Review of Arc'teryx Sentinel LT Ski Bib

The Arc'teryx Sentinel LT Jacket and Bib, manufactured by the Canadian outdoor apparel company Arc'teryx, known for producing premium Gore-Tex jackets since 1989, offers an impressive mix of comfort, mobility, and all-out protection.

Priced at $525, the Sentinel LT is labeled as a "trim fit," but offers ample room for layering underneath. The jacket features a 3-layer Gore-Tex with C-Knit build and stretchy softshell fabric at the upper body, providing a good balance between breathability and weather protection. However, it isn't a standout in breathability, although the generously sized side vents do a good job dumping excess heat.

The Sentinel LT Bib, available in both bib and pant variations, also offers internal gaiters with integrated power strap slots, known as TouringCuffs. The bib version, like its jacket counterpart, is very pricey, but it does offer an impressive level of comfort and mobility.

Limited and fairly muted colorway options are available for the Sentinel LT. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Arc'teryx Sabre LT, the men's equivalent to the Sentinel LT, is available in jacket, bib, and pant variations.

In comparison, Patagonia's SnowDrifter Bibs, priced at $349, offer a slight step down in all-out protection but are very comfortable, mobile, and reasonably weather-worthy. The Outdoor Research Hemispheres Bib, priced at $599, offers a similar 3-layer Gore-Tex with C-Knit construction and better ventilation and storage.

The Patagonia PowSlayer Bibs, priced at $599, offer unmatched protection in brutal conditions but are crinklier and stiffer than the Sentinel's C-Knit backer. On the other hand, Flylow Gear's Foxy (and men's Baker) is our favourite bib design this season. Priced at around $100 less than the Sentinel LT, the Flylow Foxy offers great waterproofing and mobility from Flylow's in-house Stormshell Intuitive fabric, waterproof zippers, generous gaiters with reinforcements at the cuffs, and ample storage with five pockets.

One drawback of the Sentinel LT Bib is the toughness to manipulate the thigh vent zippers with bulky ski gloves. Additionally, the Flylow Foxy checks in at a fairly heavy 1 pound 6.9 ounces and is a bit bulky, which can be a problem for uphill touring.

In conclusion, the Arc'teryx Sentinel LT Jacket and Bib provide a high level of comfort, mobility, and all-out protection, but come at a premium price. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, alternatives such as the Patagonia SnowDrifter Bibs or the Flylow Foxy may be worth considering.