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Choosing the Right Jacket for You: Men's 2023

By Katherine Donnelly on

TREW may be best known for our bibs, but we don't skimp when it comes to our jackets; for what is a rad pair of bibs without an equally rad jacket to top it off, right?

Your Men's TREW Jacket Options

Rugged, functional, and stylish are just a few words we throw around when we talk about our gear, and our jacket lineup for this year is no exception.

With a growing number of different jacket options - the Cosmic PRIMO, the Cosmic Classic, the Capow, the Jefferson, the Popover, and Le Skieur Anorak - we think that you'll easily find at least one (if not all of them) to your liking and well-suited to your preferred mode of snow-venturing.

^ CEO Chris testing out the new Cosmic Primo (and TREWth Primo) in some backcountry powder.

Each jacket checks a different set of boxes, offers a different fit, and most importantly caters to a different type of snow chaser. But without being able to see and try them all on to compare, it can be difficult to gauge just which of these four jackets is the one you've been dreaming of. So below, we've executed a comparative deep-dive to show what each jacket brings to the table in terms of features, style, fit, and more in hopes of guiding you to pick the perfect one for you!

First thing's first, think about insulation

When choosing a jacket, one of our first considerations is usually whether we are looking for built-in insulation or not. That is to say, will you want a jacket that can still repel the elements while also providing additional warmth? While none of our men's jackets are insulated (and instead what we would call Shells), we know that some folks are fans of going insulated. If that sounds like you, then allow me to qualm your fears...

All of our jackets can be used in any and all conditions; despite all of our jackets being shells, each model can stand up to the coldest of days when you layer properly. As natives to the great Pacific Northwest, a land of wet and warm(er) Winters, we typically recommend opting for a shell and pairing with insulating layers (down, synthetic, wool, etc.) to dial in your comfort level depending on the day, conditions, and activity. And with backcountry touring at the forefront of our minds here at TREW, shells with built-in insulation prove less versatile than a good layering system. 

One more thing: let's quickly talk about 2L vs. 3L

^The 2-layer Popover, an anorak-style jacket, in Captain Powder.

With the recent launch of our newest collection, the PNW Originals Collection, let's chat about 2-layer vs. 3-layer fabrics. What does this really mean, and how does 2L compare to 3L? Here's what you need to know:

 

While we could talk gear for days, let's dive into the side-by-side comparison and show you just what makes our different men's jacket options shine: 

Le Skieur Anorak

The Cosmic PRIMO

The Cosmic Classic

The Capow

The Jefferson

The Popover

MATERIAL

Shell Material

3L7D 3L Fabric

3L PNW Primo Fabric 

100% Recycled

3L PNW Classic Fabric

3L Dermizax EV

2L PNW Fabric 

2L PNW Fabric 

Waterproof + Breathability Rating

20,000mm Waterproof + 30,000mm+ Breathable (20k/30k+)

20,000mm Waterproof + Breathable (20k/20k)

20,000mm Waterproof + 45,000gr/sm Breathable (20k/45k)

20,000mm Waterproof + 15,000mm Breathable (20k/15k)

20,000mm Waterproof + 15,000mm Breathable

(20k/15k)

Insulation

None

Fabric stretch

Mechanical stretch for all-day comfort

Mechanical stretch for all-day comfort

Little to no stretch in the fabric

Stretchy as can be

Mechanical stretch for all-day comfort

Mechanical stretch for all-day comfort

FIT + SIZING

Fit

Slim, straight, and long, this is our most minimalist jacket option that shines on long slogs up high.

Modern freeride fit is longer and slimmer in the body than a traditional alpine shell. The Cosmic is our versatile backcountry and resort fit that works well with a wide range of body types + applications.

Low-profile and streamlined fit; not as bulky as the Cosmic, the Capow is slightly boxier in the chest and shorter in the torso but maintains the same sleeve length as the Cosmic.

Relaxed fit throughout for high comfort and style point

Relaxed fit throughout for high comfort and style point

Sizing tips

Runs fairly true-to-size; best for straight body shapes.

Runs slightly large. All of our jackets are sized to allow for layering underneath, and the Cosmic is no different. You may find this jacket to run larger than the same size in other brands.

Very often, people will size down one size from their Cosmic size. The Capow Jacket runs large + short to allow more room for movement and layering in the abdomen.

Both the Jefferson + the Popover run on the larger side. If you are coming from the Cosmic, size down one size - unless you would like a baggier/looser fit. 

We highly suggest referring to the size chart on the product page before choosing your size.

KEY FEATURES

Internal stretch-mesh drop pockets

Both sides

Both sides

Both sides

Left side only

None

Chest pocket(s)

Left-side radio drop pocket, right-side vertical pocket

Zip chest pockets under flaps, both sides

Zip chest pockets, both sides

Zip chest pocket on left side

None

Zip hand pockets

None

x

x

x

Double kangaroo pocket with top zip access and additional side hand entrance to separate stash zone

Zip arm pass/stash pocket(s)

On upper arm, left side

On wrist, left side

None

On wrist, left side

On wrist, left side

Underarm zip vents

Wearer’s left pit vent opens at the bottom with three sliders to function as a vent 

x

x

x

Wearer’s left pit vent opens at the bottom with three sliders to function as a vent 

Wrist gaiters

None

2-way adjustable, helmet-compatible hood

x

x

x

x

x

Adjustable hem

x

x

x

x

x

Removable powder skirt

No powder skirt

x

No powder skirt

x

No powder skirt

RECCO® reflector

x

x

x

x

x


Price

$499

$479

$399

$479

$299

$220


The highlights

Ultralight + fast.


Lightweight and designed specifically for those looking to move fast up and down mountains. 

The best of all worlds.


100% recycled, increased durability, and more stretch in the fabric compared to PNW 3L Classic. 

Everything you need and nothing you don’t.


Durable, waterproof, good looking, and our best-selling jacket ever.

Your best friend in the backcountry.


Lightweight, ridiculously breathable, easily packable, and still ready to keep you dry + warm on even the stormiest of days.

Ready for the worst, hoping for the best.


Simple, clean, and rugged - The Jefferson has everything you need to take on the mountains without breaking the bank.

The best bang for your buck, and a huge amount of style points. 


From the city to the mountain, this unisex anorak-style jacket is quickly becoming a fan-favorite.


Recommended use(s)

Volcano season + backcountry

Backcountry, resort, and everywhere in between!

Backcountry touring + guiding.

Most at home in the resort!

Most at home in the resort!

Actual garment measurements/specs (size Medium):

Le Skieur Anorak

The Cosmic PRIMO

The Cosmic Classic

The Capow

The Jefferson

The Popover

Weight 

16.1 oz.

25.5 oz. 

24.5 oz.

20.5 oz. 

30 oz.

30 oz.

Front body length 

32.5”

31.5”

30.5”

30.5”

31.5”

31.5”

Back body length

34.5”

33”

32.5”

31.5”

33”

33”

Sleeve length 

38”

Chest width 

48”

47”

47”

50”

50”

50”

Hem sweep

48”

47”

46”

48”

48”

48”

Jacket-Picking Hot Tip from TREW:

If you're new to TREW, size down. All of our jackets are designed and sized with layering in mind, and because of this you may find that our gear fits larger than the same size from another brand. In most cases, we have found that people purchasing their first jacket from TREW will order too big and have to exchange for a smaller size. And if you are in between sizes, size down. It never hurts to get take your measurements and use our sizing guide (found on each product page) before making an order, or better yet get in touch with us at trewsizing@trewgear.com - we love helping you pick out the right jacket and size!

^The Cosmic Classic, keeping Corey warm, dry, and stylish on a BC backcountry trip.

Our most popular Men's Jacket is the Cosmic - and for good reason! The Cosmic is a great hybrid jacket, checking all of the boxes for both resort laps and backcountry tours. If you are going to have just one coat, this is a great choice - as seen in Best Ski Jackets for Men by Renoun.

Looking for a bit more guidance?

No worries, we're here for you. Get Fitted + Kitted easily by taking our online quiz, and we'll get back to you with your personal product and size recommendation within 2 business days.

We also offer easy returns and exchanges, so if you order the wrong size or want to change styles it's no big deal to swap out. See our Returns + Exchanges page here for more info.

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