REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Review

Despite the entry-level pricing, the Powderbound Insulated has features often reserved for jackets that cost twice as much. For instance, the elbows are articulated for improved range of motion, the high collar is lined with a fuzzy tricot that is comfortable on bare chins, and the powder skirt snaps away if you don't want to use it.

Warmth

With 80g synthetic insulation packed into the torso and 60g in the sleeves, the REI Powderbound Insulated provides better-than-average warmth in a relatively lightweight, midrange insulated jacket. The collar provides good coverage, helping shield necks from windy chills.

The boxier fit on this jacket provides plenty of room for a stout midlayer, which can improve its warmth in truly frigid weather. We tested it on a very cold day (single digits) with a light base layer and a light midlayer and started to feel the chill—but it wasn't chilly enough to make us want to leave the mountain to grab a thicker midlayer in the parking lot. We found this jacket to be comfortable with two thin under layers in temperatures down into the teens.

Weather Resistance

REI uses a Peak 2-layer waterproof/breathable laminate membrane to keep the Powderbound Insulated jacket waterproof. The nylon shell is seam-sealed and coated with a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish. DWR coatings help water bead and run off of fabrics so the shell does not become saturated.

This jacket handled early-season sleet and snow with ease. It also cruised through our drenching shower test. However, it is not as weatherproof as more premium jackets. One key difference is the lack of waterproof zippers. REI uses a storm flap instead, which will protect the zipper from typical snow and some rain, but all-day, wind-driven rain can start seeping through non-waterproof zippers. We trust this jacket in below-freezing conditions for most resort skiing situations.

Comfort and Fit

The REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated is very comfortable, but not because it offers a great cut. Basically, it fits large like an oversized sweatshirt. The result is great range of motion.

The biggest drawback to the bulky, cube-like fit through the torso is dealing with extra material you may not need. When riding the chairlift or sitting outside the lodge with a drink in hand, the material around the front can bubble out or just get in the way. For those who are in between sizes or want a trimmer fit, sizing down may help. REI also offers Tall sizing, which may be better for tall and trim folks. For instance, our 6'3" 220-pound tester is wearing an XL in this review, but REI's Large Tall size might have been a better fit.

Breathability

While the REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated has a breathable waterproof membrane, the insulation can slow the ability of water vapor to work its way through and exit, resulting in lower scores compared to most uninsulated shell jackets.

When it comes to ventilation, the Powderbound has underarm vents, but the 10.5-inch pit zips are some of the shortest we've measured. While they let us shed some excess heat while skiing, their effectiveness is reduced because they are so small.

Style

Style is often one of the most subjective metrics we consider. To help us assess a jacket's style, we ask our skiing buddies to give us unfiltered impressions and opinions, plus we hit up random strangers for quick takes. The REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated has a plain, blocky style that lacks pop but is generally unoffensive.

The biggest issue comes down to the fabric storm flap over the front zipper. It makes this jacket feel more like a parka or a coat. Zippers without flaps offer opportunities for design contrasts, and while they might not technically offer as much warmth, they break up the look of a large jacket. Because the torso also feels a bit oversized, the overall vibe is extra blocky.

Features

The Powderbound Insulated does a good job of covering the core features needed in a ski jacket. Each feature may not be as perfect as those found in high-end jackets, but their existence is appreciated.

For instance, the collar isn't insulated, but it is lined with a soft tricot for next-to-chin comfort. The powder skirt isn't removable, but you can snap it out of the way so it doesn't flop around if you don't use it. The chest pocket is sized right, but the horizontal zipper with the storm flap makes it annoying to use compared to vertical zippered chest pockets. As noted above, the underarm vents are shorter than most competing vents, so they don't shed excess heat as quickly as longer vents.

The uninsulated collar isn't plush, but the patch of tricot lining is soft against bare skin.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

You can't remove the powder skirt, but you can snap it to the edges to keep it from flopping around when not in use.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

The exterior chest pocket is appreciated, but we found the horizontal orientation with the storm flap annoying to get into, particularly while wearing gloves.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

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Should You Buy the REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated?

The Powderbound Insulated is a do-it-all ski jacket that will get the job done for resort skiers on a budget. It is warm, weather-resistant, sewn with precision, and it includes key features to help keep you on the slopes and having fun. Its biggest drawback is that its overall style feels blocky on the slopes, so it may not a great choice for fashion-focused skiers.

What Other Ski Jackets Should You Consider?

The closest jacket in features and price that we consider a good step up is the Obermeyer Raze. It delivers similar warmth, but it has better features and a trimmer fit with a cut that keeps it agile and comfortable, boosting its on-mountain style. The uninsulated REI Co-op First Chair GTX is an excellent, budget-friendly shell with a much better front zipper. As long as you have a warm midlayer, it's capable of exploring resort runs with ease. If warmth is your most important criteria, though, the premium Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft is hard to beat.