Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team GTX 3L Bib Review
The Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team GTX Bib ($655) is a full-featured, impressively protective ski bib that excels on heavy storm days and in wet climates. With a 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE membrane, excellent venting, and one of the most functional bib pocket layouts we’ve tested, it’s a great option for resort skiing and colder backcountry days. A few fit and design quirks prevent it from achieving perfection, but overall, the Hemispheres delivers.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort & backcountry
Waterproofing
3-Layer Gore-Tex ePE, C-Knit backer
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
80D nylon
Pros
Cons
Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Bibs.
The Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L Bib proved its worth in some of the least forgiving testing conditions imaginable: a full-on Pacific Northwest storm day spent skiing at Stevens Pass, with temperatures in the high 30s and a steady mix of rain and wet snow. After three hours of lapping slushy groomers, sitting on soaked chairlifts, and persevering through persistent moisture, I was fully expecting to feel water creep through the seat or thighs. That never happened; while the face fabric wetted out and looked saturated, I stayed completely dry underneath the entire day. Give credit to the 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE build (a new version that’s lighter and more sustainably made than previously), which prevented moisture from seeping through.
That soggy superhero performance puts the Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L in a different league than other bibs I’ve worn in similar conditions. My older Flylow Moxie bib, for example, would have been soaked through in two hours. The Hemispheres’ shell is noticeably thicker and stiffer, more comparable to Patagonia’s PowSlayer pants or the Arc’teryx Sentinel bib (both of which also feature updated 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE, with the PowSlayer featuring the Pro version) in terms of protection. To round out its waterproof bona fides, Outdoor Research included YKK Aquaguard zippers on the Hemispheres’ vents and pockets, and the high bib cut, internal gaiters, and secure closures work together to keep moisture out from every angle.
This bib’s wind protection is solid but not absolute, however. In gusts around 25 mph, the face fabric blocked most of the chill, though it didn’t feel completely sealed in the way heavier, less breathable shells sometimes do. But still, if you’re faced with wet, miserable conditions where waterproofing is non-negotiable, the Hemispheres inspires plenty of confidence.
The Hemispheres is uninsulated, but the bib’s cut is generous, so you can appropriately layer under it if the weather takes a cold turn. On typical Washington resort days, around 30 degrees, I was comfortable wearing a lightweight or midweight base layer underneath. The Gore-Tex fabric does a good job trapping just enough warmth to prevent heat loss while you’re riding lifts or stopping for breaks.
Once temperatures drop into the low 20s—or when wind picks up—I need to add something more substantial underneath, like insulated knickers. The Hemispheres doesn’t block wind quite as completely as some bulkier ski bibs, such as the Moxie or the flannel-lined Sentinel, but I prefer that tradeoff. Breathability matters more to me, especially on touring days, and it’s easy enough to add warmth with good layer selection.
In terms of fabric feel, the Hemispheres lands in a nice middle ground: The material is stiff enough to feel protective, but not so rigid that it restricts movement. For resort skiing and casual touring, this bib is comfortable and easy to wear all day. The interior C-Knit lining is smooth, the fabric doesn’t chafe, and nothing feels overly bulky.
Where comfort gets complicated is fit—specifically when I’m in the skin track. The Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L has a noticeably generous, low-slung crotch, which became frustrating on longer tours and especially during kick turns, as I found during a big day on Mount Rainier. Tightening the suspenders helps, but the extra fabric still bunches and pulls in ways that I don’t notice in more tailored bibs.
The issue is amplified when I’m carrying a beacon in the right thigh pocket. With the beacon inside, the pocket’s fabric pulls tight across my leg and noticeably restricts my stride length. Moving the beacon to the upper bib pocket solved most of the problem, but that’s not my preferred carry location. None of these issues show up while resort skiing, but if you’re heading into the backcountry with the Hemispheres, they’re worth noting.
Breathability is admirable for a bib this protective, but the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L is still suited to temps of 35 degrees or lower if you’re grinding uphill. On colder touring days on Washington Pass, I never felt swampy or overheated, even while I was climbing steadily. The 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE fabric breathes well enough to keep sweat buildup in check when paired with a light base layer.
Things change in warmer, sunnier conditions. On a tour up to the Nisqually Chutes on Rainier with temps in the high 40s, with no wind and full sun, the Hemispheres felt oppressive—after all, this is a crossover bib, unlike a purpose-built touring model such as the Outdoor Research Cloudchaser or the Patagonia Stormstride. Fortunately, when I opened the vents, the airflow was excellent. The right leg’s full-length zipper opens from waist to thigh, while the left leg vent runs from hip to knee. With both open, breathability improves dramatically.
That said, all that extra fabric—especially in my size—does flap and bunch more while you're skinning with vents open. Sizing down would likely help if touring were my primary use. As is, the Hemispheres is best suited to cold, wet conditions rather than steamy spring volcano missions. In terms of breathability, I found them to be extremely similar to the PowSlayer pants, which I also tested while lapping the Nisqually Chutes.
As looks be fairly standard with moderately breathable 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE shells, Outdoor Research gave the Hemispheres an 80-denier nylon face fabric (the PowSlayer and the Sentinel have similar builds, with the caveat that the former has the Pro version). That’s decently thick for a shell you can walk uphill in—if not as burly as more resort-oriented ski bibs—and after roughly 10 days of use across in-bounds laps, fitness touring, and bushwhacking on Washington Pass, the Hemisphere is showing no signs of wear. The face fabric is tough enough without being excessively heavy, and high-wear areas like the cuffs are reinforced with thick, textured panels.
The zippers have operated flawlessly so far, all of the seams look clean, and nothing feels fragile. The only durability concern I have is the suspenders, which already tend to slip around when I’m active. I suspect they’ll loosen more over time, though that hasn’t affected function yet. Friends who’ve worn the prior-gen Hemispheres for multiple seasons report excellent longevity, and based on my experience so far, that checks out.
Select icon to view details:
Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
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
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
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
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Outdoor Research packed a lot of thoughtful features into this bib. Its pocket layout is comprehensive and well executed, even if it’s not perfect. Two thigh pockets offer solid storage, though I wish the beacon pocket were cut more like the PowSlayer’s cargo-style pocket to keep bulk off your leg. The upper bib chest pocket—which also has a beacon clip—is excellent and quickly became my go-to for my phone and small essentials.
But the Hemispheres’ standout feature, in my mind, is the full-length right-leg zipper, which allows for user-friendly bathroom breaks without making you remove layers. It works as advertised and is a game-changer on cold days. Internal gaiters stretch easily over boots, seal out snow, and include power-strap slots for those who want to use them. Overall, this is a feature-rich bib that feels designed by people who actually ski.
Tester: 5’6”, 140 lb.; 27" waist
Size tested: Women’s medium
I usually wear a small bib but sized up to a medium for layering, and overall that was the right call—especially for resort skiing. The Outdoor Research Hemispheres’ fit lands between regular and roomy, similar to the Patagonia PowSlayer, with plenty of space for layering underneath. Compared to the Flylow Moxie, this bib is significantly baggier.
The downside is the extra-roomy crotch, which, as I mentioned, becomes noticeable on touring days. Thankfully, the suspenders offer enough adjustment to mitigate it a bit, but shorter users may want to pay close attention to sizing if backcountry use is a priority.
Arc’teryx Sentinel Bib Pant ($700): The Crossover Queen
The Sentinel is another one of our favorite bibs that you can rock in the resort and the skin track—in fact, it might be our favorite example of the form. Its 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE material is almost identical to the Hemispheres’ build (they both also have 80D nylon face fabric and a C-Knit backer), and we also found it impressively waterproof enough to keep us dry in the most sodden of Pacific Northwest conditions. Breathability is still above-average for a bib, though, and these competitors basically go blow-for-blow when it comes to performance. The Sentinel has a softshell waistband portion in the back, but it’s also a bit more expensive. You can’t go wrong between these two, so maybe try them on first and see which one fits best. For more, check out our review of the men's Sabre.
Patagonia Untracked ($649): A Pared-Down Alternative
The Untracked doesn’t reach as high up the torso as the Hemispheres does, and is more of a bib/pant hybrid. Although it weighs about 2 ounces more, it packs in fewer features and storage: Two thigh pockets are all you get, and they lack a beacon tether. We also found its button-style drop seat less effective than the Hemispheres’ user-friendly zipper design. The Untracked sports a slightly different 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE Performance material—also with an 80-denier face fabric—and is a little more breathable than the Hemispheres’ construction, although it’s still not an ultra-airy touring bib. With similar prices and fairly unique fits, a good approach for choosing between the two might be deciding how much chest coverage and pocket space you want. For more, read our review of the Untracked.
Sitting atop OR’s ski outerwear collection, the Hemispheres Team Bib is tailored to high-useage skiers. The Gore-Tex protection and build quality are top-notch, but a few design quirks keep it from being a true standout.
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
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
Is the Hemispheres Team for You?
If you ski in persistently wet climates and want a bib that can handle both stormy resort days and colder backcountry missions, the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Gore-Tex 3L Bib would definitely justify its place in your kit. Its waterproofing is legitimately impressive, the venting is excellent, and the feature set is among the best we’ve tested in a bib. It’s not the most breathable model on the market, and its fit can be a bit wonky, but for foul-weather reliability and all-day protection, it’s worth the spend.
powder to the people
Skiing Gear Guides
Gear Guide
Best Ski Pants of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Jackets of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Goggles of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Helmets of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Boots of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Mittens of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Gloves of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Base Layers of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Backpacks of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Midlayers of 2026
curated for you