Patagonia PowSlayer Freeride Kit Review
There’s ambitious, and then there’s the Patagonia PowSlayer Freeride Kit. This is no-nonsense gear, made for the skin tracks of the Rockies and the harshest conditions in the backcountry. Built...
There’s ambitious, and then there’s the Patagonia PowSlayer Freeride Kit. This is no-nonsense gear, made for the skin tracks of the Rockies and the harshest conditions in the backcountry. Built with 100% recycled 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro ePE, it’s designed to be the ultimate barrier between you and the elements. Technical specs only tell half the story, so we handed the kit to local Bow Valley skiiers Noah and Gabi to see how it really handles.
Initial Impressions
Noah
When first putting on the PowSlayer jacket and pants for the first time, I was shocked at how lightweight they were. The jacket feels durable and resilient. Two traits that typically come with a weight penalty. However, the shell and pants felt lightweight and malleable.
Gabi
My initial impression was that the kit felt purpose-built, lightweight but confidence-inspiring, with nothing unnecessary. The kit feels athletic and clean, allowing full mobility without bulk, and it still looks stylish. Compared to other gear I've used, it feels more intentional, like it was designed for long days in real conditions, which can often be unpredictable.
Durability, Packability and Breathability
Noah
While I have not been on any overnight trips with the kit, I have taken it to Lake Louise resort and toured in the back country. In both scenarios, the kit was stuffed into packs, scraped against trees, and covered in snow. All this without any signs of wear and ready for the next day of skiing.
When I went on my first tour with the kit, the breathability and packability were definitely highlights. Often I find myself overheating on uphills but with these pants I barely broke a sweat. It was not until the top that I found myself reaching for the side ventilation zippers, which helped instantly cool me down. The jacket also only took up a minimal part of my pack on the way up, which is ideal in the backcountry where space and weight are a priority.
I especially noticed the durability one day at Louise after a big snowfall. We were hot lapping a jump and I hit the ground significantly hard a few times. The jacket definitely handled the impacts better than I did. Even after multiple slams, the kit looked as if it had just been pulled off the shelf. I have also taken it through tight trees, snagging branches and twigs that should have torn the shell but yet it still came out unscratched. One other very noticeable strength is it’s ability to keep out the elements. On deep snow days, I find the cinch chords and powderskirt keep snow out. When ascending into the alpine, simply putting the hood up seals all heat in and wind out.
Gabi
I went up to the Asulkan Cabin in Rogers Pass for a couple of nights, and I have been wearing it at the hill as well. It’s held up great, so far, no sign of any wear.
I’ve skied some pretty great snow and fallen wearing the kit. The cinch on the pants and jacket combined with the powder skirt kept me nice and dry.
Highlights and Features
Noah
This is not just another high-tech shell; it is a jacket and pants with every scenario in mind that a skier/snowboarder might find themselves in. The cinch straps around the waist of the pants and jacket let me get the fit so it is comfortable for me but also functionally keeps snow out. The pockets are well thought out with obvious intended uses, such as the large front chest pockets making it easy to carry skins or the pant leg pocket with a clip for keys (I clip my ski pass to it for easy and quick access). When I start to get cold in alpine winds, I toss the hood over my helmet, instantly creating what feels like my own sealed environment and warming me up immediately.
All the minor, well-thought-out details are the little additions over other gear I've used that I notice make my days out skiing easier. It is amazing how many technical ski pants and jackets are out there today but it is the attention Patagonia has taken to understand how customers want to use the gear that sets them apart. The implementation of features in the gear to make customers' days out easier and therefore more enjoyable is what makes this kit stand out.
Gabi
I find myself using the two big pockets on the chest the most, they’re good for radios, skins, snacks, ski straps, and pretty much anything I need to tuck away. I tend to be reaching for those pockets the most.
Of course with every Patagonia product you're getting a great warranty to back it up and an awesome gear repair policy, but beyond that, you're getting a lightweight Gortex kit that is durable and rugged enough to take on the most extreme missions with zero compromise. It has all the key features you’d want: pit zips, helmet compatible hood with adjustments, big pockets, pow skirt and more.
Closing Notes
Noah
Overall, I am amazed at the design and how well thought-out the kit is. While it excels in protecting me from the elements and keeping me comfortable while skiing, I think it is the smaller features, designed with the user in mind, that set the jacket and pants apart from the competition.
Gabi
This kit is clearly designed by people who ski hard, in real conditions, and know that when things get serious, your kit can’t be the weak link.
Photo Credits
Header Image: Fredrik Kalbermatten
Throughout blog: Noah and Gabi