Expert Review: Burton Women's GORE-TEX 2L Kimmy Bib Pants - Tall
All photos courtesy of Tory Dobyns
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the Burton Women’s GORE-TEX 2L Kimmy Bib Pants, which I bought with my own money in January 2020.
My take
The Burton GORE-TEX Kimmy Bib Pants are high-quality women’s specific shell pants with great breathability and waterproofing. These pants come in tall, regular, and short lengths to accommodate all body types. In addition, they are highly durable, have great ventilation, are super stylish with lots of pockets, and come in a variety of colors.
About the bibs I own
- Model: Burton GORE-TEX Kimmy Bib Pants - Tall
- Gender: Women’s
- Size: Medium
About me
- Height: 5’7”
- Weight: 120lbs
- Experience: 20 years of skiing
Test conditions
- When I bought these pants: January 2020
- Days used: 100
- Size: Medium
- Where I’ve used it: Resorts and backcountry in Colorado, Utah, and Montana.
- Weather: Cold days, warm days, snow storms, and rain storms.
How they perform
What I was looking for
I was hunting for a pair of shell bib pants to keep me dry and hold up over time. I ski mostly at resorts but also do some ski touring, so I wanted to avoid pants with insulation. I was also looking for something stylish that came in colors to go with my black jacket.
Why I chose this gear
I decided on the Burton GORE-TEX Kimmy Bib Pants for their great waterproofing and comfortable yet flattering fit. Sometimes I find women's ski pants too tight fitting, making it hard to feel mobile and difficult to layer underneath. I ski with a large knee brace, so I needed something loose enough to fit over my brace. However, I didn’t want something with a “boxy” and unflattering fit. These pants are designed for women who prioritize functionality but don’t want to sacrifice style and fit.
Burton uses GORE-TEX in these pants, known to be one of the most waterproof materials but also breathable. GORE-TEX is unique because it repels water in liquid forms while allowing water vapor to pass through. This is great because it prevents water from penetrating the jacket while allowing water vapor from the body to exit it, keeping me dry inside and out.
What I love about them
- Waterproofing: These pants keep me dry even on super stormy and wet days, thanks to GORE-TEX.
- Breathability: Sometimes, I worry about shell pants not being breathable; however, the GORE-TEX used in these pants still allows water vapor to penetrate through the membrane, keeping me dry if I perspire. They also have vents on the legs, which I can unzip for great airflow.
- Comfort and Style: These pants are both comfortable and stylish, which is always a priority. They have a relaxed fit making them super comfortable and easy to move in. The bib design allows them to stay up without being tight around the waist.
- Side Zipper: These pants have a zipper going down the leg, making it super easy to use the bathroom without taking off my jacket and removing the bib straps. The side zipper may not seem like a big deal, but it is a great feature to have.
Side zip on the bibs!
Issues I’ve encountered
- Warmth: The warmth of these pants is really not an issue, but I included it here to explain why I rated this 2 stars. These pants do not have insulation, so I may have to layer underneath on cold days. I have a pair of down pants to wear on cold days. I sized up in these pants to ensure I could comfortably fit thick underlayers.
- Durability: I have skied over 100 days in these pants, and they still are in pretty good shape. However, there are a few small rips on the bottom of the pants from my ski edge. These are designed for snowboarding, so this should not be a problem if someone snowboards in these pants. I have also noticed they have lost a bit of waterproofing over time.
Favorite moment with this gear
Every time I ski in these pants, I get lots of compliments from random skiers and riders around the mountain. Once I had a stranger in the lift line ask if she could buy the pants from me because they stopped carrying the color I had.
Value for the money vs. other options
The Burton Kimmy Bib Pants retail for around $450. This may seem expensive; however, I find that the quality makes it worth the price. They are comparable to other high-end, durable shell pants, including the Flylow Women’s Foxy Bib and the Strafe Women’s Scarlet Bib. I have also had a pair of the Flylow Foxy bibs and would say the durability and quality are very comparable.
Final verdict
The Burton Kimmy Bib Pants are a great choice if someone is looking for high-shell pants designed to withstand tough conditions. This jacket has great wind and waterproofing capabilities while still being breathable. However, if one lives in a cold, dry climate, one may consider a pair of insulated pants instead, such as the Airblaster Hot Insulated Bib Pant. Also, these pants have a more relaxed fit, so if someone wants something with a snug fit, these may not be the pants for them.
