picture Organic Clothing NAIKOON Jacket and TESTY Bibs.

Bottom Line

Ski pants and ski bibs are both excellent options whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, on groomed slopes or off. Which you choose will depend largely on your riding style, where you’re riding (groomers or fresh powder), your personal style, and comfort and fit. So try both out if you can to see which you prefer and check out our list of great sustainable ski kit options here. If that’s not an option, consider the pros and cons of each, choose wisely based on what you know about yourself and your preferences, and then enjoy your time on the slopes.

Then don’t forget about jackets! Read our argument for shell vs insulated jackets here. New to snowboarding? Check out our guide to everything you need as a beginner snowboarder here.