This year, I finally got my hand on the infamous Arc’teryx Stinger Bib Pant. After wearing these for over 30 days, it makes me wonder: why doesn’t every single skier on the mountain wear bib pants? Whether you’re skiing inbounds, out of bounds, or simply rocking the dance floor at the après, they’re just meant to suit your mountain lifestyle, whatever it is.
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The pros are:
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The cons are:
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Fit
I need to admit; I was a little bit surprised when I first put on the bib. The reason for that being how low the coverage actually was on the upper part of the pant. From the previous bib I owned, I was just not used to it. After a few days, I quickly realized that there is actually no need to have high coverage. With that being said, you may wonder, with such minimal coverage, the air is going to get in, so what’s the point? What about the features?
Arc’teryx has always been known to put the emphasis on essential features and minimalist design which is just about what they did with the Stinger pant. With high coverage also comes more material and less breathability which is the opposite of what you’d want when you’re out on the slopes.
Arc’teryx also implemented a tighter waist fit to limit airflow entrance. I personally like to wear my Arc’teryx Covert Hoodie underneath to keep me warm throughout the day, and I don’t feel too restricted in my movements. The bib also features handy pockets to store your goodies (I personally use them for bars and ski straps).
Features
Convenient and reliable. This is how I would describe the different features on the Stinger Bib. Pockets on the thighs are big enough to carry your necessities and they are strategically located so it’s not uncomfortable to carry around your phone, wallet and keys when you bomb down the hill.
Something else Arc’teryx did incredibly well with this pant is the Drop Seat feature which is a game changer when it comes down to do your business in the backcountry… especially when you’re out winter camping. Trust me. The side ventilation features two WaterTight™ zippers, one to open the vents and the other one to lower the top portion of your bib without having to loosen your suspenders. Extremely clever.
Last year, I was wearing the Arc’teryx Stinger pant, which is just about the same pant, just without the suspenders, so I was already familiar with the Keprotec Instep patches. Whether you are Carving on ice fields, bootpacking gnarly couloirs with crampons or dancing the night away at the après, I found The Arc’teryx Keprotec™ instep patches to be amongst some of the most resistant I have tested. The Gore-Tex Pro 3L fabric featuring DWR (Durable Water Repellent) also proved itself to be extremely efficient even in the harshest weather.
Overall Opinion
Overall, I’m incredibly stoked about my Arc’teryx Stinger Bib. Everything you need, nothing superfluous. It’s a minimalist yet extremely functional pair of snow pants. It is made to go through the harshest weather without being too bulky and compromising the nice handy features that Arc’teryx is known for.
*Cover photo captured by Jérôme Guay – @jerome.guay
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