REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Ski Pant Review
Updated:
Jan 18, 2025
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort
Waterproofing
2-layer Peak
Insulation
40g synthetic
Fabric
Nylon
Pros
Cons
REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Pants.
The REI Co-op Powderbound performs best in winter weather conditions that aren’t too warm or too wet; think below-freezing temps with moderate snowfall. Its 2-layer waterproof material—a proprietary REI design called the Peak membrane—and DWR-coated nylon face fabric shed light to moderate moisture. The pant’s stretchy gaiter remains in place over ski boots, providing a nice seal against snow trying to sneak through. During snowy testing conditions with temps in the high 20s, the Powderbound kept me dry throughout the day; the material shielded my bottom on wet chairlifts, did not absorb any water, and fended off wind.
Placed within the larger ski pant market, however, this pant’s overall weather protection falls on the lower end of the spectrum. The seams are sealed only at critical points, and the fabric will soak up wet snow faster than pricier alternatives (it’s especially noticeable if the snow turns to rain). Plus, REI’s Peak membrane, although adequate, falls well short of Gore-Tex standards for keeping out heavy moisture.
Featuring 40-gram synthetic insulation, a thick windproof shell, and a cozy lining, the REI Co-op Powderbound offers well-balanced warmth for resort skiing. On a day with temps in the mid-20s at Mount Bachelor, I wore only a thin base layer under this pant and that was enough to keep me comfortable. And although the full insulation throughout makes the Powderbound feel a bit bulky, it also makes the pant usable for lower-output skiing if the mercury really drops. Paired with a heavyweight base layer, most folks will find the pant comfortable into the low teens or even colder.
We’re partial to ski pants that are uninsulated or have strategically placed fill for their versatility for an entire ski season (including spring-like days). However, the Powderbound’s 40-gram fill isn’t overly warm and is a nice pairing for those that ski in consistently chilly areas (below 32 degrees Fahrenheit), and don’t plan to do extensive hiking or high-effort skiing. If that sounds like you, the Powderbound is probably warm and cozy enough to suit your needs.
We found the Powderbound’s comfort to be a mixed bag. On the positive side, its taffeta liner is super soft, reminiscent of an expensive synthetic jacket with its baffled stitching. The smooth fabric makes it easy to slip into the pant, and all three pockets feature a soft tricot lining, giving them an appealing hand-feel. However, the Powderbound’s nylon face fabric doesn’t have any stretch and feels a little stiff, while the insulation adds bulk. Although mobility doesn’t suffer too much thanks to the loose fit, this pant is still thicker and substantially less comfortable than alternatives such as the Helly Hansen Legendary, which has a more flexible, thinner shell.
The most significant issue I had with the Powderbound is the waist design, which sits low, sags around the crotch, and gets in the way. While using a belt could alleviate some issues, I personally find that it adds unnecessary bulk and discomfort. Additionally, the hook-and-loop waist adjustment belt is located along the interior of the pant, resulting in exposed scratchy material that can rub against your skin should your baselayer not provide full coverage. It’s not an uncommon location for the waist adjustment—most in the budget ski pant category utilize this design—but it’s a comfort downside nonetheless.
With 40-gram synthetic insulation and a budget-oriented 2-layer build, breathability suffers. This shouldn’t come as a surprise given its design—this ski pant is not intended for active use. I opted to wear only a thin base layer under the pant while sticking to resort skiing in moderate temps, which was the right decision; I would have overheated if I wore heavier layers or done any hiking.
REI thankfully equips the Powderbound Pant with zippered vents, which isn’t always a guarantee at this price point. While it’s hard to nitpick too much given the cost, the vent openings are a little small and their placement along the inner thigh adds bulk compared to vents located at the outside of the leg. In good news (for ventilation), the openings are not mesh-lined, which allows for increased airflow.
The Powderbound offers sufficient durability for resort wear, a level on par for a $159 ski pant. Its thickness feels roughly average for the market (REI doesn’t specify the denier), all zippers operate smoothly, and the two snaps at the waist are solid and secure. You wouldn’t want to regularly take this pant into grabby glades, but the tough scuffguard and reinforced hems give me confidence that it will hold up against sharp ski edges. The build quality compares favorably to popular alternatives like The North Face Freedom Insulated Pant, although the Freedom’s shell fabric is a bit thicker.
It’s worth noting that a number of users report that the Powderbound’s stitching fails at the crotch after relatively light use. While we haven’t experienced this issue with our sample, the area isn’t reinforced and it’s a consideration for long term use. (REI does have a decent warranty period, including one year for members.)
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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.
Pockets
Sticking to the basics, the REI Co-op Powderbound includes three pockets in total: two hip pockets and one small pocket on the right leg. I was disappointed to find that the placement of the hip pockets caused my phone to pinch my leg and hip when I bent over or sat on the chairlift. The additional pocket on the right leg, though, is a useful place for a ski pass or small wallet. Otherwise, this pant is not made for storing much more than small essentials.
Waist Adjustment Belt
There are hook-and-loop straps along the waist at each side that allow you to adjust the fit. The sticky portion is four inches long, allowing for only moderate adjustment. Notably, it's located on the inside of the pant, which is common in the budget space. This has the potential to create discomfort against the skin if you don’t have a baselayer that acts as a cushion. Overall, the Powderbound’s waist adjustment is functional as long as you only need small tweaks to the original fit. The pant also has loops for use with an external belt.
I typically wear pants in a women’s medium and size six, and tested the REI Co-op Powderbound in a medium. This pant felt like it ran a little big, even beyond its overall loose cut—it sagged around the waist and didn’t stay snug to my crotch, resulting in a gap in between my thighs. Depending on your fit preference, you may want to consider sizing down if you’re on the fence. Although the Powderbound wasn’t the right fit overall for me, its length was average and it fit nicely over my ski boots. We also applaud the fact that REI offers the Powderbound in plus and petite sizes.
Helly Hansen Legendary ($205): A Unique Insulated Staple
Both the Powderbound and Legendary feature a 2-layer construction with built-in insulation, but the components are quite different. First off, the Legendary uses a thinner, stretchy shell fabric, which is soft, comfortable, and offers great freedom of movement. On the other hand, it’s not as confidence-inspiring as the thicker and stiffer Powderbound in wet conditions. Second, while the Powderbound has insulation throughout, the Legendary’s synthetic fill is strategically located at the butt, upper thighs, and knees. This construction isn't quite as warm, but it reduces bulk and creates a more versatile pant that can be worn almost every day of the season (provided you’ve chosen the right base layer). Added up, the Legendary is easier-moving and performs in a larger temperature range, but the Powderbound offers more protection for about $45 less. For more, read our review of the Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated.
Columbia Bugaboo II ($120): An Even Cheaper Option
At just $120, the Columbia Bugaboo II (or men's Bugaboo V) is one of the only insulated pants to beat the Powderbound in terms of price. The 60-gram insulation and thermal-reflective lining combine to offer a hefty dose of warmth, but it does come at a cost: The Bugaboo is noticeably bulky, which can detract from its mobility. And like the Powderbound, it’s not the most protective choice and largely recommended for those skiing only in cold and dry conditions (neither pant is fully seam sealed). Finally, the Bugaboo lacks higher end features like scuff guards, leg pockets that fit a phone, and inner thigh vents. All told, the Powderbound’s moderate insulation is more versatile and we appreciate its added features (most notably, thigh vents), but if you’re looking for one of the best prices on the market, check out the Columbia Bugaboo. For a deeper dive, see our Bugaboo V review.
The Powderbound is your standard entry-level insulated ski pant. The fit isn’t super refined, the waterproofing will get overwhelmed in truly wet conditions, and the inner thigh vents are small, but for casual resort skiers they get the job done at a lower price point than most.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
The Legendary just makes sense: the insulated pant is warm enough, waterproof enough, and stylish enough for most resort-goers. It’s also priced right, although skiers who are particularly hard on their gear may want to consider a more durable alternative.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
One of the most affordable pants on the market, the Bugaboo can save casual skiers some hard-earned cash. But the waterproofing is not reliable, the insulation is bulky, and the feature set is noticeably trimmed down. There are much better budget options.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Powderbound for You?
Blending functional warmth, adequate weather protection, and a wallet-friendly price, the Powderbound is one of the best value ski pants out there, nearly perfect for the casual cold-weather resort skier. Most alternatives with this feature set and level of build quality will be pushing $200, including The North Face’s Freedom and Helly Hansen’s Legendary. The REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated may not offer the most flashy style or feature-heavy design, but it gets the job done. And you can often find it further discounted during REI’s sale periods. All that said, if you’re considering taking the plunge, be aware of the pant’s limitations, including protection in wet conditions, long-term durability, and limited ventilation.
pray for snow
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