#3 on this list
Gear Eagle Pant Primo
Trew
The Trew Gear Eagle Pant Primo is engineered specifically to conquer the wet, heavy storm cycles typical of the Pacific Northwest. Switchback Travel ranks it as the top overall men's ski pant, pointing to its impervious weatherproofing and smart balance of resort comfort and touring practicality. Built with Trew's proprietary 3L PNW Primo shell fabric, the Eagle provides dependable waterproof performance backed by a burly 100% recycled nylon face. Reviewers emphasize the pant's tailored freeride cut, which allows uninhibited leg movement without excessive bagginess that flaps in high winds. The Eagle incorporates large, mesh-free outer thigh vents that dump heat quickly during strenuous ascents. Its reinforced cuffs feature heavy-duty SuperFabric kick patches, which prevent lacerations from metal ski edges and crampons over prolonged use. Because the Eagle is a dedicated uninsulated shell pant, it does not provide inherent thermal warmth; staying comfortable on frigid mid-winter lift rides requires a quality fleece or synthetic base layer. At an MSRP around $499, it is an investment piece, but one backed by heavy-duty construction that outlasts lightweight alternatives. **Highlights** - Weatherproof three-layer PNW Primo membrane engineered for wet snow conditions - Abrasion-resistant SuperFabric reinforcement along cuffs and inner ankles - Large outer thigh vents provide rapid cooling without internal mesh snagging - 100% recycled nylon plain-weave face fabric balances durability and sustainability - Ergonomic waistband adjustment system maintains fit without bulky belts **Watch-outs** - Shell design provides zero built-in warmth, requiring careful layering - Premium price point places it among high-end specialized hardshells
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#4 on this list
Gear Chariot Bib Primo
Trew
The Trew Gear Chariot Bib Primo is a high-coverage, bombproof shell built for women who refuse to let wet snow or howling winds keep them indoors. Consistently recognized by Switchback Travel as the standout women's ski bib, the Chariot combines total torso coverage with Trew's rugged three-layer PNW Primo construction. It is designed to withstand relentless storms, damp lift seats, and rugged backcountry terrain without wetting out. A central strength noted in field assessments is the bib's ergonomic, full-zip drop-seat mechanism. Many technical bibs make pit stops awkward, but the Chariot's smooth, extended side zippers allow skiers to drop the seat easily without taking off suspenders or outer jackets. The upper apron features a clean array of storage pockets, keeping small electronics, snacks, and gear close to the body where battery life is preserved by body heat. With a price tag approaching $600, the Chariot Primo is among the most expensive women's shells on the market. It also skews toward the heavier side of the spectrum, making it slightly overbuilt for casual fair-weather resort skiers or warm spring touring, though unmatched in serious winter squalls. **Highlights** - Fully articulated drop-seat design allows quick, hassle-free bathroom breaks - Heavy-duty 3L PNW Primo fabric built for wet coastal snow conditions - SuperFabric kick patches deliver long-term protection against boot wear and sharp edges - Center chest and side zip pockets keep essentials organized and warm - Elastic suspender straps feature low-profile hardware that stays flat under a pack **Watch-outs** - Significant retail price demands a high-mileage user to justify the investment - Slightly heavy construction may feel cumbersome for mild, sunny ski days
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Gear Eagle Pant Primo | Gear Chariot Bib Primo |
|---|---|---|
| Category | 3-layer uninsulated ski pant | All-mountain resort and backcountry bib |
| Shell Membrane | 3L PNW Primo | — |
| Face Fabric | 100% recycled nylon plain weave | — |
| Cuff Reinforcement | SuperFabric kick patches | — |
| Venting System | Mesh-free outer thigh zip vents | — |
| Approximate MSRP | $499 | — |
| MSRP | — | Around $599 |
| Fabric Construction | — | 3-layer PNW Primo membrane |
| Target User | — | Women demanding storm-level bib coverage |
| Drop Seat | — | Full-zip articulated configuration |
| Reinforcements | — | Heavy-duty SuperFabric kick patches |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Gear Eagle Pant Primo
- High-level waterproof performance built specifically for wet maritime storm cycles
- Reinforced SuperFabric kick patches resist lacerations from sharp metal ski edges
- Mesh-free outer thigh zips dump heat quickly on strenuous sidecountry ascents
- Articulated freeride cut delivers athletic mobility without excessive bagginess
- Dedicated uninsulated shell provides zero built-in warmth on frigid lift rides
- Substantial fabric weight makes it less compressible for ultralight ski touring
- Premium $499 investment requires careful evaluation of personal climate needs
Gear Chariot Bib Primo
- Proven 3-layer PNW Primo fabric resists soaking in wet, heavy snow
- Functional drop-seat configuration simplifies trailside bathroom stops
- Armored SuperFabric kick patches protect cuffs from edge slices
- Generous high-coverage chest apron prevents powder entry
- Approaching $600 MSRP requires significant annual days to justify
- Noticeably heavier and bulkier than dedicated lightweight touring shells
- Can feel overly warm and overbuilt during mild spring resort sessions
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.