Review: Outdoor Research Hemispheres II Bib

Ski bibs are one of those things you don’t realize that you’re missing until you try them. They prevent snow from falling down the back of your pants, while still ventilating sweat and retaining full-body warmth.

And as far as bibs go, the Hemispheres II Gore-Tex Bib from Outdoor Research hits the sweet spot between versatility, warmth, and freedom-of-movement. I tested the bib on resort laps and early-season touring this winter, and was impressed with its performance in both environments. Here’s a detailed rundown of what I noticed.

The Hemispheres II is a ski-touring specific bib, and it’s got all the features and design elements to flourish in the backcountry.

Sizing
Bibs are a tough garment to fit. Every company’s size guide is a little different, and it’s worth trying on clothes in-person or reading reviews to get a sense for a brand’s sizing. Based on Outdoor Research’s size chart, and my experience with their clothing, OR apparel seems designed for folks who have a stockier build.

I’m 6’2”, 185 lbs, and relatively lanky. I wear a size L Hemispheres bib, and the fit is okay. The inseam, at 33”, is identical to my jean sizing, but feels shorter in these bibs. And the chest, while quite wide and spacious, just isn’t quite tall enough to pull up above my sternum. I could’ve bumped up to a size XL for a longer inseam, but I’d have been swimming in them. Fortunately, Outdoor Research included belt loops on this version of the Hemispheres, so I can make the size L work by shimmying some material down and wearing a nylon belt. Overall, folks who are on the taller, skinnier side of things might not fit into these bibs as well as burlier people do.

Materials
The entire bib has a Gore-Tex membrane, but with some strategic flourishes. The crotch and back yoke are made of Gore-Tex “Stretch Panels”—elastic pieces of fabric that are still completely waterproof. They give the bib an extra inch or two of wiggle room, and are convenient for bending, sitting, squatting, or any other odd position I might need to use on the mountain. Overall, the bib is thinner and lighter than the typical snowpant, making it ideal for backcountry ski-touring. And while also great for warmer resort days, it just doesn’t have the wind resistance for brutally cold chairlift rides when the temperatures really plummet.

For general use in southwest Montana, the Hemispheres II have set the bar high.

Moving down the bib, the inside cuffs are reinforced with a heavy nylon to protect against boot-rubbing. The interior “inner” cuffs also have straps that cinch around ski boots, preventing any snow from falling into my boots. The bottom seam is reinforced as well, so fraying isn’t an issue. All in all, the materials and placement were thoughtfully designed in the Hemispheres.

Ventilation
The first thing I noticed on an early-season Lick Creek tour was the full-length zipper on the right side of the bib. It makes getting the garment on and off a breeze, and provides serious air flow when on the skin track. Two zipper mechanisms also make it easy to open the vent in the location of my choice, and of the size of my choosing. A smaller zipper on the right side of the pants allows additional air flow over my legs. When both side-vents are open, there’s quite a bit of air movement through the bibs—enough to wick out any moisture or sweat as it’s produced. Finally, a pit zip makes it convenient to pee without peeling off my gloves, jacket, and bibs.

Pockets
Pockets are a critical component on any ski pant. And not just to hold stuff like drinks, candy bars, and extra hand warmers, but also for more important safety items like an avalanche beacon. And fear not, for OR took both into consideration. The Hemispheres has two front pockets—one of which is specifically designed for a beacon (but happens to also fit a 12-ounce beer). The pouch has a stitched-in lanyard attachment, so I never have to worry about my beacon coming loose while carving powder turns, or worst-case-scenario, if I’m caught in an avalanche.

Overall Impression
The Hemispheres II is a ski-touring specific bib, and it’s got all the features and design elements to flourish in the backcountry. After a handful of early-season ski tours, I can say with certainty that this bib has the versatility, comfort, and ventilation to handle all but the coldest, harshest days in the backcountry. For general use in southwest Montana, the Hemispheres have set the bar high—just mind Outdoor Research’s sizing guide closely if you’re in the market for a new pair of bibs.

Available at outdoorresearch.com; $650.