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Expert Comparison: The North Face Men's Freedom Bib Pants vs Burton Men's Reserve 2L Bib Pants

Published on 02/10/2024 · 4 min readCompare The North Face Men's Freedom Bib Pants and Burton Men's Reserve 2L Bib Pants. Get expert insight below!
Craig Piefer, Ski Expert
will koons, Snowboarding Expert
Chris D., Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Craig Piefer, will koons, Chris D., Katie Young, Nelson A and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
The North Face Men's Freedom Bib Pants
Out of stock
Burton Men's Reserve 2L Bib Pants
Price
from:$124.98
50% off
from:$139.98
50% off
Color options
+ 2
+ 2
User rating
4.5(2)
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The Curated Take

Best for skiers and snowboarders needing durable, waterproof, and windproof bibs for multiple seasons.

Best for those seeking a waterproof, breathable, and comfortable bib pant for mountain adventures.

Features
Waterproof, Breathable, Seam-sealed, Zippered pocket
Bib, Hand-warmer pockets, Waterproof, Breathable, Quick-drying, Zippered pocket
Insulation type
None
None

In the world of winter sports, the right gear can make or break your experience. Today, we're comparing two popular bib pants: The North Face Men's Freedom Bib Pants and the Burton Men's Reserve 2L Bib Pants. Both are excellent choices, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The North Face Freedom Bibs are a durable, entry-level option, ideal for those who hit the slopes a few times a year. They offer excellent waterproofing and breathability, but lack a two-way zipper, which can be inconvenient for quick bathroom breaks. On the other hand, the Burton Reserve 2L Bib Pants are a great pick for intermediate to advanced riders. They're packed with features, including adjustable straps and ample storage, and offer excellent waterproofing and breathability. However, they're shell pants, meaning they're not designed for warmth and require layering in colder conditions. Both are great options, but the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

The North Face Men's Freedom Bib Pants are a solid choice for those who enjoy winter sports a few times a year. Despite being an entry-level option, these bibs are impressively durable. They've been tested in the harsh Colorado ski season, with around 40 days of skiing, and have held up remarkably well. They're waterproof, windproof, and have no issues with seams, tears, or snags.

One of the standout features of these bibs is the variety of sizes available. North Face offers a short, regular, and long option for each size, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone. Whether you're 5'7" or 6'2", you'll find a size that fits you well.

However, these bibs aren't without their flaws. The lack of a two-way zipper can be frustrating, especially for those who prefer to skip the lodge for a quick bathroom break. Additionally, the shoulder straps require constant adjusting, which can be a bit of a hassle.

The durability of these bibs goes way beyond the price point. North Face makes a short, regular and long in each size to get the perfect fit. The bibs are 100% wind proof, so correct layering allows you to wear these in any weather.

Craig Piefer
Ski Expert

The Burton Men's Reserve 2L Bib Pants are a step up from the entry-level options. They're designed for intermediate to advanced riders and come packed with features. These bibs are made from waterproof and breathable material, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable on the slopes. They also have adjustable straps and ample storage, making them a versatile choice for both resort and backcountry riding.

One of the highlights of these bibs is their comfort. The adjustable shoulder straps allow for a custom fit, ensuring you're comfortable throughout your ride. They also have excellent breathability, making them a great choice for sunny weather.

However, these bibs are shell pants, meaning they're not designed for warmth. If you're planning to use them in colder conditions, you'll need to layer underneath. Additionally, the crotch is cut somewhat low, which can be noticeable when taking long strides.

In a nutshell, the Burton Reserve 2L Bib Pants are a great pick for intermediate to advanced riders. The bib is packed with features, from its waterproof and breathable material to adjustable straps and ample storage. Whether someone is hitting the backcountry or just cruising the resort, this bib has them covered.

will koons
Snowboarding Expert

Similarities

Both The North Face Men's Freedom Bib Pants and the Burton Men's Reserve 2L Bib Pants are designed with the needs of winter sports enthusiasts in mind. They both offer excellent waterproofing and breathability, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable on the slopes. Both bibs also feature adjustable straps for a custom fit and are designed to be durable, able to withstand multiple seasons of use.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both products are excellent choices, they cater to different needs and preferences. The North Face Freedom Bibs are an entry-level option, ideal for those who hit the slopes a few times a year. They're durable and offer excellent waterproofing and breathability, but lack a two-way zipper, which can be inconvenient for quick bathroom breaks.

On the other hand, the Burton Reserve 2L Bib Pants are designed for intermediate to advanced riders. They're packed with features, including adjustable straps and ample storage, and offer excellent waterproofing and breathability. However, they're shell pants, meaning they're not designed for warmth and require layering in colder conditions.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to durability, both bibs perform well, but The North Face Freedom Bibs have proven to withstand heavy use over multiple seasons, making them the winner in this category. In terms of fit and comfort, the Burton Reserve 2L Bib Pants take the lead with their adjustable straps and comfortable fit. For waterproofing and breathability, it's a tie, as both bibs offer excellent protection against the elements. However, in terms of convenience, the Burton Reserve 2L Bib Pants win due to their ample storage and adjustable straps.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both The North Face Men's Freedom Bib Pants and the Burton Men's Reserve 2L Bib Pants are excellent choices for winter sports enthusiasts. The best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're an occasional skier looking for a durable, entry-level option, The North Face Freedom Bibs are a great choice. However, if you're an intermediate to advanced rider looking for a bib packed with features, the Burton Reserve 2L Bib Pants are the way to go. Regardless of your choice, both bibs offer excellent waterproofing and breathability, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable on the slopes.

Curated experts can help

Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert and get personalized recommendations for whatever you’re looking for!

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