Raide TourTech Bib Review

Raide TourTech Bib Review

The Raide TourTech Bibs are built for ski tourers who look to go further.  They offer a great balance of breathability and weather protection. Their hybrid design combines stretchy/ breathable softshell material in the thigh area and the PFAS-free hardshell knee and lower leg to keep you dry and comfortable on the uphill. 

Raide TourTech Bib in action

The hybrid design manages the interface of deep snow and breathability quite well; however the thighs are still a soft shell and get wet on stormy days.  With no insulation, they’re ideal for layering, but still block wind and weather effectively. They’re perfect for backcountry skiers who focus on high vert or long days out.  As an ACMG/AMGA ski guide, I envision myself wearing these pants on all but the deepest storm skiing days.

The Raide TourTech Bibs have a number of features designed to increase functionality in the backcountry:

-While it takes a bit of figuring to find the optimal configuration for your respective power strap set-up, the power strap pass-throughs in the gaiters make transitions faster.  This is a pretty useful feature IMO.

-A zipper on the cuffs to allow for easier ski/walk lever actuation.  Personally, I don’t use it, as I find I just pull the cuff up when I have to move use the ski/walk levers.

-Single side drop seat.  Instead of a conventional front entry, the Raide TourTech Bib pant zips open on the right side, which doubles as a drop seat when nature calls.

-Durable cuffs that fit over a ski touring boot.  Contrary to a lot of ski touring pants, the  Raide TourTech Bib pant cuffs fit comfortable over a ski touring boot.  There is plenty of room to actuate the top buckles and ski/walk mode lever.  This will increase pant longevity IMO.

Specifications

  • Weight: 630g (M/Reg)
  • Softshell material: Toray Primeflex 2 way stretch 140dx100d 100% nylon, 171 gsm (gram per square meter), 20 CFM, PFC-free DWR, PFAS Free.
  • Hardshell material: 30k mm hydrostatic head, 20k g/m²/24hr, 3L 100% Nylon with 70dx70d ripstop face fabric, 175 gsm, PFC free DWR, PFAS Free.
  • Kickpatch material: Schoeller 62% Polyamide 23% Kevlar 11% Polyurethane 4% Elastic 2-way stretch Keprotech, 320 gsm.

Fit

I am 6’1” and 185lbs with a 33”X33”.  The large long fit perfectly for me.  The Raide TourTech Bibs come with a belt and suspenders design, for my size and shape, the suspenders do the job perfectly and there is no need for the belt.  If you were more in-between sizes, I could see how the belt might be nice to cinch down the waist.  

While the bib is a laser-cut breathable material, it is still quite a bit warmer than a soft shell pant without a bib.  I found I got used to it after a week and appreciate the loose feeling around my hips.

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