Intro
Each season, we end up testing *a lot* of ski / snowboard outerwear. So, we’re once again putting together a roundup of several of the women’s jackets, pants, and bibs we’ve been skiing and riding in this winter and spring. And this time, many of the pieces are currently on sale, so if one catches your eye, it could be a great time to upgrade your kit before next winter.
We published a similar roundup last year, and you should definitely check that out for even more options. Here, we’ll be covering the pieces we’ve been testing since publishing that 22/23 roundup, but many of the products in that article are still current and relevant today.
By “Outerwear,” we mean that all of the garments here are meant to serve as the protective outer layer for a day in the mountains, but they all accomplish that in different ways. Some are super burly and ideal for resort skiers / boarders who are hard on their gear, while others are lighter, more breathable, and more ideal if you’re hiking / skinning to earn your turns. And while many are uninsulated shells, there are several insulated options here, too.
[See our Layering 101 article for our more general advice on layering, combining different midlayers with different shells, the uninsulated vs. insulated shell question, and more.]
So, if you’re in the market for some new outerwear this year or in the future, take a look and see which of these pieces might work best for you.
[For reference, the pieces are ordered alphabetically, and our measured weights are for the sizes we tested, which are listed for each piece. We also list the name & specs of the reviewer(s) that reviewed each product.]
Armada Pavara 3L Jacket & Rayleigh 3L Bibs
Price:
- Jacket: $479.95
- Pant: $379.95
Fabric: 20K/20K 3L laminate w/ polyester face fabric (76% recycled)
Size Tested: Large
Measured Weight: 719 g (jacket) 709 g (pant)
Reviewer: (5’9”, 170 lbs / 175 cm, 77 kg)
Kara Williard: Armada’s Pavara 3L Jacket and Rayleigh 3L Bibs launched as the brand’s flagship women’s kit for the 23/24 season, and I’ve spent considerable time in both over the past year. Overall, this kit has proven versatile, protective, pretty breathable, and also quite comfortable.
The Pavara Jacket and Rayleigh bib both feature the same 3-layer 20K/20K laminate with a 76% recycled face fabric, which is a touch lighter and also slightly more supple than several of the other kits here (e.g., Stio Figment & Patagonia Untracked). It’s been a great kit for both touring and resort days, and is one of the better 50/50 kits featured in this roundup.
The Rayleigh Bibs offer plenty of ventilation via inner and outer thigh vents, as well as a mesh panel on the back to help dump heat. They’re also designed with roomy dual chest pockets, plus a pocket on each thigh. It’s a pretty full-coverage bib through the torso, but I have been continually impressed by its breathability, even on warm spring tours.
Fit-wise, the size Large has worked well for me in the Rayleigh Bibs. They are a tad on the baggier side of the spectrum, but they also offer great mobility on the skintrack.
As far as the Pavara Jacket goes, it’s also a roomy fit in a Large, but slightly odd on me. Its arms are a little short, and the shoulders are tight (FWIW, this is the only jacket I’ve ever had feel too tight around the shoulders). The underarm vents extend pretty far down the arm, which is nice for increasing airflow, but once unzipped, they can sometimes be difficult to zip back up. We also received the Pavara Jacket in a Medium, and this also fit me reasonably well, but was just a slightly more tailored fit than I usually opt for.
For storage, the Pavara Jakcet features an interior mesh pocket (good for quickly stashing skins), two zippered chest pockets, and two zippered hand pockets. The hood easily fits over a helmet, and can be cinched to snug it down over a helmet or bare head. The cuff of the neck is pretty tall, but is also reinforced with fleece to keep it comfortable against the face.
All in all, I’ve found the Armada Rayleigh Bib and Pavara Jacket to be some of the more versatile shells here. This kit is breathable and comfortable enough to feel practical for some human-powered skiing, but it’s also burly and protective enough to make sense for sustained use in the resort.
Flylow Sphynx Bibs
Price: on sale for $198 as of publishing (MSRP: $330)
Fabric: 10K/10K 2L Finish laminate w/ polyester face fabric
Insulation: 40-g Spaceloft synthetic
Size Tested: Medium
Measured Weight: 712 g
Reviewer: 5’8”, 130 lbs / 173 cm, 59 kg
Kristin Sinnott: When I first tried on the Sphynx Bibs, to be frank, I didn’t like the look of them. They were too wide in the hips and the fabric bulged out, providing a less-than-flattering look. But later, two things happened: (1) once I put on a jacket, the hip issue disappeared, and (2) I gained a little weight between last season and this one, and you can say I grew into the pants. While I’m not psyched on the latter, I can say that if you first try these on and notice extra room in the hips, don’t give up.
The Sphynx Bibs are a great insulated layer that doesn’t look particularly bulky. This is thanks to Flylow’s light and thin 40-g “Spaceloft” synthetic insulation. The bibs also have an abundance of pockets with more storage space than I could ever use. The slanted hand pockets all but disappear on the legs but offer ample space for items like my phone.
As you might notice, I tend to judge all pockets by whether or not they will effectively and comfortably carry my phone. My phone is in and out of a given pocket a lot, so having a good place to store it while skiing is very important to me.
Ok, back to the Sphynx Bibs’ pockets. The one I use most often is the velcro pocket on the upper bib; I definitely prefer a zipper pocket but the velcro one worked and that is where I tend to keep my phone, especially on cold days. The Sphynx has an additional pocket just underneath the velcro pouch, the former of which can be accessed from the left or right side via zippers. And while these pockets provide all the storage space I ever really need from a pant, the Sphynx Bibs also have two back pockets and two more zippered ones on the front thighs.
The Sphynx’s 2-layer outer fabric is not the most water-resistant or breathable option in this roundup, with a stated 10K/10K rating, but it has kept me dry in numerous snowstorms over the past few seasons. The fabric is soft to the touch and I’ve generally found it quite comfortable.
The suspenders have quick-release buckles in the front which make it easy to get in and out of them. Plus, the long double-sided zipper on the left side allows for easy access during bathroom breaks and doubles as a big vent. The left side also has a (smaller) vent and the cuffs have zippers that you can use to increase the width of the cuffs for bigger boots.
Overall, the Sphynx Bib warrants a close look if you’re in the market for a pair of lightly insulated bibs that come in at a more reasonable price point than some of the higher-end options on the market.
Flylow Freya Jacket
Price: on sale for $228 as of publishing (MSRP: $380)
Fabric: 20K/20K 2L Surface laminate w/ 150D polyester face fabric
Insulation: 80-g Greenloft recycled synthetic
Size Tested: Medium
Measured Weight: 864 g
Reviewer: 5’8”, 130 lbs / 173 cm, 59 kg
Kristin Sinnott: Flylow has a nice lineup of insulated ski jackets and the Freya is one of their newest additions.
So how does it compare to the other insulated hardshells, such as the Flylow Sarah, Avery, and Charlie Jackets? Based on Flylow’s ratings, the Freya isn’t quite as warm as the Sarah, but the Freya is more water resistant and breathable. The down-insulated Charlie is supposedly warmer, a bit more breathable, but has the same water-resistance rating as the Freya. And then the Avery is reportedly warmer and slightly more breathable than the Freya. Of the four jackets, the Charlie Jacket is the most expensive, followed by the Avery, Freya, and then Sarah. Still confused? Me too.
While I haven’t yet been able to test all the others in the long term, I have been wearing the Sarah Jacket for years and it’s been one of my favorite insulated jackets for a day on the mountain. The newer Freya Jacket features the same 80-g synthetic (and recycled) Greenloft insulation, but the Freya pairs that with Flylow’s higher-end Surface fabric, which is reportedly more water resistant and more breathable (20K/20K rating).
The level of insulation is nice on both the Freya and Sarah – great for adding an extra layer of warmth on cold days without creating a lot of bulk. But, thanks to its higher-end fabric and underarm vents, I also wear the Freya on days when the temps are getting closer to freezing level and I just want to leave my midlayer at home.
I tested the Freya in a size Medium and I’d describe it as more of a “freeride” fit. The torso is moderately long compared to most of the pieces here, so are the sleeves, and there’s plenty of room under the Freya for additional layers on frigid days.
The Freya Jacket has a similar pocket layout to the Strafe Meadow Jacket, with the main difference being that the Freya’s internal zipper pocket is on the right side. Its handwarmer pockets are quite large, as is its internal drop-in pocket. And the Freya’s external left chest pocket is large enough to swallow my phone. The Freya’s underarm vents are easy to open / close and are 10 in / 25 cm long – about average based of the jackets I’ve tested.
If you’re looking for a lightly insulated, waterproof jacket that you can comfortably wear for most winter days at the resort, check out the Freya. It’s already a very respectable value for its performance, but if you’re not as concerned with maximum water resistance or breathability, you can save a bit more with the also-excellent Flylow Sarah Jacket.
Flylow Foxy Insulated Bib
Price: on sale for $258 as of publishing (MSRP: $430)
Fabric: 20K/20K Recycled Tactic 3L softshell: 100% polyester
Size Tested: Large
Measured Weight: 717 g
Reviewer: (5’9”, 170 lbs / 175 cm, 77 kg)
Kara Williard: I’ve long been a fan of various versions of the Flylow Foxy Bib; it’s probably my favorite in the shell category. So, as soon as I saw that Flylow was releasing an insulated version, I was intrigued.
I’ve slowly become a bigger fan of insulated shells for resort skiing, partly because I think brands are getting better at making them more versatile. Flylow falls into that group, having put out some nice options that are warm and protective but stifling when temperatures climb a bit (check out what I had to say about the Sarah Anorak and Avery Jacket last year).
For really cold storm days, of which there were several this season, I always opted for the Foxy Insulated Bib. This is mainly because it provides some cozy warmth, but it’s still highly water-resistant and protective on wet and/or windy days. Aside from its 40-g “Greenloft” recycled synthetic insulation, this is pretty much the classic Foxy Bib with the same 3-layer, 20K/20K-rated “Tactic” shell fabric and nearly identical feature set.
The Foxy Insulated Bib does a good job of balancing warmth and versatility. It’s considerably warmer than my usual combo of an uninsulated shell + lower baselayer (especially on chairlifts), but it hasn’t been as much of a cold-weather specialist as I might have expected. I found myself wearing the Insulated Foxy Bib on several days when I wouldn’t usually elect to wear insulated outerwear, and I was plenty comfortable most of the time, especially since it features long outer thigh vents (unlike the non-insulated Foxy, the Foxt Insulated does not have inner thigh vents).
Size-wise, the Foxy Insulated is pretty close to the regular Foxy Bib, though the Insulated version is not available in the Short or Tall inseam options that the regular Foxy is, and the insulated Foxy is slightly baggier than the uninsulated Foxy. Flylow says this is to accommodate a thicker baselayer to pair with the insulated bib on properly frigid days.
I’ve personally found the Foxy Bib to be one of the most flattering bibs for me, offering a fit that isn’t too baggy but still offers plenty of mobility. While the Insulated Foxy is a tad baggier than my regular Foxy, it’s still pretty in line with the fit that many women have come to know and love with the Foxy Bib.
The Foxy Insulated Bib also has a similar same pocket layout as the Foxy Bib, with two zippered thigh pockets, a large zippered chest pocket, smaller chest pocket, and zippered butt pocket on the right side.
For those who often get cold in the resort and/or want to simplify their layering setup, the Foxy Insulated Bib is a great option for adding warmth without being so toasty that you can only use it on the coldest days. It’s minimally bulky, cozy when you need it to be, but still pretty functional in terms of its versatility across a range of temperatures.
Flylow Nina Pant
Price: on sale for $219 as of publishing (MSRP: $365)
Fabric: 20K/20K 3L Surface laminate w/ 150D polyester face fabric w/ nylon tricot backer
Size Tested: Medium
Measured Weight: 519 g
Reviewer: 5’8”, 130 lbs / 173 cm, 59 kg
Kristin Sinnott: The Nina Pant was the first pair of Flylow pants I ever wore. That version was bright orange, had an amazing fit for me, and I absolutely loved them. Not much has changed over the years – I still love their fit and fabric.
The current Nina’s 3-layer Surface fabric has a stated water resistance / breathability rating of 20K/20K, which is in line with other high-end shells, better than that of the Flylow Sphynx Bib. I have worn the Nina Pant in many heavy, wet snowstorms and the pants have never failed to keep water / snow from getting through.
The size Medium Nina Pant is a good overall fit for me. Its 31.5 in / 80 cm inseam provides plenty of length without being too long. The cuffs are about 10.3 in / 26 cm in diameter, which is wide enough to slide over even the widest ski boots I’ve tested, and if you do find the cuffs to be too wide, there are snaps to cinch them down. While the Nina’s cuffs never seemed to be too wide for me, I did run into issues with them snagging on my boot buckles.
This is more of an annoyance than a notable issue, and all it takes is a little tug on the pant leg to get them to release. The snags were most noticeable when I was wearing the K2 Anthem 115 W Boa boots, which seem to present the most issues with pant compatibility. Cinching the Nina’s cuff snaps might alleviate / solve this, but I haven’t yet thought to try that.
The front of the Nina Pants has a zipper, snap, and velcro closure, and there are adjustable velcro waist tabs that allow you to dial in the fit of the waist. I’ve been testing a lot of bibs lately, but the Nina Pant was a nice change. While I recognize the merits of bibs, especially when it comes to eliminating drafts around your torso, I also appreciate that the Nina pants can be snapped to Flylow jackets to reduce the air and snow that might sneak in between them.
My favorite feature of the Nina Pant is its interior and exterior leg vents, which have absolutely saved me on spring days that turn out to be way warmer than I expected. When both vents are unzipped, the resulting airflow made it feel like I wasn’t wearing ski pants at all. Extremely helpful on the 20-minute hike out of Teocalli 2.
The Nina Pant has four pockets — one large pocket on the thigh, two large ones at the top of the leg, and another on the back right side. All four pockets are large enough to hold a phone.
Over the years, the Nina Pant has been and continues to be one of my go-to resort shells. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a durable, waterproof, and nicely featured shell pant that isn’t as expensive as many alternatives that perform as well.
Outdoor Research Women’s Hemispheres II Bibs and Jacket
Price:
- Jacket: on sale for $324.50 as of publishing (MSRP: $649)
- Bibs: on sale for $324.50 as of publishing (MSRP: $649)
Fabrics:
- Main Fabric: 3L Gore-Tex w/ 70D nylon face fabric & C-Knit backer\
- Stretch Panels: 2L Gore-Tex With Stretch Technology
Size Tested: Medium
Measured Weight: 493 g (jacket) / 571 g (bibs)
Reviewer: 5’8”, 130 lbs / 173 cm, 59 kg
Kristin Sinnott: The Hemispheres II Bibs and Jacket are some of Outdoor Research’s highest-end shells, designed to be stretchy, light, and protective, whether in the backcountry or resort.
The Hemispheres II kit is mostly comprised of 3L Gore-Tex with Gore’s supple and stretchy knit C-Knit backer, but then adds panels of “Gore-Tex With Stretch Technology” (Gore’s official names never quite roll off the tongue…) in key areas for added range of motion where needed.
The stretch fabric is placed strategically where more elasticity might be needed — along the inside of the cuffs and the middle of the back on the jacket, and on the sides of the torso, lower back, and inner thighs in the bibs.
Overall, I’d put the Hemispheres II kit very much on the cool and more breathable end of the spectrum. Between its fairly lightweight fabric and lack of a powder skirt, the kit doesn’t offer a lot of warmth on its own (even compared to other uninsulated shells). The Hemispheres II kit’s athletic fit does provide ample space for layering, so you can always adjust your base and midlayers to account for different conditions. While it’s not the shell combo that I would reach for on extremely cold days, with the right layers, I made this kit work throughout most of the past season.
The Hemispheres II Bibs have the most coverage of any bib I’ve ever worn. The bibs’ waterproof fabric extends almost up to my collarbone and, unlike most other bibs I’ve tested, the Hemispheres II provides full coverage throughout the sides of the torso, too. Fortunately, the lightweight and supple fabric makes the high bib design work. And one advantage of the full coverage is that it offers good pocket space.
The chest area of the Hemispheres II bib has a large, zippered, kangaroo-style pocket, with vertical zipper pockets on the sides for smaller items. The large pocket has an internal mesh sleeve and a clip to potentially attach an avalanche transceiver. In addition to the chest pockets, these bibs also have two hand pockets on the upper thighs. The right hand pocket also has an internal mesh pouch and a carabiner. That pocket is not as easy to get things in / out of as the hand pocket on the Ortovox 3L Deep Pants, but my transceiver still fits in it and feels better than it does in the Patagonia Untracked Bibs.
The Hemispheres II bibs have an adjustable waistband and quick-release, adjustable suspenders. The fit of the size Medium was perfect for me. Its long side zipper also goes straight down the leg, instead of curving toward the back at the top, as most zippers on other bibs seem to do. I’ve found that having a straight-zip design makes it easier to open up, especially when in a hurry to get to the restroom.
In the world of 50/50 kits designed for both lift-accessed and human-powered outings, the Hemisphere II falls a bit more on the backcountry-oriented side of the spectrum. I’ve worn this kit plenty of times for resort skiing, but the lack of a powder skirt on the jacket and its thinner, less-substantial-feeling fabric make it feel better suited to touring and/or less-frigid days.
However, I have found myself reaching for this jacket more than expected over the past two seasons. And when I wear it, I usually receive questions about it, as well as compliments. One of the reasons I reach for the Hemispheres II kit so often is because the jacket and bibs are extremely comfortable. The torso and sleeves on the jacket are an ideal length for me and the additional stretch panels make for a comfortable fit. The unique stretch panels also add a nice textural element to the jacket.
As for features, I appreciate that the Hemispheres II Jacket’s hood is fairly low-profile and not prone to acting as a parachute when not over your head, though it’s pretty tight when pulled over a helmet. Its collar is on the shorter side, and one of my few complaints is that, as a result, it tends to roll under my chin and press against my neck.
So, with all that in mind, the Hemispheres II Jacket and Bib are good options if you regularly skin uphill and want something light, stretchy, and still fully waterproof, or if you need a shell combo that you can comfortably wear on warm resort days and still fit warm layers underneath during the colder months. I wouldn’t recommend it for polar-vortex days, but with the right layering combo for a given day, the Hemispheres II kit can be very versatile and super comfortable.
Patagonia Untracked Jacket and Bibs
Price:
- Jacket: on sale for $348.99 as of publishing (MSRP: $699)
- Bibs: on sale for $323.99 as of publishing (MRSP: $649)
Fabric: 3L PFC-free Gore-Tex w/ 5.2-oz 80D nylon face fabric (100% recycled) & recycled polyester flannel backer
Sizes Tested: Small
Measured Weight: 582 g (jacket) 615 g (bibs)
Reviewer: 5’8”, 130 lbs / 173 cm, 59 kg
Kristin Sinnott: The Untracked Jacket and Bibs have long served as Patagonia’s rugged, 3-layer, resort-oriented shell kit, and in the fall of 2023, they announced a notable update: the Untracked pieces now feature Gore-Tex’s new, PFC-free, “ePE” membrane.
PFCs (or “PFAS”) have long been used in technical fabrics for their ability to repel water and oil, but they’re known as “forever chemicals” that do not quickly break down (see Ep. 264 of our GEAR:30 podcast for the whole story).
As a result of this and upcoming legislation banning their use, outerwear companies are working on new PFC-free fabrics, and Patagonia has been one of the earliest adopters. They first offered Gore’s ePE membrane in their 2-layer StormShift kit a few years ago, and now they’re offering it in the lighter, 3-layer Untracked series. The Untracked kit still passes GORE’s Extreme & Extended performance standard, but now without PFCs — even in the membrane.
The hand feel of the Untracked’s recycled nylon face fabric is smooth and soft, and its recycled polyester flannel backer adds just a touch of warmth on bare skin. Patagonia markets the Untracked it for both backcountry and resort riding; I mainly tested it while doing the latter, but used it in a lot of hike-to terrain. Between the fabric’s respectable breathability and the kit’s vents, I never overheated when wearing Untracked Jacket and Bibs and, thanks to the generous but moderately tailored fit, I was able to add plenty of layers underneath for cold days.
Of all the shell pants / bibs I tested, the Untracked Bibs are the roomiest both in the waist and in the width of the legs (its stretchy side panels should also help accommodate larger waists). The seat of the Untracked Bibs is very roomy. Great for accommodating various sizes and shapes, but I would not describe the fit of the Untracked Bibs as flattering – at least not for me. Despite the extra room, I’ve found the Untracked bibs comfortable, thanks to their mid-waist height and suspender design.
I don’t typically have issues with ski pants being too long on me, but the Untracked Bibs are definitely on the longer end of the spectrum. In my usual size (Small), their inseam is 32.25 in / 82 cm and the legs bunch up around my ankles when wearing ski boots. The cuffs are wide (10.5 in / 26.7 cm diameter) and easily fit over ski boots, and thankfully, they feature a durable scuff-guard fabric. The pants have long (20.5 in / 52 cm) double-zipper vents extending from the waist on both legs, which make bathroom breaks easy and provide plenty of ventilation on warm days.
The Untracked bibs feature two large thigh pockets, and the right thigh pocket has an internal stretch-mesh pocket that is good for securing smaller items. The same pocket also has a loop that you could potentially use for an avalanche transceiver’s clip, but fitting my BCA Tracker 3 (whether using the internal mesh pocket or not) is a little snug. Between the snug fit and the location near the front of the leg, I tended not to use the leg pockets for heavier items like phones or transceivers because I could feel the item against the top and side of my leg.
The fit of the Untracked Jacket is not as oversized as the bibs. The jacket’s torso and sleeves were generally a nice fit for me and there was plenty of room to add layers. The non-removable, stretchy powder skirt could be snapped out of the way if not in use, but was a nice option for cold and/or snowy days.
I found the number and design of the pockets on the Untracked Jacket to fit my needs nicely. Its left chest pocket fits my rather large phone (iPhone 14 Max Pro) without a lot of movement. In addition to the chest pocket, there are also hand warmer pockets, an internal zippered pocket on the left side, an internal drop-in pocket on the right side, and a small pocket on the upper left sleeve. The underarm vents are pretty long (12 in / 30.5 cm) and easy enough to access.
The hood is helmet compatible and, compared to the other jackets I tested, the hood on the Untracked Jacket provides the best coverage. There is also some stretch fabric in the cuff of the hood, which allows a better range of motion. Despite that, when the hood is fully cinched down with a helmet, it’s still hard to turn my head without having to turn my entire body. This is typical of all hoods I’ve used when worn over a helmet, but the Untracked Jacket does have one of the best fits.
The Untracked kit’s protective fabric, respectable breathability and ventilation, useful feature set, and fairly low weight all combine to make it a very versatile combo. It’s substantial enough for frequent resort use, but also pretty capable in the backcountry, especially if you prefer durability and features over minimum weight and maximum breathability.
Stio Figment Jacket & Bib
Price:
- Jacket: on sale for $249.50 as of publishing (MSRP: $499)
- Pant: on sale for $287.40 as of publishing (MSRP: $479)
Fabric: 20K/10K 3L PeakProof laminate w/ 150D plain weave & ripstop face fabrics (100% recycled) & 20D tricot backer
Size Tested: Large
Measured Weight: 810 g (jacket) 860 g (pant)
Reviewer: Kara Williard (5’9”, 170 lbs / 175 cm, 77 kg)
Kara Williard: I spent the majority of my final resort days at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in the Stio Figment Jacket and Bib. New for 23/24, the Figment kit is part of Stio’s recent, more-freeride-oriented outerwear collection, and while I haven’t yet been able to spend quite as much time in this kit as the others in this roundup, so far, I’ve still been a pretty big fan.
I’ve seen other women wearing the Figment kit around the resort this season, and I’ve always thought it looked sharp. One of the defining aspects of this kit is its 3L “PeakProof” laminate (Stio’s proprietary waterproof / breathable construction). Stio rates it at 20K for water resistance and 10K for breathability, but the main thing that stands out is how burly it is.
While I can’t yet directly comment on long-term durability, the Figment’s fabric feels borderline indestructible, especially the ripstop portions on the shoulders and upper torso. They also feel quite stiff, so if you want a light and supple shell, this isn’t for you. On warm spring days, I found the fabric slightly less breathable than most of the “20K/20K” options here, but with the Figment kit’s underarm, inner thigh, and outer thigh vents, I quickly cooled down once moving.
Fit-wise, I have been a huge fan. I’d describe it as more of a “freeride fit,” being pretty relaxed and long, but not excessively baggy. The inseam on the size Large Figment bibs is 29” / 74 cm, which is a bit shorter than a few others I’ve used (e.g., Flylow Moxie Bib and Patagonia Snowdrifter Bib), but it’s nice not feeling like I have to roll up the cuffs to avoid them bunching up and then getting snagged on ski brakes / edges.
The Figment Jacket has a serious amount of functional pockets: two zippered hand pockets, one interior media pocket, an interior mesh drop-in pocket, a zippered wrist pocket, and two zippered chest pockets. Personally, I love having dual external chest pockets, but not all that many jackets come with both, so props to Stio on that one.
There are a couple of other features that seem minor, but that I appreciate. One is that the neck / cuff of the jacket is tall enough to protect my chin and keep out cold air / snow, but it isn’t tight enough to feel restrictive and doesn’t scratch my face or chin. I also think the zipper pulls for the arm ventilation are really easy to pull and the vents zip up and down with ease (likely a benefit of the quite-stiff fabric).
The Figment Bib is also pretty generous when it comes to features. It’s got two zippered hand pockets and two zippered thigh pockets, both of which are roomy enough to fit larger items like my iPhone 14 (with a bulky case). The Figment Bib has a center chest zipper to make it easier to step into, and there is also an integrated belt around the waist to cinch things down. The bib straps are adjustable via velcro and have stayed in place so far.
Now for what I have found to be my only qualm: this is not the easiest bib to use when it comes to bathroom breaks. It might just be the way the bib fits me, but when I open up the long zipper on the exterior thigh, the upper fit of the bib is a little restrictive when trying to pull the material to the side and use the restroom. The best solution I’ve found for this is loosening the shoulder straps a bit to get a little more leeway up top, but that’s a bit less ideal since I then have to re-adjust them each time.
Overall, the Stio Figment Jacket and Bibs make for a very rugged, protective, and generously featured kit — and offer a fit and aesthetic that I personally love. It’s far from the lightest, most supple, or most breathable kit out there, but I’m looking forward to spending more resort days in it next season.
Strafe Willow 3L Shell Half Bib
Price: on sale for $314.30 as of publishing (MSRP: $449)
Fabric: 3L Recon ELITE w/ 63D nylon face fabric & polyester jersey backer
Size Tested: Small
Measured Weight: 545 g
Reviewer: 5’8”, 128 lbs / 173 cm, 58 kg
Kristin Sinnott: If you tend to like slim-fitting and/or lightweight shell pants, the Willow 3L Shell Half Bib is a great option. Compared to the Strafe Scarlett bib (a favorite of ours), the Willow is lighter (545 g vs 625 g), has a slightly shorter inseam, and its legs and cuffs are narrower.
I like how slimming the Willow looks, but the tighter cut means that its cuffs fit quite snugly over wider ski boots like my K2 Anthem 115 W. For reference, the size Small Willow’s cuffs are about 9.5 in / 24 cm in diameter. Like some other Strafe pants, the Willow’s cuff does have a zipper to open up the cuff a bit, which adds about 2.5 in / 5 cm to the base of the cuff and helps get it over wider ski boots. With a 31 in / 77 cm inseam on the size Small, the Willow Half Bibs are a good length for me — no bunching but plenty of length to keep my boot covered. That said, they are on the shorter side when compared to other pants I tested, so keep that in mind if you have longer legs.
The half-bib design has started to become popular, and I have found Strafe’s take on it to be very comfortable. The fabric that extends above the waist is not the fully waterproof main fabric but, instead, a breathable, soft, and stretchy material. The suspenders are connected to the pants via snaps that are removable. I never felt the need to remove them because the suspenders always stayed in place and disappeared once I was wearing them, but the option is there.
For the Willow, Strafe uses their own proprietary fabric, dubbed Recon Elite 3L, which they say is fully waterproof and slightly air permeable. The Willow’s fabric is pretty light and has a nice handfeel, with a good bit of stretch to it, but it also seems to be a little less durable than thicker, more rugged fabrics on other pants like the Flylow Nina. Over the course of regular wear and tear, I ended up with a few small tears on the pant legs.
The Willow Half-Bibs have external side vents on both legs that give these already lightweight pants excellent breathability potential. The left leg has an extra-long (23.5 in / 60 cm) double-sided zipper, and with no snap closure at the top, I never have to struggle to unzip the legs when needed for bathroom breaks. The half-bib portion of the pants is fairly loose, so the lack of a snap or other closure at the top of the zipper was never an issue (i.e., the fabric isn’t prone to accidentally unzipping up top).
The Willow’s two zippered hand pockets are fairly spacious (the right leg is large enough to accommodate my phone), but the narrow legs and generally snug fit (at least on me) kept me from storing much in either of the hand pockets. An additional small zippered pocket on the right thigh is a good spot for storing small items and there is one smaller pocket above it (on the stretchy half-bib material).
With a light and thin baselayer, the Willow fits snugly (but not tight) on me through the thighs but loose in the torso. The top of the pants hits about 1” / 2.5 cm above my belly button. Despite how a fit like this might not sound ideal, I actually like it. The fabric is stretchy enough that the snugness isn’t an issue in the thighs and I generally only wear these pants with a thin baselayer. I probably could have sized up to a Medium but I am happy with the current fit of the size Small (which is my usual size).
If you’re looking for bibs with a slightly roomier, longer, but still tailored fit, then the Strafe Scarlett bib is a nice option. With both in a size Small, the Scarlett bib has an extra inch in the inseam (32” vs 31” of the Willow) and an extra inch for the cuff diameter (10.5 vs 9.5). The Patagonia Untracked Bib is another good option for a roomier and longer alternative; it has even wider legs than the Scarlett Bib but the fabric is noticeably stiffer, less packable, and louder.
But if you’ve found many ski / snowboard pants too bulky, baggy, and/or heavy, the Willow Half-Bib is a great option. It pairs a flattering fit with a comfortable, stretchy, and waterproof fabric, plus most of the features you might need for a day on snow.
Strafe 3L Meadow Jacket
Price: on sale for $426.30 as of publishing (MSRP: $609)
Fabric: 3L eVent DV Flex w/ 40D nylon face fabric & polyester tricot backer
Size Tested: Small
Measured Weight: 520 g
Reviewer: 5’8”, 128 lbs / 173 cm, 58 kg
Kristin Sinnott: I first tested the Meadow Jacket back in the 18/19 season, and I really liked its fit, features, and look. I still have that version of the Meadow and wear it every now and then. The latest version, like the original, is designed for both backcountry and lift-accessed use, but the fabric has been updated and the result is a softer, more supple, and slightly lighter jacket.
The current Meadow Jacket features eVent’s 3L DV Flex laminate, which is waterproof, air-permeable, slightly stretchy, and still quite durable in my experience. The Meadow Jacket doesn’t feel quite as breathable as some lighter, more touring-focused pieces like Strafe’s Cham kit or the Patagonia SnowDrifter kit, but I’ve spent plenty of time bootpacking in the Meadow and, between the fabric’s slightly above-average breathability and the jacket’s underarm vents, I never ran into any issues with overheating.
The Meadow Jacket has ample pocket space and I would describe the design and layout of them as pretty traditional. I mean this in the most complimentary way; I had a Patagonia jacket close to 15 years ago with the same layout and it always provided plenty of space for everything I needed on the mountain.
The Meadow Jacket has a zippered chest pocket (yes, it’s large enough for my phone and provides very easy access), dual handwarmer pockets, an internal stash pocket, a lower-sleeve pass pocket, and a small, internal zippered pocket for ID / small items. Overall, this is my favorite pocket configuration.
I tested the Meadow Jacket in a size Small (typically my go-to size for jackets) and found the overall fit to be excellent. Its sleeves and torso are plenty long without being excessive in that regard, and the “athletic” fit of the jacket provides enough space for layering while still being nicely tailored to look pretty flattering. I’ve now worn the current Meadow Jacket for a few seasons and it still looks like new, despite wearing it while following my 5-year-old son through countless tree runs that aren’t meant for skiers or riders over 4 ft / 122 cm tall…
If you want a flattering shell that’s a bit more breathable than average, still fully waterproof, and comes with a highly functional feature set, the Meadow is a great choice — especially if you plan on using it for lift riding and human-powered outings.
Trew Astoria Jacket & Bib
Price:
- Jacket: on sale for $189 as of publishing (MSRP: $319)
- Pant: on sale for $189 as of publishing (MSRP: $319)
Fabric: 20K/20K 2L PNW laminate w/ 200Dx320D nylon face fabric & 20D nylon lining
Size Tested: Large
Measured Weight: 800 g (jacket) 770 g (pant)
Reviewer: (5’9”, 170 lbs / 175 cm, 77 kg)
Kara Williard: Anyone who has read our Outerwear Roundup from last season knows that I am a big fan of the Trew Stella Jacket PRIMO and Chariot Bim PRIMO for many reasons. This year, I was excited to try their less-expensive Astoria Jacket & Bib and see how they compared.
The Astoria Bib and Jacket are made with a 2-layer version of Trew’s PNW waterproof / breathable laminate, which makes them a bit heavier and more affordable than the pieces that use the 3-layer laminate construction. That said, the latest (Fall ‘23) Astoria kit maintains the same stated 20K/20K water-resistance / breathability rating as its 3L counterparts, meaning you can get similar fabric performance while saving some dough.
Overall, I’ve been impressed by how well the Astoria kit has held up to windy and snowy storm days, and it’s breathable enough to feel practical on most resort days. One of the main downsides with 2L fabrics is that, because of their separate lining, they tend to be heavier and bulkier than their 3L counterparts, which is what limits the Astoria a bit more in terms of its practicality for touring.
The Astoria’s face fabric doesn’t feel quite as burly as the “Classic” or “PRIMO” versions of Trew’s PNW 3L laminate, but I haven’t yet had any issues with the Astoria tearing, rubbing, etc. Plus, the more supple fabric of the Astoria also makes it a little more flexible than something like the Trew Chariot Bib.
Compared to the Stella Jacket and Chariot Bib, the feature set of the Astoria Jacket and Bib is pared down a touch, but there’s still quite a bit of pocket space and useful add-ons. The Astoria Jacket has two zippered hand pockets, a zip chest pocket, a small wrist pocket (for something like a ski pass), and two internal mesh drop-in pockets. The latter two have come to be my favorite for quick tours up the resort when I don’t feel like bringing a pack, since I can stash my skins in them.
Rounding out the Astoria Jacket’s feature set are a removable powder skirt and adjustable, helmet-compatible hood. My only nit to pick is that the Astoria Jacket’s chest pocket billows out a whole lot when I keep my phone in there, and I have found it slightly less ideal for a phone than a majority of other jackets’ chest pockets. Aside from that, the Astoria seems pretty well-rounded, though it’s not the most pocket-laden jacket out there (especially compared to something like the Stio Figment, below).
The Astoria Bibs are equipped with two pockets on the upper bib, one of which is zippered and the other has a velcro closure. It also has a zippered rear pocket, two hand pockets, and a velcro thigh pocket (which can be nice for stashing stuff while walking around, but doesn’t see any use from me while actually skiing). The Astoria Bibs also offer zippered inner thigh vents and, maybe most importantly: an easy solution for going to the bathroom. The Astoria Bibs don’t have the same drop-seat design along the butt that Trew’s Chariot or Capow Bibs do, but the Astoria’s very long side zipper makes it easy to open and up and pull the bibs to the side.
Fit-wise, the Astoria is pretty consistent with other Trew pieces I’ve tested in the past few years, which is to say: roughly “average” compared to the rest of the market. The Large jacket and bibs fit me well both in terms of length (which is a big one for me) and general range of motion, without being excessively baggy for my preferences.
Overall, the Astoria Jacket and Bib make for a pretty well-rounded combo that provides plenty of protection, a decent feature set, and a versatile fit — all at a slightly lower price point.