Patagonia Untracked Ski Bib Review
The Patagonia Untracked ($649) is a standout bib for backcountry skiers who want serious protection and uphill-ready weight without sacrificing comfort. It’s built from lightweight 3-layer Gore-Tex, with a touch of warmth and a freeride-friendly cut that moves well whether you’re climbing or carving. This isn’t the flashiest bib out there, but it hits the mark in all the right places—waterproofing, venting, durability—and adds thoughtful extras like an internal mesh phone sleeve. It’s not cheap, and the waist fit might not flatter everyone, but for dedicated tourers tackling mixed conditions, the Untracked is one of the most versatile hardshell options available.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Backcountry
Waterproofing
3-layer Gore-Tex ePE
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
80D nylon
Pros
Cons
Patagonia Untracked
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Bibs.
The Patagonia Untracked is among the most impressively weatherproof ski bibs I’ve used—right up there with the Arc’teryx Sabre, which is known as a leader in the category. This level of performance is rare for a backcountry-oriented model, but I skied wearing the Untracked on a couple of absolute soakers, including a full day of heavy, wet snow inbounds, and it barely flinched. While my friends were drenched by lunchtime, the Untracked kept me dry from bell to bell and dried quickly during breaks. Even in light rain, I never felt the outer fabric start to soak through. That slight sheen on the leg fabric isn’t just aesthetic—it helps water bead up and roll off effortlessly.
The Untracked’s 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE construction is thin and fairly light, but somehow doesn’t feel drafty or flimsy. Wind got locked out, and the coated zippers added confidence. I especially appreciated the bib’s powder cuffs, which stretched easily over my ski boots and stayed put. (The inclusion of durable scuff guards at the ankles also gives the cuffs some long-term reinforcement, which matters for day-in, day-out wear.) I wouldn’t hesitate to trust the Patagonia Untracked Bib in the worst weather.
This is a classic uninsulated ski bib, but the Untracked runs slightly warmer than you’d expect thanks to how well it seals out wind and moisture. There’s a soft polyester flannel backer inside, which adds a little bit of comfort and a tiny bit of insulation, but this is still a piece that relies heavily on layering. On cold storm days, I wore thick fleece leggings underneath and was totally fine. On milder outings, I dropped to thinner long underwear and still felt protected.
The upside to the Untracked’s lack of much insulation is breathability and versatility. I can scale my leg warmth level up or down depending on the day. The wind-blocking properties give the Untracked a slight edge in warmth over something like the Outdoor Research Cloudchaser, which lets more breeze in. Compared to something like the full-coverage Flylow Foxy, the Untracked doesn’t feel quite as toasty, but in stormy conditions it ends up performing just as well due to its overall protection.
My first impression of the Patagonia Untracked wasn’t about its comfort, per se, but rather the fit. The cut isn’t especially flattering, and the waist has quite a bit of excess fabric. But as soon as I got moving, I stopped caring. These are legitimately comfortable bibs to ski in. The fabric isn’t stiff or crunchy like some other Gore-Tex options, and there are stretch panels at the hips that make a huge difference in mobility.
I never felt restricted when bending over, sitting down, or skinning uphill. That freedom of movement, combined with the bib’s light weight, makes it one of the easiest pieces to tour in. I wouldn’t say it’s as soft or stretchy as a true softshell option like the Outdoor Research Skytour, but for a hardshell bib, this is near the top in comfort. The soft backer also helped keep the interior from feeling clammy against my skin, even when I worked up a sweat.
The Patagonia Untracked’s 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE fabric itself doesn’t breathe all that well—no surprise there, given how waterproof it is—but the bib’s design helps compensate. There are large vents along the outer thighs that double as the drop-seat zippers, which is a smart way to reduce bulk. On a sunny spring day when the temps hit nearly 50 degrees, I had the vents open most of the time and stayed relatively comfortable. Without them, it would’ve gotten swampy fast.
These ski bibs aren’t the best choice for sustained warm-weather touring, though. When I wore the Skytour bib the very next day in similar conditions, I stayed noticeably cooler even without unzipping the vents. But in winter temps, the Untracked strikes a solid balance—warm enough for storm days, but breathable enough to skin in. For resort-accessed backcountry or mixed days, I think it’s a great pick. Just don’t expect softshell-level performance when things really heat up.
The Patagonia Untracked uses 80-denier nylon for its face fabric. That’s lighter than burly resort bibs like the Baker, but it still feels sturdy in-hand. I’ve worn it on over 20 backcountry days this season, plus some resort laps, and it’s held up beautifully so far. There’s no pilling, no frayed seams, and the scuff guards are doing their job. It still looks nearly new despite regular use.
I previously owned an older version of this bib that lasted almost a decade, so I’m hopeful this one will match that longevity. The zippers feel smooth and well-built, the powder cuffs haven’t lost elasticity, and the stitching all looks precise. It’s not indestructible—don’t go bushwhacking—but for ski touring and lift laps alike, the Untracked is a reliable, well-built bib. And considering the $649 price tag lines up with other top-tier options, such as the Arc'teryx Sentinel ($700), I think you’re getting good long-term value here.
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Longevity
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PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
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Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
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Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
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Annual Impact Report
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There’s a lot to like in the Untracked’s simple but effective feature set. Two thigh pockets offer enough space for a phone, snack, or beacon, and one of them includes a clever mesh sleeve to keep small items from shifting or bouncing around. It’s the kind of thoughtful design touch that doesn’t take up extra room but makes a big difference in daily use. I do wish there were a beacon tether inside, though. It's a small miss in an otherwise practical backcountry-oriented layout.
Other touches include a zip fly and belt loops (not something I ever use with bibs, but they’re there), plus a two-button system to secure the drop seat. Those buttons are a bit awkward to reach, so I sometimes left them undone, but the seat stayed sealed regardless. The outer thigh vents are large and easy to operate, and the overall adjustability is intuitive. Nothing flashy here, just ski bibs that are well thought out and functional.
Tester: 5’5”, 140 lb.; 36" chest; 29" waist
Size tested: Women’s medium
I wore my usual size, a women’s medium, and while the overall fit was comfortable, the waist felt quite roomy. There’s a bit of extra fabric at the back, which isn’t flattering, but didn’t bother me while I was skiing. The leg length was more of an issue. I have shorter legs and a longer torso, and the cuffs dragged on the ground unless I was in ski boots. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely something to keep in mind for smaller-framed skiers.
That said, I found the cut roomy in a good way. I had plenty of space to layer thick base layers underneath without feeling constricted, and I never felt tightness in the thighs or hips. I’ve seen other skiers comment about a tight leg fit, but I didn’t experience that. If you prefer a tailored or streamlined look, the Patagonia Untracked Bib might feel oversized. But for all-day comfort, I really liked the freedom it offered.
Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L ($385): Uphill-Oriented Stretch & Breathability
The Outdoor Research Cloudchaser 3L is a backcountry-focused bib that prioritizes breathability and mobility, but at the expense of weather protection. Its 3-layer Pertex Shield Stretch fabric is lighter and significantly more pliable than the Untracked’s Gore-Tex ePE, making it a strong choice for high-output tours and warm spring days. Despite its full-height bib upper, the Cloudchaser is also slightly lighter overall (1 lb. 4.2 oz. vs. 1 lb. 6.9 oz.), which adds to its uphill appeal. That said, it falls short in harsh conditions: The Pertex fabric wets out more quickly in heavy snow and allows more wind through, which makes it less reliable for storm days or cold-weather resort use. In sum, the Cloudchaser excels in mobility and airflow, but the Untracked is the clear winner when weather protection and season-long versatility are most important. For more, check out our Cloudchaser 3L review.
Arc’teryx Sentinel ($700): 3L Gore-Tex from Arc’teryx
If you’re considering the Untracked but are curious about Arc’teryx’s equivalent, the Sabre Bib is the closest match. Both bibs feature 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE with an 80-denier nylon face, offering comparable waterproofing and breathability. The Sabre features a soft knit backer for added warmth and next-to-skin comfort, but its most noticeable difference is the full-height bib upper. Some skiers will appreciate the extra coverage and pocket space this provides, while others may prefer the Untracked’s minimalist cut and slightly lighter weight (it’s about 3 ounces less). In the end, your choice may come down to preferred fit, feature set, and brand loyalty, though it’s worth noting the Patagonia comes in $50 cheaper. For more, read our review of the men's Sabre.
The Untracked has a focused design that excels at its intended purpose: offering high-end storm protection in a lightweight and mobile package. But the bib’s abbreviated cut may not be for everyone, and the Untracked isn’t as breathable as some dedicated backcountry models.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
If your ideal ski day is as much about the ascent as the descent, the stretchy, soft, and breathable Cloudchaser 3L might be the bib for you. Just be mindful not to push it too hard in wet conditions.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
In true Arc’teryx fashion, this bib exudes quality from hip to toe. The premium 3-layer Gore-Tex construction offers breathable waterproof protection for everything from storm days at the resort to high-octane skin track sessions. But buyer beware: The fit doesn’t work for everyone.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Untracked for You?
If you’re searching for a lightweight, 3-layer Gore-Tex ski bib that handles storm skiing just as well as kick turns in the skin track, the Patagonia Untracked hits a sweet spot. It won’t win awards for warmth or styling, but its waterproofing, venting, and thoughtful design make it a standout for users who want versatility and reliability. Fit quirks and minimal storage might steer some folks toward heavier resort options, but for skiers who prioritize movement and protection, it’s one of the most balanced designs we’ve worn.
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