Reviews You Can Rely On

Patagonia SnowDrifter Bib - Women's Review

A simple yet effective lightweight bib
gearlab tested logo
Patagonia SnowDrifter Bib - Women's Review
Credit: Patagonia
Price:  $399 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Patagonia
By Sarah Sherman ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 18, 2019
74
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 17
  • Weather Resistance - 25% 9.0
  • Fit and Comfort - 25% 7.0
  • Ventilation - 15% 9.0
  • Warmth - 15% 4.0
  • Features - 10% 8.0
  • Style - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

This is a simple but effective bib. It kept things simple with minimal extra pockets and features, yet it has a lightweight and stretchy material that allows for ease of movement. If you don't need a lot of fuss and want a reliable backcountry bib, this could be what you're looking for.
REASONS TO BUY
Waterproof
Breathable
RECCO
REASONS TO AVOID
Small chest pocket
Fit long

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Ski Bib
Top Pick Award
Best for Backcountry Touring
Best Buy Award
Best Bargain Ski Bib
Best Buy Award
Best Ski Pant Under $100
Price $279.30 at Evo
Compare at 2 sellers
$128.83 at REI
Compare at 4 sellers
$196.73 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$199 List
$78.83 at REI
$48 List
$25.86 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
74
78
77
71
55
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line A technical bib that is simple yet effective for ski touringReady for anything, these bibs combine form and functionFor those looking for a high-performing shell, this pant offers technical features in a reasonably priced packageFor those who prefer the fit and protection of a bib, this option is warm and functional at an affordable priceThe Arctix checks all of the boxes for an insulated ski pant, without a hefty price tag these are economically priced and very warm
Rating Categories Patagonia SnowDrift... Flylow Foxy Bib Outdoor Research Sk... REI Co-op Powderbou... Arctix Insulated -...
Weather Resistance (25%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
Fit and Comfort (25%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Ventilation (15%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
1
Warmth (15%)
4.0
5.0
5.0
9.0
8.0
Features (10%)
8.0
9.0
9.0
5.0
5.0
Style (10%)
6.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
Specs Patagonia SnowDrift... Flylow Foxy Bib Outdoor Research Sk... REI Co-op Powderbou... Arctix Insulated -...
Measured Weight 1.2 lbs 1.4 lbs 1.3 lbs 1.7 lbs 1.5 lbs
Waterproofing 3-layer H2No Performance Standard 3-layer Intuitive stretch stormshell 3-layer AscentShell 2-layer Peak ThermaLock coating
Vents External thigh Inner and outer thigh Outer thigh Inner thigh, outer thigh None
Pockets 2 zippered thigh cargo, 1 zippered chest 2 mid-thigh pockets, 2 chest pockets 2 zippered hand, 2 zippered thigh 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest 2 zippered thigh
Main fabric 100% recycled polyester stretch Recycled Tactic 3-layer softshell: 100% polyester 88% nylon, 12% spandex Nylon 100% polyester
Insulation/Lining None None None 40g polyester 85g ThermaTech
Waistline construction Bib Bib Button and zip fly Bib Button & zip fly

Our Analysis and Test Results

We found the SnowDrifter Bib to be simple, yet effective in its design. It doesn't come with as many bells and whistles compared to some of the other pants tested, but its high scoring weather resistance and ventilation should make it a contender on any backcountry lady's list.

Performance Comparison


patagonia snowdrifter bib for women - test lap rips in the snowdrifter near lake tahoe.
Test lap rips in the SnowDrifter near Lake Tahoe.

Weather Resistance


The SnowDrifer scored highly when it came to weather resistance, holding up to our shower test. For the shower test, we stood in the shower for two minutes while wearing the bib, focusing the water spray on zippers, vents, seams, and the material. We paid special attention to the upper material of the bib, which is constructed of a stretchier fabric blend that has a DWR coating. We experienced no leaking or seeping and were impressed by its endurance.

patagonia snowdrifter bib for women - barely looking wet after two minutes in the shower.
Barely looking wet after two minutes in the shower.

Fit and Comfort


While these bibs are comfortable due to their stretchy material, we found the fit to be a little off. The pants seemed long compared to others of its size, and we experienced bunching at the bottom. We did like the stretchy blended upper material, which felt less bulky than other options when under a jacket.

patagonia snowdrifter bib for women - testing the range of motion in the snowdrifter. the articulation in...
Testing the range of motion in the SnowDrifter. The articulation in the material around the knees provides great mobility.
Credit: Grant Lewis

Venting


We loved the vents on this bib, which were strategically combined with the bib's dropseat. They span from the top of the drop seat all the way down to the knee, with a bottom and top zipper which allow for customization of the sizing. This is a clever design that maximizes the use of already existing zippers, allowing you to shed heat on your next uphill journey.

Warmth


The bibs score low when it comes to warmth, due to the very nature of a shell. They are not meant to retain heat on their own, though they can be paired with a base layer for additional warmth. This could be a positive, especially for backcountry skiers. But, if you tend to run cold and do not like to layer underneath, you should explore a different option.

Features


These bibs come with three pockets—two thigh and one chest pocket. The thigh pockets had plenty of room for us to stash a phone and wallet, and the chest pocket runs deep, but we did miss the presence of a kangaroo pocket for more sturdy upper body storage. That, however, is simply preference. The stretchy upper material may be more appealing, for some, that the stiffer upper material on some bibs.

These bibs come equipped with RECCO technology, which can be used by ski patrol crews to help locate someone if necessary (though please note, this is not in any way a replacement for a beacon).

Style


While we love the color options these bibs come in, we wish it came in a larger variety. Its limited coloring and the brightness of the current color options means it is more limited in jacket pairings. The fit is a bit less flattering than other models we tested. Then again, this model isn't built for impressing anyone at a resort — the SnowDrifter would rather be touring.

patagonia snowdrifter bib for women - the snowdrifter is more at home in the backcountry than at the...
The SnowDrifter is more at home in the backcountry than at the resort, from a style and a performance perspective.

Value


Coming in at a mid-price range, these bibs would be a solid addition to one's ski pants quiver, especially for backcountry ski touring. While they do not have all of the bells and whistles that other pants may have, if you are looking to keep it simple while having premium waterproofing and ventilation, then these pants are worth considering.

patagonia snowdrifter bib for women - warm days in early season make the snowdrifter a more acceptable...
Warm days in early season make the SnowDrifter a more acceptable resort ski pant. However, it was primarily built for out-of-bounds use.

Conclusion


A well-constructed bib that would excel in the backcountry, keeping you dry and comfortable.

Sarah Sherman