Patagonia PowSlayer 38L Ski Backpack Review
The Patagonia PowSlayer 38L ($249) is a large, well-organized ski pack built for long backcountry days when you want to carry everything. Its durable, highly water-resistant fabric, thoughtful pocket layout, and excellent downhill stability make it a strong choice for storm skiing, big objectives, and sled-accessed lines. Comfort under heavier loads and some access limitations keep it from being perfect, but as a do-it-all backcountry pack, it’s a compelling option.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Versatility
Durability
Weight
Sustainability
Weight
2 lb. 9.6 oz.
Capacities
38L
Avalanche tool pocket
Yes
Fabric(s)
210D nylon with TPU coating
Pros
Cons
Patagonia PowSlayer
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Backpacks.
The Patagonia PowSlayer 38L’s comfort is a bit of a mixed bag (pun absolutely intended), depending on how much weight you’re carrying and how thoughtfully it’s packed. The backpanel uses a thin, uniform layer of foam without much stiffness, which allows the pack to conform to your body, but also limits support. With lighter loads, like when I was doing in-bounds uphill laps at Hyak on Washington’s Snoqualmie Pass, I found it perfectly comfortable, but once I started loading it up with multiple water bottles, food, and extra layers for backcountry missions, that lack of structure became noticeable.
On a stormy day in the Snoqualmie Pass backcountry, I packed my helmet inside the backpanel-accessed main compartment to keep it dry, and I could clearly feel it pressing into my back. The same thing happened with a large thermos when I didn’t position it carefully. The PowSlayer’s backpanel doesn’t do much to isolate you from the contents, so how you pack matters more than with stiffer, framed packs like the Osprey Soelden 32. During big touring days on Washington Pass—when I was carrying a bunch of weight, including multiple full water bottles and hefty sandwiches—the load pulled down on my shoulders, and I wished for more support around the hips and lower back.
That said, the Patagonia PowSlayer’s downhill performance is excellent, and that might matter more to some skiers. On a descent of the aptly-named Pillow Talk on Washington Pass, the pack stayed tight and secure, with zero bouncing or awkward shifting—even while I was skiing aggressively through pillows. The close-to-the-back fit likely contributes to that stability, much like the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol, which uses similarly minimal padding. The PowSlayer’s flexible structure also turned out to be a plus when strapping the pack onto a snowmobile, where it squished easily under other gear.
It took me a few outings to fully appreciate the PowSlayer’s storage layout, but once I got a handle on it, I realized how effective it is. The main compartment—where basically all your non-avalanche gear lives—is accessed exclusively through the zippered backpanel. That means no top-loading access, which has upsides and drawbacks. When the pack is laid flat in the snow, flaying open the backpanel gives you a clear, organized view of your gear, instead of forcing you to dig blindly through the main compartment. In many cases, I actually found it easier to locate items than in traditional top-loading ski backpacks.
The downside to this design is snow management and fitting in bulky items. On deep powder days at Stevens Pass, setting the pack down meant snow inevitably fell into the open compartment. In one instance, a large thermos jammed itself behind my camera, forcing me to unload half the pack just to get it out. Once I learned to keep large bottles close to the front of the compartment, though, things improved—you just have to pack smartly. (I also really missed having a secondary top-loading option for quick water access.)
On to the good, though: The PowSlayer’s top pocket is excellent. It’s large, has two zippers, and is big enough to hold a sandwich, multiple snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, and even a camera. I’ve craved a usable top pocket on a ski pack forever—most are just two small—and this one delivered. The dedicated avalanche tool pocket is equally well executed, with clean organization for holding a shovel and probe and room for extras like ski straps or emergency goggles. Dual hipbelt pockets on both sides are also a standout feature, easily holding snacks, chapstick, or glove liners.
Finally, the PowSlayer’s ski carry options are plentiful and intuitive. A-frame, diagonal, and vertical snowboard carry all work well, with straps that tuck away cleanly. The helmet carry is also especially clever, allowing you to mount it on top or at the back, depending on your preference and gear load. That’s a lot of customization that helps make for a well-designed pack overall.
The Patagonia PowSlayer 38L is a large ski pack, and it shines on full-day and gear-heavy backcountry missions. It was the perfect companion for long tours on Washington Pass, where I needed to carry extra layers, food, water, camera gear, and a helmet without worrying about space.
Despite its size, I still found myself grabbing it for shorter tours and resort uphilling because of its intuitive organization and downhill feel. That said, the PowSlayer is definitely overkill for resort skiing. At 38 liters, it’s too bulky to comfortably wear on a chairlift. I strongly prefer a smaller pack for resort days, such as the Osprey Glade 12 or the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 15 (the latter of which can also be used for short backcountry tours).
Overall, this is a versatile pack within the backcountry realm, but not beyond it. It’s not the right tool for minimalist or inbounds-focused skiers, but for touring, sled-accessed outings, and storm skiing, the PowSlayer covers a wide range of objectives well.
As with a lot of Patagonia’s gear, build quality is one of the PowSlayer’s strongest attributes. Its 210-denier nylon exterior fabric isn’t notably thick compared to the material you might find on some other ski packs, but a TPU coating makes it both highly abrasion- and water-resistant. The fabric sheds moisture exceptionally well, and the pack never felt overwhelmed by heavy snowfall. (It’s not waterproof like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Headwall 55 or the Raide LF 30L, both of which leverage UHMWPE material.)
The PowSlayer’s zippers are stiff but confidence-inspiring—I often needed two hands to open the backpanel zips, but I never worried about failure, even when yanking on them with gloves. Its buckles are robust and glove-friendly, especially the traditional hipbelt buckle, which I strongly prefer over metal D-ring designs. After more than a dozen days of use—ranging from fitness laps to sled-assisted days—the pack looks nearly new. It’s been tossed into truck beds, strapped to snowmobiles, and handled roughly without complaint.
That said, just before writing this review, I did notice a roughly 2-inch rip in the exterior fabric near where the helmet carry stows away—a weak point, but notable nevertheless. I never saw or felt it happen, and it hasn’t affected function, but it’s visible and disappointing given how bombproof the rest of the pack feels. Still, considering the overall abuse my PowSlayer has taken, durability remains a strength.
At 2 pounds, 9.6 ounces, this is one of the heaviest ski backpacks Better Trail has tested so far. (Only the Hyperlite Headlite, which is much larger at 55 liters, is heavier, at 2 lb. 9.7 oz.) But we're talking small differences here: The similarly sized Black Diamond Cirque 35 weighs 2 pounds, 6.1 ounces, and the versatile Osprey Switchback 32, which has a bit more of a comfortable carry, comes in at 2 pounds, 5 ounces.
But while the PowSlayer certainly isn’t minimalist, the weight feels well justified by its features, materials, and organization. Because it carries pretty well—especially when you’re actually skiing—I often reached for it even on days when I didn’t need that much volume. While it’s more than I want for resort laps, its thoughtful build makes it easy to justify for most backcountry outings, especially if you need the space. (And besides, it’s not like it’s outrageously heavy and bulky.)
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
I have an average torso length and tested the Patagonia PowSlayer in its unisex small size, which fit me well. Nearly every component is adjustable—shoulder straps, hipbelt, and sternum strap—and once I got those all dialed in, the fit felt secure and balanced. The sternum strap adjustment requires repositioning along a daisy chain, so it’s not something you’ll tweak on the fly, but once set, it stays put.
My biggest fit- and comfort-related complaint is ventilation. The PowSlayer’s flat backpanel tends to leave no gap for airflow between it and your back, so moisture builds up quickly, whether from sweat or snow. It’s manageable, but noticeable on longer climbs.
Black Diamond Cirque 35 ($250): A Minimalist Alternative
These packs are sized similarly, but they differ in a number of significant ways. Like the PowSlayer, the Cirque 35 also has enough capacity for big backcountry days, especially with the addition of an expandable roll-top opening. However, the only other way to access its main compartment is through a side zipper, which we found less user-friendly than the PowSlayer’s backpanel-access design. The Cirque’s backpanel is thin and also requires careful packing, although it also felt better on the descent than on the way up and never held us back. Its 210-denier nylon isn’t coated with anything and is more prone to small rips, though, and overall, this lighter pack (2 lb. 6.1 oz.) has less comprehensive organization. Unless you’re counting ounces, go with the more well-rounded PowSlayer. To learn more, check out our Cirque 35 review.
Raide LF 30L ($399): Go All-In on Waterproofing, Durability, and Features
The LF 30L is one of the most well-rounded packs we’ve ever used, with a unique—and super-useful—organization system that provides even easier access to your probe and other gear than we’re used to. What probably jumps out at you most, though, is its price—a full $150 more than the PowSlayer, which isn’t exactly cheap. That additional cost is mostly due to the LF’s UHMPWE fabric, which boasts fantastic strength and is completely waterproof. This pack is made to handle just about any ski mission you can conceive of, all while keeping your gear and your peace of mind intact. However, you get a lot of the same functionality (if perhaps slightly less performance) with the PowSlayer, and so only hardcore backcountry skiers should really consider the LF. For more, read our review of the LF 30L.
The Patagonia PowSlayer 38L is a burly, weather-ready pack built to haul everything you need for big backcountry missions. It’s stable and well-organized for serious objectives, though there are some trade-offs in comfort.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Versatility
Durability
Weight
Sustainability
Not every ski pack has to be a pocket-riddled, overbuilt beast. The Cirque 35’s minimalist design will appeal to fans of keeping things simple yet technically proficient, although we found ourselves wishing for more structure and padding from the thin backpanel.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Versatility
Durability
Weight
Sustainability
Raide is relatively new to the scene, but it hasn’t wasted any time jumping to the front of the pack. The LF 30L leverages ultra-premium UHMPWE fabric, innovative storage solutions, and oodles of features into a fantastic package. If only the price weren’t as scary as a persistent weak layer.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Versatility
Durability
Weight
Sustainability
Is the PowSlayer 38L for You?
This Patagonia PowSlayer 38L is one of the largest ski packs that we’ve tested so far, and it makes the most sense for backcountry skiers who prize organization, weather protection, and downhill stability over light weight. It’s dialed for long days in the skin track, storm skiing, and sled-accessed objectives where you’re carrying extra layers, food, and safety gear. You’ll probably want a more pared-down model for in-bounds skiing or even resort-accessed backcountry, but for skiers who want a durable, thoughtfully designed pack that thrives in harsh conditions, the PowSlayer is a dependable choice.
powder to the people
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