The Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Bib Pants deliver unparalleled comfort and performance for backcountry adventures. This in-depth review examines the key features and benefits of these high-performance bibs, focusing on their exceptional comfort, practical design, and overall suitability for demanding activities. From the luxuriously soft, stretchy fabric that moves with you to the strategically placed pockets designed for easy access to essential gear, we delve into every aspect of these innovative pants. We'll explore their exceptional breathability thanks to cleverly incorporated side zips, and discuss the crucial consideration of sizing to ensure a perfect fit.This review provides an honest assessment of the Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Bib Pants, weighing their strengths against a minor drawback related to sizing. We detail the user experience, offering insights into the comfort level, functionality of the pockets and ventilation system, and the importance of ordering the correct size to avoid a restrictive fit. Ultimately, this comprehensive review aims to help you determine whether the Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Bib Pants are the right choice for your backcountry skiing or snowboarding needs.
Pros And Cons
- Soft, stretchy shell fabric for comfort
- Top pocket for beacon or small items (with D-clip)
- Side zips for ventilation
- Two pockets on the side (one for small items, one compatible with iPhone 12)
- Pockets are on opposite sides from beacon pocket
- Runs small (consider sizing up)
- Narrow pant legs may require adjustment around boots
Read more: Best Ski Pants 2024: Top 10 Ski Pants Reviewed
Comfort and Stretch
The Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Bib Pants boast a luxuriously soft, stretchy shell fabric. This yoga-like material offers exceptional comfort, accommodating even slight bloating after a large lunch. The crisscross design enhances flexibility and freedom of movement, making them ideal for intense activities.
The comfortable stretch isn't just about post-meal comfort; it's about the overall fit during dynamic movements. This ensures a great range of motion, whether you're hiking uphill or navigating challenging terrain.
Pockets and Storage
These bib pants feature strategically placed pockets for convenient storage. A large top pocket is perfect for a beacon (with a D-clip for security), while other pockets accommodate smaller items like car keys or lip balm.
The thoughtful pocket placement ensures easy access to essential items while skiing or touring without compromising the overall design or fit. The separation of the phone pocket from the beacon pocket is also a significant safety feature.
Ventilation and Breathability
The side zips offer excellent ventilation, allowing you to regulate body temperature while exerting yourself on uphill climbs. The easy-to-use zippers can be opened to any degree, letting you customize airflow according to your needs.
This feature is critical for preventing overheating and maintaining comfort during strenuous activities. The ease of opening and closing the vents is a thoughtful design detail.
Sizing and Fit
One potential drawback is that the Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Bib Pants run slightly small. The reviewer, who usually wears an extra small or small, found the small size to be a snug fit.
The pant legs are also relatively narrow, requiring some adjustment to fit over ski boots. It's recommended to try them on before purchasing or consider ordering a size up.
Overall Conclusion
Despite the slightly small sizing, the Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Bib Pants receive a high rating due to their exceptional comfort, thoughtful features, and excellent ventilation. The soft, stretchy fabric, convenient pockets, and easy-to-use side zips make them a great choice for backcountry skiing.
The only significant drawback is the snug fit, which may require ordering a larger size than usual. However, the overall quality and performance more than compensate for this minor issue, making these bib pants a worthwhile investment for serious skiers.
