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Last winter, I spent 100+ days in Whistler Blackcomb’s notoriously wet and windy weather. I’m not bitching. I dig on that deep-as-balls snowfall and the gusts that blow it into all the nooks and crannies we get to explore. But when you have six months of the Coast Range’s worst being thrown at you, there are few jackets that stand up to the task, especially when you fall as much as I do. The Patagonia Powslayer jacket and pants combo was one of the outerwear combos I had the pleasure of trying out this past winter and they held up better than most. In fact, they ended up being my main kit for most of the winter, with the only real contender for the crown being the Arc’teryx kit I used (the Micon jacket and Sabre pants to be specific). Patagonia has a killer package here.

First off, the fit of both the Powslayer jacket and pants is stellar. Throwing away the more traditional cut that caters to the granola crowd, Patagonia has found a great middleground with the fit here. Slightly baggy but articulated enough to move smooth, this is a freeride-inspired cut that balances performance with not looking like a knob from the ’90s. All the same technology that Patagonia is famous for is here. 3-layer GORE-TEX + DWR finish keeps you dry (be sure to keep it clean to keep it working), and the hood is generous enough to fit my big dome plus a helmet comfortably. Plentiful but simple pockets provide a ton of storage that doesn’t get in the way of mobility too much.

I liked it so much I ordered the kit to wear this winter. And if that’s not a recommendation then I don’t know what is. – MB, editor

 

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Jacket Details (From the Patagonia site)

    • Durable and lightweight 3-layer nylon GORE-TEX® Pro fabric for the best in durably waterproof/breathable and windproof protection
    • Helmet-compatible, 2-way-adjustable fixed hood with laminated visor for optimal visibility in bad conditions; Touch Point System™ embeds cord locks in hood and hem for quick adjustment (US patent number 5263202)
    • Watertight, coated zippers, installed with our Slim Zip technology, reduce weight and bulk; pit zips quickly release heat. New Vislon center-front zip is burly and easy to use
    • Pit zips quickly release heat; adjustable, low-profile cuff with pleated gusset secures over or under gloves
    • Sleek, low-profile powder skirt stays in place whether secured or not and rotates as rider moves for comfort and protection
    • Zippered pockets: two drop-in cargo; two handwarmers; one chest with secure media pocket with cable routing; one arm for pass; two internal drop-in and one internal stash
    • RECCO® avalanche rescue reflector embedded in back of neck
    • 3-layer, 3.8-oz 70-denier 100% nylon ripstop GORE-TEX® Pro fabric with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Powder skirt: 3.5-oz 91% eco polyester and 9% spandex
    • 604 g (21.3 oz)
    • Made in Vietnam.

Pant Details (From the Patagonia site)

  • New generation GORE-TEX® PRO fabric delivers the same trusted levels of uncompromised, durable waterproofness, but with an even better range of breathability
  • Full-coverage bibs with drop-seat configuration and front zipper with single snap closure for venting; belt loops at the waist for convertibility when hiking
  • Slim Zip installation with watertight, coated zippers reduce bulk and weight
  • Loop on rear yolk attach bibs to powder skirt on any Patagonia® Snow jacket
  • Articulated knees for mobility; external thigh vents quickly release heat
  • Gaiters seal out snow; tough scuff guards protect inside of leg and bottom hem; zippered pockets: two handwarmers; two thigh drop-in cargo
  • RECCO® avalanche rescue reflector embedded at lower right leg
  • 3-layer, 3.8-oz 70-denier 100% nylon ripstop GORE-TEX® Pro fabric with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
  • 550 g (19.4 oz)
  • Made in Vietnam.