About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the snow bib pants, which I received from the company to test in October of 2022.

My take

The Norrona Lofoten hybrid bib snow pants are the perfect companion for protection all-day riding. I ride in the Pacific NW, and these are honestly incredible for staying dry in wet conditions.

About the pants

• Brand: Norrona
• Model: Lofoten
• Size Fit: Medium true to size

About me

• Height: 5’5”
• Weight: 150lbs
• Pant size: 28
• Experience: 20 years of snowboarding/skiing

Test conditions

• When I received these: October 2022
• Days used: 5
• Where I’ve used them: Crystal Mountain, Snoqualmie
• Weather conditions used in: A sunny early season day, blizzard conditions, 30mph winds, and wet days.

How they perform

What I was looking for

I personally wasn’t looking for a new pair of snow pants, but I’m extremely grateful for being gifted these to demo. Having highly waterproof and breathable pants/bibs are generally my go-to living in the Pacific Northwest, so these definitely fit exactly what I was looking for in my next pair of snow pants. I wasn’t looking for these pants, but I’m glad they found me.

Why I chose to test this gear

I was given this product to demo for the 22/23 season. Luckily, working for Curated has many benefits, including testing out new gear. I’m so glad I got to try this product because it is something I never would’ve purchased for myself. Honestly, I’ve never considered buying hybrid pants. I’ve only bought snow pants OR bibs, so I didn’t think an option like this would be of such high quality. These are GORE-TEX® snow pants, but they came with a separate bib top that can be zipped into the pants. At first, I’ll admit I was skeptical, but it's incredibly easy to zip and very comfortable.

I have worn Burton GORE-TEX Avalon bibs regularly before trying this product. I love the relaxed fit of the Burton, but they are a bit too long on me. The Norrona bib/pant feels like it perfectly tailors to fit my body.

What I love about them

• Fit: I absolutely LOVE the fit of these. I didn’t think snowboard pants could accentuate one’s figure, but these fit my curves just right without looking baggy or too tight. The only issue I’ve encountered with the fit is they feel a bit snug when I bend over.
• Comfort: These are comfortable but aren’t super flexible. I have to pull them up while tightening my bindings. I usually strap in while I'm standing up, which sounds more like a personal issue. Nevertheless, I really love these pants.
• Waterproofing: These are GORE-TEX, so the waterproofing is amazing. I haven’t had any issues with materials whatsoever.
• Breathability: These are extremely breathable and will likely be my go-to for the entire season. Technically these rate 20,000k for breathability, so they wick moisture well. I personally have been splitboarding and really working up a sweat, but with these, they absolutely do their job of keeping moisture at bay.
• Durability: The material feels tough with reinforced fabric in the ankles. The 3L fabric is three bonded layers and is the highest level of durability. Norrona backs its gear with a five-year warranty as well.
• Ease of movement: I have no issues riding with these; however, I find them slightly tight when bending over.
• Quality: I’m beyond impressed with the quality of these pants. They feel comfortable and not bulky whatsoever. The material is bluesign approved, so they are eco-friendly and sustainable. I can ride or tour all day in these without feeling like there is unnecessary friction or discomfort. They are 10/10 stars with Norrona.
• Special Features: I absolutely love the separate bib that zips into the top of the pants. It is great for keeping out snow. Compared to other bibs I’ve tried, the Norrona Lofoten feels way less bulky, and it's easy to unzip for bathroom access.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Warmth: The only downfall of these pants is that they are not super warm. The warmth on these is pretty minimal. They are a shell, so the pants are non-insulated, which is what I typically prefer as I run hot. On super cold days, I have been layering with Under Armour 4.0 base layer bottoms. If someone rides in extremely cold conditions, they will need an insulated base layer legging. I wouldn’t wear anything too thick under these because they are a technical slim fit. I also don’t feel the pockets are deep enough to store things in, maybe my license or a pass card, but otherwise, I keep most loose items in my jacket pockets.

Favorite moment with this gear

Luckily, I’ve had some good opportunities to test these out. The last time I rode was in about 25mph winds and blizzard-like conditions around 28 degrees. I decided to wear a warmer Under Armour base layer and felt completely content with the warmth and comfort. The high-end quality and incredible fit of these Norrona pants have made me beyond stoked with my current setup.

Value for the money vs. other options

These Norrona Lofoten pants are absolutely worth the price tag if someone is looking for a bib with premium waterproofing and breathability. Compared to my Burton Avalon bib, the fabric feels better quality and has a more accentuating fit. I recommend these to riders looking for premium waterproof pants in the GORE-TEX world. My Burton bib is 2L, and the Norrona is 3L, so the fabric feels more durable. I plan to use these on my splitboarding excursions soon, so I hope they continue to hold up.

Final verdict

This Norrona Lofoten pant paired with the Lofoten bib defines versatility. Depending on the day, I can wear them as pants or a bib. So far, I absolutely love the slim-fitting bib paired with the pants. The waterproofing is next level, and they are the perfect choice for riders looking for durability and protection in the resort and backcountry.