Tanner Rainville giving the PowSlayer Freeride Kit exactly what it was built for; steep and deep turns. Photo: Jeff Cricco
As I eagerly await the start of winter each fall (or summer if we’re being real), there are always a few pieces of gear I’m most excited to try hanging front-and-center in the closet. First up on that list this season was Patagonia’s new PowSlayer Freeride Jacket and Pants. It’s a PFAS-free, thoughtfully crafted outerwear set built for deep days in the backcountry and inbounds charging.
Anything billed as a freeride kit is usually aiming to walk the line between inbounds and beyond. It won’t be the lightest or burliest, but it should be able to smoothly transition between the resort and backcountry, so you don’t feel like you need to run around with multiple sets of outerwear for every ski trip. But while some freeride kits claim to do it all, the PowSlayer really walks the walk.
The Patagonia PowSlayer Kit is made with the new PFAS-Free GORE-TEX ePE Pro shell fabric. It's burly enough for a storm day, but still nice and breathable for a cold, sunny day at Alta, UT. Photo: Max Ritter
Integral to the Patagonia PowSlayer Jacket and Pants is the PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE Pro shell fabric. The move to PFAS-free GORE-TEX removes the use of forever chemicals—protecting both you and the environment. One of my favorite parts about the updated GORE-TEX is how much easier it is to move in. There’s no heavy crunch while touring, which always bothered me with GORE-TEX kits in the past. The PowSlayer is strong and durable yet easy to walk in, a comfortable kit that I’m not dying to rip off for après. While early season skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY, I kept the PowSlayer Freeride Kit on for a few hours of post-ski burgers and beers. I even took a nap on my couch still wearing the pants. If that doesn’t speak to the comfort, I’m not sure what else will.
This December, I’ve been wearing the Patagonia PowSlayer Freeride Kit for early season laps at Alta, UT, and Jackson Hole. We’ve had quite a few unseasonably sunny days here in the Mountain West, and I found myself reaching for the pit zips more than I ever have in December. This kit can stand up to burly PNW storms and gale force winds and the breathability is outstanding. It transitions right into a day of touring on Teton Pass, thanks to the ergonomically placed pockets that seem to be placed wherever I need one.
Two sewn in thigh pockets in the pants provide options for a transceiver or extra snacks. The jacket has two oversized, zippered chest pockets and hand pockets that are perfect for a phone, radio, more snacks (always), a goggle cloth, and whatever other bits and bobs you want close by. There’s a convenient pass pocket, which has become pretty standard, but is always appreciated. Inside, two oversized mesh drop pockets are spacious enough to stash a pair of skins for a quick lap, or a pair of gloves that need warming up.
The deeper the better for the Patagonia PowSlayer Kit. The lightweight jacket and pants are breathable enough to keep on while hotlapping the deep stuff. Carston Oliver, Eric Balken and Leah Evans head up for another lap. Photo: Garret Grove
I often remove the zip-off powder skirts from my jackets while ski touring, but I quickly noticed the Patagonia PowSlayer Jacket’s is built in. Perhaps due to its namesake, or the fact that Patagonia constructed a very sleek and lightweight version of a powder skirt, but I’ve surprisingly been happy to leave it in and haven’t minded the bulk. Fit-wise I’ve found this jacket consistent with Patagonia’s sizing. I often wear size small pants with other brands, but I typically wear a size small jacket and x-small pants with Patagonia apparel. For the PowSlayer, I wear size xs. As someone who doesn’t trend overly baggy, I’d say it’s a relatively relaxed fit, but the park crowd would consider it a bit more fitted.
The Patagonia PowSlayer Freeride Jacket and Pants is a freeride kit that can handle whatever you throw at it. And no, you don’t need to consider yourself a hucking freerider to wear it. I truly believe anyone on the hill will appreciate what this outerwear can handle, and I’m excited to see where it takes me this season.
The Patagonia PowSlayer Freeride Kit is available in both men’s and women’s sizes. The jacket retails for $799 and the pants retail for $649.
Leah Evans adds a little warmth to a snack break. As part of the larger kit, Patagonia made a lightweight and insulated set of men's shorts and a women's skirt to zip up for chilly lunches on the skintrack. Photo: Garret Grove
Tester Info:
Age: 30
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 120 lb
Pant Size: X-Small
Jacket Size: Small