I received a pair of these bibs a few seasons ago as part of a GORE-TEX product testing program. Since then, I've put them through the ringer, primarily skiing but also using them for occasional rainy day hikes and even a few cold-weather river trips.
Overall, I've been pleased with these pants. I like the bibs for skiing, and the built-in waist band makes it easy to drop the bib part down if I'm skinning or don't need them.
Durability has been good, although I did develop a few small tears in the knees (probably from kneepads and teleing). Bottom cuff reinforcements have kept ski edges from damaging the material at all.
These pants offer great storm protection I've stayed dry in water and wind, even when friends up getting soaked. All the zippers seal well and the bibs offer a bit of extra protection from water dripping down your back. Even the coldest, gustiest winds don't stand a chance.
The weight (or lack thereof) and lack of insulation makes these great for touring, although there are some extra cold days at the resort that I wouldn't mind a thicker/warmer shell. It's not really an issue as long as I plan ahead and layer well.
These are definitely a pair of swishy pants, and people will hear you coming.
Fit is slimmer, like much of Arcteryx's line. Great for skiing, skinning and moving around.
All in all, great pants. Like all of Arcteryx gear, you'll pay more but you'll get more.
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When you buy an Apple computer, you know what you're getting. TOP notch build quality, beautiful design and impeccable performance. Same can easily be said for Arc'teryx products, these snowboard bibs included. However, a few minor design decisions and one glaring oversight exposed after a few outings prevent me from making these pants the greatest of all-time.
Pros:
Arc'teryx construction
Heavy duty reinforcement around high-stress areas
110% waterproof
200% windproof
Cons:
No side pockets AT ALL
No buckles on bib straps
JUST a shell, no insulation (can be argued that this is by design)
Expensive
The lack of side pockets on these pants are the single (and only) frustrating feature of these pants. I think it goes without saying that ANY pair of pants should have side pockets. After taking these pants out for 3 or 4 outings, I can't remember how many times my hands have instinctively reached to the side trying to pull out a trail map and been met with disappointment that, yeah, there are no pockets!!
There are however two very small zippered pockets towards the top of the bib, pictured in the product photos. They're great for holding a tiny wallet (ya NEVER want anything hard or sturdy in a pocket between the ground and your body god-forbid you fall directly onto your chest and the camera or radio or iPod cracks your sternum). However, they're useless for anything else!
Because this product is a bib, these two pockets are placed very high, which means if you want to access anything in these pockets to have unzip your shell, unzip your inner vest/fleece, pull-up your pullover, then get at the pockets. Extremely inconvenient.
Really wish there were buckles on the bib straps as well, very difficult to have to go number-two in these pants and be forced to strip off everything you're wearing over it just to take off the straps and pull down the pants.
Front zipper runs very high up onto the chest, so again, having to go to the bathroom involves an awkward reach up under your pullover to unbutton, then unzip.
With all this said, there's no doubt in my mind that these pants can be wrapped around 4 pounds of dynamite, detonated and come out the other end in returnable condition. Construction on these pants is heavy-duty and top-notch. Arc'teryx took care to really fortify the heels of these pants, lots of scuffing and scraping on this often exposed area of the pants can really take a toll.
Great pair of pants, would definitely recommend to a friend accompanied by a stern warning of "be prepared to work around the lack of pockets and high zippers and you're all set!"
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Got these for my husband. He totally loves them. Snow does not get into his pants, keeps his toosh warm!!
Honest reviews on Arc'teryx Theta SV Bib - Men's
Because these pants have a slim cut, they are not combersome and make great ice and mixed climbing apparel. They are always waterproof, windproof, and have been fully abrasion resistant for a few years of heavy use. This is the best made pair of winter shell pants I have ever had or seen!
As a disclaimer, I am affiliated with Gore for product testing of Gore-tex products for the purpose of product review and recommendation. I do receive items from Gore for these purposes.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Arc'teryx Theta SV Bib - Men's
Overall I have been very pleased with my Arc'teryx Theta SV Bibs, and have considered purchasing a second pair for when the day comes that my first pair needs to be retired.
Activities: I have used these bibs for many mountaineering trips, ice climbing trips, and countless days of skiing.
Fit: I love the fit of the bibs. I am 155 lbs., 5'-9" tall and have a 30" waist, and 30" inseam. I bought a size medium, and have found the fit to be great.
Function: There are many aspects of these bibs that I really like. One of those features are the full length side zips, which I often partially zip down from the top when looking for extra ventilation. The built in gaiters are also very effective at helping keep snow out.
Waterproofness/breathability: I've tried various types waterproof material, and have not found a product that does a better job keeping the water out while also being breathable than Gore-Tex. The fact that these bibs are made with Gore's most durable and rugged waterproof breathable fabric (Gore-Tex Pro), makes these bibs very capable to withstand the hard ware-and-tear I expose them to.
Durability: I have had these bibs for over 3 years, and they still perform like they did when they were new. Just remember that like any Gore-Tex waterproof fabric, it does need to be maintained properly (i.e. cleaned and treated with DWR).
Construction: Superb, which is consistent with any other Arc'teryx product I've seen or owned.
These are a great pair of bibs that whether it is a bitter cold day of ice climbing, or a warm spring day of skiing, they are my go-to shell.
As a disclaimer, I am a "Gore MountainTech" and test products for Gore.
