REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Pant Review

The REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated value is outstanding, and one of the reasons we appreciate it so much is due to the articulated knees and gusseted crotch. The full range of motion supported by these pants was a pleasant surprise.

Weather Resistance

The REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated has an REI-developed Peak 2-layer waterproof liner. The outer nylon fabric also includes a DWR coating. Both of these elements kept melting snow from seeping through the pants during our ski tests in Idaho and Montana.

The pants also successfully endured a drenching shower test, but the overall pant is not as weatherproof as more premium options. The Peak 2-layer laminate is waterproof, but its long-term strength and ability to function under pressure is not as time-proven as other premium fabrics such as Gore-Tex Pro. In addition, the inner thigh vents do not have waterproof zippers, so on long, wet days, water could seep through. However, we trust the Powderbound Insulated to keep us warm and dry during most winter ski days at resorts.

Fit and Comfort

The Powderbound Insulated fit slightly large, so comfort is good. Because there isn't too much excess material, agility is decent, too. The overall fit is also improved by articulated knees and a gusseted crotch, making it very competitive among the inexpensive competition we tested.

REI offers many size options, including three different length options. Some skiers may be able to size down if they desire a trimmer fit. For instance, our 6'3" 220-pound tester typically wears an XL but was able to size down into a Large Tall for an improved fit.

Warmth

REI uses a layer of 40G insulation throughout, making the REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated quite warm for hard-charging skiers. For more casual runs, we're also impressed with the warmth. We skied in the Powderbound down into single-digit temperatures with a thin base layer and never felt uncomfortable.

The insulation in these pants is particularly good for those sensitive to cold chair lift seats. While 40G isn't the heaviest amount of insulation available in some snow pants, it provides a good balance of warmth to weight and agility. Sometimes heavier snow pants can feel bulky and annoying, but REI did a great job finding the right balance here. We are confident they're warm enough to satisfy most resort skiers during most typical ski days.

Breathability

The Powderbound has a waterproof/breathable membrane, but the insulation slows the pants' ability to shed water vapor. Consequently, these aren't great pants for high-energy backcountry skiing adventures such as climbing up hills. However, during our tests while wearing these pants during typical back-to-back resort runs on a day with wonderfully short lift lines, the pants did not feel overly hot or clammy.

To help with heat management, REI includes two inner thigh vents. These vents are shorter than those found on premium pants designed for hard-charging skiers and snowboarders, but they do help regulate temperature, particularly on warmer early or spring skiing days. When we tested them while downhill skiing at an Idaho resort, they did their job as intended, just more slowly than pants with larger vents.

Features

The Powderbound pants include critical features expected in good ski pants, including gaiter cuffs that seal out snow, scuff guards on the interior lower legs to stop nicks from ski edges, and zippered vents for heat management.

REI also includes two zippered hand pockets lined with a soft and warm brushed tricot as well as a thigh pocket, which is handy for stowing an extra pair of disposable hand warmers. Waist adjustment tabs let you adjust the fit over different thicknesses of base layers, but you also get standard belt loops if you want to use a separate belt for extra security.

The interior gaiters stretch over boots to keep snow out.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

REI's scuff guard on the interior of the lower leg is large and rugged.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

The inner thigh vents are great for cooling down after hard runs.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

The hand pockets have a soft interior lining that feels good when warming cold hands.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

The adjustable tabs work well for fine-tuning the fit, but if you need an exterior belt, REI includes belt loops, too.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

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Style

The REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated is a bland, no-nonsense traditional insulated snow pant. It's somewhat baggy, but not ridiculously so. These pants basically fly under the radar, not drawing attention to themselves and not seeming out of place.

Many skiers and snowboarders tend to choose black or bland ski pant colors that will pair well with any color or style of ski jacket, which is more likely to be replaced more often than most ski pants. We can't say that we're excited about the style of these pants or REI's color selection, but we're not disappointed either. For the price point, the cut and overall look is quite good.

Should You Buy the REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated?

The REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated offers an incredible value. These pants are versatile, providing good weather protection and warmth for resort skiing. Better yet, they come in many size options, making them a great option for hard-to-find sizes. In addition, the multiple size options could result in a better fit than a skier might find in a more premium pant with fewer sizes. They're not the best for truly wet skiing situations, but for most resort ski days with typically frozen snow, we expect these pants to work well for casual skiers through dozens of weekends over multiple seasons.

What Other Ski Pants Should You Consider?

If you'd like an insulated ski pant with a more refined look, the Helly Hansen Legendary has impressed us with a style and cut that exceeds its relatively low price point — and Helly Hansen usually offers it in nearly a dozen different color choices. The North Face Freedom Insulated is a comparable option with slightly more insulation while maintaining similar agility on the mountain. If you want an affordable bib option, check out the The North Face Freedom Bib, which offers extra material over your torso and reduces cold drafts.