The Powslayer is built from extremely light but very durable, three-layer ripstop Gore-Tex Pro fabric with all seams sealed and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, so although you'll obviously need to layer up under it to stay warm you can be pretty confident that the weather will remain on the outside whether it's snow, rain or wind you're dealing with.
The fit is very generous - we managed to pretty comfortably get into a 'medium' when normally we go for 'large' so you'll need to try the Powslayer on before buying.
Once wearing it you'll find it offers great freedom thanks to the combination of lightweight fabric and loose fit, although that looseness could usefully be curtailed a tad when it comes to the helmet-compatible hood, which is a little on the large side when worn with just a beanie.
Patagonia have incorporated great design and well thought-out features into the jacket, including two chest pockets (one with a secure media pocket and cable routing), two handwarmers, one lift pass pockets, two internal drop-ins and one internal stash pocket - this sounds like and is a lot, yet the jacket still retains a sleek profile. Note that all the outer pockets have watertight zips.
Naturally enough with a jacket designed primarily for backcountry adventures and freeriding the Powslayer has pit zips, and a low-profile powder skirt which connects to any Patagonia snow pants, plus an embedded Recco reflector.
It's a lot of jacket in a surprisingly lightweight (643g) package, although you do pay for that lack of weight. But for committed riders wanting a stylish looking, high-tech shell the Powslayer is a jacket you'll want to check out.
