ProView – TREW Gear Men’s Cosmic PRIMO Jacket + TREWth Bib PRIMO Review

TREW revamped some of their flagship outerwear, with changes to the fabric, fit, articulation, and features. If you’re familiar with the previous versions of the TREWth Bib or Cosmic PRIMO Jacket, they’ve changed significantly. The new fabric steps up to the competition, utilizing a mostly recycled 3-layer construction that achieves a 20k waterproof 20k breathable rating, making it a suitable layer for resort and backcountry use. That said, I would recommend this for the 50/50, to resort-focused categories, as the kit is a bit heavy for dedicated backcountry use. 

Mammoth Mountain and the Eastern Sierra are known for huge snowfall and subsequent spring temperatures, with conditions that can change a lot day to day. This environment put the TREW kit to the test from wet, heavy snowfall to hot bootback laps and everything in between. I used the TREW kit mostly at Mammoth Mountain, but also spent a few days ski touring in the kit.

Fit/Comfort 

My measurements are as follows: 40” Chest, 38” Seat, 32” Sleeve, 24” Thigh, 31” Waist, and 32” Inseam. For the most part, this put me in a small when using TREW’s sizing chart. The only exception was the chest measurement, which was bumped up to a medium. I typically wear a medium in tops and often am between small and medium in pants. TREW lists that the Cosmic PRIMO Jacket runs large, suggesting sizing down if you’re between sizes, so with all this info, and my preference for a less baggy fit, I went with small for both. 

Overall, the kit fits me pretty well and just about matches the silhouette I prefer. The fabric is comfortable, and the backing doesn’t feel too sticky on the skin. The one problem I have found is that the TREWth bibs are a bit tight in the crotch/seat. Though it’s only been a problem when touring or absorbing big impacts, I do wish I had gone with medium. The Cosmic PRIMO Jacket fits well, with my only complaints being that the cuffs are a little tight and that I would have preferred a slightly longer length for the fit. That said, that’s more of my own personal preference, as well as a sizing decision. 

The kit is categorized as a relaxed fit with a modern freeride silhouette, which seems to be what the majority of skiers and snowboarders are looking for. I would expect that most people will be happy with the aesthetic of the kit. Those looking for a slimmer fit would probably be better suited in the Capow Jacket and Bibs instead of sizing down. 

It should be mentioned that previous versions of the Cosmic PRIMO jacket had some notes on poor articulation. While I wouldn’t jump to suggest it for ice climbing, I found the refined articulation excellent, especially for a baggy freeride fit. While some jackets lift a lot with arm movement, or catch and grab at the shoulder and elbow, the updated Cosmic PRIMO Jacket moved with me as a refined alpine shell would. The pants could have moved a little better, but again, I probably should have been in a medium. 

Features

The kit is chock full of features, many of which were greatly appreciated both in the backcountry and the resort. Starting with the TREWth Bibs, the straps feature a low-profile buckle in the front, making them easier to get on and off. This, plus a half-length side zip on each side, makes pit stops and layer changes way easier. I can’t understate how much I appreciate the addition of both of these features, as many bibs require you to take off all your jackets when nature calls. 

The TREWth bibs also feature an almost ridiculous seven pockets, including a dedicated beacon pocket. They also have the option to open vents on the inside and outside of the legs, which also increased range of motion in the skin track. Lastly, they have a velcro waist adjustment, which would help take in a bigger size. 

The Cosmic PRIMO Jacket is equally featured, with eight pockets, counting the two internal drop pockets, pass pocket, an internal zip pocket, and four large external zip pockets. There are two large pit zips, and all the zippers are either waterproof or use storm flaps. Multiple draw cords can be used to tighten the hood and hem, which was nice when the wind turned fierce. Lastly, the Cosmic jacket features a zip-off powder skirt, adding to its backcountry performance and versatility, should it be used with other pants. 

Function/Performance

The TREWth Bib PRIMO and Cosmic PRIMO Jacket are comprised of TREW’s own PNW PRIMO 3L fabric, which is made with 100% recycled nylon face fabric, helping the fabric achieve bluesign certification. The high-end proprietary textile is 20k waterproof/breathable, is joined together with taped seams, and has mechanical stretch. The DWR is PFAS-free and performed very well over the testing period. Even skiing bell to bell in heavy snowfall, the fabric didn’t wet out, and held strong against strong wind and wet chair lifts. While the price is similar to Gore-Tex, the performance is equally comparable. That said, time will tell if the fabric will lose its ability to fight the elements as dirt and abrasions accumulate. My only concern was the coarse weave of the shell that seemed more prone to dirt and oil. On the other hand, the fabric was just the right balance between stiff and supple, keeping it off the skin, without being too crinkly. 

To its deficit in backcountry use, the Cosmic PRIMO Jacket is pretty heavy, coming in at 30oz in a medium. It took up a fairly significant amount of room in my pack, maybe six liters of volume if I were to guess. By comparison, my touring shells typically weigh between 16 and 22 oz, taking up an approximate two to four liters. That considered, it could still make a fine layer for touring in colder climates where the jacket rarely makes it into the pack, or if backcountry use is less of a priority.

Who is the product for? 

The TREWth Bibs and Cosmic PRIMO Jacket are a great kit for someone looking for a high-end 3L shell that is stylish and highly functional. The kit is modern and a bit different than many of the kits on the market, so if you’re looking to stand out, this kit is PRIMO. TREW also uses recycled materials and PFAS-free DWR and membrane, in compliance with CA and NY regulations. 

The Final Word

If you’re looking for a baggy, freeride kit for use in and out of bounds, the TREW Cosmic PRIMO and TREWth Bib PRIMO get a big thumbs up when it comes to looks and performance. While I found sizing a bit tricky to dial in, it took a closer look to find any other flaws with the kit. While I wouldn’t dedicate it as a backcountry kit, it was nice to see additions that made life easier on the uphill, all while staying dry when the weather turned. 

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