Best Snowmobile Pants & Bibs Reviewed In 2023

Do you freeze your tail off when you go snowmobiling?

If so, you’re not alone. Snowmobiling is an incredibly exhilarating, utterly awesome, but darn right freezing activity. However, there’s an easy way to avoid coming home half-frozen after a day of cruising through the snow; wearing the proper protective gear. That means a helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots, and most importantly, pants or a bib.

Frostbite, hypothermia, and the general misery of feeling freezing cold can all be avoided by wearing the right gear.

Snowmobile pants have a bit of an unfair reputation. The snowmobile pants of before were typically bulky, uncomfortable, too hot, and hard to maneuver in. Fortunately, snowmobile pants and bibs have come a long way. They are comfortable, streamlined, breathable, and easy to move around in. They offer the kind of protection you need to say safe while on your sled without slowing you down.

In this article, five of the most popular snowmobile pants and bibs are reviewed. Major aspects of each are outlined along with pros and cons and a statement of overall value. With this information, you should be able to select the perfect snowmobile pants or bib for you so that you can have all of the fun, none of the frostbite.

In our tests these are the 5 best snowmobile pants and bibs In 2023:

Rank	Snowmobile Bibs	Rating
#1	Arctix Women’s Insulated Snow Pants	99.2	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
#2	Arctix Men’s Essential Snow Pants	98.2	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
#3	Columbia Men’s Snow Gun Pant	96.6	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
#4	Arctix Men’s Avalanche Athletic Fit Insulated Bib Overalls	95.6	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
#5	KLIM Klimate Snowmobile Bib	94.4	CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Snowmobile Pants & Bibs Reviews

1. Arctix Women’s Insulated Snowmobile Pants

Arctix, one of the most popular manufacturers of snow-related gear, has done a good job of designing a set of snowmobile pants for women that are both fashionable and functional. While it seems obvious that women participate in winter sports just like men do, there is a definite shortage of quality snowmobile pants for women available on the market. Styles and options are limited. Arctix has done a great job with its insulated snowmobile pants.

Lengths, Sizes & Options

The pants are available in sizes ranging from extra small to extra large. Additionally, every size is available in short, regular and long lengths. This is a rarity and it is excellent that there are options available for petite, average height and tall women. Winter sports enthusiasts come in all shapes and sizes.

Regardless of your size, you will be able to order a pair of Arctix that fit you properly and comfortably. Finally!

A Rainbow of Variety

In addition to the wide array of sizes available, Arctix is made in a rainbow of solid colors and prints. The pants are available in black, steel, white, blue night, amethyst, Aztec pink, blue melange, island azure, marina blue, moguls print purple, ombre magenta, ombre teal, orchid fuchsia, summit print island blue, summit print red, windows print blue, windows print purple, fern green and green.

With all of these colors and prints to choose from, it’s easy to find a pair (or a few pairs) of pants that you love.

Cost and Value

Arctix women’s insulated pants are inexpensive, well-made and effective. They’re a smart purchase, they’re stylish and they’ll keep you warm all day long. Overall, they’re a superb value.

Criteria Ratings

Material: 99

Style: 98

Comfort: 100

Fit: 99

Protection: 100

Average: 99.2

 

2. Arctix Men’s Essential Snowmobile Pants

Arctix Men’s Essential Snow Pants earn top marks for their bulk-free design, powerful insulation, overall comfort, and convenience. They are full of nice features that make wearing them a pleasure.

From zippered pockets to boot gaiters and grippers that snap in place, they are designed to fully integrate with your boots, making it simple to take them on and off.

Reinforced Seams

The seams of the pants are fully reinforced and sealed to ensure that wind, cold temperatures, and moisture all stay out. The outer shell is laminated and affixed to a ventilated, breathable shell. This prevents the pants from becoming uncomfortably hot. Instead, they maintain a constant, comfortable temperature, ensuring that you stay warm, but never become sweaty or overheat.

Flexibility

Arctix is known for its non-bulky construction. Often, the multiple layers that comprise insulated pants result in a thick, uncomfortable feel that hinders movement due to the combination of shell and padding. Thanks to Arctix’s intelligent design, the shell and insulation are deceptively thin, yet completely insulated and warm.

To properly steer and guide a snowmobile at high speeds, you have to be able to lean with the turns, move your body as needed and reposition yourself to stay comfortable. Bulky snowmobile pants become a hindrance and ultimately slow you down.

Cost and Value

Arctix is sold at a consumer-driven, budget-friendly price. High-quality snowmobile pants that are comfortable, effective and long-lasting are available at a reasonable cost, making them a great value

Criteria Ratings

Material: 99

Style: 98

Comfort: 98

Fit: 97

Protection: 99

Average: 98.2

 

3. Columbia Men’s Snowmbile Pant

Columbia’s snowmobile pants are waterproof, comfortable and slim-fit. They’re deceptively well insulated and have an overall sleek, stylish appearance. The pants are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, mountain climbing, shoveling snow, backpacking, ice fishing, and of course snowmobiling.

Whatever outdoor adventure you embark on, the Gun Pant will keep you warm, protected from water, and agile. Like the Arctix, Columbia’s snowmobile pants allow for flexibility, agility and a full range of motion thanks to their lean design.

Waterproof

Not all snowmobile pants are fully waterproof. The vast majority are water-resistant. However, if they become fully soaked, they become saturated and can instantly become freezing and dangerous, posing a serious threat of hypothermia.

However, Columbia’s snowmobile pants are completely waterproof. If you accidentally should become covered in melting snow and ice, it will not penetrate through the outer shell of the pants.

Room for Layers

The pants are adequately warm on their own for most snow-related activities. However, for some excursions in sub-zero temperatures, it may be preferable to wear thermal leggings underneath a pair of snowmobile pants.

Due to the slim-fit and non-bulky design that is favored today, many pants lack enough room to wear extra layers underneath the snowmobile pants. The Columbias, unlike most of the competition, do indeed have ample room to wear long underwear and/or thermals underneath, and comfortably so.

Cost and Value

Columbia’s snowmobile pants are a bit on the expensive side. They do require replacement after heavy use, which is something to consider if the pants need to be replaced every season. That said, the pants have several pros that do set them apart from the competition, including their comfortable fit, room for layers and waterproof construction. In terms of value, they are a mixed bag, considering the increased cost and need for replacement weighed against their positive attributes.

Criteria Ratings

Material: 97

Style: 96

Comfort: 97

Fit: 96

Protection: 97

Average: 96.6

 

4. Arctix Men’s Avalanche Athletic Fit Insulated Bib Overalls

The Avalanches, made by a titan of the industry Arctix, differ from the other models reviewed here in that they are snowmobile bibs or coveralls and provide the body with more coverage.

Like other Arctix gear, the Avalanche bib is solidly built, fairly priced and ready to keep you warm as you cruise down a mountainside.

ThermaLock Protection

The bib features Arctix’s patented ThermaLock technology. This offers superior protection from the elements. ThermaLock is a coating that allows the bib to be completely wind-resistant and waterproof.

The coating itself is breathable, despite its sealing attributes. This allows the wearer to be comfortable and ventilated at all times. Moisture, wind and cold temperatures are kept out, while warmth stays in. Airflow is properly circulated at all times, preventing you from becoming too hot and sweaty.

Adjustable Shoulder Straps

The Avalanche is supported by shoulder straps. The shoulder straps are adjustable, ensuring a comfortable fit. The straps can be easily loosened or tightened without removing your gloves. There is also a zipper that runs from the neck area of the bib to the fly, allowing you to take the snowmobile bibs off, either partially or completely, without releasing the straps.

Cost and Value

Arctix continues to be committed to offering its products at a low cost. Accordingly, the Avalanche is affordably priced. It’s a great product and, simply put, you get a lot of bang for your buck. The bib is an excellent value and a superior product that will keep you safe, comfortable and ready to ride. This has to be one of the best snowmobile bibs money can buy.

Criteria Ratings

Material: 96

Style: 95

Comfort: 96

Fit: 94

Protection: 97

Average: 95.6

 

5. KLIM Klimate Snowmobile Bib

The KLIM Klimate Bib is intended for big and tall customers. It runs in sizes 2X to Tall LG. The bib is heavy-duty, extremely warm, highly insulated and meant for frigid, subzero temperatures.

300 Grams Thinsulate Insulation

KLIM spares no expenses when it comes to insulation. The Klimate Bib packs a whopping punch of 300 grams of Thinsulate insulation. This, in conjunction with its Gore-Tex shell, offers protection from the wind and the cold that is truly second to none.

Full-Length Side Zips

The bib features full-length side zippers. This allows the Klimate to be easily put on and taken off. Additionally, in the event the wearer needs to answer a call of nature, the bib does not need to be completely removed. When you’re loaded up with snow gear, outside in the freezing cold, and need to take care of business quickly, you will appreciate this thoughtful feature of the bib’s design.

Cost and Value

The bib is exponentially more expensive than the other models reviewed here; in some cases, it is approximately 10 times the cost. While the Klimate is a nice option for big and tall snow enthusiasts to have, there is nothing that justifies the exorbitant price-tag. As such, the overall value of the bib does not justify the cost.

Criteria Ratings

Material: 95

Style: 95

Comfort: 95

Fit: 93

Protection: 94

Average: 94.4

Criteria Used For Evaluation

Material

Material is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a set of pants or a bib for snowmobiling. It’s a delicate balance. The gear you wear has to keep you warm enough to stand up to frigid temperatures and high wind speeds. At the same time, it has to be ventilated and breathable, allowing some air to circulate so that you don’t become too hot.

The interior should be well insulated, and the shell should form a protective seal. Overall, safety and comfort are key. Whether the pants/bib are composed of polyester, nylon or some other material, make sure that there is Thinsulate thermal insulation or something comparable.

Style

The days of bulky, unflattering and unattractive snowmobile pants are gone. Today’s ski pants are much more subtle and can be worn without embarrassment. A wide variety of styles are available for both men and women so that customers can select a pair of snowmobile pants that they truly feel good about wearing. Whether you’re looking for a pair of sleek, black, slim-fit snowmobile pants that perfectly match your jacket or a bright, multi-colored printed pair that adds a little pizazz to your ensemble, there is truly something for everyone.

Comfort

Comfort is a non-negotiable when it comes to snowmobiling pants and snowmobile bibs. For a snowmobiling trip to be worth your while, typically, it means spending at least a few hours on the snow. All of the enjoyment can be sucked out of your trip if what you’re wearing isn’t comfortable. Pants that are too hot, not warm enough, itchy, bulky or ill-fitting are a sure-fire way to make you feel downright miserable. If you are ordering snowmobile pants online, be sure to do your research first since you cannot try the pants on ahead of time. Check out overall fit, breathability, ventilation, and moisture and wind resistance.

Fit

Snow pants should fit comfortably. They should never be too tight because this hinders movement. Pants that are too baggy or too long are also problematic. A proper fit ensures that you will not have to pull your snowmobile over and make constant adjustments.

If pants are too snug, you will have no room to wear a pair of long underwear or leggings underneath. If you are snowmobiling in truly frigid temperatures, you will want to have this option. If you’re buying your gear online, check out the specific seller’s sizing chart. Make sure you know your current measurements prior to ordering.

Protection

Protection from the elements is paramount. Hypothermia and frostbite are very real problems faced by snowmobilers. Dangerous conditions pose a serious threat to your physical safety. This includes moisture, high winds, cold temperatures, and so forth. This is where a pair of snowmobile pants or a bib’s shell really comes into play. The shell should be coated or sealed with some sort of protective material that keeps the elements from penetrating the outer layer. The zippers, seams, and pockets also need to be carefully protected so that nothing can get to your body. A well-constructed bib or pair of snowmobile pants will protect you from these potentially perilous situations.

Expert Tips

Measurements

Make sure that you know exactly what your measurements are before purchasing snowmobile pants or snowmobile bibs online. Then, carefully review the seller’s size chart. Small, medium and large are not universal, so double-check that you are ordering the appropriate size for your body type. Also, pay attention to the length of the pants you are ordering. If you are petite or taller than average, you will want to select the correct option. Whenever possible, select pants that are adjustable, so that you are allowed some flexibility in terms of sizing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are snowmobile pants and bibs machine washable?

A: Most snowmobile pants and snowmobile bibs are machine washable, but double-check the instructions before putting them in the washer just to make sure. Also, make sure to follow the instructions concerning using hot or cold water to wash the pants. They should be washed separately from other clothing. Things like grease stains should be spot-treated.

Sources

1. Flattoppers, Frostbite & Snowmobilers – Beware the Signs of Frostbite
2. NCBI, A Case of Bullous Frostbite Following Recreational Snowmobiling
3. SnoRiders, Cold Weather Tips from the Experts
4. American Snowmobiler, How to Protect Your Skin from the Elements
5. Wisconsin Snowmobile Ed Course, Hypothermia
6. Bangor Daily News, Hypothermia Awareness Key for Outdoors Enthusiasts