Advnture Verdict
Lovely urban looks and a tailored fit make these shell bibs one of the smartest ski pants around – and 15,000mm of waterproofing won’t let you down in the snow.
Pros
- +
Stylish urban design
- +
Great pockets
- +
Good waterproofing
- +
Made with 47% Recycled Polyester
Cons
- -
Fabric not as stretchy as claimed
You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.
DC Collective Shell Snowboard Bib Pants: first impressions
DC Collective Shell Snowboard Bib Pants are available in various funky colorways and patterns, including leopard print and faded denim. For our best women’s ski pants buying guide we tested out a smart burnt orange colorway model, with zebra-striped braces.
DC have long been the cool kids on the snowboarding kit block, and the Collective pant definitely wins style points; it’s definitely the most Instagram-friendly snow bib we reviewed.
This is a ‘“shell” pant with no insulation, so it’s ideal worn over thermal base layers on warmer days, and the added range of movement and breathability you get when you lose the insulation will suit more advanced snowboarders and snow park lovers.
• RRP: $293 (US) / £220 (UK)
• Waterproofing: Weather Defence 15K (15,000mm HH)
• Insulation: None
• Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL
• Colors: Cathay Spice / Watercolor Tie Dye / Black
• Compatibility: Laid-back snowboarders will love the Collective’s looks and freedom of movement
DC Collective Shell Snowboard Bib Pants: on the slopes
Waterproof, with a good hydrostatic head (HH) rating of 15,000mm (see What is hydrostatic head? for more information), and taped seams, DC Collective Shell Snowboard Bib Pants should keep even heavy snowfall at bay.
The soft lining is comfortable against the skin. We like the zipped legs and generous pockets, including a handy vertical chest pocket, and the wide side zip for popping the bib on and off easily.
DC describe the Collective as stretchy, but we’re not sure we’d call it that – this bib has quite a tailored fit so you’ll need to get the sizing right, and the legs are cut slim.
The bib’s hardwear also feels on the flimsy side, and may need replacing after regular use. If you’re not sure if the form-fitting leg design will suit you, consider ordering a size up.
