Great Complete Snow Coverage – His and Hers review!
Patagonia SnowDrifter Bibs
Patagonia SnowDrifter Bibs are minimalist yet complete coverage to keep snow out. Part of the SnowDrifter line, these are some legit snow bibs for deep days. Check out our review of the SnowDrifter Jacket as well.
New backcountry ski and splitboard clothing from Patagonia
We first saw the SnowDrifter line up at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market and were very interested in them. Corey showed us the kit and we were all impressed. I was a huge fan of the previous backcountry oriented kit – the Decsensionist kit – and was intrigued with the new gear.
Stay tuned for detailed review from a male and female perspective
This is going to be a fun project to share with all of you. We are going to do a mid-season update to this review, from a male (myself) and female perspective. Our favorite donut eating, female telemark gear reviewer – Eliza Lockhart – will be offering her review on this kit as well. How about that for full coverage!?
SnowDrifter Bibs – Legitimate Bibs
The SnowDrifter Bibs are a full-coverage bib. This is ideal for deep days in the snow. What I like about these bibs, is that the upper portion is a lightweight and stretchy material. It is not stiff or restrictive. Heck, nothing about this bib is restrictive. There is even a zippered kangaroo style pocket on the upper bib. Great for a sandwich.
The materials used in the bibs are the same as the SnowDrifter Jacket – a 75D stretch polyester ripstop. Patagonia uses its H2No Performance Standard Shell in these. This is a 3 layer WPB membrane that has proven durable and reliable. I have used many jackets and pants that feature this WPB membrane and have always been happy with them. You can save some money by going with Patagonia’s house WPB membrane over a name brand one.
Beacon pocket
There is a dedicated beacon pocket inside the right thigh pocket. I love this feature. The stretchy pocket was able to hold my Mammut Barryvox S Beacon with ease. There is a stretchy loop inside the pocket to attach the beacon to as well. I only keep the beacon in that pocket. Perhaps some chapstick or something very small. I don’t want to have anything in the way and slowing access to the beacon!
Fit and Function of the SnowDrifter Bib
I am using the size large in this and find it fits very well. Not too tight, nor too short. I could size up to the XL with little issue if needed. I ran into this with the PowSlayer Bibs $599 as well (read our review on that here). This is a good problem to have! Though I think I will stick with the large for this season. For reference, I am 6’1″ 205lb, 45″ chest, 33″ waist, 32″ inseam. If you want extra room, size up.
Review of the Patagonia SnowDrifter Bibs
As you can gather, I am a fan of these bibs. Matched up with the SnowDrifter jacket, and you have an incredible setup, for less money than GoreTex Pro gear. Plus, the materials are much more comfortable and quiet. The bibs are $349 and the jacket is $399. It is a good investment considering a good bib usually costs more than that.
For example, the Arcteryx SV bib is $699 Yes, those are GoreTex Pro, but they are also $300 more. Both are full coverage bibs. It is your call on whether or not you need that kind of bib. I think the SnowDrifter line is a fair price for essential backcountry clothing.
Waterproof. Check
Breathable. Check
Stretch. Check
Beacon pocket. Check
Get some!
Patagonia Women’s SnowDrifter Bibs- Reliable Shells for the Backcountry
Eliza Lockhart
Growing up snowboarding and hiking in the bitter cold winters and humid summers of northern Vermont, Eliza learned how to beat up gear and quickly became infatuated with new technologies. After moving to Colorado in 2015 to pursue a degree in recreation and outdoor education at Western Colorado University, her passion for the outdoors grew exponentially. Soon after, she picked up rock climbing, telemark skiing, backpacking, canyoneering, and is slowly learning to love rafting. Through these learning processes, Eliza began to understand the importance of the right gear and hopes to share her experiences and knowledge with others through Engearment.
Now working for Beacon Guidebooks as the ‘Wearer of Many Hats’ (yes, that is her official title), Eliza has learned the ins and outs of the outdoor industry. She has also worked on marketing teams, as a photographer, media coordinator, outdoor instructor and as a wrangler. She is especially excited to encourage other women in the outdoors and is an advocate for diversity and inclusion.
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