Backcountry Cottonwoods Gore-Tex Bib Pant - Women's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

7.8
out of 10
12 Positive, 8 Mixed & 0 Negative
from 20 Reviews
Retail Price:
$349.95
Used Value:
$209.97
Sale Value:
$314.96
h4{font-weight: normal;}Why We Like ItExcuse us while we head out to find some waist-deep powder stashes this winter—we've got the eager help of our Cottonwoods Bibs, you see. We built these with everything needed to stay dry in the wettest of sidecountry or full-blizzard conditions. Using a burly Gore-Tex construction, the Cottonwoods defend against all manner of moisture, even from the inside, and we designed them to integrate seamlessly with our paired Cottonwoods Jacket, so we'll be safe and dry when we land those fresh turns.
Product Features Brand

Our passion, Gore’s ExpertiseOur gear-loving expertise in the mountains goes back more than 20 years, and Gore-Tex is one of our favorite names in the game. Given our passion for the outdoors and Gore’s industry-defining expertise, it only makes sense that we teamed up to produce outerwear that defends on storm days and delivers comfort when we’re playing hard.
Construction

Benchmark for waterproof, breathable performanceGore-Tex is a synthetic laminate that features thousands of tiny holes small enough to prevent water droplets from penetrating but large enough to allow water vapor to escape. This combination prevents snow and rain from reaching layers while still allowing hot air and water vapor to escape, managing moisture from external and internal sources. Low-weight breathability for chasing goals3-layer construction is more breathable, more packable, more durable, and lighter than its 2-layer counterpart, so it thrives during strenuous efforts in the worst weather. This construction features a technical laminate attached directly to a face fabric and a backer. Though it’s called 3-layer, the design works more like a single layer that seals out the weather while releasing excess heat and moisture. In this process, the face and backer provide protection while the laminate does the heavy lifting of sealing out water and releasing moisture. Keeps even the sneakiest moisture at bayEven the highest-rated membranes won’t do a whole lot of good if the seams between aren’t defended. We fully seal every seam on our technical outerwear, so melting snow doesn’t find its way into baselayers.
Fit

Modern style with room for layersOur regular fit is built with inbounds resort riding in mind. The cut accommodates multiple insulated layers for the coldest days on hill, while still tapering in just the right places to provide a clean look that’s at home across the world.
Recommended Use

Designed to thrive in lift-accessed terrainBuilt with daily use in mind, our resort-oriented outerwear features a durable and waterproof construction that keeps you covered through changing weather and holds up to daily wear and tear.

Specifications

Brand:
Bib:
zip-off, adjustable suspender system
Claimed Weight:
[medium] 1lb 11oz
Fit:
regular
Gaiters:
internal
Manufacturer Warranty:
lifetime
Material:
[membrane/laminate] Gore-Tex (3-layer), [face fabric] 100% nylon, [lining] 100% nylon, [side panels] 95% polyester, 5% elastane, [scuff guards] KEVLAR®
Pockets:
1 zippered chest, 1 mesh chest, 1 zippered hand, 2 zippered cargo
Recommended Use:
all-mountain skiing, all-mountain snowboarding, backcountry skiing, backcountry snowboarding
Seams:
fully sealed
Venting:
zippered thigh
Waist:
hook-and-loop adjustable, snap closure

Full Reviews

6
Bought these for my wife. She is typically a xs (size 4) and that was our first order. The material and quality is great. All the pockets and zippers help to make them easy to put on and take off. The pants are composed of a top that zips onto the bottom pants. You can wear the pants without the top. The xs pant size was perfect, but the top bib portion was way to tight. It could barley be zipped on without extra warmth layers. She also mentioned the suspenders connected on the chest which was uncomfortable. We reordered a small and thos pants were too big and awkward, but the top fit. She decided to keep the xs and use without the bib top. Her comment was that the sizing of the top bib seemed like an afterthought.
tyson, backcountry.com
December 21, 2020
10
The hucklyberry color is so pretty! I love how you can zip off the bib part and they become pants!! I have never seen that before and think it is awesome! These are a bit more fitted then many ski/snowboard pants that are very baggy! If you want more room, I would suggesting sizing up!
Sheila Grindstaff, backcountry.com
December 18, 2020
4
I usually wear a 6/8. The pants were tight in the hip and the thighs were so tight I could barely move. Below the knee they were very wide and very long, so sizing up isn’t going to be an option. I have no idea who these are supposed to fit. I really liked the features and they seemed well made, so I’m super bummed I’ll be returning them.
gir2684811, backcountry.com
December 14, 2020
4
For the money spent I want to love these! However, the fit felt weird. I'm a size 6 usually. The thighs were really tight, and the waist just didn't fit right. I felt stiff. I am going to return these.
Melissa C., backcountry.com
December 13, 2020
4
I spent a lot of time looking into getting these because they are so expensive. This was the weirdest pair of bibs I’ve ever tried on. The top half fit well and was comfortable. I love the straps on these. Unfortunately, the bottom half is what fit weird. The thighs were incredibly tight, and then from there down they were huge. I don’t understand what body type these would be best suited for since a bigger size would have resulted in an even larger bottom half. They were dragging on the floor, and the bell bottoms I were incredibly bad. I really would not recommend buying these before trying them on in person, if possible.
Sarah H., backcountry.com
December 8, 2020
6
I ordered 2019's style in a small a few months ago and was bummed they were way too tight for me in the hips (everything else perfect) and returned them. Saw the 2020's came out and got the awesome holiday deal on them and ordered a medium and fits well enough. Just to be sure I also ordered a small to compare and it definitely was a better fit than 2019's small but just a hair too tight for me in the hip so I stuck with the medium. For reference I am 36" around the hip. Unfortunately after one use the stich holding the elastic on the cuff of the leg has broken and come almost all the way off and some of the top stitching was very loose when I received them. Love the zipper construction. Pull the leg zipper all the way down and unzip the horizonal zipper around back for an easy and clean bathroom break indoors or out. Overall, for being 3 layer Gore-tex and bib style which are the two musts for me I am happy with the 2020's medium for the price I got them at.
Summer Goebel, backcountry.com
December 6, 2020
6
I’m petite and finding snow pants with a shorter inseam is every short girls’ nightmare. I was hoping a bib with some adjustability would do the trick. These didn’t work. The inseam was way too long and the zipper up the side felt tight at the top on my rib cage. I could have sized up but that would only make the inseam worse. Great colors and Gore Tex was only a bit stiff.
Ashley W., backcountry.com
November 30, 2020
10
I was initially worried about the sizing because I'm 6 feet tall with long legs and usually struggle to find bibs that fit. After adjusting the straps these fit perfectly! Great mobility too. The zipper connecting the pants to the bib is a bit finicky and can be difficult to zip yourself but other than that this product is perfect for me.
Emily Barbour, backcountry.com
November 22, 2020
8
I never skied in these so giving 4 stars anyway, but wanted to share my experience with the fit. I normally wear a 28/29 in pants, so I got a medium. I’ve been searching the internet for the perfect touring/resort hybrid bib with a great waterproofing. Initially after I put these on I thought they were too tight. But the fabric does start to stretch and mold to you after trying them another day. If you have curvy hips/thighs, be prepared for a bit of a squeeze at first, but if you size based on jean size plus an inch, they should fit okay. Additionally, I found the zipper contraption for detaching lower half of you pants to pee pretty cumbersome. In the end, I went with the Flylow Moxie bibs instead, as the fit there was better and I liked the design of the flap. I will be returning these.
Becca G, backcountry.com
November 7, 2020
6
At 5'8" with a long waist, the straps are crazy short for me. I needed two more inches to not have a major wedgy. Considering they can adjust to be probably five inches shorter, I don't know what body size would need the shortest strap setting with legs that would work for someone 5'6" or taller. Also the waist was really baggy in the back, which I also can't understand because these are clearly designed with a lot of thought - someone could toss coins down the back of my pants at the lodge. The hook-and-loop waist adjuster should be in the back, not in the front. It makes the fabric scrunch up in a terrible-looking way if adjusted tighter at all. I think that's unacceptable at this price point. Other than being too short in the body and too big in the waist, the size small fit my legs, and I usually wear a size 4/small, so I found these true to size.
Lisa, backcountry.com
October 11, 2020
6
I have been looking for bibs for a long time. I was sick of the gap between my jacket and ski pants that just never seemed to go away and bibs seemed like the solution. I was super excited about these because they have all the features I wanted and the reviews seemed like these fit most women better than other brands. I have slightly wider hips but I would classify my build as average or athletic, I wear a size 8/10 or a medium in most other brands and don't have a problem. Following the sizing chart, I should wear a L, so I ordered one. I could barely put the bibs on, let alone zip them. Wasn't happening. I then returned and ordered the XL because I was that devoted to the features of these bibs - they were huge. I can make them work and I'm tired of jumping through hoops, and not sure of a better option, so I'm going to keep the XL. However, I think it's ridiculous that the sizing is so all over the place, especially since its clearly designed with vanity sizing in mind. Can we stop assuming that all women who participate in outdoor recreation are a size 2? Everyone deserves to be able to find gear that fits, even people who wear 12+, it's not a crazy thought.
Madeleine D., backcountry.com
September 8, 2020
10
I have to say for the price the bibs are amazing . I am 5'5 142 lbs athletic build and the medium felt a bit too snug just when I tried it on around the house . I ordered a large as well to compare but those felt huge so i kept the medium . I was concerned about the tightness but once I was snowboarding it was perfect. The quality seems to be great , only used them 3 times due to the short season this year but i have a feeling they will last for many years. The pockets and the flap to make bathroom trips easier are fantastic ! Highly recommend these !
Maria Urrutia-Comas, backcountry.com
April 30, 2020
10
Bought these as a gift, and they did not disappoint. For the price, I don’t think you could find a better pair of bibs. They are extremely well made, and the fabric feels durable enough to last many years. However they do need to be broken in a little bit, before they really start to preform. The fit is definitely women’s specific and is made for a more athletic body type with larger thighs. The adjustable waist helps fail in the fit and is a very unique design that works almost like a large belt. The features are very well thought out, and a great value for the price. There is the perfect about of pockets in a variety of different sizes, to easily carry all your necessities. There are vents in both the thighs and on the side. Best of all, the bibs can unzip in the rear to use the bathroom without having to take you jacket off. Game changer! Overall super impressed and glad I chose to go with Backcountry. I would definitely recommend these to any level of skier. They are a great value, super functional, and look amazing!
Ben Lotte, backcountry.com
March 10, 2020
8
I've searched and searched for a pair of bibs that will work for both lift-serve and backcountry skiing. These are by far the most thoughtfully constructed for women. The detachable-by-zipper pants remove the angst of potty breaks on cold days in the backcountry. Weatherproofing is solid, and I love the placement of the pockets. The only thing I'd change is the placement of the leg vents. Currently built into the inside upper thighs, I'd like to see the vents zip on the outside of the thighs and zip all the was down. This is a personal preference, of course, but I find inner-thigh venting to sometimes cause chaffing or friction while skinning. Finally - fit seems to be for a straight athletic figure. I returned the S for a M which fits perfect in the torso, but is a little baggy around the hips. Overall, love these bibs and will wear them for years to come. Thanks to the designers who finally thought it all through.
Mia R., backcountry.com
March 3, 2020
10
These are my first pair of bibs and I’m loving them. The snowpine color is unique and gorgeous in person. The fabric has a really nice premium feel to it, a bit more matte textured than my other ski pants. The waist zipper for easy bathroom access is KEY. Fit: I’m 5’3”, 135 lbs, 28 waist, athletic build and I’m really happy with the medium. Love that they aren’t too long for me. They are a slimish flattering fit but have plenty of room to feel comfortable when sitting, adjusting gear and skiing. Also have room for a base and mid layer underneath without feeling suffocated. My only cons: because the bib top is detachable, there are a lot of zippers to get in and out of these, took me a while to get used to it. There’s not a great pocket for my phone - I try to put it in the open mesh chest pocket but it falls out when in bend over, the chest zipper pocket is too small, and the thigh pocket is too deep and I can feel it on my leg in a funny spot when skiing. Overall, these are awesome and very high quality for the price.
Nicole Sumner, backcountry.com
February 29, 2020
10
I'm short and "stocky" so I had a difficult time finding snow pants that fit my hips. I went with an XL based on the sizing chart and they fit perfectly around my hips with a little bit of extra room for layering. They are a bit big on top, but with the adjustable belt I don't feel like I'm swimming in them. I've skied in these several times, including in freezing rain, and the pants were truly waterproof. I love all the pockets and the zipper that allows you disconnect the top from the bottom (makes it easy to go to the bathroom). I can move around well in them
Alyssa N., backcountry.com
February 24, 2020
8
I loved the color of these bibs, and the idea that you could easily go to the bathroom. Unfortunately, the fit just didn't work. I tried the medium and large and didn't notice any difference. I wear a large knee brace and they were just too tight around the knee area.
Destiny C., backcountry.com
January 29, 2020
10
I absolutely LOVE these bibs, I have not been wearing any of my other pants or bibs since these have came into my life. The zipper around the waist makes going to the bathroom so much easier I cannot stress enough how much this feature influenced my purchase. The Gore-Tex fabric keeps me dry and warm during powder days, there's 3 perfect size zippers on the hips and the legs as well as a chest zipper for a pass!
Catherine Nunez, backcountry.com
January 12, 2020
10
I bought these for my wife and feel these are a fantastic bargain. I have similar pants by Marmot but these Backcountry pants have all the same features, similar materials, similar build quality at half the price. Great job BC
Winston Crawford, backcountry.com
December 5, 2019
10
I scoured high and low looking got the perfect bib. These are them. 1. I have super wide hips, so with alot of bibs i tried id find ones that fit my butt, but id be swimming up top. 2. BUTT FLAP 3. Breathable when its warm out, warm and insulating when its cold out. Im sure theres is probably something better out there, but for the price these are pretty damn good. (ps. butt flap!)
sarah H., backcountry.com
November 15, 2019