Why Do Snowboarders Wear Bibs?

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Snow bibs are designed for people to enjoy recreational activities that can only be performed in the colder seasons when the snowflakes fly. It covers the lower legs, the hips, and the chest region of the body, providing heat insulation and protection from the elements.

The utility for snowboarders goes even further, providing a layer of protection from the fast-moving cold air and free-flying snow that might get the body wet.

Athletes need to keep their legs warm, snowboarding included, and snow bibs act like leggings for basketball players, helping maintain warmer, more comfortable temperatures.

 

What is the Purpose of the Bibs?

If we get down to the bare bones of the purpose, it melts and turns to water when the snow comes into contact with human skin. The body heat we produce is too much for the snowflakes to keep their form.

Also, when in cold environments, it is imperative that you stay dry to avoid conditions like hypothermia and frostbite.

Therefore, along with a coat, snow bibs provide a barrier between the snow and the skin to which a person can play and move in the snow without risking conditions causing death.

Not to mention provide an insular layer to keep warm air and body heat in around the legs and abdomen core areas.

 

Do Pro Snowboarders use it?

Professional snowboarders and Olympic-level athletes will be given high-grade snow bibs from sponsors and their country’s Olympic committees and teams.

Some will be the best sport has to offer, and these athletes will be seen sporting these bibs on television and during competition.

The snow bib, or snow pants, will be a standard piece of clothing when it comes to skiing, snowboarding, or any other winter recreation.

Therefore, it will be rare to see a snowboard without snow bibs on, and most of the time, if they are not, it’s for costume reasons or for another unorthodox reason.

 

Do You Wear Anything Under Snow Bibs?

This depends on the snowboarder’s personal preferences, and many will have a simple outer layer, such as a pair of pants or shorts with a shirt. Others prefer to have only the lightest levels of clothing or go buck naked underneath their bibs.

Most snowboarders will have an additional warm layer, such as sweatshirts and sweatpants or compression leggings and shirts, over a layer of casual wear (T-shirt and gym shorts) followed by their underwear.

Consult a professional or a winter sports outfitter for tips on clothing and gear on the slopes.

 

Are Snow Bibs Supposed to be Tight?

The comfort of the rider is the most important element when it comes to whether or not to have the fit of your snow bib tight or loose. If you are racing, especially competitively, it will behoove you to use thinner materials that stay tight to the body.

More casual riders might be looking for a more loose and comfortable fit, meaning they will be using larger sizes to allow for more movement and help agility for those going through tree-thick terrain.

Thinking tighter bibs will be better for speed, while the loose snow pants will be for those looking for more mobility and flexibility when shredding a mountain.

 

What are the Advantages of Bibs?

The main advantage that comes with wearing a bib is temperature regulation and comfort on the mountainside. Unfortunately, winter weather is not always easy going and sunny.

Most of the time, there are going to be colder temperatures, wind, and blowing snow that can cause discomfort or become a distraction when riding.

Keeping your body heat while keeping the winter elements out is invaluable to those just out in the cold weather, let alone an athlete trying to focus on their competition. Not to mention they are easy to put on and take off, provided the simple overalls-like design.

 

Final Thoughts on Why do Snowboarders wear Bibs

For those looking to get out into the winter wonderlands, the slopes, and snowfields the outdoors provide in the snowy regions of the planet, having a good pair of snow bibs should be on top of the list.

These pants will be a protective layer for any clothing worn underneath, but also the person’s legs and core abdomen areas from the biting colds and slicing winds.

Most professional athletes will have this part to take care of for them, but be sure to take the time to find a suitable pair that fits your needs. Have fun, too. These pieces of clothing can be a point of personal expression and creativity.