Best Women’s Plus-Size Snow Pants and Bibs of 2025

The best warm, waterproof, and stylish snow pants and bibs

Raquel Vélez skiing in the Trew Chariot Primo Bibs at a ski resort in Lake Tahoe. Photo by Jillian Raymond.

April 22nd, 2025
HomeGear ReviewsSkiing and Snowboarding

Despite the fact 68% of American women wear sizes 14 and up, less than 20% of the outdoor clothing available in stores is made in plus sizes. This fact is especially difficult for those of us who really enjoy winter sports, but simply cannot find clothing that keeps us safe and comfortable outside. 

Fortunately, some ski and snowboarding brands have started to recognize the immense opportunity of catering to bigger bodies. We took the time to test plus size ski pants and bibs for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing and identify the best snow pants and bibs for a variety of situations.  

I'm a skier, backcountry skier, and snowshoer. I also owned and designed the outdoor apparel company Alpine Parrot that catered specifically to people of size and people of color. I bring years of outdoor apparel design experience, an understanding of plus size apparel, and winter sports skills to this guide.

Whether you’re new to snowsports or an avid backcountry skier, snowboarder, or snowshoer, one of these snow pants or bibs will take care of you!

Related: Best Plus Size Winter Outdoor Clothing

Read more: Best Outdoor Gear for Plus Size People


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Comparison table

SNOW PANTS TREELINE AWARD SIZES INSULATED? POCKETS MATERIAL VENTS RECCO?
Trew Chariot Primo Bib Best Overall
Read why
1X-4X (short, regular, tall) Shell 2 chest pockets, 2 thigh side cargo pockets, 1 Velcro drop pocket on right leg PNW Primo 3L Fabric Thigh zips on inner thighs Yes
Outdoor Research Carbide Bibs Best Backcountry
Read why
1X-4X (short, regular, tall) Shell 1 chest pocket, 2 hip pockets 100% nylon Pertex® Shield 3L, 40D face fabric with tricot knit backer Thigh zips on outer thighs No
The North Face Freedom Snow Bibs Best Insulated Bib
Read why
XL, XXL, 3XL (short, regular, and tall options) Insulated 2 small chest pockets, 2 hip pockets, 1 cargo pocket with a hook-and-loop closure on the right thigh 160-denier X, 140-denier 133 G/M² DryVent 2L—100% recycled nylon with non-PFC Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish, with 50-denier 105 G/M² 100% recycled polyester insulation Thigh zips on outer thighs No
Outdoor Research Snowcrew Pants Best Insulated Pant
Read why
1X-4X (short, regular) Insulated 2 hip pockets bluesign-approved Ventia 2L 100% polyester (56% recycled) 75D X 150D plain weave mechanical stretch shell and bluesign-approved 100% recycled polyester 50D taffeta lining, with VerticalX Eco 100% polyester (85% recycled) insulation 45 G/M2 Thigh zips on outer thighs No
Columbia Bugaboo II Snow Pants Best Budget
Read why
1X-3X (short, regular, long) Insulated 2 hip pockets, 2 back pockets, 1 right calf/ankle pocket 100% nylon polyester shell with Omni-Heat Reflective 210T taffeta 100% polyester lining and 60g Microtemp XF II 85% recycled polyester/ 15% polyester insulation None No
Arctix Women's Insulated Snow Pants 1X-4X (regular) Insulated 2 zip pockets 100% polyester dobby ThermaLock™ shell None No
Half Days Carson Bib Pant 1X-2X (short, regular) Insulated 2 exterior pockets, 1 chest 100% Recycled Polyester Thigh zips No
SOURCE: Manufacturers


The Winners

Best Overall: Trew Chariot Primo Bib

Trew Chariot Primo Bib

Insulated or Shell? Shell
Sizes: 1X-4X (short, regular, tall)
Material: PNW Primo 3L Fabric
Pockets: 2 chest pockets, 2 thigh side cargo pockets, 1 Velcro drop pocket on right leg
Vents: Thigh zips on inner thighs
Reinforced cuffs: Yes, TechSteel fabric (Vectran, UHMwPE, or HMPE fiber, high-tenacity yarn)
RECCO-equipped: Yes
Waterproof Rating (mm): 20,000
Breathability (g): 20,000
What we liked: Durability, waterproofing, breathability, comfortable fabric, ventilation, technical features, PFAS-free, drop-seat access for bathroom breaks, jacket-like zipper for entry and exit
What we didn't like: Inner thigh vents, fewer colors available in the plus-size line

For many people in bigger bodies, finding clothes that fit is an act of perseverance that ends with “it’ll do.” Trew’s Recco-equipped Chariot Primo Bib (matched with the Stella Jacket Primo) will more than do, it’s become our go-to, first-pick option for any snow adventure. 

Once we were strapped in and noticed how dang cute we looked, we really started to notice the carefully crafted details that take these bibs to the top of the charts. Five pockets mean everything you need is within reach: two chest pockets—both with clips for beacons, two cargo pockets on the thighs, and a drop pocket with a hook-and-loop closure on the right leg. 

And then there are the thigh vents on the inner thighs to help regulate temperature, reinforced inside cuffs, and power-strap openings in the gaiters. The zippers are all really high quality and chunky, so you know they’re unlikely to break or get stuck. 

Trew Chariot Primo Bib

The first thing we noticed was the weight of the fabric, oozing with durability and high-quality construction. For the super hardcore gram-counters, the OR Carbide Bibs are considerably lighter, but the Chariot Primo’s heft comes with a feeling of protection. These bibs are not insulated, but have plenty of room for layering so that we can choose our own warmth levels depending on the situation at hand. We do recommend wearing at least a minimal base layer with these; we went without them on a particularly warm day and felt the threat of chafing looming. 

The second thing we noticed was the front zipper, reaching from the center collar down to the crotch, as compared to the more common side zipper, running from the armpit to the hip. This means pulling on the bibs feels like putting on a flight onesie in the coolest of ways. The zipper goes far enough past the full hip that getting in and out is simple and doesn’t require weaving and bobbing like a boxer to get through the shoulder straps. Adjusting the straps took a second to figure out, but once they’re cinched they’re not going anywhere. 

But the best bit of all? There’s a zipper across the full hip for potty breaks! Also known as a drop-seat opening, folks who tend to sit to relieve themselves can avoid the arduous process of disrobing in their time of need. 

We’ll admit it: the drop-seat opening took a bit of practice to become second nature, and it comes with certain caveats. Reaching between the legs from the front is somewhere between tricky and impossible, and if reaching around your body to go between the legs from the back is difficult for you, you may want to avoid these bibs. We also didn’t notice the drop-seat zipper when sitting on the ski lift, but it is noticeable if you’re not wearing a base layer bottom

On the slopes and in the meadows, we found the Chariot Primo Bibs performed really well. There’s a small amount of “mechanical stretch”—that means the fabric is woven in a way to allow it to stretch slightly, as opposed to fabrics that have elastane added to it—which makes movement a breeze. We were able to squat without any issues and skied for hours thanks to the breathability of the fabric and the extra venting.

These bibs are on the high end of the price spectrum for plus-size snow pants and bibs, but we believe they’re more than worth it. Trew went out of their way to really create a snow kit that would appeal to snow adventurers in bigger bodies and it shows. They’re also a small, independent team, and it’s such a joy to see them compete—and win!—against more mainstream brands. 

We tested the Trew Chariot Primo bibs while skiing at the resort and snowshoeing on birdsong-enchanted trails, and they performed beautifully. Trew’s website mentions they are backcountry compatible as well, and we don’t doubt it. We probably wouldn’t choose these for the really big backcountry days since they’re a bit heavy, but for everything else, they’re our top choice!


Best for Backcountry: Outdoor Research Carbide Bibs

Outdoor Research Carbide Bibs

Insulated or Shell? Shell
Sizes: 1X-4X (short, regular, tall)
Material: 100% nylon Pertex® Shield 3L, 40D face fabric with tricot knit backer
Pockets: 1 chest pocket, 2 hip pockets
Vents: Thigh zips on outer thighs
Reinforced cuffs: Yes
RECCO-equipped: No
Waterproof Rating (mm): unknown
Breathability (g): unknown
What we liked: Durability, waterproofing, breathability, comfortable fabric, ventilation, technical features
What we didn't like: Some colorways not PFAS-free (and no longer available in California, New York, or Colorado), side vent/entry not quite enough for bathroom access, limited colors compared to “regular” sizes

The first time we put Outdoor Research’s Carbide Bibs on, we squealed with delight. The fit is flattering and we were able to ski around the resort and snowshoe on trails with ease. They are not insulated, so you’ll have to pair the kit with appropriate base layers to ensure you’re sufficiently warm for your winter activities. 

Outdoor Research Carbide Bibs

The material itself is comfortable and quite lightweight, which makes it perfect for being out in the backcountry. It is so lightweight, however, that it doesn’t feel quite as durable as the heavier-weight Trew Chariot Primo Bibs. Fortunately the Carbide Bibs’ inner cuffs are reinforced, so they’re protected from the most obvious source of rips and tears.

Getting in and out of the bibs is fairly straightforward: there’s a right-side zipper that extends from the armpit to the mid-thigh, and the suspender straps have detachable clips. This zipper doubles as the right side vent, paired with another zipper on the left side that only goes from the upper hip to the mid-thigh for the left side vent. We like that the vents are on the outside, to prevent the inevitable discomfort of inner-thigh vents, for those of us whose thighs touch. 

The right-side zipper is also meant to be used for bathroom access, but even after multiple attempts in a resort bathroom we gave up and had to take our jackets off and unclip the right-side suspender to make it work. 

The number of pockets leaves a bit to be desired, as there are only three: one on the bib, and one on each front hip. The right-hand hip pocket has an inner mesh pocket along with a clip for the very important beacon, which can also double as a convenient phone pocket at the resort. Fortunately Outdoor Research gifted us with very generously sized pockets on the Carbide Bibs, so we won’t complain too much!

Some other features of the bibs that we’d like to mention: the suspenders are easy to adjust and quite comfortable, and the gaiters have slots for ski boot power straps–though getting the straps in there is tricky and time-consuming. The zippers are on the small side, likely to match the lightweight nature of the fabric. 

Overall, we really liked the OR Carbide Bibs, and they’re our go-to for long days in the backcountry or hot days on the slopes! 


Best Insulated Bib: The North Face Freedom Snow Bibs

The North Face Freedom Snow Bibs

Insulated or Shell? Insulated
Sizes: XL, XXL, 3XL (short, regular, and tall options)
Material: 160-denier X, 140-denier 133 G/M² DryVent 2L—100% recycled nylon with non-PFC Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish, with 50-denier 105 G/M² 100% recycled polyester insulation
Pockets: 2 small chest pockets, 2 hip pockets, 1 cargo pocket with a hook-and-loop closure on the right thigh
Vents: Thigh zips on outer thighs
Reinforced cuffs: Yes
RECCO-equipped: No
Waterproof Rating (mm): not stated
Breathability (g): not stated
What we liked: Durability, waterproofing, breathability, comfortable fabric, ventilation, technical features, outer thigh vents, PFAS-free
What we didn't like: Side vent/entry not quite enough for bathroom access, inner thigh vents, unflattering fit

It’s not easy to find insulated bibs, so when we got our hands on The North Face’s Freedom Snow Bibs, we were really eager to see how they fared compared to our non-insulated options. 

The Freedom Snow Bibs are warm, and especially so with an additional base layer. We went snowshoeing with the bibs and were super thankful for the inner thigh vents to help the heat escape from our sweaty bodies. While we wish the vents weren’t in the path of chub rub, the insulated layer is very soft and the vents have mesh in the opening, so feel free to forgo base layers if the conditions warrant it!

The North Face Freedom Snow Bibs

The outer fabric feels durable if thin, though combined with the insulation feels like it’s fairly durable. We weren’t able to test its waterproofing, but we were able to sit on the snow without any worry about the water seeping in so it’s at least water-resistant. The North Face doesn’t state a waterproof/breathable rating for its DryVent membrane, but some 3L DryVent products state 30,000mm— check the specific pants or bibs to see if one is listed. The fabric on these bibs are listed as 2L DryVent, which won’t be as waterproof as some other 3L options on this list. The difference won’t be noticeable on dry days, but be aware if you find yourself in wet conditions!

The Freedom bibs were relatively easy to put on, thanks to the side zipper that goes from the waist to the full hip, and the albeit undetachable suspenders are very stretchy and could go over our head. The fit wasn’t particularly flattering, however, as there was a significant amount of room in the waist area compared to other bib options. Folks who need more room in the waist area will probably appreciate them more than folks who do not. 

It should be noted that the side zipper isn’t quite long enough to handle bathroom access, and the pockets are smaller than you might find on other bibs. But for the price, the Freedom Snow Bibs are a good all-around insulated option for playing in the snow. 

P.S. The Freedom Snow Bibs have a sibling, the Freedom Insulated Snow Pants, if you prefer a pant over a bib option. While they are offered in the same sizes, we suggest seeing how they compare to the bibs online or in-store. 


Best Insulated Pant: Outdoor Research Snowcrew Pants

Outdoor Research Snowcrew Pants

Insulated or Shell? Insulated
Sizes: 1X-4X (short, regular)
Material: bluesign-approved Ventia 2L 100% polyester (56% recycled) 75D X 150D plain weave mechanical stretch shell and bluesign-approved 100% recycled polyester 50D taffeta lining, with VerticalX Eco 100% polyester (85% recycled) insulation 45 G/M2
Pockets: 2 hip pockets
Vents: Thigh zips on outer thighs
Reinforced cuffs: Yes
RECCO-equipped: No
Waterproof Rating (mm): not stated
Breathability (g): not stated
What we liked: Durability, waterproofing, breathability, comfortable fabric, ventilation, technical features, outer thigh vents
What we didn't like: Some colors not PFAS-free, snap-button front closure, didn’t pass the squat test

Sometimes you just need a good insulated snow pant, and you don’t want to go through the whole effort of bibs when pants will do just fine! The Outdoor Research Snowcrew Pants will take care of most folks’ needs–especially if they are the right option for your body type.

Outdoor Research Snowcrew Pants

Starting with the fabric, we have no complaints. OR knows how to choose comfortable fabrics, and these are no exception. We wore the Snowcrew Pants while snowshoeing and ditched the base layers without any problems. We appreciated the outer thigh vents to help dispel heat, but noticed we didn’t need them–the insulation is just enough to keep out the cold on a relatively warm (39F) day. 

The pockets are sumptuous and lined, with zippered closures. We really wish there were more pockets, but we appreciated that the right pocket has a mesh inner-pocket and an anchor for a beacon, if you choose to take these out in the backcountry. 

In terms of fit, we like that the Snowcrew Pants have waist adjusters, though we found that they weren’t enough for our pear-shaped testers. We maxed the adjusters out and still couldn’t pass the squat test. These pants are really better suited for folks who have more similar waist and hip measurements. We also didn’t love the snap button closure at the front, as it popped a few times when we bent over to put on our snowshoes. We prefer the snap button plus hook-and-loop closure that we had on the Columbia Bugaboo II Snow Pants.

We would also like to talk to the zipper manager: for some reason, the crotch zipper is super thin and seems easy to break, but the zippers on the pockets are appropriately chunky and strong. The thin zippers on the OR Carbide Bibs made sense, since they are lighter in weight and the fabric can handle it. But the Snowcrew Pants are insulated and need stronger zippers to withstand getting in and out of the thicker layers. Furthermore, the zipper pull is really small and can’t be grabbed with gloves or mittens, so frequent potty breaks or adjustments could get frustrating.

Barring the fit issues, we had no problem moving around in our snowshoes and chasing a dog around a snow park. Our pear-shaped testers would probably be happier in the very similar Snowcrew Bibs, but if you’re apple-shaped and looking for insulated pants, you’ll be happy with the Snowcrew Pants!


Columbia Bugaboo II Snow Pants

Insulated or Shell? Insulated
Sizes: 1X-3X (short, regular, long)
Material: 100% nylon polyester shell with Omni-Heat Reflective 210T taffeta 100% polyester lining and 60g Microtemp XF II 85% recycled polyester/ 15% polyester insulation
Pockets: 2 hip pockets, 2 back pockets, 1 right calf/ankle pocket
Vents: None
Reinforced cuffs: Yes
RECCO-equipped: No
Waterproof Rating (mm): 10,000mm or 20,000mm, depending on the garment.
Breathability (g): not stated
What we liked: Durability, waterproofing, PFAS free, low price
What we didn't like: Metallic lining, VERY warm, no vents, didn’t pass the squat test

Having fun in the snow is often cost prohibitive, but it really shouldn’t be. Columbia’s Bugaboo II Snow Pants give you the basic features you need without breaking the bank. We took them snowshoeing with a rambunctious dog and had a great time.

Columbia Bugaboo II Snow Pants

We found these pants to be super warm, likely due to Columbia’s patented Omni-Tech and Omni-Heat technology. The metallic lining—meant to help reflect heat back into your body—is a little off-putting at first, reminiscent of the metallic emergency blankets that marathoners wear after they’ve finished pushing their bodies for 26.2 miles. But once we put them on, we just felt warm, and barely noticed the lining against our skin—we tried to put on base layers and overheated so we ditched them without any problems. We really wish the pants had vents to help moderate our body temperature, but we understand the need to cut features in order to keep costs down.

The outer fabric feels pretty durable and will easily handle a couple of seasons of moderate activity. The two hip pockets and two back pockets are about average size—not as deep and wide as we’d like, but sufficiently large to hold a cell phone. We liked the surprise calf pocket, though we’re not sure what we would put in there since it’s so out of the way.

The pants have waist adjusters located on the inside of the waistband, which is a little awkward but workable. Our pear-shaped testers maxed the adjusters to the smallest possible position and still had trouble with the squat test, so be forewarned. These pants should be fine for folks with closer waist and full hip measurements, though. 

Another thing to note is that the front crotch zipper is very short, making getting in and out of the pants a little tricky if you’ve got a fuller bottom. The fit ends up being good enough once it’s fully on, but it’s a good warmup before your adventure.

Due to their price and relative lack of features, we recommend the Bugaboo II snow pants for folks who plan to spend most of their snow time doing lots of starting and stopping, like lying in wait for a snowball fight, walking dogs on a wintery day, or sledding with youngsters. They’re great for your first few ski or snowboard lessons, especially if you’re still trying to figure out if snow sports are right for you. If you decide you’re ready to take your snow gear to the next level, we recommend considering one of the other options on this list!


How we tested

Trew Chariot Primo Bib

We tested gear with a couple of different activities, from snowshoeing in the backcountry to skiing at resorts.

Most of the testing took place at Lake Tahoe, California during a relatively warm winter. While it would have been great to test every item in every weather condition, that simply wasn’t to be—however, we will continue to test gear and update this guide. 

Temperatures hovered around 35°F, warm enough to use vents, but still cool enough to use base layers. 

In addition, I added my experience as a gear designer and sewer of plus-size outdoor apparel to inform how I tested fit. 


Buying advice

The North Face Freedom Snow Bibs

When it comes to fit, it’s important to remember that your body is perfect, exactly as it is right now. When you’re buying clothes that fit your perfect body, comfort is paramount and you deserve clothes that make you feel powerful and ready for whatever nature throws your way. 

If you’re comfortable doing so, take your measurements and compare them to the size chart of each brand that you’re considering. The number on the tag is not a judgement of character; it’s simply a reference number for that specific brand’s sizing–that’s why you might be a size A in one brand and a size H in another. No one is going to go around looking at the size tag on your garment; only you will know if you feel good in whatever you’re wearing. 

When considering your measurements on the size chart, sometimes your measurements will fall across multiple sizes–this is OK! Carefully read the product description and comments to understand where the garment can be adjusted. Then consider your own proportions; we recommend choosing the size that fits the largest of your measurements. Active apparel requires ease of movement, so being constricted will be uncomfortable and will impact your ability to move or have fun in the snow. See our guide to Best Plus Size Winter Outdoor Clothing for more recommendations on fit for winter gear. 

Once you have your garment in hand, do several tests before taking the tags off. First, are you able to adjust all of the various tabs, suspenders, and zippers such that the garment will stay on your body when you move? Check the length of the legs–they should fall somewhere between the bottom of your ankle and your heel, since ski and snowboard boots can usually handle the extra length. 

Second, does the garment feel sufficiently loose that you can move? You should be able to comfortably stand with your knees slightly bent. If that doesn’t work, personal experience states it’s smart to take the pants off now and move on. 

Finally, it’s time for the squat test: when in a full squat, check to make sure there’s no waist gap, especially one that turns into a snow shovel next to your backside. If the ski pant or bib passes all of these tests, congratulations! They technically fit!

Remember that when it comes to snow pants, function is superior to fashion. If you’ve got multiple options that fit well, then choose the one that makes you feel the best. But sacrificing fit for style is a recipe for being cold at best, and potentially being unprepared or immobile at worst. 

With that in mind: remember that if something doesn’t quite fit, it just means it’s the wrong pant or brand for you. Move onto another option!


How to choose 

Outdoor Research Snowcrew Pants

Snow gear is expensive, so it’s important to optimize your snow kit to the types of activities you plan on doing most often. Beyond fit, your focus areas should be on level of insulation, fabric weight, waterproofing, and features.

Insulation

Succinctly, snow gear tends to either be insulated or non-insulated. Insulated garments have a layer of fill sandwiched between an inner layer against the skin and a waterproof outer layer against the elements. The fill can be natural like down, but is usually synthetic. The insulation cannot be removed, so be sure to choose carefully–some pants have ventilation to help, but not all.

Non-insulated garments do not have any insulation. The insulation from warmth instead is provided by the outer layer protecting against wind and water, and the addition of a base layer, so be sure to test out options while wearing base layer bottoms to ensure proper fit.

Weight and packability

Casual snow enthusiasts might not care quite as much, but folks spending time in the backcountry will want to optimize between lower garment weight/packability and waterproofing or durability. Insulated garments are usually heavier and bulkier; non-insulated garments will be lighter and easier to roll up into a pack, but the weight and packability of base layers will also need to be considered.

Waterproofing

Snow is wet, and sometimes snow at the top of the mountain is rain at the bottom. Snow gear absolutely needs to be waterproof, though some brands choose to use water-resistant coatings like DWR instead of waterproof ones. There’s so much to cover here in terms of coatings like PFAS and others, so please refer to our guide to PFAS waterproofing and our guide to waterproofing in ski gear.

You’ll also notice that snow apparel fabric often has a number followed by the letter L, e.g. 2L, 2.5L, or 3L. This refers to the number of layers used to construct the waterproofing. The higher the number, the more waterproof and more expensive the item will be.

Features

There are so many features to consider when purchasing snow or ski outerwear. Consider the number and size of the pockets you would like to have on your pants. Also consider the type, location, and style of the various zippers and zipper pulls. Some pants use Velcro and some use snap buttons–think about how easy they’ll be to use with or without gloves on. Finally, if you want a pant that can work for different activities, consider a pant that offers venting—this can provide breathability and help you adjust to a great range of temperatures while staying comfortable (i.e., not too hot or too cold).


Should I get pants or bibs?

While the choice always comes down to personal preference, a word of advice: if you tend to have a significantly smaller waist measurement compared to full hip measurement, bibs will do a much better job of keeping the snow out of your clothes than pants. This will always be true of bibs in general, regardless of measurements, but pants may be more comfortable for some. Pants are generally lower in price as well. 

Another major factor in the pants vs bibs debate will be the bathroom option, especially if you tend to drop your pants to go to the bathroom–kudos if you can get away with simply an open fly zipper! Bibs are notoriously harder to use the facilities in, even with clever bootie zips like the Trew Chariot Bibs

Bibs tend to have more pockets, since there is room at the chest for additional pocket space. It should also be noted that it is difficult to find non-insulated pants in plus sizes.


Care and maintenance

Winter wear maintenance requires three main aspects: washing, waterproofing, and repair. 

Washing

There’s no need to wash your snow apparel very often as washing degrades the waterproofing. We recommend washing once a season, using a snow-apparel-appropriate detergent, like Nikwax. You can always hand wash or spot clean dirt or small stains.

Waterproofing

You’ll notice that the waterproofing is starting to degrade when you can see water stains in the fabric after a rain shower or sitting in snow. Properly waterproofed garments force the water to bead on the surface, but if that stops happening then it’s time to update the coating. Once again, we recommend reaching for Nikwax products, which have always been PFAS-free. 

Repair

Accidents happen in snowsports, especially with sharp ski and snowboard edges, and pokey snowshoes and crampons! Due to the waterproof nature of snow apparel, we don’t recommend using a sewing needle to fix any tears unless you’ve also got waterproof tape to take care of the holes made by the needle. Instead, consider using NoSo Patches to handle smaller repairs, which help keep the water and snow out, while also adding a sense of style to your gear! See our gear repair section for step-by-step instructions.


Why you should trust us

Columbia Bugaboo II Snow Pants

Raquel Vélez brings with her almost two decades of engineering experience, having received her degree in mechanical engineering from Caltech, worked and studied as a robotics engineer, and eventually shifted over to software engineering and engineering management.

From 2019 to 2024, she pioneered an outdoor apparel company that catered specifically to people of size and people of color. Though she closed Alpine Parrot’s doors, she continues to tackle one of the oldest (and most polluting) industries by advocating for sustainable, inclusive clothing for a market of people who have so often been neglected in the outdoor space. 

A plus-sized Latina who discovered her love of the outdoors later in life, Raquel was named one of Outside Magazine's Outsiders of the Year 2021.