Best Choice
Volcom Men’s Roan Bib Overall Snowboard Pant
Best Value
Arctix Men’s Essential Insulated Bib Overalls
Editors Choice
Volcom Men’s Rain GTX Bib Snow Overall Pant
The Best Bibs and Overalls for Snowboarding
Summary
Nothing kills the mood while snowboarding like moisture and snow powder finding its way to your warm body, which is why a lot of people consider snowboard bibs while riding.
If you’re looking for the best snowboard bibs on the market, you’re in for a treat!
In today’s article, you’ll find everything you need to know about them as well as the pros and cons of wearing one. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
Best Choice
Volcom Men’s Roan Bib Overall Snowboard Pant
5/5
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Kickstarting the list with an excellent bib overall made by one of the biggest manufacturers in this field.
The Volcom Roan Snowboard Bib Overall is made with top-quality polyester, which gives it a remarkably waterproof rating of 15,000 mm/15,000 gm2.
The dense polyester also features fully taped seams that enhance durability and keep the moisture out.
In addition to the perfect performance in the coldest situations, the bibs will also give you excellent ventilation when it becomes warmer due to the V-Science Breathable Lining System as well as the breathable mesh fabrics in the pants area.
The bib has a modern relaxed fit and a buckle closure in addition to a boot gaiter with a lace hook to keep for a full snug fit across the gear to keep you steady in the snow.
Why These Snowboard Bibs Stand Out
- Elastic suspenders with buckle adjustment
- Available in a variety of colors
- The V-Science Lining System and tapered seams make it both highly waterproof and vented.
Other Product Specifications
- Available for: men
- Fabric used: 100% polyester
- Overall weight: 2.4 lbs
- Closure type: buckle
Best Cheap Snowboard Bibs
Arctix Men’s Essential Insulated Bib Overalls
5/5
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Another great option to consider if you’re looking for a lightweight bib is the Arctix Insulated Bib Overalls.
This one weighs only 1 lb, which is pretty lighter than some snowboarding pants, making it an ideal pick for pedantic gram counters.
This snowboard bib is made of 600 Denier polyester, which is a very tough grade that is commonly used in tactical gear and rucksacks. This ensures the durability and ruggedness of the overall against wear and tear.
Moreover, the gear features 85 grams of ThermaTech Insulation formula that offer a high level of warmth even at very low temperatures for maximum protection against elements of weather.
The suspenders come with an adjustable strap to have a perfect fit and the overall features a sturdy zipper closure. This makes it ideal for those who prefer to take the overalls off quickly.
Despite the lack of chest pockets, you still get large pants pockets that allow you to store a lot of items.
One of the best things about these overalls is that you can easily toss them in a washing machine for a quick clean up without worrying about the fabric getting frayed.
Why These Snowboard Bibs Stand Out
- 600 Denier Polyester fortification
- ThermaTech insulation to overcome the coldest weather
- Zipper closure for easy wearing and taking off the bibs
Other Product Specifications
- Available for: men
- Fabric used: 100% polyester
- Overall weight: 1.0 lb
- Closure type: zipper
Premium Choice
Volcom Men’s Rain GTX Bib Snow Overall Pant
5/5
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Despite being one of the most expensive snowboard bibs on the market, the Volcom Rain GTX surely is one of the most advanced too!
This Rain GTX is one of the few bib overalls out there that uses 100% nylon in their construction, which is much more durable and resistant to wear and tear than dense polyester.
Additionally, nylon also has a superior level of insulation and resists elements of weather efficiently.
Also, the snowboard bib comes with a neoprene jersey at the waist and is lined with Gore-tex laminate shells.
The zipper closure on this snowboard bib is designed to prevent all moisture from finding its way into your body thanks to the YKK AquaGuard technology used in the construction of the overalls.
Also, the seams on the gear are fully taped, which won’t only prevent moisture but also cold air from passing through, which makes it great for sub-zero temperatures
Similar to the Volcom Roan, this one also features the V-Science lining system that allows for better air circulation and breathability under the overalls.
Why These Snowboard Bibs Stand Out
- Ultra-durable nylon construction
- YKK AquaGuard zippers for excellent waterproofing
- Fully taped seams with Gore-tex laminate shells for enhanced insulation
Other Product Specifications
- Available for: men
- Fabric used: Nylon + Neoprene
- Overall weight: 2.2 lbs
- Closure type: YKK AquaGuard zipper system
Best Snowboard Bibs for Women
Burton Avalon Bib Strech Denim Snowboard Pants Womens
5/5
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Burton Avalon snowboard bib is a great option for women who are looking for a relatively lightweight snowboard bib that’s easy to wear and move around with.
The snowboard bib also comes with a zipped drop-seat design that makes bathroom breaks a whole lot easier for the wearer!
The bibs are made of a double layer of polyester plain weave fabric that offers great resistance against water totaling at 10,000 mm /5,000 gm.
Also, the seams on the pants are fully taped to prevent even the slightest moisture from seeping into the zippers
To keep you dry and comfortable, the bib pants are highly breathable thanks to the mesh-lined vents that allow for better airflow and prevent moisture build-up inside the snowboard overalls.
One of the highlights of Burton’s Avalon bib is the microfiber-lined pockets. This enhances their ruggedness and helps in keeping your hands warm whenever they’re inside!
Why These Snowboard Bibs Stand Out
- Zipped drop-seat design for easy on and off
- Large chest pocket with a media port
- Available in a wide range of color options to suit different tastes and matching your gear
Other Product Specifications
- Available for: women
- Fabric used: various grades of polyester and other fibers
- Overall weight: 1.28 lbs
- Closure type: a hook and loop closure
Budget Option
TSLA Men’s Winter Snow Bibs Insulated Snowboard Overalls
5/5
Check Latest Price on Amazon
If you’re on a strict budget and looking for an affordable snowboard overall bib that will keep the moisture away without breaking the bank, this one should be on your shortlist!
Being inexpensive doesn’t mean that this one is low quality. In fact, this snowboard bib features a unique fabric construction called “Duratex”.
This one is composed of 3 different layers of fabric: top Duratex ripstop, middle insulation padding, and bottom anti-static fabric to keep you comfortable and warm.
The pants are equipped with an elastic boot gaiter to keep the snowboard bib supported and stabilized without introducing powder or moisture inside.
Why These Snowboard Bibs Stand Out
- Ideal for buyers on a budget
- Triple-layer construction for both comfort and insulation
- Available in a variety of size and color options
Other Product Specifications
- Available for: men
- Fabric used: Duratex ripstop fabric
- Overall weight: 2.05 lbs
- Closure type: zipper
Snowboard Bibs vs Snowboard Pants: Which One to Go for?
Although it’s primarily a matter of personal preferences, both snowboard pants and bib overalls have their own set of pros and cons.
If you’re confused between opting for snowboard bibs or snowboard pants, this section will have you covered. Here are the reasons why bibs may or may not work as the ideal pick for you.
Snowboard Bibs Advantages
For the majority of riders, the ultimate reason to go for snowboarding bibs is simply the extra protection.
Skiing and snowboarding in suspenders mean that you won’t have to worry about powder creeping into the warmth of your body through the waistband of your pants.
The bibs will simply ward off all the snow, especially if you’re planning to ride in deep snow situations.
Snow isn’t the only element of weather that snowboard bibs will protect you from over pants. Since the fabric extends to the chest, you’ll also get an extra layer of protection against the wind rushing towards you.
Also, if you’re riding, you’ll most likely need a backpack, especially if you’re in the backcountry.
However, snowboard bibs will give you an extended fabric layer, which means extra room for more pockets.
This makes storability much easier for the rider without having to wear huge backpacks that will affect your balance and still have everything you might need on you.
Moreover, if your pants rely mainly on belts to stay on, you might find it much easier to stroll around with a snowboard bib.
These suspender style overalls won’t have to be tightened so much that they hinder your movement.
Snowboard Bibs Drawbacks
While snowboarding bibs offer the ultimate level of protection while on the slopes, they’re yet to be perfect.
For instance, snowboard bibs will usually cost you slightly more than pants. However, since they save you the hassle of getting a durable belt, it’s usually worth the investment.
Additionally, they’re a bit heavier than pants. Yet, if you factor in the bib’s pocket advantage, it might shave off a few grams of the overall weight you’re bearing by having a smaller bag.
While all the previous issues are easy to get over, perhaps the only true issue that you’ll have with snowboard bibs is bathroom breaks.
Toilet visits in the backcountry is a hassle on its own. Luckily, some manufacturers have designed bibs with a zippered drop seat or a zip fly to make things a little easier.
What to Look for in the Best Snowboard Bib
A snowboard bib is a must-have item if you’re planning to ride a snowboard in winter. But since they don’t come cheap, you should make sure that you get the best value for your money. This section will help you make an educated decision that suits your needs.
Materials Used
The most important aspects while choosing a snowboard bib fabric are durability and weatherproofing. Ideally, these overalls are made of synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.
Nylon is super rugged and will handle a lot of beating but it’s fairly expensive. Polyester is more reasonably priced and will deliver a decent performance, especially if it’s thick enough (500 Deniers or more).
Design and Fit
It goes without saying that the design and style of the snowboard bib is a matter of your taste.
Snowboard bibs are available in slim, regular, and loose fits. While there’s no right or wrong when it comes to style, there can be better and worse when it comes to fitting.
As a rule of thumb, beginners should always look for a slightly loose fit that gives them more space in the hind area for crouching and bending comfortably.
Yet, make sure that the measurements aren’t too loose that the overalls become a burden themselves.
Insulation
The insulation of a snowboard bib will be measured according to a specific rating that ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 mm where the numbers increase as the overalls become more resistant to the elements of weather.
Keep in mind that these ranges aren’t standardized, which is why some brands don’t have an official waterproof rating.
Keep in mind that a range of 70,000 to 15,000 mm is usually enough for the majority of riders to feel dry and comfortable.
Since higher rating snowboard bibs will usually cost more, you should consider the spot you’re snowboarding in while buying one. For regions that are relatively dry, a mid-range insulation rating will probably be more than enough.
Warmth
Warmth is necessary but can also be relative depending on everyone’s preference. That’s why you’ll need to make sure that the snowboard bib you go for offers the proper amount of warmth you need.
If you want to enjoy extra warmth and comfort while riding, you should buy a snowboard bib that features a shell with some form of lining inside the overalls.
But, if you layer your garments well and you need a lightweight and low-profile snowboard bib that focuses more on aerodynamics than on warmth and insulation, you should go for an unlined version.
Remember that you need to test your snowboard bibs out in the snow before judging it. You can easily decide whether it’s
Closure
One aspect that you should also consider is the closure type. The two most popular closures on the market are zippers and buckles.
Ideally, buckles are easier to adjust using the buckle strap but there might be a bit trickier when it comes to putting them on and off.
Zippers are much easier to use for some, but they’re usually prone to breaking. Also, some uninsulated zippers will allow moisture to pass, which defeats the purpose of wearing a bib over pants.
Seams
The seams on your snowboard bibs are the most vulnerable part of the entire gear. A seam with little fortification can be easily torn while riding, especially if you know your way around snowboarding.
The stitches on the seams need to be also preserved against the moisture and elements of weather.
The best options on the market will have fully taped seams, which uses waterproof formula on both sides of the seams to keep dry.
On the other hand, critically taped seams are less expensive and can only work as a last resort budget option, but never as reliable as the fully taped ones.
Ventilation
Insulation and proper ventilation might sound like two different things. However, they’re both extremely necessary for anyone practicing sports like snowboarding.
On one hand, you need tight insulation to keep the warmth in and keep the cold out, which we’ve previously discussed in the insulation section.
But on the other hand, you also need to make sure that the fabrics used will prevent the accumulation of sweat and will easily wick it.
The solution lies in some of the advanced fabrics that the snowboard bib makers use, such as Hyvent, Gore-Tex, DryRide, and others.
What’s special about these fabrics is that they’re designed to have pores that are larger than the sweat molecules, allowing it out of the bib overall, but also smaller than the molecules of snow and water, keeping them out.
The end result is a well-insulated and waterproof fabric that will let your skin breathe and avoid drowning in its own sweat.
What Should You Wear Under Snowboard Bibs?
Proper layering under snowboard bibs is essential because they’re not meant to be worn alone. Ideally, you’ll need to wear padded impact shorts or snowboarding pants for your legs.
As for your torso, you can layer your clothes to start with a moisture wicking fabric all the way to wearing a snowboard jacket over your bib.
The ideal fabrics to go for in that case are wool, cotton, and polyester, depending on your preferences and the amount of sweat you produce.
Final Thoughts
Snowboard bibs are an essential garment for anyone who wants to enjoy the snow while staying fully insulated and avoiding the dreaded snow down your pants. If you managed to pick the right fabric and the ideal features for your needs, you’ll most likely become a hardcore snowboard bib fan.
In fact, we have noticed that the primary difference between cheaper options and the expensive stuff is more about the fit than it is about warmth. The budget options provide a lot of warmth (although not very breathable for hot days), so if you don’t mind them not fitting quite as perfectly to save some money, go ahead and opt for the Arctix Bibs. They were my first pair of snow pants ever, and I wore them for several seasons and loved them.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for a great overall one to start with and last you many seasons of both warmth and comfort, we recommend the Volcom Men’s Roan Snowboard Bib Overall as the overall best snowboard bib on the market.
If you’re a seasoned rider who’s willing to splurge a little to have nothing but the absolute best, you’ll have your name written all over the Volcom Men’s Rain GTX Bib Snow Overall.
Related Posts