Patagonia PowSlayer Bib Review
Backcountry addicts and resort devotees differ in many ways, but they do share this notion: Staying dry is rad, no matter where you make tracks. And that’s why both groups should pay attention to the Patagonia PowSlayer Bib ($719), which brings 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro waterproofing to a bib design. While protection is its top quality, the PowSlayer offers enough coverage and storage for the resort while still maintaining breathability and mobility for moderate tours. We did find some fit issues and subpar design details, though.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort & backcountry
Waterproofing
3-layer Gore-Tex Pro ePE
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
80D nylon
Pros
Cons
Patagonia PowSlayer
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Bibs.
The PowSlayer Bib’s waterproofing maintains the same formula as the PowSlayer Pant and PowSlayer Jacket—meaning it’s just as exceptional. It’s built with 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE Pro, the material to beat in the ski world, whether you’re riding soggy lifts or slashing backcountry pow. And that’s exactly what I did with it (along with some other, less desirable snow conditions) during my testing at Crystal Mountain and while touring on the flanks of Mount Rainier.
Few peaks are as variable as Rainier, which makes it a great mountain to test gear on. During my time in the Patagonia PowSlayer Bib, Tahoma gave me everything from powder skiing to spring slush as I toured at altitude and traversed glaciers. The Gore-Tex material kept me dry—a baseline for any hardshell pant—and did a great job of cutting 20- to 30-mph wind at 10,000 feet. I found the boot gaiters more than adequate for keeping snow out, and the zippers and seam tape were tight and secure.
I do think the PowSlayer is fantastic for what its name implies—keeping you dry in deep or driving snow at the resort and on short to moderate tours. But it’s a bit heavy and stuffy for spring tours and overkill when there isn’t much fresh snow on the ground. It’s a great crossover bib, but it wouldn’t be my backcountry go-to.
The PowSlayer is an uninsulated ski bib, which makes it a great fit if you want thermal flexibility in your ski kit. You can layer under it on a cold day at the resort, or keep your legs bare while uphilling in spring sunshine. For that reason, it’s a versatile go-to for the resort and backcountry skiing I do all winter on the flanks of Mt. Rainier. Winds can be high on the ridgelines and chairlifts, but temperatures can soar on southerly aspects in the deep glacial valleys.
That said, although it’s uninsulated, the PowSlayer Bib is thicker and heavier than something like the backcountry-focused Patagonia SnowDrifter, meaning it’s warmer, too. So, for really high-octane uphill days or spring tours, I’ll reach for something thinner like the Patagonia SnowDrifter or Arc’teryx Rush. On the other hand, if you constantly find yourself shivering on the lift, consider an insulated bib like the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated.
I usually tour in softshell pants, so my bar for comfort is high. Unfortunately, the Patagonia PowSlayer Bib didn’t quite clear it, although much of this is due to fit. I’m 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds, and the medium bib was loose and didn’t restrict my movement. However, the suspenders don’t have enough adjustment range to prevent the legs from sagging; even when I snug them up with the hook-and-loop adjusters, the pants pool around my calves. It makes the bib a bit difficult to use for someone of my height who requires a medium waist.
Fit aside, the PowSlayer’s fabric feels substantial and has little give, but manages this profile without feeling heavy or bulky. The softshell pants I usually tour in are stretchier, softer against the skin, and more breathable and moisture-wicking, which really boosts comfort. But for the max waterproofing the PowSlayer provides, its comfort is impressive—if the bibs fit, of course.
As a crossover backcountry/resort bib, the PowSlayer met my expectations in terms of breathability. Having 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro material prevents it from getting too stuffy during normal use, but the relatively thick 80-denier face fabric makes it less airy than lighter bottoms. There are certainly more breathable ski bibs out there (the SnowDrifter again comes to mind), but this one is more than fine for hard-charging resort days and reasonable tours, in terms of both effort and temperature.
The PowSlayer’s expansive side zips let in plenty of airflow, which can feel like a blessing on the skin track or even on a short bootpack. They were more than welcome on Rainier, where the heat can boil you on the uphill; opening the zips can turn the biting wind into an ally and keep your internal furnace from overheating. A bib can also feel stuffier than regular ski pants because of the added torso coverage, but the PowSlayer’s lower-cut upper, which rises just above the waist, reduces this issue.
The Patagonia PowSlayer Bib has 80-denier nylon face fabric, which balances breathability with high durability. Go any thinner, and you’d probably compromise its longevity, especially if you’re using it as your go-to resort workhorse. Go any thicker, and its ability to let heat and sweat dissipate would dip. As with any ski bib or pant, you’ll have to be careful with crampons and sharp ski edges, but the PowSlayer is designed to shrug off most knocks with 210-denier scuff guards.
Like most of Patagonia’s high-end outerwear, the PowSlayer’s construction is top-notch, with no loose threads, fading, or wear spots so far. The biggest oversight, as I mentioned, is the suspenders; they feel cheap and flimsy and don’t match the rest of the bib. You can add a belt, which mostly solves the fit problem, but that’s exactly what you don’t want to have to do when wearing a bib. For the price, the suspenders are a disappointment.
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Longevity
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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.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their 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’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
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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
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Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
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Repair Services
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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 of 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.
Storage
As with any good ski bottom, especially those made for cruising powder, I’m pleased when I find a large pocket. This bib has two of them, one on each thigh, and they both have a bellowed design to allow plenty of room for a beacon, thin gloves, or a phone. I just make sure to not put anything bulky in them when I’m touring, as whatever’s inside causes pinch points with each step. There’s also a smaller pocket near the hip that’s ideal for chapstick, sunscreen, or a snack.
Waist Adjustment
I’ve already made my gripes about the suspenders known, and they might not be an issue for folks who are taller than I am. If you don’t want to use the suspenders, the PowSlayer has three belt loops that can keep the bib secure.
Tester: 5’8”, 165 lb.; 31” waist, 30” inseam
Size tested: Medium
I waffle between wearing small and medium ski pants, as I have a 31-inch waist and a 30-inch inseam. Bibs are even trickier. The medium PowSlayer Bib fit my waist well, but was much too long—so much so that I maxed out the suspenders trying to keep the cuffs off the ground. But even with the dialed-in waist fit, I would consider this bib to be quite roomy—kind of more in the style of hucking air in the park rather than skinning 10K of vert in a day. In other words, they have a freeride-inspired fit, which is another vote in their favor as more of a crossover bib than a true streamlined backcountry piece.
Arc’teryx Sabre Bib ($700): Lean Resort Comfort
Whereas the PowSlayer prioritizes toughness at a low weight, the Sabre leans a little more into a comfier setup. Featuring a standard, non-Pro 3-layer Gore-Tex construction and a flannel backer, the Sabre is a bit less crunchy, and its added thickness is a boon for cold resort days. It runs a bit warmer as a result, though both do a good job of dumping heat with large vents. On the other hand, with its more durable face fabric, we’d reach for the PowSlayer for big backcountry efforts where wet and rough weather is expected. To learn more, see our Arc'teryx Sabre Bib review.
Patagonia SnowDrifter Bib ($419): Save a Bundle
The PowSlayer and SnowDrifter occupy opposite ends of Patagonia’s backcountry bib lineup. At a full $300 less, the SnowDrifter drops Gore-Tex waterproofing, and durability takes a real dip with a 50-denier polyester plain weave face fabric (compared to the PowSlayer’s burly 80D nylon). The SnowDrifter has a much taller bib upper, which boosts storage, although it’s not as light and packable as the PowSlayer as a result. In terms of protection, it’s not especially close, with the PowSlayer performing far better in wet and rough weather. But for touring in mild conditions, the SnowDrifter’s superior stretch, comfort, and breathability make it the better choice. For more, read our review of the SnowDrifter Bib.
Patagonia built the PowSlayer Bib to handle the most ambitious backcountry adventures, and it largely succeeds. With excellent protection from 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro and a durable, reasonably light, and mobile design, it will ace most tests. One test it surprisingly failed, though, is its suspender design.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
In true Arc’teryx fashion, the Sabre (women's Sentinel) exudes quality from hip to toe. The premium 3-layer Gore-Tex construction offers breathable waterproof protection for everything from storm days at the resort to high-octane skin track sessions. But buyer beware: The fit doesn’t work for everyone.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
From Patagonia, the SnowDrifter is a simple backcountry-oriented bib with thin and stretchy materials that breathe well and move with you. The feature set is bare bones (it’s even lacking a beacon tether), and weather protection isn't on par with beefier Gore-Tex bibs.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the PowSlayer for You?
The Patagonia PowSlayer Bib prioritizes weather protection above all else, making it especially well suited to maritime climates like the Pacific Northwest or the deep powder of British Columbia. We recommend it for both in-bounds and backcountry skiers, with a few caveats. For resort skiers, it’s a pricey piece if you mostly rip groomers on bluebird days, when you don’t need Gore-Tex Pro’s best-in-class waterproofing. For backcountry skiers, it’s too heavy and stuffy for high-output days and warm spring missions. But if you want a premium Gore-Tex bib that bridges both worlds, it’s a great choice for the all-around skier.
Go for it if you split your time between the resort and moderate tours, ski in wet or stormy climates, and want the most waterproof bib you can get.
Pass on it if you mostly ski in the backcountry, run cold on the lift and want insulation, or have a shorter inseam relative to your waist.
powder to the people
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