Patagonia PowSlayer Ski Jacket Review
The Patagonia PowSlayer Jacket ($799) is a burly, uninsulated ski shell that’s designed for harsh weather and long days in the mountains. It offers excellent wind and water protection, good coverage, and a feature set clearly designed around backcountry skiing and riding. However, its middling breathability holds it back from being a pure touring jacket, and it functions best as a crossover shell for resort use and moderate tours in cold conditions.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort & backcountry
Waterproofing
3L Gore-Tex ePE Pro
Insulation
None
Fabric
80D nylon
Pros
Cons
Patagonia PowSlayer
For a breakdown of this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Jackets.
The Patagonia PowSlayer’s waterproofing is what you’d expect from a jacket that costs this much—which is to say it’s great for a crossover shell. Designers made the PowSlayer with Gore-Tex’s new 3-layer ePE Pro material, which is meant to be lighter, more durable, and more environmentally friendly than previous iterations of the brand’s highest-quality waterproof membrane. Out of the premium ski touring shells that Better Trail has tested, only the Arc’teryx Sabre ($750) and the absurdly priced Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro ($899) offer similar levels of wet-weather confidence.
I tested the Patagonia PowSlayer during multiple wet storms in the Pacific Northwest, including one full touring day spent in the Mt. Baker backcountry. Even though conditions that day were among the most difficult you could throw at a shell—we were skinning in heavy snowfall as the temperature hovered in the mid-30s—moisture beaded cleanly on the fabric, it completely blocked the wind, and I stayed dry and comfortable underneath while skinning and transitioning. As the storm dragged into its third hour, the PowSlayer’s nylon face fabric (which has a PFAS-free durable water-repellent coating) began to visibly saturate, especially across the shoulders and anywhere it was in contact with my backpack. That would have happened to any relatively lightweight, breathable shell, though, and waterproofing-wise, this jacket holds its own compared to competitors like the Sabre and the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team 3L.
I never felt exposed or chilled, and the PowSlayer continued to block wind extremely well throughout the day. Gusts were strong enough to affect my balance on ridgelines, yet the material felt bomber. The shell’s long cut, high collar, adjustable hem, and snug cuffs all contributed to that impenetrable feel. I tested this jacket back-to-back with the Hemispheres, and I definitely prefer the PowSlayer’s wind resistance.
The PowSlayer is an uninsulated shell meant mainly for the backcountry, but for a touring-specific layer, it runs warm thanks to its thick, stiff fabric and substantial membrane. I haven’t felt cold in this jacket yet. The coldest conditions I tested it in were around 20°F at Washington’s Mission Ridge ski area on a windy day, where I was cruising groomers rather than touring. With a merino wool base layer, a thin microgrid fleece, and a lightweight synthetic puffy underneath, I felt perfectly insulated from the chill.
Because it seals wind so effectively, the jacket traps warmth better than many lighter ski jackets, like the Patagonia Stormstride or the Outdoor Research Cloudchaser. I’d estimate its comfortable lower limit to be around 10°F with appropriate layering, while the upper limit sits closer to 40°F or so for resort skiing. Above that, especially if there’s no wind, it starts to feel like too much jacket. I wouldn’t change the PowSlayer’s warmth level, though—it’s exactly where I want a dedicated, all-day storm shell to land. You can wear it for chillier in-bounds days, which is more than you can say for a lot of minimalist touring jackets.
The Patagonia PowSlayer felt stiff and crinkly out of the box—that’s one flip side to its 80-denier nylon face fabric, among the thickest touring-specific builds in the category. (Some of that initial rigidity might also come from Patagonia figuring out how to use this newer, more environmentally focused Gore-Tex membrane.) On my first shakedown skin, in-bounds on Snoqualmie Pass, the jacket was noisy but still felt reasonably comfortable against my body, and it didn’t restrict my movement as much as I expected.
Over time, though, the PowSlayer’s fabric softened noticeably. After getting wet, being stuffed into packs, and seeing about 15 days of use, it became far easier and more pleasant to wear. Now it feels broken-in and reliable rather than rigid. Mobility is solid, even with multiple layers underneath—I regularly wore a base layer, fleece, and thin synthetic puffer without feeling cramped, even when moving uphill in the skin track.
The hood design left me with mixed feelings, though. The PowSlayer’s collar lining is soft and comfortable against my face, but once the hood is up, it restricts head movement more than I’d like. It fits well over a lightweight touring helmet, but bulkier resort helmets make it hard to turn my head side to side. I generally avoid skiing with hoods up anyway, so this wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting.
Breathability is where the Patagonia PowSlayer shows its limits as a relatively burly touring shell. On a warm, sunny day touring toward the Nisqually Chutes on Mt. Rainier—with temperatures in the upper 40s and no breeze—I overheated quickly. After about 30 minutes of steady skinning, the jacket felt stuffy, which wasn’t surprising given how thick it is.
In those conditions, I’d much rather be wearing something like the Stormstride, which is significantly lighter and airier. That said, the PowSlayer’s long pit zips help a lot if you’re feeling swampy. They’re generously sized and effective at dumping heat, though the waterproof zippers require two hands to operate smoothly. I found myself using them constantly during transitions and short breaks, especially when the wind could give me some helpful gusts.
Overall, this jacket shines when you want a waterproof layer and it’s cold and windy, rather than in warm conditions or on particularly high-exertion days. For low-30s storm skiing in the Cascades, it felt perfectly balanced. For sunny, calm touring days, though, the PowSlayer is a bit too much jacket.
The Patagonia PowSlayer’s build quality is classic Patagonia: thick materials—80-denier nylon, which is among the upper echelon when it comes to touring shell burliness—strong seams, and hardware designed to last. I’ve worn this jacket hard for about 15 days, and my testing included tree skiing, sled-assisted missions, and plenty of truck-bed abuse. Aside from cosmetic scuffing, it’s holding up extremely well.
The fabric is thick enough that I don’t hesitate to bushwhack or shove it into my pack next to sharp gear. Its zippers are stiff but extremely confidence-inspiring, sealing tightly against weather and showing no signs of failure. Toggles, seams, and stitching all feel premium and intentional. Competitors like the Stormstride might be lighter and breathe better, but this is a jacket built for many years of use, not just a few seasons.
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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.
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
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.
The PowSlayer’s feature set is clearly designed for backcountry skiing, and most of it works well. My shorter torso meant the waist belt partially blocked the hand pockets, but overall access was excellent. The two large chest pockets are standout features. They easily swallow a phone, gloves, or snacks without pressing awkwardly against my chest. Patagonia claims they can fit skins, but I found that too tight; instead, I used the internal dump pocket for that, which worked perfectly on cold days to keep the skin’s glue warm. There’s also a small internal zippered pocket that’s ideal for keys or ID.
The hand pockets are spacious but best used sparingly while skiing, as bulky items can press into your midsection. The small zippered sleeve pocket is a thoughtful addition for in-bounds days—it’s where I keep my pass so it scans without interference. The PowSlayer’s powder skirt deserves special mention, too. It’s ultra-thin, soft, and flexible—by far the least annoying powder skirt I’ve used. I usually forget to fasten powder skirts altogether, but this one stays out of the way while still doing its job when I take a spill.
Tester: 5’4”, 145 lb.; 36" chest; 30” waist, 20” torso length
Size tested: Women’s medium
I’m usually a size small in outdoor tops, but I typically size up in ski jackets. I tested the PowSlayer in a women’s medium, and it was the right call. It gives me plenty of room to layer for the right conditions without restricting movement, all while maintaining a clean, functional fit.
This jacket runs slightly longer than Patagonia’s Stormstride, which I appreciate on deep snow days. Shoulder width and sleeve length are spot on, and mobility remains excellent even with three layers underneath. When worn with fewer layers, the PowSlayer feels roomy and relaxed, but never sloppy. Overall, it has a regular fit with a bias toward layering and coverage.
Patagonia Stormstride ($499): More Breathable in the Backcountry
The Stormstride, with its lighter 3-layer Patagonia H2No material, is a more breathable alternative to the PowSlayer. Its construction is stretchier as well, and it’s one of our favorite options for staying comfortable on the uphill, even when the skin track gets steep. However, its 40-denier nylon shell is quite a bit thinner than the PowSlayer’s fabric, and its trimmer cut isn’t as versatile for a variety of layering systems. The burlier, roomier PowSlayer is the better option if you want a touring shell that you can also wear in the resort, but the Stormstride should be on every dedicated ski tourer’s radar. Plus, it's a fraction of the PowSlayer’s price, so you can have more room in your budget for the newest pair of ATK bindings. For more, read our review of the Stormstride.
Arc’teryx Sentinel ($750): A More Well-Rounded Crossover
The Sentinel (men’s Sabre) has long been one of the standard-bearers of touring shells that also work well in the resort, and its construction is similar to the PowSlayer’s. It also features 80-denier nylon face fabric and a 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE membrane, although not the Pro version. Both jackets are reliably waterproof and decently breathable, but the Sentinel’s hood and pocket layout is a tad more functional. Its build also starts out supple despite having a high degree of durability, and if we’re being honest, the Sentinel is just a more user-friendly shell. The best part, though? It’s still expensive, but it costs less than the PowSlayer. We know which one we’d pick. For more, check out our review of the men's Sabre.
The PowSlayer offers 3-layer Gore-Tex protection from the elements in a sleek package. This full-featured touring jacket should be a serious contender for the seasoned rider in search of a dependable and relatively lightweight backcountry shell.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
The Stormstride shell is fully backcountry-ready with a stretchy, light, and breathable construction. Its thin build exceeds expectations in wet conditions, but it's too drafty and delicate to rely on for heavy resort use.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
The Arc’teryx Sentinel brings together everything you want from a shell: premium Gore-Tex waterproofing, thoughtful features, and impeccable construction. It’s one of the best all-around ski jackets money can buy, for both resort and backcountry use.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the PowSlayer for You?
The Patagonia PowSlayer should appeal to backcountry skiers who want an uninsulated shell that can still hold its own in the resort. It has admirable waterproofing and durable construction for its weight and decent breathability, and its regular cut is better for layering than trim, touring-focused jackets. It’s overkill for sunny spring tours, but if you want one jacket that can handle a variety of conditions both in-bounds and out, the PowSlayer will work.
pray for snow
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