To bib, or not to bib: that is the question. In recent years, bib pants have gained a lot of new fans. Is this a style thing or are there benefits? Check out this review of Helly Hansen Women’s Powderqueen Bib Pant to find out how their durability, functionality and style mean I now fall on the ‘to bib’ side of this modern, and less serious, version of Hamlet’s classic quandary.
I tested the Powderqueen Bibs during a week of skiing in the French Alps. The weather was overcast with light snow and temperatures ranged from -2 to 0 degrees Celsius in most of the ski area, but it was colder higher up.
Review of Helly Hansen Women’s Powderqueen Bib Pant
I went for a medium, I’m 5’4 and 65kg with an athletic build.
Comfort and Fit of Powderqueen Bib Pant:
I found the fit of the HH Powderqueen very comfortable with a good amount of room for layers and an ample amount of movement when skiing. They supported my wider stance whilst carving as I’ve had ski trousers in the past that have trapped my hips and restricted the position I could take. The material is 100% Polyester, which provides flexibility for a stretchy feel.
I love the shape of the Powderqueen bib pants. They are more of a boxy fit rather than fitted, a preference I appreciate. The soft, lightweight interior material adds to the overall comfort. The adjustable straps around the waist and shoulders, coupled with belt loops, means you can customise the fit to your body.
For the speed demons of the mountains, tucking is the thrill they search for. You want to get into a low squat without risking a rip in the trousers (which I’ve done). In the Powderqueens I found I could tuck to my heart’s content without feeling compromised.
Bib Pros and Cons
This is my first time bibing it up, and inevitably I found some pros and cons with the design during this review of Helly Hansen Women’s Powderqueen Bib Pant.
First up they didn’t fall down – something trousers can do, unless they are tight around the waist. This made them very comfortable, and I appreciated the lack of restriction around my midriff. Plus bibs keep the snow out better than pants, which is particularly useful if you prefer a short cut jacket like the Helly Hansen Odin Backcountry Shell.
On the downside, any time I needed the restroom it was quite a palaver. Removing your jacket and other layers to get to the bib pants is never nice, especially combined with a wet bathroom floor and/or a small cubicle.
Powderqueen Bib Pant: Waterproof and Windproof
Light snow fell throughout the day and there were some wet chairlift seats. But these ski trousers kept me dry the whole time.
They are made from HELLY TECH® PERFORMANCE which is a waterproof and breathable outerlayer between you and the elements. It’s Helly Hansen’s mid-range material, has a waterproof rating of 14,000mm, which is more than adequate for most situations.
Wind was mostly stopped in it’s tracks. But at the top of some higher lifts, when the wind really picked up I did feel it through the trousers. But for the most part, I was comfortable all day.
Powderqueen: Powder, Warmth and Breathability
Powder in the name, means these bib pants prioritises off-piste skiing. They are perfect for those deep powder days when you work up a sweat. Despite skiing hard, I never felt that moisture was building up on the inside so it did its job well. Plus you can release heat when needed with the side vent zippers.
During this review of Helly Hansen Women’s Powderqueen Bib Pant I found the breathability is top-notch. So while the bib allows protection from snow entering when skiing powder, the material allows sweat to escape.
I’m a warmer-bodied skier, so I was content. They aren’t heavily insulated, so bare that in mind. But paired with warm thermals you can take on all weather.
Review of Helly Hansen’s Powderqueen Bib Pant: Pockets and Zips
You can never have enough pockets in ski gear and Helly Hansen’s Women’s Powderqueen Bib Pants goes above and beyond. There is a front bib pocket for small essentials like lip balm or sun cream. Three sizable thigh pockets that are secured with zips. Plus a velcro pouch pocket on the front of the right thigh.
These pants offer abundance of storage options, which released me from having to bring a backpack out skiing.
I especially appreciated the side zips next to the boots as I like to adjust my boots throughout the day. Not only does this provide easy access, but prevents any snow from entering my boots.
The pants also have a reinforcement fabric on the bottom hem to prevent rips and making them last for many trips in the future.
Features of Powderqueen Bib Pants
- HELLY TECH® PERFORMANCE
- RECCO®
- YKK AquaGuard®
- Fully seam sealed
- Waterproof, windproof and breathable
- Durable Water Repellency (DWR) treatment
- Adjustable elastic suspenders
- Adjustable waist with fastener
- Beacon specific pocket
- Front fly with button closure
- Chest pocket
- Hand pockets with YKK® zipper
- Thigh pocket
- Ventilation openings for added breathability
- Reinforcement fabric on bottom hem
- Reinforcement on bottom leg
- Belt loops
- HH® printed logo
- YKK® Zipper
- bluesign® product
Review of Women’s Powderqueen Bib Pant: Conclusion
In my opinion, the Helly Hansen’s Powderqueen Bib Pant is like the the all-mountain skis of ski trousers. They work well in all conditions and for all styles of skiing.
If you’re in the market for new salopettes that will last you for seasons to come, I would place the Powderqueen among my top picks. The insulation proved suitable for most weather conditions, but I did feel a slight chill through the trousers when the wind picked up. But they kept me dry, allowed sweat to escape and I was warm enough almost all of the time, and able to cool off with the vents.
Whether you’re a piste skier or a backcountry enthusiast, these Helly Hansen bib pants offer durability, functionality, and style. Priced at £260, in my opinion they represent good value for the features and quality they provide. So while Hamlet chose ‘to be’, but ended up ‘not to be’, I choose ‘to bib’ from now on – except when racing of course!
We hope you found this pro skier review of Helly Hansen Women’s Powderqueen Bib Pant useful. They are available in seven different colours at good retailers or direct from Helly Hansen: www.hellyhansen.com/w-powderqueen-bib-pant
