In unrelenting wind, you might find yourself getting cold, but it retains it’s weatherproof qualities nonetheless, it does well enough for most people’s tastes. It’s not as wind resistant when compared to some of heavier or Gore-Tex options like the Arc’teryx Sabre AR. The Skyward II is a well-rounded touring pant, suitable for use in all but the worst weather conditions. Their proprietary shell technology offers top of the line weatherproofing, excellent breathability, and a little bit of stretch, to boot. The Skyward II is a versatile and very weatherproof pair of pants perfect for extended tours or days at the resort. There’s a lot in an inspiring name like the Skyward. These should be considered if you want a perfect shell to round out your cold weather layering setup. They also feature a two side pockets, a chest pocket, and a dedicated beacon pocket with a clip. The right side of the bib extends from the top of the chest all the way down to the knee, so it’s easy to get on and off should the need arise. As a whole the bib errs on the side of the sleek and slimmer fit that it seems things are trending back towards.

The result is a low-profile nonintrusive fit that retains its elasticity over time. Outdoor Research reached out to Arcade for the webbing suspender straps. They’re not that warm when worn alone, but do a great job of keeping water out, and when paired with a dialed layering system you can trust them in the worst of conditions. The Carbide Bibs are more akin to a technical layer than a pair of snow pants. Aside from being another contender for our favorite dedicated touring bib, the Carbide Pants have a great fit and a few unique features that make them an easy choice for looking to optimize comfort and climbing capabilities. The Carbide pants from Outdoor Research are another 3L hardshell bib that can take you anywhere you need to go when paired with a solid layering system.

Strafe nomad bib