Well, just to update on my bib adventure. I went back to pants briefly because I hated the trials of going to the bathroom, but realized after this, how much more I like my bibs. They seem to keep my layers in better order whereas pants cut me at an angle when skiing and depending on the length of the tops, they'd kinda ride up!
So I went back to Evo to find a new bib, with bathroom breaks in mind! I tried several bibs - the Burton Reserve, Trew Gear Astoria, the Volcom Elm Stretch Gore-Tex and the Flylow Moxie, all in XS, regular length. I wanted to try the Flylow Foxy and Burton Avalon, but Evo was out of XS (or I couldn't find it). My stats are 5'2, 110-115, 32-25-35 inseam 29, rectangular build I'd say, with slightly more junk in the trunk.
Burton Reserve:
Fit was big and baggy on me, and long. I was surprised because I had heard the Burton Avalon was really well-fitting, but this is a different cut. I remember the bottom cuffs had a snowboard boot attachment if anyone needs that. I don't and because it was too long I kept stepping on it with my socks - ouch. Would probably have been fine with ski boots on. Baggy is not bad, but I'm a member of the Itty Bitty Titty club and it definitely showed in this one. More blessed ladies might appreciate that though!
Pockets at the chest and waist, two on each side, and venting at the thighs. I dislike the fabric shoulder loops. I'm short and find elastic slips less and is more forgiving. Also disliked the pocket situation since none of them would be accessible to me with my coat on.
Trew Gear Astoria:
This one fit pretty well, slightly long, but nothing slight cuffing couldn't fix. I really loved the color (Sagebrush), but the huge front pocket hung really weird on me. It almost made me look like I had saggy boobs. I wear a midlayer, so I knew I'd never use that pocket, but I'd shed the midlayer for lunch and just didn't like the thought of walking around the lodge looking like I had saggy boobs. Curse vanity! Again, might not be an issue for more blessed ladies and if you like to use a huge pocket at your chest, this one will work well for you!
The lower on the thigh pocket was similarly built to the chest packet, but didn't stick out as much. Still kinda cargo pants like. Note: it has belt loops and elastic shoulder straps.
Volcom Elm Stretch Gore-Tex:
This actually fit to a tee, but the waist did a weird gaping thing. The pockets on the chest zipper down to the waist area. Maybe it's because I am not well-endowed, but the zipper ends created a weird pucker. It would probably go away with more layers, but there was also the problem of the color. It was the really light lilac color and I dunno if I attract dirt or something, but I cannot keep anything light looking clean for long without a lot of care. At that price for a piece that will be flying down slopes in the greats outdoors, I'm not buying anything I have to baby.
The real thing that made me say no though: I did not think the bathroom flap would not be easy to work when layered up for skiing. I was able to open the horizontal slit across the back when unencumbered by my midlayer and jacket, but I know on the hill I won't be quite as agile and the point was not to have to take off my outer layers. I wanted to stick with an up/down zipper that I only needed one hand for.
Note: it has two diagonal thigh pockets and belt loops above them. And a button at the center of the belt loop that is for I don't know what. The elastic shoulder straps are also detachable - can't figure out why I want that either though, since it has a backseat flap.
I really did consider ordering this one online in a darker color, but the backseat flap function ultimately did that notion in.
Flylow Moxie:
I was bummed that I hadn't found the Foxy, but since they had XS in the Moxie, I gave it a try. It fit really nicely! Not too tight anywhere, which boded well for all the layering I like to do, but still not too baggy either. A straighter more relaxed cut, which suits me as I'm pretty rectangular! The material felt really solid and durable - slick and loud* 3 layer construction. Felt more solid than something like the Trew Astoria. The zippers were really smooth and weirdly enough, seemed lower profile than the others.
It has a top chest pocket, a lower kangaroo pocket across the chest and detachable shouder straps (seriously, is there some use I can get out them, enlighten me!). There are two horizontal thigh pockets which I like since I can access them easily as they are below my jacket. I don't really use chest pockets since they are hard to access. Vents at thighs.
I wasn't initally wanting deep orange (they call it copper), but the color wasn't light and was actually kinda complimantary to my purple hair. The material though really felt bulletproof and living in the pacific northwest, waterproof is KEY. So Moxie was the winner!
I've skied them for about ten days now and they are working out really well. I still have a bit of trouble getting the zip up to where it finishes up under my jacket by the arm, but not cause it's too tight or anything with the layers, but because I'm just not flexible with all those layers on to pull up that high and bend my elbow. Still easier than before though!
*My cat is terrified when I walk around in it. Hilarious.
