Reviews You Can Rely On

REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bib Snow Pants - Women's Review

This well-priced bib is an excellent value for a pant with Gore-Tex construction
gearlab tested logo
REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bib Snow Pants - Women's Review (This non-restrictive bib let us carve turns as hard as we wanted - our ski edges were the only limiting factor.)
This non-restrictive bib let us carve turns as hard as we wanted - our ski edges were the only limiting factor.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
Price:  $269 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   REI Co-op
By Jacqueline Kearney ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 26, 2023
73
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 17
  • Weather Resistance - 25% 8.0
  • Fit and Comfort - 25% 8.0
  • Ventilation - 15% 7.0
  • Warmth - 15% 5.0
  • Features - 10% 7.0
  • Style - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

With a waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex membrane and extremely comfortable bib design, the REI First Chair GTX Bib pants easily became a top choice for a value shell-style pant. While we wish the pockets had zippers instead of velcro and that the pant featured a few more waterproof zippers, we found the design, construction, and especially the price of this bib to be extremely compelling. With adequate layering, these pants kept us warm and dry in even the wettest conditions. Get the skinny on how it stacks up against other top products in our women's ski pants review.
REASONS TO BUY
Weather resistant Gore-Tex
Great value
Very comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Pockets could be more functional
Some elements of construction are not very weather resistant
Editor's Note: Since our test period, REI updated the First Chair GTX Bib with Gore-Tex ePe, which stands for expanded polyethylene. This ePe fabric is thin and light, but strong. It's also free of PFCs and made with some recycled materials for a reduced carbon footprint. The latest version also lacks the bib pocket, but it still has two thigh pockets, one of which now has a zipper in addition to velcro. Our affiliate links point to the new bib, but our review still tells of our experience with the previous model.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Bargain Shell Pant
Top Pick Award
Best for Backcountry Touring
Best Buy Award
Best Bargain Ski Bib
Best Buy Award
Best Ski Pant Under $100
 
Price $269 List
$188.29 at REI
$329 List
$162.73 at REI
$219 List
$153.29 at REI
$48 List
$34.95 at Amazon
$99.95 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
73
77
71
55
54
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line With a Gore-Tex membrane, this pant is an excellent value for a weather-resistant bibFor those looking for a high-performing shell, this pant offers technical features in a reasonably priced packageFor those who prefer the fit and protection of a bib, this option is warm and functional at an affordable priceThe Arctix checks all of the boxes for an insulated ski pant, without a hefty price tag these are economically priced and very warmOffered at a low price tag, this pant is great for someone who isn't ready to commit to a more expensive pant
Rating Categories REI Co-op First Cha... Outdoor Research Sk... REI Co-op Powderbou... Arctix Insulated -... Columbia Bugaboo Om...
Weather Resistance (25%)
8.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
6.0
Fit and Comfort (25%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
Ventilation (15%)
7.0
9.0
9.0
1
1
Warmth (15%)
5.0
5.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
Features (10%)
7.0
9.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
Style (10%)
8.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
Specs REI Co-op First Cha... Outdoor Research Sk... REI Co-op Powderbou... Arctix Insulated -... Columbia Bugaboo Om...
Measured Weight 1.7 lbs 1.3 lbs 1.7 lbs 1.5 lbs 1.4 lbs
Waterproofing 2-layer Gore-Tex 3-layer AscentShell 2-layer Peak ThermaLock coating Omni-Tech
Vents Thigh Outer thigh Inner thigh, outer thigh None None
Pockets 1 zippered chest, 2 zippered thigh 2 zippered hand, 2 zippered thigh 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest 2 zippered thigh 2 zippered hand
Main fabric 100% polyester 88% nylon, 12% spandex Nylon 100% polyester 100% nylon
Insulation/Lining Recycled polyester None 40g polyester 85g ThermaTech 60g Microtemp XF II polyester
Waistline construction Bib Button and zip fly Bib Button & zip fly Button & zip fly

Our Analysis and Test Results

This well-priced bib is an excellent choice for those who want the superior protection of Gore-Tex without breaking the bank. The REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bib impressed us with its supremely comfy bib design and surprising weather resistance for the price.

Performance Comparison


rei co-op first chair gtx bib snow pants for women - we hardly noticed the suspender element of this comfy bib even on...
We hardly noticed the suspender element of this comfy bib even on long lift-accessed days.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney

Weather Resistance


The Gore-Tex membrane in this pant suggested that it would perform well in the field and our controlled tests. It did not disappoint; even when the face fabric absorbed water, the membrane kept us warm and dry.


While this premium waterproof/breathable membrane performed as expected, we found some weak points in the construction of the pant itself. The Gore-Tex material prevented total wet-through, but when the DWR finish began to wear down, the face material absorbed water in higher-pressure situations like sitting on a long, stormy chairlift ride. We also found that the non-water-resistant zippers were susceptible to permeation when snow crept in under the fabric guarding these zippers.

We appreciate how the mid-rise bib of these pants could lock out cold and weather on really deep days. This added level of protection helped us greatly if we took a big tumble in deep pow. We also found the cuffs grippy and their water-resistant polyester fabric effective at keeping snow from finding its way into the pant.

rei co-op first chair gtx bib snow pants for women - the dwr finish of the rei first chair gtx bib held up surprisingly...
The DWR finish of the REI First Chair GTX Bib held up surprisingly well, and even when it failed it was backed up by tough 2-layer Gore-Tex.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney

Fit and Comfort


The First Chair is a very comfortable bib. Initially, putting on this bib could be a little restrictive. We quickly learned that the soft knit lining and the mechanical stretch of the exterior fabric allowed great ease of movement. The articulated knees certainly amplified this mobility.


We especially like the knit panel in the mid-back of these bibs, which prevented them from compressing our stomachs when bending down to pick something up or buckle boots. This mesh panel also helped to increase mobility when touring or hiking uphill. These bibs are also adjustable, and we found the suspender element to help them fit a wider range of torso lengths and sizes.

rei co-op first chair gtx bib snow pants for women - the stretch of the first chair bib allowed for versatile comfort and...
The stretch of the First Chair Bib allowed for versatile comfort and mobility all day.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney

Ventilation


This bib has our favorite type of leg ventilation: open outer thigh vents. When things got a little hot, these vents quickly allowed ample airflow to begin circulating the legs and behind the bib element. These vents double as a drop-tail adjustment, so they are higher on the leg than in some other pants. We did not find that this affected their performance.


A slight drawback in the ventilation of this pant is in the fabric's breathability. While the Gore-Tex should provide good breathability, the recycled polyester lining of the pant seems to infringe on this. We found it tended to cling to moisture and heat when the exertion levels went up. This could be helped with the thigh vents, but not completely remedied.

rei co-op first chair gtx bib snow pants for women - wide, open leg vents help to counteract the less breathable lining...
Wide, open leg vents help to counteract the less breathable lining fabric of the First Chair Bib.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney

Warmth


As a shell-style pant, the REI First Chair Bib did not exactly excel in the warmth category. This isn't surprising, yet the soft, knit liner in the upper half of the pants and the higher rise of the pants add a little extra warmth compared to single-layer construction shells.


The shell construction allows you to control your insulation, which we love. This is important because it can also help you from overheating, and we all know how quickly dried sweat can make you feel cold and clammy on a long chairlift ride.

rei co-op first chair gtx bib snow pants for women - a thin knit lining can add a little extra warmth even on a...
A thin knit lining can add a little extra warmth even on a non-insulated pant.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney

Features


These bibs have quite a few features, including their suspender element and drop-tail (essential for easy and quick bathroom breaks). They have three pockets, high-functioning thigh vents, scuff guards, and well-designed elastic cuffs with a breathable mesh attachment point. We like the articulated pockets, which feature an extra fold of fabric. This holds the pocket close to the body when not in use but allows ample room for everything from snacks, to sunscreen to beers.


Unfortunately, we found it hard to find a good use for the hook and loop closure drop pocket on the thigh. The lack of a zipper on this pocket made it dubious to use for anything we were worried about losing or getting wet. Luckily, the smaller zip pocket on the bib served as a great, safe place for more valuable items.

rei co-op first chair gtx bib snow pants for women - we just wished this pocket had a zipper so we could store valuables...
We just wished this pocket had a zipper so we could store valuables in its functional, articulated body.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney

Style


We were impressed with the style of these pants. We love the subtle shifts in the color scheme throughout the pant: slightly brighter buttons and zippers and slightly darker scuff guards contrast nicely with the body of the pant. The more muted tones land this firmly in the category of subtle colors, but it is well done. We wish there were more options in the color department to give more versatility here.


The cut of these pants also leaves a little extra room in the legs for layering, which gives these pants a relaxed look. That looseness is balanced with a trim, stretchy low back and waist, a very flattering touch. The combination of these two gives this functional pant a modern, freeride look.

rei co-op first chair gtx bib snow pants for women - the taper at the waist and slightly baggy cut on this bib is...
The taper at the waist and slightly baggy cut on this bib is flattering and stylish, we think.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney

Should You Buy the REI First Chair GTX Bib?


With versatility and a great value, it's hard to beat the First Chair GTX Bib. This is an excellent option if you don't want to break the bank but want a bib that will still perform in adverse weather conditions.

rei co-op first chair gtx bib snow pants for women - this non-restrictive bib let us carve turns as hard as we wanted -...
This non-restrictive bib let us carve turns as hard as we wanted - our ski edges were the only limiting factor.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney

What Other Women's Ski Pants Should You Consider?


If you want the top-of-the-line performance of Gore-Tex and can afford to splurge on top-of-the-line construction, consider the award-winning Arc'teryx Sentinel Pant. If a removable bib is also appealing, the Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Pants - Women's are also very impressive pants.

rei co-op first chair gtx bib snow pants for women - the rei co-op first chair gtx bib kept us quite dry, particularly...
The REI Co-op First Chair GTX Bib kept us quite dry, particularly when considering its reasonable price point.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney

Jacqueline Kearney