I’ve never cared for bibs. As a backcountry skier, I always felt all that extra material around my torso made me too hot, especially when skinning. So when I was asked to review the new Environ Bib from Stio, I had some reservations. Sure, bibs are useful if you crash in powder a lot and tend to get snow down your crack, but for everyday skiing for those of us who tend to stay upright, I think bibs are overkill. I could not have been more wrong.
The Stio Environ Bib features:
- Dermizax® 3L Stretch Waterproof/Breathable, 100% Polyester, Dermizax® Membrane
- Abrasion resistant Schoeller® dynatec kickpatch and scuff guard
- Mechanical stretch fabric for comfort and range of motion
- Distinctive YKK® water-resistant Vislon® zippers
- Hand warmer and thigh pockets
- Exterior side vents zip all the way off for drop-seat functionality
- Double slider fly zipper
- Articulated knees and action gusset
- Elastic back panel at waist
- Internal boot gaiters
As soon as I took the Environ Bib out of the plastic, I knew they were quality. I’m too broke to spend nearly $450 on ski pants, but I thought about doing just that when I tried the bibs on. Everything is top-notch from the materials used, to the construction of the zippers, buttons, suspenders, scuff guards – these bibs seem to be built to last for years of abuse. It is obvious why the Environ is Stio’s flagship line.
But I was really happy to find that these are not typical bibs (as in they don’t go to nipple height) Instead, the “bib” section goes to my belly button, just enough extra material to keep the snow from going down my pants if I do have a bad crash, but not so much that I would overheat while skiing or skinning.
On the mountain, the Environ Bib pretty much made me hate the ski pants I currently own. There is a freedom of movement with these pants that almost makes me forget I am wearing them. From skiing through bumps, to sitting on the chair lift, not once did I experience any tightness or lack of comfort.
The bibs also regulate body heat like champs. On a cold day at Alta, I just wore a medium base layer underneath, and was plenty warm for hours of lapping Collins and Wildcat, but never got too hot. And if I did, the full leg zippers would make dumping heat all too easy.
I really tested out the bibs on my last run of the day under the Wildcat lift, when I took a pretty good, high-speed tumble through deep powder in the trees. It was a classic, snow-down-the-back-and-crack type scenario. I even got snow inside my jacket arms. But the bibs did their job keeping powder from coming anywhere near bare skin on my back and ass. The experience was enough to make me want to trade in my pants for a pair of bibs post-haste.
Another thing I like about the Environ Bibs is the pockets. Both hand-warmer pockets are roomy with burly zippers so there is no fear of losing your keys or ski card. Stio advertises the pockets as good for carrying gloves and beanies. That’s fine, but what they really are good for is storing a flask of whiskey for chair-lift nips. The pockets are the perfect size for that.
I only have one complaint and it is this: the bibs are very baggy around the hips and ass. This extra roominess helps with range-of-motion and all, but seeing my skinny, lower half in them made me feel like MC Hammer bringing back parachute pants. Okay, that’s an exaggeration. They’re not THAT baggy. Now I’m no European rando racer, but a little bit of a more slim profile would help me feel like I’m not wearing my husky-sized, big-brother’s hand-me-down.
The Good: Quality, quality, quality. Excellent range-of-motion and breathability. Super comfortable. Bib keep the snow away from your nether-regions.
The Bad: Very baggy around the hips and butt.
Final Word: After skiing in Stio’s Environ Bibs, I think I’m going to have to go out and find me a pair. Thanks Stio, you have converted me.