Campman Outdoor Gear & Apparel

When I throw down $420 for a pair of ski pants my expectations are set high. Because of that, I wanted to take a few days on the snow with the Baker Bibs before writing a review to make sure I knew the ins and outs of what make this bib such a classic in the ski world. After 10+ days at the resort and a few days playing in the backcountry, I feel I can finally give the Baker Bib a proper review.

First Look

My initial impression of the Baker Bib was questionable. The generous fit was something I had to get used to, and above the knee, the bibs widen out, making them feel baggier in the legs than other ski pants I've worn before. I almost took them off and called it a day, but luckily for me, I figured I’d rip the tags off and commit to the bibs that are a cult-classic in their own right. After adjusting the suspender straps to where I needed them and dialing in the fit, I started to feel much less restricted than I normally feel in ski pants, or basically any other pair of snow pants I have ever worn in the past 10 years, eliminating many of the doubts I had about sizing and fit.

Wasatch Test

Having the Wasatch in my backyard allows for a convenient testing ground for all types of gear, offering a great opportunity to test the highly touted features of these pants. Through my first days out, the Bakers proved themselves to be up to snuff, but I knew I had a winner after skinning through brush and dodging trees for about 20 minutes and looking down to see zero marks, scuffs, or scrapes visible. These bibs are bomber, no doubt, which is partially due to the fact that they are by no means ultralight, a fact that some may find hard to stomach. The Baker bib weighs in at 948 grams, or 2 lbs and change, which is beefy for a ski pant. However, for my purposes, I wanted a solid ski bib that I’d have for years to come, and the Baker bib is exactly that.

Features

So, what’s so special about these bibs? Other than the sweet trim colored pocket on the front that holds a sandwich almost too perfectly, the Baker bibs come with an array of features to make every day in the mountains just a little bit better. For starters, Flylow includes plenty of add-ons that other companies might skip like a multitude of storage options, elastic powder cuffs, snap-on buttons for compatible Flylow jacket powder skirts, and reinforced kick patches/knees. Pair all of this with a high-chested bib that seals out snow no matter how much of a powder-wave you kick up, and you have a bib pant that almost anyone is bound to enjoy.

But what really sets these bibs apart is their construction. Not only are the Baker bibs incredibly waterproof, but they seal out blustery wind without issue whether you’re on the chairlift or the skin track. The updated DWR coating is quite spectacular as well, shedding rain, sleet, and snow faster than it can melt, and when it comes to durability, anyone who has owned a pair of these for more than a single season will tell you that Flylow is doing something special to this fabric. Maybe it’s some sort of mixture of Polyester and Adamantium or a secret fiber that Flylow is keeping all to themselves, but whatever it is, they’re doing something right. Although mine are brand new, the legendary durability of the Baker Bibs is something that most everyone seems to agree on.

Pros

• Materials: The 20k/20k three-layer bib is built to take a beating, and the 1000 denier Cordura reinforcements on the knees and cuffs make sure that you won’t walk away from your first season in these bibs with the cuffs looking ratty and torn up. Having skied in a few storms, I was able to test the 20K waterproofing in heavy, wet conditions as well as in the low-density fluff we’re used it here in Utah, and it passed the test with ease.

• Storage: Like snacks? Me too. Lucky for us, there are plenty of pockets built into the Baker Bibs to stash your goodies - two zippered standard pockets, one zippered thigh pocket, one zippered back pocket, one zippered kangaroo pocket, one pocket on the bib with a snap button, and another hidden pocket on the side of the kangaroo pocket, meaning you’ll never have a shortage of storage.

• Thigh Vents: Admittedly, the Flylow Smythe’s are better designed for a specific backcountry pant, but I typically run cold and I wanted something I could utilize at the resort as well. That said, when I opened the thigh vents while struggling uphill one day, it was like turning on the AC. With four vents total, these pants give you every opportunity to stay cool on the skin track.

Cons

• Beacon Leash: Unfortunately, the Baker Bib does not come with a beacon leash. As mentioned above there is plenty of storage and room for a beacon, but it would be nice if Flylow included a leash on the thigh pocket. I currently use my own leash and attached it to the zipper, which works completely fine, but an integrated option would be nice for the price.

• Stretch: The lack of overall stretch in the fabric used to build these bibs is another minor downside. While it isn’t a deal-breaker by any means, especially with the loose fitting design, you might find it difficult to do your pre-ski stretches or pull off a switch 540 truck driver at your local park while wearing them.

Conclusion

To sum it up, I will never wear another pair of ski pants for as long as I live thanks to the Baker Bib - #bakerbibsforlife. They have everything you could want out of a bib pant: full coverage, seriously durable fabric, plenty of storage pockets, and a steezy enough style to want to wear them to the bar for a drink or two at the end of the day. The only thing to watch out for is the fit, due to the fact that these pants have a baggier design than some other styles out there. I opted to size down for this reason, but that won’t be the case for everyone, and I would definitely suggest comparing your measurements with the Flylow size chart and trying some on before you take them on that ski trip to Europe you’ve been dreaming about all year.

If you want to get a pair of Baker Bibs for yourself, grab a pair off of the Campman website before they sell out... again.

About Campman

Campman is an outdoor retail store located in Salt Lake City, Utah that specializes in gear and equipment for camping, skiing, backpacking, climbing, and everything in between. We understand that the difference between a bad memory and the adventure of a lifetime can come down to the gear you take with you when you head outdoors, and we want our customers to have the best experiences possible. When it comes to getting outside, we get it, and we’ll get you the gear you need to get there.

Questions? Feel free to contact us by phone at (801) 999-8117 or by email at sales@campman.com.