Powslayer is a great name. This kit is made 100% for keeping you dry on the deepest of days. Unfortunately I didn’t get many deep days this season, however, I did put the Powslayer to the test with the winter that CO provided.
Patagonia Powslayer Jacket Review
Overall the Patagonia Powslayer Jacket is awesome. Made of 3-layer GORE-Tex Pro it is the ultimate in keeping you dry and moving moisture out. Pair that with a solid DWR finish and water isn’t going to get in. 40D ripstop nylon will take the abuse of hiking, chairs, trees, practically anything you can throw at it without failing.
The Patagonia Powslayer Jacket is packed with features. Starting from the top down the hood is helmet compatible with two-way adjustability. You can get it down snug and tight and it will stay in place with movement or stiff winds. Two large chest pockets are plenty roomy to keep a lot of stuff handy. The left chest pocket includes a zippered inner pocket with a cord port. You also get a small pocket on the left arm. Two large hand warmer pockets round out the outer pockets. On the inside you’ll find two open-top mesh pockets, one with a small zippered pocket. You have plenty of options to keep yourself organized.
A low-profile powder skirt rounds out the snow protection. It’ll stay in place where you use it or not. If you do decide to use it a cool little feature is a center “hook” that will attach to any Patagonia snow pants, integrating the two together to help keep snow out.
Waterproof treated zippers keep the snow and wind out. Full-length pit zips provide plenty of flow for ventilation.
In terms of fit the Powslayer jacket is a bigger, more relaxed jacket. If you prefer a slim or more performance fit you’ll want to look at another Patagonia offering. Personally I didn’t mind. I liked the fit and I liked the look. If I was going to log longer days touring I would opt for something more fitted.
Patagonia did integrate a Recco into the Powslayer Jacket to help with “findability” if you find yourself in an avalanche situation.
The Powslayer weighs in about 23 oz, depending on the size. It’s not the lightest, nor the heaviest, however it provides excellent performance and protection for the weight.
Bottom Line:
Usability ranked high in my book. There are a ton of options for storage, zipper pulls are long and gripped, easy to use with full gloves on, protection was as good as it gets, and it scores style points as well. It performed well on 45 degree spring days and on cold, windy days. I stayed dry and warm.
Buy Now: Pick up the Patagonia Powslayer Jacket
Patagonia Powslayer Bib Review
Patagonia kept things simple and paired down with the Powslayer Bibs. Made of the same 40D ripstop nylon with 3-layer GORE-Tex Pro fabric as the Powslayer Jacket you’ll get the same solid waterproof protection.
The Powslayer Bibs feature a high-rise waist, perfect for coverage on deep days or the inevitable tomahawk. They do feature the powder skirt integration system, giving you ultimate protection when paired with the Powslayer Jacket. Adjustable suspenders and low-profile belt loops give you a couple of options for how you want to wear them.
Like the Powslayer Jacket the bibs features a lot of pocket options. You get two smaller pockets on the waist, two larger pockets on the thighs, and one back pocket.
Long, dual-pull side zips give as much or as little ventilation as you want. Zippered fly also features a dual zipper which is my favorite feature of the pants. It’s the small things that win me over.
Built in gaiters seal snow out from below and feature a hook to keep them in place. Additional patches provide inner-ankle abrasion resistance.
Like the Powslayer Jacket the bibs also feature a more relaxed, baggy fit. They weigh in at about 21 oz, depending on the size. The Powslayer Bib also feature a built in Recco reflector.
Bottom Line:
Overall I like the simplicity of the Powslayer bibs. I’m not looking for a lot of features and Patagonia provided just enough. Performance was great, ventilation worked well (I usually have issues overheating), and durability has been strong.
Buy Now: Pick up the Patagonia Powslayer Bib
Patagonia Powslayer Jacket Features
Material: [membrane/laminate] Gore-Tex Pro (3-layer), [shell] 40D nylon ripstop, [powder skirt] 91% recycled polyester, 9% spandex
Seams: fully taped
Fit: relaxed
Length: hip
Pockets: 2 zippered chest, 2 zippered handwarmer, 1 arm pass, 2 internal drop-in, 1 internal stash
Hood: yes
Venting: underarm zips
Powder Skirt: yes
RECCO: yes
Manufacturer Warranty: lifetime
Claimed Weight: 1 lb 6.7 oz
Price: $699 MSRP
Patagonia Powslayer Bib Features
Material: [membrane/laminate] Gore-Tex Pro (3-layer), [shell] 40D nylon ripstop, [powder skirt] 91% recycled polyester, 9% spandex
Seams: fully taped
Fit: relaxed
Length: hip
Pockets: 2 zippered cargo, 2 zippered front, 1 zippered back
Waist: suspenders, belt loops
Venting: side zips
Gaiters: yes
RECCO: yes
Manufacturer Warranty: lifetime
Claimed Weight: 1 lb 4.5 oz
Price: $599 MSRP
