The bibs go touring…

We update this post consistently with new developments. Originally posted January 2025. We updated it in Summer 2026 with updates after feedback and testing results from the Fall 2024 production.

Background

When we first designed these products, we knew the coated super waterproof panels would not be breathable so, we added breathable and air-permeable softshell paneling in non-exposed areas. We also decreased the size of the chest panel, removed non-breathable pocket liners, paneled 3L fabric in exposed areas where pants don't routinely wet out, and added a side zip for venting. We questioned whether these heat-dumping measures would outweigh the drawbacks of the coated panels.

As of Summer 2026, we are considering adding more vents. However, this adds costs and we are still navigating how to do so without impacting financing and price to consumers. We also discovered looser fits help air out and move moisture. Stay tuned.

Another drawback of coated panels is that they are not intended for excessive rubbing and friction. During touring, bibs/pants experience a lot of both of these at the crotch point. For you river people, think of your coated dry bag. You know how they say not to store it folded? This is why.

The impact of rubbing and friction is exacerbated with sweat, which contains some acidity and salt. We have been told by vendors (and checked by the internet) that these characteristics break down the glue/adhesive that holds the layers together. Sweat impacts both 3L fabrics and coated fabrics. We continuously work to mitigate the impacts of both sweat and rubbing and we have seen improvements since our first launch.

Because of these shortcomings, we do not recommend or endorse ski touring in the bibs. We want to equip you with tools and knowledge to make this decision for yourself, which is the intent of the below.

The plot thickens…

Around Christmas, the bibs and my friend Laura and I ski toured for about three hours, gaining about 1,800 vertical feet. We literally saw quite a bit of moisture build-up behind the coated panels—moisture build-up behind the coating on Awning Bibs is more visible than a traditional 3L fabric because of the lighter sage color and the clear coating (this was fixed for Fall 2026 production; we now use black coating). Despite this, the bibs remained comfortable until I sat in the snow at the top, at which point I got cold.

I remarked half-way through our first climb, "Woah, I don't feel hot at all" and I might not have noticed the moisture build-up without the visible signs. We have heard other whisperings of the bibs performing well while touring, but other users have reported feeling moisture build-up and heat behind the panels while driving the 1 1/2 hours back to Bellingham from Baker.

Another consideration is the impacts of this moisture build-up. I noticed sitting in the snow at the top was colder than usual. A friend in Colorado toured on a single digit day, and while she didn’t feel cold because she was moving, she noticed the internal moisture icing up.

Sciency stuff

Let’s take a deep dive on fabrics facing high-output activities in cold environments. Moisture build-up undoubtedly happens with traditional 3L ski pants. You likely experience it to a lesser degree than with our product, and the three-layer construction makes it harder to see. 3L fabric's ability to regulate condensation is an essential characteristic of these traditional waterproof fabrics.

We typically say these fabrics are breathable and waterproof, but saying "breathable" is misleading: we breathe air, but 3L fabrics do not. “Breathable” does not imply air escapes through the membrane; instead, it elicits moisture or "sweat vapor" escaping. “Air Permeable,” by contrast, designates fabrics that allow air to escape. Sadly and not sadly, waterproof “Air Permeable” membranes typically use PFAs and are gradually being discontinued.

I searched for a video demonstrating how vapor escapes from traditional 3L, but all the videos show “Air Permeability” disguised as “Breathability.” So, I settled on this video depicting the breathability of a "sanitary napkin" clearly posted by a male because women call them pads—but I digress. You can see that, with heat, condensation escapes from the pad. This condensation is the moisture that builds up inside the coating, but can escape (better) behind a 3L fabric.

It is important to note that when wet, 3L fabrics lose a lot of their breathability and effectively act like our coated fabrics.

The big takeaway

Save them for the wet chairlift days! But if you are feeling defiant, try it out for yourself! People are different. While we had reasonably pleasant touring experiences, we still do not call these a touring pant because they cause excess moisture build-up during high aerobic activities and the nature of the fabric. If the moisture gets cold, it can make you cold. Dump the moisture, dump the heat for a more comfortable experience, whether you are touring or at the resort. We believe that shorter side country laps are a more suitable activity. And maybe take them off before you drive. Limiting high movement activities will prolong the life of your bibs if you do not expose them to this much movement, given the nature of the fabric.

Also! Please send feedback! Things we are considering now are: more 3L paneling at the outseam and additional side vents (on the inner leg or another one on the opposite side)

This post is part of a series where we test our product and explain the processes that bring it to life. We believe in iterative design, long-lasting and beloved product, community, and consumer transparency. Making apparel is hard, and fabric is confusing, so we want to educate you on its complexities and involve you in the process.