Large Bellowed Pockets, Articulated Fit for Muscular Legs: Patagonia Women’s PowSlayer Ski Pants

We stood at the top of the line with wind tossing snow from every direction. The day-long storm was barely subsiding, and the conditions were deep — we even had to set a new skintrack on the 3,000-foot ascent.

I was happy to be wearing the Patagonia PowSlayer Pants, a super-light, waterproof, and breathable ski pant, which was ideal for a big sunset climb. And the roomy cargo pockets were perfect for keeping my phone camera in an easy-access place.

While transitioning at 12,100 feet, I watched the storm clouds start to break. I quickly unzipped the cargo pocket and pulled out my large phone. Tinkering with the camera, I stuffed my ski glove in the pocket and snapped photos of the views. The air was frigid, and my hands quickly got cold. So I quickly pulled the ski glove out and on and dropped the phone into the bellowed pocket.

It was time to drop.

Even with a wide stance on my snowboard, the pant legs and pockets felt roomy enough for me to use with ease. Whether I was skinning — and lunging — or riding, I found that the articulated fit of the PowSlayer pants was roomy enough for muscular legs without adding any bulk.

In short: Totally revised after an 8-year stint, the Patagonia Women’s PowSlayer Pants ($649) for snowboarding and skiing deliver top-tier storm protection without bulk. This fourth-generation snow pant has the new GORE-TEX Pro ePE, a PFAS-free material and manufacturing process that also makes these pants 30% lighter than previous versions. Coupled with excellent thigh pockets, the PowSlayer is a top pick for endurance riders who prefer a lean-and-light pant for booting or skinning up terrain. This pant will be available in a men’s silhouette, too, and both options launch in October.

See how these pants stack up against our other favorite snowboard pants in the Best Snowboard Pants buyer’s guide. To check out other items in the PowSlayer kit, read our review on the PowSlayer Pack.

Patagonia Women’s PowSlayer Pants: Testing Conditions

I joined a group of experts in Silverton, Colo., for a few days this spring to test Patagonia’s most progressive, well-integrated ski and snowboard outerwear, yet: the PowSlayer kit, including the Women’s PowSlayer Pants. The crew included outdoor industry media, apparel designers, and athletes from around North America.

To start, I pulled on the Women’s PowSlayer Pants for a day of booting around Silverton Mountain. I hiked ridgelines with a snowboard strapped to my pack. It was warm, sunny, and I definitely used the leg vents. By the end of the day, I covered 2,400 vertical feet and 10 miles.

With no wind, the temps ranged from 20 to 40 degrees. The spring weather poured into the next day’s ski tour, when I wore the PowSlayer pants while ascending 2,000 vertical feet and 3.7 miles. 

Later, I grabbed the PowSlayer Pants for a sunset ski tour in Colorado’s Elk Mountains. I climbed 3,000 feet and covered 5.5 miles in a blustery, frigid snowstorm. So far, my cumulative field time in the PowSlayer Pants is close to 12 hours in a range of conditions and output.

Large Bellowed Pockets: Our Dream for Women’s Ski Pants

My favorite detail on the revised PowSlayer women’s ski pants is the bellowed cargo pockets on the thighs. The designers realized they were building articulation into the knee area — but were overlooking the hips, upper glute, and upper thigh area. That’s now fixed!

I personally have a hard time finding women’s snow pants where my hands can easily slide into the leg pockets. That’s especially true when I’m sitting on the ski lift or lunging on the skintrack. These expansive pockets let me slide my hand into the pocket while my legs are working. My large phone easily fits in either pocket. And the fabric doesn’t feel too tight around the device, even when my legs are flexed.

Inside each bellowed pocket is a stretchy interior pocket for devices, which keeps them from bouncing around. They’re a bit too tight for my large phone. There are also two lean elastic loops in the corner of each pocket. The loops are a stealthy, unique design for clipping devices to. I dig it!

Lightweight, Lean Material

The PowSlayer excels at breathability and is also waterproof. The three-layer material is built with 80-denier recycled nylon shell, which I found performed as well in warm, sunny conditions as it does in blizzards. A PFC-free DWR finish kept moisture at bay.

Near my metal ski edges, the entire hem is reinforced to prevent nicks and wear. The kick patches reach 8 inches high on the back and interior leg. The scuff guard is made from a 210-denier and 100% recycled nylon-oxford fabric.

However, given how lightweight the pants feel, when the temps drop below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, I felt a bit chilled. While using this pant on cold days, I suggest wearing a heavier base layer, whether you’re ski touring or at the resort.

To maintain the waterproof-breathable performance of the GORE-TEX Pro ePE material, you’ll need to frequently wash these pants (with detergent that’s free of scent and softener). Afterward, hang-dry them then put them in the dryer for 20 minutes on medium heat.

Meticulous Details

Thoughtful design elements in the PowSlayer Pants include a slender waistband and zip-and-snap closure design and elastic waist adjustments. There are streamlined belt loops and watertight zippers. The zippered exterior leg vents helped me dump excess warmth.

I loved that the pants have a small elastic pull cord inside the pant leg hem. At the end of the ski day, I could tighten the bottom of the snow pant legs. That way, they wouldn’t drag when I walked around the muddy ski area parking lot at Silverton Mountain in my winter boots.

It’s not often that a brand releases an intentionally integrated collection. In addition to the PowSlayer Pants, every item in the PowSlayer lineup — the base layers, midlayer, outer layers, and insulation pieces — is designed to layer and work together seamlessly. Simple yet impactful, the attention to detail ranges from the stacked cuffs and hoods to the insulation and pockets. After testing the full kit, I can see how well-integrated apparel is a solid concept.

Critiques

On the leg vents, the zipper pulls hide behind the bellowed fabric of the pockets. They’re hard to see. And I wish the pull was a bit more stout-feeling beneath my gloves, so that I could more quickly unzip the leg vents. That said, the vents do easily open and close. 

As for stains? I realized that it’s key to avoid getting oil on the light-colored pants. Marks are extremely hard to get out of this fabric, even with stain remover.

With the slender fabric, I could really feel the cold when the wind picked up. So, I’m hesitant to wear the PowSlayer pants while driving or riding my snowmobile, unless I had on a heavier base layer beneath. Even so, I likely wouldn’t want to have a full-on snowmobile day in these pants, because I’d be concerned about ripping them.

Women’s PowSlayer Pants: Who They’re For

For ski tours and booting around in-bounds or sidecountry terrain, the Patagonia PowSlayer Pants are an ideal design for adventures. Whenever I made adjustments — like venting, tightening the hems, or putting my phone in the thigh pocket — these pants delivered what I needed.

Standout and unique, the spacious bellowed cargo pockets and articulated fit around the hips and thighs is a dream send for quad-dominant gals or ladies who need a pocket for a large phone. With generous storage and a Fair Trade Certified build, the PowSlayer is ready for deep days.

Unless you ride in a super-windy or freezing place and prefer insulated snow pants, the PowSlayer is a solid option. Light, tough, and snow-proof for snowboarders and skiers, these snow pants live up to their name.