I planned to use these for fast-and-light spring backcountry missions. I've used these a handful of times, but end up going back to my Trew Capow bibs. Once I open up the side zippers to ventilate, I find the zippers tend to keep falling down. Once they are at knee level, my kness pop out of the bib and it's annoying. The vents are only on the outside, while the Capow are on the inside and outside of the leg. I'd advise anyone to pick the Capow bibs over these.

amazingly lightweight and breathable, best touring pant I've owned, barely have to open the leg vents because they breathe so well!

Ok, let's set the scene. It's 5am, you're at the trailhead, pulling on your headlamp, checking that you have your full mountaineering kit, bleary eyed. You repeat the mantra "be bold, start cold" because well... you have a lot of ground to cover today. Conditions will range from ice cold, to mixed precip, to whatever is happening 4,000' above you in the cloud cover. Today is a no fuss operation and we need to keep the pace moving and that backpack may never touch the snow for a leisurely lunch. Tools need to be sharp, harness ready to don, and rope systems dialed. Temps need to be regulated because frozen sweat is not in the game plan. Time to move without a minute to spare.

That's where I love the LW bibs. For the high output, let's see what these winter pistons can do type days. The days where I'm willing to sacrifice a little fabric to keep lighter and cooler. For me in the PNW, this invokes images of couloir hunting, volcano surfing, or even uphill training days at the local.

Big fan of these lightweight bibs and hoping that maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to keep up with Gilles in the hills of Switzerland.

Tips on sizing: the fit on these is tall and slim. I, on the other hand, am 5'9, thick thighs, and built more like a meatball than a carrot. Size Medium short works well for me, especially in full alpine mindset (aka only compression leggings underneath). If you're between sizes and prefer room, consider going with the larger option.

Finally the perfect backcountry touring bibs are here! TREW Gear really crushing it on these bibs. For the backcountry where I am booting couloirs and touring a lot in general in variable conditions these bibs do it all. Lightweight, durable, breathable, waterproof and stretchy! What else would you want from a backcountry bib. Don’t forget dedicated beacon pockets! I’m obsessed.

Trew send me a new pair to address the issue of the fabric on the other one.

The new pair held well on a Denali trip, only one knee hole got done while performing a rescue on the 16 ridge.

Still satisfied with the lightweight fabric and excited for improvements to come later.