Are you planning on buying new snowmobile gear this winter? With the availability of choice on snowmobile gear comes confusion and the need to be well-informed to make the right decision. If you are confused about getting snowmobile bibs and snowmobile pants, the best step forward is to know how they differ.
I have tried to answer all the possible questions that could arise when making a decision between snowmobile bibs and snowmobile pants in this article.
Your final choice will come down to your preference and needs specific to you. Read on to find out.
What Are Snowmobile Bibs?
Snowmobile bibs are like pants with added extensions and straps. Rather than end at your waist as your pants would, bibs generally go far up and are held up by straps on your shoulder. Snowmobile bibs, like any other snowmobiling gear, are made of materials that insulate and repel water to keep you warm and dry.
What Are Snowmobile Pants?
Snowmobile pants are pants specified for use when snowmobiling. They are designed to withstand the harshest of cold weather conditions. Usually made waterproof to keep you warm and dry from all the snow around.
Comparison Between Snowmobile Bibs and Snowmobile Pants
Snowmobile bibs and snowmobile pants are both made to be worn for all your wintry sports, and come with the appropriate insulation, water repellant, and durability that these activities require.
Due to how they are structured and designed, they differ in smaller ways. While some prefer plain pants for snowmobiling, others find that bibs come with extra comfort and warmth.
Read on to find out which is better suited for you.
Warmth
When out skiing, snowmobiling, or snowboarding the biggest threat is the cold and freezing temperatures. Keeping you warm is the designated objective of your snow gear.
Snowmobile bibs and snowmobile pants are designed to be weatherproof proof, insulated, and waterproof and indeed they keep your legs warm and protect them against the outside elements.
A snowmobile bib, however, goes up beyond the waist and it tends to provide better warmth to your core under your jacket. It’s extra protection for you in your midsection.
If the temperatures are not in the lower extreme, your pants and jacket do a good enough job but if you want that extra layer running in between the cold and you, a snowmobile bib is a good option.
Protection
Another function of snowmobile pants and bibs is to provide protection. When out on the snow, it is not impossible for the unintended contact between you and the snow. Movement and accidents are also part of this whole experience.
You don’t want the chilly air or the snow to come in contact with your skin, especially not in the midriff. They remain exposed in the gap between your jacket and your pants if you fall or move around.
I find that I’m more comfortable and warm when I’m wearing my snowmobile bib, especially when I’m out for a longer period. Bibs offer better protection against this because they act as double-reinforced layers that fully cover you, leaving behind no gaps for snow to enter.
If you want to read more about bibs, then you can read my other article in which I talked about the best bibs for riding a snowmobile.
Fit
After safety, comes comfort. You need to ensure your snowmobile gear properly fits you. Now, snowmobile pants can be a bit tricky and might betray you with their confusing sizes (you must not get that perfect size, either too loose or too tight).
The snowmobile bibs due to their adjustable size do not pose a fitting problem. You can elongate or shorten it with the straps according to your convenience. I like to elongate my bibs till the ends just about cover the snowmobile boots. This acts as extra insulation for the foot along with the boots.
With a comfortable fit, you can be in the snow longer without feeling discomfort and restricted. You are also able to enjoy more with a better-fitted bib that provides extra warmth, comfort, and security.
Style
Pants are more conventional and some might prefer that over the bibs. This is not a cause of concern as it is the preference of the person who is wearing it. So if you like one style over the other you are free to choose.
I tend to look a little silly when I’m wearing my snowmobile bib without my jacket but with a jacket on, you can barely tell the difference between snowmobile bibs and snowmobile pants.
Convenience
While all the other points seemed to be in the team bibs’ way, the convenience offered by team pants cannot be ignored.
Snowmobile bibs are an overall and they require that you undo everything to get out of them. This is inconvenient when you need to use the restroom, especially in the cold. If this hassle is one you want to avoid, a bib might not be your best friend.
Final Words
With the mentioned points it is clear that in any wintery sports, snowmobile bibs sound like the better option but it is entirely the wearer’s choice.
Snowmobile bibs are a more excellent option for growing children as their lengths and sizes can be adjusted according to the child.
I hope this article was helpful in making the best choice of snowmobile gear for you!
