About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the bib pants, which I purchased with my own money in September of 2021.

My take

The Volcom Women’s Swift Bib Pants are a game changer, providing the perfect combination of style, warmth, and comfort on the mountain. I bought these bibs in 2021 and again in 2022, not because I needed to replace them, but to have another pair with a different pattern than my first.

About the pants I own

• Brand: Volcolm
• Model: Swift Bib Pants
• Size Fit: Runs true to size, but does have a tailored fit

About me

• Height: 5’7”
• Weight: 125lbs
• Pant size: 4
• Experience: 25 years of skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: September 2021
• Days used: ~30 days
• Where I’ve used them: North East/Stowe, Wildcat, Attitash, Sunapee, Sunday River
• Weather conditions used in: Heavy snow, light rain, single digit temps, spring skiing

How they perform

What I was looking for

I needed a new pair of snow pants desperately. I was wearing some insulated Carhartt bibs at the time, which are great, but not meant for hard turns on skis or quick movement through trees. I also wanted to get something that made me feel a little feminine on the mountain without being over-the-top girly.

Why I chose this gear

I chose this product because I liked the more muted, natural tones and patterns, as well as the slightly fitted structure. I tend to lean towards Burton products—I like the quality and style, and these pants stood out to me because of their style. I really liked the way the exterior material looked. They also had good insulation ratings, which I needed because I tend to run cold on the mountain.

What I love about them

• Fit: These bibs have a complimentary form that makes me feel a little more fashionable without sacrificing comfort. I would suggest for those between sizes to size up though; I am between small and medium, and the mediums are slightly more comfortable, being slightly baggier.
• Comfort: The soft, fleecy insulation is comfortable and does a great job to keep me warm on the mountain, and it’s easy to move around in when taking sharp turns or encountering moguls and bumps. As I mentioned, sizing up does give more room in the areas like the hips and knees where the bibs are more tailored.
• Warmth: Because of the external material, the pants are very wind resistant, which helps to keep me warm, even in high winds on the chairlift.
• Waterproofing: The bibs are very waterproof. Because I live in Rhode Island, I don’t always get to pick the best weather days, and sometimes that means skiing in rain. By the end of the day, I was still completely dry, even after a full day with rain.
• Breathability: I have not fully tested the ventilation on the bibs because I am often too cold to try, but I have not encountered any problems as far as overheating or sweating within them.
• Durability: I frequently push myself on the mountain and ski all types of terrain, mostly on groomers or through trees. Deep, carving turns and quick switches are no problem for these bibs. I have a season pass and go at least twice every other weekend during the season and some weekdays here and there that I get to take off from work, so my pants have gone through the ringer and show no signs of wear and tear. The zippers still function like the first day I got them, and the stitching is all still intact.
• Weight: They are lightweight, and the straps are the perfect thickness and stay on my shoulders, so I never have to worry about pulling them up through my jacket with mittens on my hands.
• Ease of movement: It is very easy to move in these pants, as both the internal and external materials are very flexible and do not hinder me while skiing.
• Quality: I feel great going to the mountain in these bibs because I can tell Volcolm did not skimp anywhere on these. They are made of a sturdy material, but the texture enhances the patterns, which give it a more expensive feel.
• Special Features: I love a good pocket, and these have deep ones. They feel safe and secure for any belongings. I also love the longer zipper in front, which makes taking them off very easy.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Other: The only thing that some might not like is the length of the leg. I prefer a slightly baggier bottom to fit around my skis, but some might find them a little too long.

Favorite moment with this gear

I once went skiing on four different mountains in three days, then stayed in the bibs on my four-hour drive home and slept in them on the couch. They are THAT comfortable. I’ll even walk the dog or shovel my driveway in them.

Value for the money vs. other options

Volcolm provides great value in these bibs, and I’m so glad I did my research to find such a good-looking pair that keeps me warm and comfortable. The North Face Freedom Bibs for women seem to offer a comparable shape, with slightly shorter legs and some different, brighter colors and patterns available.

Final verdict

My final verdict is that the Volcolm Women’s Swift Bib Pants are the epitome of what I need in a snow bib. I look forward to putting them on in the winter and I look forward to matching the two patterns with my skis.