686 Parker White Gore-Tex Stretch Dispatch Bib Pants 2023 Review

Bibs are where it's at, especially for those of us who aren't big on jackets. They keep the snow out far better than pants and you don't need to worry about the age-old belt vs suspenders question to get that all-important sag. As such, I've tried a lot of bibs over the years and the Dispatch is as good as they come. In general, all the 686 gear I've owned has gone the distance, but these bibs are clearly built to go above and beyond. The 500D reinforced knee and boot panels feel bombproof and the fabric has a tough yet stretchy feel in general.

Bib goes on the up, bib goes on the down. Photos: Hanne Lundin Wallengren

Pair that with stretch Gore-Tex and Gore-Tex seams and you have a bib that's looking hard to beat on the technical front too. I've had baggier fits but the beauty of bibs is that you can sag them as deep as you like to get the required fit. I'm 5'9 and 145lbs and I'm wearing a large in the images. I found that to be the perfect size to balance touring comfort and the loose fit I like. I could go a little baggier, but in something fundamentally designed to be a technical option, I think the fit makes perfect sense. They still fit more loosely than most technical bibs and paired with the matching Weapon Jacket, they look sick and have all the features you could ever want, and then some.

Plenty of rise on these bibs, so they have you covered even if you do opt for open/no jacket day

Thankfully these are pure shells because Insulated pants have to be one of the worst ideas anyone has ever come up with. I can't ever imagine needing more warmth but there was plenty of room underneath on the off-chance I would need to layer up one day a season. Like the Weapon Jacket, the Dispatch bibs also include an RFID-insulated pocket to keep your phone in and prevent interference with your avalanche transceiver. I tend to keep my phone in my bibs, not the jacket to minimize swinging, so for me, that was a meaningful touch.

Overall, these are a top of the line bib, built to outlast your skiing career. I can see why they are Parker's choice and a 686 team favorite generally because they are as good as anything out there. - @Twig

A bombproof bib designed by guides in Japan and built to last over 200 days on the mountain. Tested at 11,053’ by the world-renowned Mammoth Unbound Park Staff. A hands-down favorite of the 686 team, the blue/grey colorway is designed to perfectly match Parker's Signature Weapon Jacket.

FEATURES:
2-Layer bluesign® Approved GORE-TEX Nylon Stretch Fabric + DWR
Fully Taped GORE-TEX Seams
Shell Design
Cross Venting Leg Vents
Pant Jacket Connect™ System
Adjustable Elastic Straps
Multiple Pockets on Upper Bib
Key/Beacon Leash Clip in Hand Pocket
Lower Back Stretch Panel
Boot Gusset with Snap Closure
BOA® Compatible Boot System in Gaiter
RECCO® Advanced Rescue Technology
Boot Gaiter with Lycra Stretch Panel and Boot Lace Hook
500D Reinforced Knees + Wrap Around Kick Panel
Lift Ticket Eyelet on Belt Loop
Audio Buttonhole
RFID Blocking Inner Pocket
Water-Resistant Front Hand Pockets and Upper Bib Pocket Zippers