Outdoor Research

Skytour AscentShell Bib Pant - Men's

Love Them but Zipper Broke 1st Season

I loved everything about these pants bibs: breathable, waterproof, stretchy comfortable, warm. I'm 5'11", 160 and Med fit perfect. The only downfall was they have those fat plastic zippers on the thigh pockets (all others are the small metal sealed type), and a tooth broke out in first season. I wasn't yanking on them or anything either, in fact, I'm really careful, but they don't glide easily. I returned them and I'm now looking for another bib without those type of zippers. The previous season I had a Patagonia Pow Slayer jacket that had the same type of zippers on the chest pockets. You can guess what happened. I returned it as well. Prior to buying products with these plastic zippers I always had the metal sealed type, and I had a Patagonia jacket for over 10 years, the zippers are bulletproof.

Failed Zipper on Big Front Pocket

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

M

Height:

5' 11"

Weight:

160

These are nice bibs, actually love them, very waterproof, stretchy, and comfortable; however, one of the big-toothed, plastic zippers on the front pockets failed after skiing just 10 times. I am consciously careful with zippers , but last weekend while skiing I noticed teeth missing. I don't recall tugging on them or anything, I think they just failed. I have read this type of zipper was recalled, and the same thing happened on my $750 Patagonia Pow Slayer jacket, luckily they gave me a full credit and I got a new jacket with the small teethed metal zippers, much better! Outdoor Research has an "Infinite Guarantee" so will contact them to see if they replace or repair. I purchased this about 13-14 months ago.

Comfortable and perfect fit. Definitely would buy them again

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I did a lot of research on ski pants before pulling the trigger on the OR Skytour Ascent Shell Bib. My biggest hesitation before buying was the fit. I'm 5'10, 175, 32 waist, 32 inseam, ski pants are normally either too tight or way too big on me. After reading way too many reviews I went with size medium and the fit is absolutely spot on perfect. The material is stretchy and breathes well. I've had mine for a few weeks and I've resort skied with them about 5 or 6 times.... in wet heavy snow I stayed warm and dry but didnt overheat and once in 0 F and windy condtions with a base layer and was perfectly warm. I haven't used them for touring yet, but being light weight and stretchy with the side leg zippers I think they will be perfect. I haven't found a flaw with them yet. Very comfortable and great fitting and I'm very happy with my purchase! Great job OR for making the perfect resort and touring pant.

Pleasant Surprise

Solid bibs with a great, breathable upper. From other reviews I was a bit concerned the medium would be too snug and the lighter weight design would be cold in the wind. However, both concerns were unfounded. The fit is perfect for my 5'10" 170 frame and they have been a perfect protective shell on both warm days in the upper 30's and windy, cold below 0 days.

Not waterproof or water resistant

I wanted to love these bibs but their performance in snowy weather has disappointed. Starting with the good: the teal color is sharp, the fit is great (5'8, 145lb in size small), they're super durable, and the beacon pocket on the chest is awesome The bad: the bibs have no water proofing or resistance. On the first day I wore these when it was actively snowing, the bibs soaked through immediately. Not just on the surface - my legs were literally wet after an hour of sustained light snow. Seriously, you can see each snowflake soak through, These are not goretex and shouldn't be evaluated as such but I've worn hiking pants that have better water resistance than these. If it's snowing I cannot wear them. Moreover, snow bibs should be purchased with the expectation of a semblance of water resistance. I love touring in these on days that it's NOT snowing. If there's a chance of snow, I would look elsewhere; If you want a bib to wear in both snowy and dry conditions, these are not for you. After 20 days of use I am regretfully retiring the Skytour bibs. 2 stars for the steez.

No waist adjustment

Would've been nice to have a little Velcro waist adjustment

Great material and cut

These are about as close to the ideal bibs was I currently know of. It uses a softshell torso that makes these a bit comfier in warmer weather than if the entire pant was made of AscentShell, which is a smart touch. My favorite aspect of these pants, though, is the cut. They aren't slim fitting and don't restrict movement at all, but they are MUCH less baggy than most bibs. Most companies cut ski pants and bibs to be overly baggy which is totally unnecessary and becomes a hazard if you use the pants with crampons. These bibs, on the other hand, work nicely with crampons and I find I like them not just for skiing but for winter climbing as well. My biggest gripe with these is I wish it was easier to go to the bathroom. Using them for mountaineering, it's important to be able to poop. It's possible in these using the big zipper down the back, but it's harder than it needs to be. It would be easier if both side zippers extended all the way up or if there was a specific flap in the rear. I will grant that these bibs are still better in this area than most ski bibs; you really only find better designs in bibs and salopettes designed specifically for alpinism, which also tend to be almost twice the price.

Stretch and Fit

Runs true to size. They are little long for my 31 inch inseam, but that is only an issue when I have shoes on, with my ski boots it is fine. The cut is generous without being baggy.

Great Bibs

Great bibs for the price point. Durable, excellent pocket design and stand up to the conditions winter in the west have to offer.

Excellent for spring

Used these during a resort day during a 47F inversion and stayed cool paired with a wind shell. I really like that this model has the front zip to allow you to modulate venting. The power strap access point is a little clumsy to use but the gimmick is real and it made access to the upper portion of my boot easier while still retaining a powder seal.