Review: Patagonia PowSlayer Jacket
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Patagonia is known for its innovative, durable, and eco-conscious products. The Powslayer is no exception. This jacket doesn’t need bells and whistles to perform since it relies heavily on great materials and simplistic design concepts to keep backcountry skiers warm and dry.
Functionality
The PowSlayer’s waterproof and breathable design ensures that you’re comfortable both in and out of bounds. Though this item is specifically tailored for those braving the elements in the backcountry, this jacket will do just as well for skiers tackling steeps and pow-hunting in the trees while resort skiing. The 3-layer GoreTex ensures that the jacket isn’t bulky and best still protects you from wind, precipitation, and those pesky branches that try to rip at you while you rip by them.
Complete with a RECCO reflector, this jacket is a nice upgrade for someone who may be rocking old-school thread without RECCO technology.
Design and Aesthetics
Available in Arbor Green and Ultramarine, this jacket gives an earthy and light look for lady rippers. However, there’s no “shrink and pink” here. Fully-taped seams, a multitude of drop-in pockets, and a powder skirt that is designed to move with you means this jacket provides the same quality and performance of its male counterparts.
Durability
This baby is made to last. Pack it down, toss it around, and scrape it against the trees; the fabric is supple yet strong and resilient. With a Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty, any defects, whether they show themselves in the first season or the tenth, will be addressed. Known for making products with staying power, Patagonia also boasts the largest garment repair facility in North America and its Worn Wear initiative insures that any tears, zipper issues, and the like will be patched (at a reasonable price) for years to come.
Value
At $699, this jacket is a nice chunk of change but, with its durable design and Patagonia’s commitment to helping you mend your worn and torn gear, this investment will last you or a loved one a lifetime. Literally, the only pow jacket you’ll need for the next decade or more.
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