The Carbide Kit by Outdoor Research is a sweet kit that can be adapted to resort skiing or backcountry skiing while performing well and keeping you dry. This is an amazing kit if you’re traveling to ski, because it’s not only lightweight but it also packs up really small. The Pertex 3L shell keeps you dry no matter the conditions but it’s also lightweight and breathable. Built with Ripstop, if you happen to snag your jacket in those tight trees the rip will likely not continue to work it’s way down the jacket.
In collaboration with Arcade Belts, the Carbide Bib suspenders are built with Arcade Belt Webbing with Warli Tribe Thatched Roff Print. Not only do these suspenders do their job, they also look stylish. We’ll mention that the adjustable buckle on the suspenders is a little large and potentially could cause issues with a pack strap if it hits in the right area. The actual suspender buckles are sleek and slim and work really well.
Both the jacket and pants are built with functional pockets. On the Carbide Jacket, the four front pockets are all mesh-lined so they double as ventilation. In addition to the pit zips, there are amazing options for airflow if you’re on the skin track. There’s also a media pocket on the inside of jacket and a powder skirt that snaps out of the way for those of you who don’t use the pow skirt and are easily annoyed when it’s in your way.
The bibs have a chest pocket and two hand pockets and thigh ventilation on both sides. They’re perfect in length for both of us who are tall and offer durable protection from your ski edges thanks to the durable scuff guard. Something that is really cool and unlike anything we’ve seen before is the Powerstrap pass-through on the gaiters of the bibs. You can secure the gaiter with your Powerstrap which will absolutely ensure that even the deepest snow won’t push your gaiter up resulting in snow up the pants or down the boots.
Here are a few notes from both Cally and Tyson because men and women can have differing opinions on the same gear:
Tyson – As far as sizing goes, I’m 6’0 tall and 190 pounds and I’m wearing a size large in the bibs and jacket. It’s a really nice fit and I can easily layer up underneath both the bibs and jacket if I’m heading to the resort. For me, I dig how lightweight and packable this kit is. I don’t really have a kit that I could pack down when necessary so this is sweet if you’re trying to pack light and tight into a suitcase. I will mention that if you’re skiing a resort on a cold day, you are definitely want to layer efficiently. Without layers, this will be a very cold kit on the chairlift.
Cally – The Pertex is an amazing fabric and is really stretchy which helps when you’re layering up. I feel so light and tight when wearing this kit but know I’ll stay dry. I’m 5’10 and 160 pounds and wearing a size large for the jacket and medium for bibs. If these weren’t built with the comfy and stretchy Pertex, the medium would feel pretty tight but since there’s an ample amount of stretch, they’re a great fit. They are flattering and the length is perfect. The jacket is a great fit and I can easily fit a down layer underneath it without feeling restricted. The one and only (yet kind of major) downfall for me comes in the form of not being able to easily pee with the bibs and jacket on. I usually have to pee 2-5 times a day depending on the place and time and how much tea I drink so being able to easily squat with all my gear on is very important. I think it’s because the zipper on the right side of the bibs comes up a little bit higher than other bibs but it also doesn’t pull to the side easily with the jacket on. Every time I have to go to the bathroom I have to take my jacket off which is ok if it’s a sunny nice day but when the weather is poor, it’s really frustrating.
If you’re looking for a kit that you can wear in the backcountry then layer up and wear at the resort and then throw in your suitcase without being overly bulky, the Carbide Kit by Outdoor Research is an amazing option. It’s a lightweight kit that will keep you dry while looking stylish and feeling comfortable. Be sure to leave any questions you may have below. If you’re interested in purchasing this gear, doing so using our provided links supports us as we get a small kickback from your purchase. We appreciate the support!
*We received this gear for free in exchange for a review, however, it’s important to know that all thoughts are our own.
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