outdoor research carbide bib pant

• Snow Gear Reviews
• Skiing Gear Reviews

Outdoor Research Carbide Bib Review

• Weather Resistance - 25% 9.0
• Fit and Comfort - 25% 7.0
• Ventilation - 20% 7.0
• Warmth - 10% 5.0
• Features - 10% 6.0
• Style - 10% 5.0
• Our Verdict

Compare to Similar Products

Our analysis and test results.

These bibs perform well in the weather resistance and ventilation departments, but they separate themselves from other bibs in the Fit and Comfort metric. Where other bibs come up short, the Carbide pulls off a feat of garment engineering in terms of comfort and tailoring.

• Performance Comparison

• Weather Resistance

Weather resistance is the most important metric in ski pants generally, and it is also the primary reason why bibs were developed in the first place. The Carbide performs well in this category compared to most other ski pants on the market. These bibs use Pertex Shield as the hardshell material. In our experience, this fabric is almost as waterproof and breathable as the more commonly-known Gore-Tex, while enabling a garment to be sold at a much more reasonable price. In our testing, water never penetrated the pants through the shell fabric. The pocket zippers are not waterproof, which is disappointing, but they are covered by effective storm flaps. In our 5-minute shower test, water eventually started to seep into the pockets through these zippers, but since the pockets are made of Pertex Shield as well, water never made it into the leg compartments.

• Fit and Comfort

We are blown away by the comfortable and sharp fit the Carbide brings to the table. These bibs fit through the leg like nicely tailored pants do, and only open up above the waist, making the legs feel sleek and contoured, while the torso feels comfortably loose, to the point where we forget that we are even wearing bibs. The shell fabric is not as crinkly and stiff as Gore-Tex or other heavy-duty proprietary hard shells, feeling soft on the skin of the user's' legs or through lower body base layers. If you are in the market for hardshell ski pants and haven't considered bibs, put these on your list. You will barely notice that they are more than just ski pants regarding comfort.

• Ventilation

Most ventilation is accomplished with zippered vents that open the pant to the outside environment and through breathable shell materials that allow airflow through the fabric itself. The Carbide Bib features long external thigh zippered leg vents. These vents are very effective at promoting airflow and venting out warm air from the interior of the pants. Since bibs cover the user's torso, which is one of the warmest areas of the body, it is extra important that bibs have good ventilation to provide comfort on warm days and during high-output activities. The Pertex Shield fabric feels relatively breathable compared to other technical hardshell materials that we've tested.

The Carbide's Pertex Shield fabric is soft and thin, especially when compared to Gore-Tex and proprietary membranes found in other bibs. It makes these pants feel less warm because there is less of a physical barrier preventing the conduction of heat away from the skin on, say, cold chairlift seats. The phenomenon also makes the fabric feel more breathable, although the cooler temperatures could very well be due to more heat being conducted away from the body and less due to the fabric being ultra-breathable. Either way, these pants don't retain much warmth, which could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you layer underneath.

The Carbide is on the minimalist side for a bib pant. This helps keep the weight down for backcountry versatility, but it also means that these bibs come up short compared to the competition for inbounds bibs. It has two large hand pockets that are very deep, and one has an internal mesh sleeve and clip for an avalanche transceiver. There is also a chest pocket on the torso panel, which is less useful because this pocket is often buried beneath upper body layers. The pants have belt loops and one side zip that extends from the top of the bib near the armpit down to near the knee for easy entry. The suspenders release with a click, and the bibs also have a front crotch zipper for making bathroom breaks more convenient. The cuffs have large scuff patches to aid in longevity, and the elastic powder cuffs have small slots so that power straps can be adjusted without pulling up and down on the powder cuffs. This also adds to the durability of the pants, as the powder cuffs are often the first thing to be destroyed through normal wear and tear.

The Carbide is less baggy and loose than other bibs that we have tested in the past, which is a good thing. Still, they don't quite look as “ cool ” as we wish they did. The fit of the Carbide is the most notable attribute to their style, which is relatively slim and athletic in appearance. The legs are gently tapered from the hips to the knees without producing too much of a curvy appearance. There isn't too much extra material throughout the thighs, knees, and boot cuffs, preventing a baggy and loose look. We wish the color schemes were more intriguing, as the pants are only offered in navy/purplish-blue, burnt red, and black.

For the performance, these bibs are a great value. They combine excellent weather resistance, a comfortable and athletic fit, and decent style and features into an affordable package that swings well above its weight in terms of price. After testing these bibs, we expected the price tag to be significantly higher. If you are looking for a more stylish pant, you'll have to spend more money.

The OR Carbide Bib is weather-resistant and a comfortable option for both resort and backcountry skiers. It also scores highly for ventilation and has enough features and style to get by on the hill. And despite this high performance, it also comes at an affordable price. If you are looking for protective pair of ski pants for regular use on the hill, even if you don't think you want a bib, consider the Carbide.

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Stay dry and stylish on the mountain with the Outdoor Research Carbide Bib Pant—flexible and durable.

The Carbide Bib Pant is a staple in the Outdoor Research line for a reason. Waterproof, breathable protection comes in the form of fully sealed seams and a 3-layer Pertex Shield construction, while a multitude of pockets carries everything from your wallet and phone to trail maps and avalanche beacon. Plus, OR even gave these bibs a Swing Hatch to help you answer nature's call when you're stuck in the middle of a powder run.

• Well-equipped ski and snowboard pants for all your winter adventures
• Pertex Shield 3L membrane seals out moisture while releasing heat
• Tricot backer actively pulls moisture off your layers for comfort
• Arcade belt suspenders add comfortable and reliable stretch to fit
• Plethora of ski and snowboard specific pockets keep you prepared
• Seat zipper help you answer natures call when in the backcountry
• Reinforced ankle cuffs boost longevity and durability
• Item #ODRZ8CS

What do you think about this product?

Overall Rating

4.5 based on 75 ratings

Review Summary

Fits slightly large, customer images.

December 30, 2024

Great Features for the Tall Ladies

I've taken these skiing and snowshoeing in Canada. I love that I was able to find a size small tall in a color other than black (not sure if that's still the case, but please keep making tall sizes in fun colors, Outdoor Research). Love the drop seat - no problem using the facilities while in the backcountry. Light weight, nice amount of stretch. Love the beacon pocket and front pocket where I put my phone. Very glad for the scuff guards on the bottom of the pant legs - I would have shredded the inside cuff very quickly with both my ski and snowshoe edges. I'm 5'9", 145lbs with long legs, not much for hips, and 29" poorly defined waist (ruler shaped) and I wear a small tall with comfortable room for a thin base layer bottoms, but I'm definitely at the end range for that size.

Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com

November 4, 2024

Can’t wait to use this ski season!

Actually love these! I’m 6’ tall and 175lbs so having a tall size option is amazing. These are long enough and fit just right! (Large Tall)

April 8, 2024

Great backcountry skiing bib

This is my second pair of these and I love them. I am especially stoked that they make a short version which is the best for me!

March 21, 2024

Tall lady approved!

I think outdoor research is the only company where gear is actually true to size. I'm regularly a medium in street clothes but feel have to size up in ski gear for complete range of motion, particularly in hip and thighs (And I'm pretty straight up and down). These mediums fit with room for base layers and movement. Tons of pockets and easy to vent. No snow down the back side either when I inevitably fall! I love love LOVE the tall length (I'm 5'11"). Very happy with these!

February 9, 2024

Too thin but appreciate the petite sizing

Too thin thus making it feel cheap for the price

February 7, 2024

Amazing for Tall Women

Thank you Outdoor Research for making tall bibs! If you could offer more Tall sizes that would be even better! At 5'11 it has always been a struggle to find pants that fit! These are amazing!

January 30, 2024

Great pants overall

Have worn the bibs a couple times now - they feel great, work great. Haven't been backcountry yet but I think they'll be awesome. Only 4 stars because I think the fit is slightly weird on me right above the side vents.

January 14, 2024

Tried it yesterday for the first time in a big snow storm (Québec). Temperature-20 with the wind. Went to do touring. I am very happy i got them. Waterproof, good sizing (large, im 5,2 165 lbs), confortable with layers under. Thanks

December 31, 2023

I love 'em

Not sure what took me so long to switch to bibs for backcountry skiing. I think my greatest fear was how hard it would be to pee in them. Well, I find it easier than with pants! I tried it out at home to see what it required. The key is to pull the zipper all the way down. The improvements are you just pull the bibs across your bum and squat and there are no pants bunched up below and no peeing in your pants (yes, that has happened.) And it doesn't require a major squat to have them out of the way. Then, bonus two, when you are done and you stand up to zip up the bibs, your butt is covered, your front is covered, and you can casually pull up your undies! Just blown away at the improvement from pants. I love also that I can layer a couple pairs of long undies and have no constricting waistband. These bibs are thin but easy to layer. Love having my iPhone in that chest pocket. The only downside of the Carbide bibs is that they are too long by about three inches (I got a size large, 31.5 inseam which is my inseam) but I just roll them up when I take off my ski boots. Also the hand pockets are too deep and my beacon just sags low on my thigh which is a tad uncomfortable which is why I couldn't give them a five star rating. But wow, I'm a convert. Love the Carbide Bibs!

September 21, 2023

Defective and Disappointed

I was very excited to receive my purchase (I bought the bibs and matching jacket) until I noticed the sewing of the shoulder straps is very uneven. The right shoulder strap is sewn in a few centimeters further in than the other, resulting in an uneven fit. I reached out to customer service only to be told there is nothing they can do about the defective item they shipped me, and I can only return it. I am disappointed with the quality of the bibs and the lack support received from customer service regarding an issue out of my control. Hopefully this is a one-off and does not happen to others ordering from OR!

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Carbide Collection

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Carbide Collection offers versatile jacket/bib combos for skiing and backcountry exploration, with added features and plus sizes.

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