Patagonia SnowDrifter Ski Bibs Review

After testing Patagonia's SnowDrifter Bibs throughout a full season of backcountry and resort days in central Oregon, we came away impressed with how well they toe the line between weatherproof and breathable. Though not as premium as Gore-Tex, Patagonia's H2No Performance construction proved adept at handling a range of conditions while remaining comfortable and durable. And although we found the athletic cut somewhat restrictive and the feature set a bit limited, we appreciate that the SnowDrifter is a well-rounded and largely uncompromised option for both in- and out-of-bounds riders. Below we break down our experiences with the women's SnowDrifter Bibs. To see how they stack up to the competition, check out our articles on the best ski bibs and best women’s ski bibs. And to complete your kit, we've also tested and reviewed the SnowDrifter Jacket.
 

Table of Contents

• Weather Protection
• Breathability
• Comfort and Mobility
• Build Quality and Durability
• Weight
• Key Features
• Fit and Sizing
• What We Like/What We Don't
• Comparison Table
• The Competition

Performance

Weather Protection

I tested the Patagonia SnowDrifter Bibs in a variety of weather conditions across central Oregon—from stormy, blustery resort days to rainy backcountry outings—and came away very pleased with their performance. The bibs feature a hybrid design, combining a stretchy hardshell fabric on the legs with a softshell upper. While the hardshell isn’t made with Gore's famously bombproof membrane, the in-house H2No Performance technology did an admirable job repelling moisture and blocking wind. I also never found the softshell upper limiting in bad weather: My hardshell jacket provided coverage in storms, and the bibs' durable water-repellent (DWR) coating effectively shed light moisture. To round out the design, the bibs feature internal gaiters for keeping snow out of your boots (more in "Key Features" below). 
 

Breathability

Compared to a full-on hardshell bib, the SnowDrifter’s hybrid construction offers noticeably better breathability. The softshell upper has a more porous fabric that allows for improved airflow, helping to prevent overheating on the skin track. And as temperatures rose throughout the day, the outer leg vents provided a nice boost in ventilation. However, unlike the looser-fitting Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Bibs (our favorite bib design this season), the SnowDrifter features a pretty athletic cut that detracts from overall breathability. The Skytour Bibs also boast longer vents—something I'd love to see Patagonia incorporate in a future update to the SnowDrifter. But overall, I was largely impressed with how the bibs handled high-output efforts in the backcountry.
 

Comfort and Mobility

I was initially concerned that the SnowDrifter’s athletic cut might restrict movement while climbing, but the polyester construction proved to be both stretchy and comfortable. I also appreciate that the 3-layer fabric on the lower half is supple, flexible, and quieter than most traditional hardshell ski pants and bibs. Inside, a knit backer adds a nice dose of next-to-skin softness and makes it easy to slide the bibs over baselayers. The suspenders are another highlight: They’re supple, stretchy, and go unnoticed underneath backpack straps. Plus, they’re detachable at the front and—when combined with the drop seat—make bathroom breaks and getting in and out of the bibs a breeze. My only comfort-related complaint is that the zippers feel abrasive against bare hands when retrieving items from the thigh pockets, which is largely due to the bibs' trim fit. While not a dealbreaker by any means, I wish the pockets were a little larger (or the fit roomier).
 

Build Quality and Durability

After a full season of chairlift rides, tree skiing, and backcountry guiding, my pair of SnowDrifter Bibs is holding up very well with little wear to show for it. Patagonia has a longstanding reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, so this doesn’t come as a huge surprise. While its 50-denier (D) shell fabric isn’t the thickest, the SnowDrifter's ability to fend off snags and tears is on par with thicker competitors, in my experience. Additionally, all of the zippers and buckles are smooth, easy to operate, and longer-lasting than those on the pricier Outdoor Research Skytour mentioned above. And like most ski pants, the SnowDrifter features beefy scuff guards along the inner ankle to fend off abrasion from ski boots, crampons, and other sharp equipment.
 

Weight and Packability

At 1 pound 5.2 ounces for the women's version, the SnowDrifter is competitively lightweight and undercuts most of its direct competition. For reference, Black Diamond's similarly intentioned Recon Stretch Bibs check in at 1 pound 9.4 ounces, while the Outdoor Research Skytour Bibs are closer at 1 pound 6.1 ounces. While weight typically isn't a huge concern for resort riders, it makes a big difference on the skin track, and I appreciate the SnowDrifter's airy feel during heart-pumping backcountry outings. The softshell upper certainly helps keep weight down, but the rest of the build feels largely uncompromised, which translates to pretty well-rounded performance (not always the case with lightweight gear). And while most skiers won't be taking their bibs off and stashing them in a pack while touring, it's nice that the SnowDrifter compresses down relatively small for stuffing in a suitcase or duffel bag for travel.
 

Key Features

Storage: Pockets

In total, the Patagonia SnowDrifter Bibs have three pockets: one on the chest and two on the legs. The chest pocket features a beacon clip and is large enough to also fit my AIARE field book, lip balm, and snacks. However, I'm not a huge fan of the thigh pockets. As I mentioned above, the bibs' trim fit made it difficult (and at times painful) to access items inside these pockets. To be fair, they're large enough to fit a smartphone and beacon, but it's tough to pull items out when needed and essentially impossible when wearing thick gloves. While I certainly understand wanting to keep things light and streamlined, I wish Patagonia had made these pockets a little bigger and easier to access, even if it resulted in a slight weight penalty.
 

Cuffs and Internal Gaiters

On a similar note, I wasn't hugely impressed with the SnowDrifter’s cuffs and internal gaiters. Starting with the former, the cuffs have a relatively narrow opening that made them difficult to stretch over my ski boots. For comparison, the cuffs on the Outdoor Research Skytour Bibs are noticeably bigger and easier to slide over boots, although both designs lack a zipper or button for expanding the cuff—a feature that can be very helpful for accommodating various boot shapes and sizes. The internal gaiters are equally as difficult to pull on, especially when I leave the top buckles on my boots undone. There's also a small metal hook on each gaiter for securing it to boots, although I found this feature more annoying than helpful as it frequently gets caught on my boot buckles. 
 

Drop Seat

One feature I do love is the SnowDrifter's drop seat: There are two-way zippers on either side of the bib that extend from the top of the bib (underneath the arms) to about a third of the way down each leg. These zippers double as ventilation, and I like how easy it is to unzip them from the top and drop the seat when nature calls. There’s also a small button at the top of the drop seat that secures the back together. Added up, it's a very practical and well-executed design—and one I especially appreciate as a female skier.
 

Fit and Sizing

Despite boasting Patagonia's "regular" fit designation, I found the SnowDrifter Bibs to be noticeably trim and relatively restrictive in some areas. According to Patagonia's sizing chart, I should have opted for a women's extra-small but am glad that I tried the bibs on ahead of time and went with a small instead. Simply put, if my hips were any wider, the bibs would not fit—I was only able to comfortably fit my lightweight Arc’teryx Rho baselayer bottoms underneath. Once on, the SnowDrifter's stretchy fabric helps minimize restriction to movement, but those who prefer a baggier, freeride style should definitely look elsewhere. It's also worth noting that Patagonia only offers the bibs in one inseam length (32 in.), which may not work for particularly tall or short skiers, although the size range (from XXS to XXL) is relatively generous.
 

Sustainability

Like most Patagonia apparel, the SnowDrifter Bibs boast a strong sustainability slant. For starters, the H2No fabric is made form 100%-recycled polyester, while the softshell upper uses 89%-recycled polyester that's sourced from coastal communities at risk of plastic pollution and certified by OceanCycle. Additionally, the SnowDrifter's fabric, membrane, and DWR finish are all made without intentionally added PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are notorious for their inability to break down over time (hence the nickname "forever chemicals"). Finally, the bib upper is certified as bluesign-appoved—meaning it's been deemed safe for workers, consumers, and the environment—and the SnowDrifter is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. Taken together, it's another strong effort from Patagonia on the sustainability front and a testament to their longstanding expertise in this area.
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Other Versions of the Patagonia SnowDrifter

I tested the women’s version of the SnowDrifter Bibs for this review, and Patagonia also offers them in a men’s version for the same price. The differences between the two styles are minimal: The men’s version is slightly heavier at 1 pound and 6.2 ounces, comes in different colorways, and is offered in sizes from XS to XXL with a 32.5-inch inseam. Otherwise, the construction and feature sets are identical. To complement the bibs, Patagonia also offers the matching SnowDrifter Jacket in both men's and women's styles. I tested the SnowDrifter Jacket alongside the bibs (you can read my in-depth review here) and found it to be similarly stretchy, breathable, and protective. 
 

What We Like

• Well-executed hybrid construction combines the protection of a hardshell along the lower legs with the comfort and breathability of a softshell at the chest.
• Stretchy fabrics and soft knit backer offer great all-day comfort.
• Ventilation is solid thanks to the porous softshell upper and generous outer leg vents that make it easy to dump excess heat quickly.
• Drop seat design is very practical and makes bathroom breaks a breeze.
• Built with Patagonia's typical attention to detail and strong focus on sustainability.

What We Don’t

• Trim, athletic cut results in some restriction to movement and makes it difficult to access the thigh pockets.
• Cuffs and internal gaiters have relatively narrow openings that make them tough to slide over ski boots.
• Softshell upper is great for breathability and comfort but detracts from overall protection.
• Only offered in a single inseam length, which may not work for particularly short or tall riders.
   

Comparison Table

The Competition

The SnowDrifter Bibs are a well-rounded backcountry option, but they're not our favorite ski bibs this season. That award goes to the Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShells Bibs. Like the SnowDrifter, the Skytour utilizes a hybrid construction that combines the benefits of both hardshell and softshell fabrics, resulting in excellent freedom of movement alongside solid wet-weather assurance (though we wouldn’t call it a standout in truly stormy weather). The lightweight fabric is breathable, and the large side vents are excellent at dumping excess heat. However, compared to the SnowDrifter, the Skytour is a little less refined overall, including a small drop in comfort and flimsy zippers that are more prone to breaking. The OR bibs are also pricier at $429, although the more accommodating fit, easier-to-access pockets, and larger cuff and gaiter openings do help justify the difference, in our opinion.
 

Black Diamond’s Recon Stretch Bibs also boast a lot of similarities to the SnowDrifter, including a stretchy 3-layer construction with softshell panels along the chest and back and outer thigh vents for regulating temperature when on the move. The combination makes for great ventilation alongside decent waterproofing—Black Diamond’s in-house BD.dry membrane doesn’t have the brand cachet of Gore-Tex, but it’s held up well to wet chairlift rides and falling snow in testing. That said, the Recon Bibs are heavier than the SnowDrifter at 1 pound 9.4 ounces and lack a drop seat, which makes for trickier entry and exit and less efficient bathroom breaks. They're also more expensive at $450, although we think overall quality lines up well with the price. In the end, both designs have their strong suits, and a final decision may come down to which option fits you best.

Next up is Flylow Gear’s Foxy Bib, which has more of a freeride-inspired (read: baggier) fit than the SnowDrifter and both competitors outline above. The flattering design comes in a variety of fun colorways and three inseam lengths, along with numeric rather than alpha sizing, meaning most folks should be able to find a good all-around fit. You also get a plethora of easily accessible pockets (five total) and a handy drop seat, along with a stretchy 3-layer build that offers great mobility and puts up a worthy defense in inclement weather. Impressively, the Foxy manages to pack all this in while checking in just 0.4 ounces heavier than the SnowDrifter, although the thicker fabrics result in a reduction in breathability. All told, the Flylow strikes us as the better option for crossing over for resort use, but the Patagonia is the more focused backcountry companion and will save you a little cash. 
 

Returning to Patagonia’s line, a final alternative worth considering is a more purpose-built design: their Untracked Bibs. Right off the bat, we'll note that the $649 price tag will be out of reach for many, but the premium build does come with some attractive upgrades. One of the biggest selling points is the 3-layer Gore-Tex membrane, which is the gold standard in the industry when it comes to balancing protection and breathability. Patagonia also included a soft flannel backer for next-to-skin comfort, along with a thicker (80D) face fabric for added durability. However, the Untracked Bibs are noticeably streamlined, including minimal upper body coverage (they're similar to standard pants but with suspenders) and just two pockets for storage. To be fair, this does translate to excellent breathability, but the SnowDrifter Bibs are the more well-rounded option for those who like to ski both in and out of bounds.