Over the past few years, I’ve logged countless powdery pursuits in different versions of the TREW Gear TREWth Bib. Those days range from ski resorts to long ventures in the backcountry. And now? This new upgraded PRIMO fabric really takes the brand’s classic ski bib to the next level, launching a redesigned bib under the same name that excels in a variety of conditions and activities.
After a year of testing and tomahawking, the TREW Gear TREWth PRIMO Bib looks just as new as it did on day one. Plus, the kit is available in extended sizing — a new benchmark for this plus-size range — so, 3XL-5XL riders can have bibs designed to fit and perform to their bodies.
For more than a decade, TREW has been setting the groundwork for ruggedly waterproof, lightweight, stylish, and durable bibs built for the backcountry. TREW started it all with its original TREWTH bib in 2008 and has tirelessly worked to innovate its gear better for all individuals.
In short: The TREW Gear TREWth PRIMO Bib ($499) utilizes the brand’s new PRIMO fabric, a 100% recycled nylon three-layer fabric. The innovative fabric took several years to design with partner Toyota Textiles of Japan. It boasts a Bluesign certification, GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification, and 20,000mm-rated membrane, TREW’s highest level of waterproofing and breathability. This bib is packed with sustainability so you can feel as good as you look, no matter what winter weather comes your way.
Read the full GearJunkie Men’s Ski Bibs guide.
- Fit: Relaxed fit throughout
- Inseam: Available in Short (30” inseam), Regular (32” inseam), and Tall (34” inseam).
- Pockets: 2 hand pockets, 2 thigh pockets, 1 chest transceiver pocket, 1 zippered chest, 1 Velcro chest
- Waterproofing: 20,000mm Waterproof/Breathable
- Material: PNW 3L Primo Fabric
- Sustainability: Bluesign-certified, woven with 100% recycled nylon
- Insulation: Non-insulated shell bib
- Drop seat: Long side zipper with top opening for easy bathroom breaks
- Size range: XS-XXL with new 3X-5X extended sizes
Pros
- Heavy-duty and waterproof
- Rugged durability
- Extended sizes
Cons
- Small chest pockets for phones
TREW Gear TREWth PRIMO Bib Review
Gear is expensive. So, having one piece of outerwear that performs great in both the backcountry and resort means I can save time and money using the same set of bibs no matter the activity.
From deep days on the snowmobile, and pow surfing at the resort, to spring mountaineering and slushy resort laps, I’ve been able to test the PRIMO Bibs across multiple sports and conditions. Each time I came back warm and dry. Having a bib that performs across the board means I can spend less time worrying about gear and more time chasing dawn patrols and powder stashes.
The best part of the PRIMO Bibs is the 100% recycled nylon, three-layer fabric. The fabric feels lightweight yet thick at the same time. It keeps my butt warm when riding chairlifts or snowmobiles in the cold snow. And it simultaneously allows heat to vent on the skin track.
Working the snow safety team for the Grand Traverse Ski Race this year, I wore these bibs for 5 days straight above 10,000 feet in the Elk Mountains. I set up radio towers in sideways wind, watching the first racers pass my checkpoint at 4 a.m., chopped wood, and cooked dinner in the hut in these bibs. The SuperFabric reinforced cuffs and kick patches kept snow out of my boots all day long.
Pocket Storage
The PRIMO bibs have a plethora of pockets. There are seven in total, so you can carry everything and the kitchen sink to the backcountry. These bibs have 2 small zippered chest pockets, one Velcro chest pocket, two large zippered waist pockets, and two large thigh Velcro cargo pockets.
I like the built-in chest avalanche transceiver pocket with a 20mm D-ring. However, the two additional off-center chest pockets are not the most ergonomic and won’t accommodate a larger phone. The iPhone 15 pro-Max or a GoPro Max won’t fit.
All other zippered pockets offer a 15mm D-ring. They offer additional options for carrying an avalanche beacon away from other electronics.
I found the chest pockets to be a bit too small for most of my items. I mainly used the zippered waist pockets and large Velcro thigh pockets for things like extra snacks, notebooks, camera gear, and more. The thigh pockets were large enough to carry my avalanche observation book.
Colorful Patterns
A quality ski bib should look as good as it performs and the new Primo line is no exception, coming in six poppy colors: Total Eclipse (Blue), Mellow Yellow, Light Purps, Ginger (Orange), Cypress (Light Green), and Blackout.
I received tons of compliments on these bibs. I often film myself with a GoPro or other camera, and the bright and colorful Stargazer Green really pops when contrasted against a snowy white background.
Bib Vents and Dropseat
Zippered vents come standard on both sides of the TREW Gear TREWth PRIMO Bib. Each side has two zippers, meaning you can zip vents from the top down, or the bottom up. This is helpful when skiing in powder, as you can vent heat from the top side of the zip, without getting snow inside.
On one side of the bibs, the zipper comes to the top, near my armpit. This helps with dumping extra heat if needed, but it also functions as a dropseat. Zip down the larger vent zipper from the top and the back fabric of the bib drops away. That way, you can use the bathroom in the backcountry with ease (or adjust your wedgies after a violent tomahawk).
Sizes and Inseam
TREW is one of the few brands to offer short and tall sizing within the brand’s regular offering. Bibs are available in Short (30”), Regular (32”), and Tall (34”) inseam lengths so riders can find the perfect fit.
TREW has been working with extended and plus-sized riders to design a brand new extended sizing collection featuring 3XL to 5XL sizing so all types of riders can get the best fit. This sizing range offers the same high-performance eco-friendly fabrics and pricing as the normal bibs. Everyone deserves comfortable gear, and with the PRIMO bibs, all riders are sure to find the perfect-sized bib and inseam combo.
Critiques
Though the bibs are extremely versatile in fitment, I would have liked to see removable shoulder straps. The nonremovable straps do make it harder to get in or out of the bibs, or ditch/add an underlayer.
Another feature I had trouble with was the small and off-center chest pockets. The chest beacon pocket was barely big enough to fit my beacon and tether. It required careful packing and unpacking.
The other zip and Velcro chest pockets were also too small for the large iPhone and a GoPro I carry skiing. With both the chest pockets, I could get a phone or a GoPro inside but couldn’t get them closed. Those batteries get cold and for easy access, I love keeping them on my chest. I’ve found that a kangaroo-style bib pocket works best. The wonky-shaped, off-center, and small chest pockets hinder what I can carry.
TREW Gear TREWth PRIMO Bib: Conclusion
Overall, the TREW Gear TREWth PRIMO Bibs are one of the best-made and most durable bibs I’ve tried. I have yet to find conditions in these bibs that didn’t feel comfortable in.
After testing, I was impressed with its long-term durability. The thick 3L fabrics were able to handle a beating, from tomahawking down the mountain to wrestling stuck snowmobiles, both of which are frequent occurrences for me in the backcountry.
The 100% recycled fabric and Bluesign-certified materials let me feel good about my environmental impact. And the extended sizing gives me confidence that anyone can be Cinderella, finding the perfect-fitting bib. No matter the conditions, snowpack, or activity, these bibs are built to outperform and outlast.
