REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Review

Performance Comparison

The REI Powderbound finding better snow on the edges of the groomer during early-season testing in Colorado.

Credit: Jackie Kearney

Warmth

The REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated uses synthetic insulation to provide warmth to the user. It's a lightweight jacket, at just under 2 pounds, which means there isn't much insulation in general, and the hood is completely uninsulated. Our testing occurred during early winter in the high Colorado Rockies, and this jacket was no match for the cold November temperatures we found on the ski slopes. This jacket needs to be paired with more insulating layers.

Synthetic insulation provides the Powderbound's meager warmth.

Credit: Jackie Kearney

Weather Resistance

The Powderbound uses a proprietary waterproof and breathable membrane to keep wind and water. We found this material to be reasonably effective at keeping out liquid water, but during our shower test, the shell fabric soaked through quickly. Furthermore, only some seams are sealed, which means water can leak through the stitching. The zippers aren't waterproof either. If you ski or ride in a wet winter climate close to the ocean, this jacket won't be an everyday tool. On the upside, the hood provides full coverage of a helmeted head.

The full-coverage hood is the best part of the Powderbound's weather resistance system.

Credit: Jackie Kearney

Comfort and Fit

The cut of the Powderbound is boxy and uncontoured, meaning there is a lot of extra material around the body, making for a less comfortable experience. The interior lining is soft against the skin, and the handwarmer pockets are lined with fleece. We aren't huge fans of the fit for slender body types.

While the Powderbound's boxy fit isn't that comfortable, the fleece-lined pockets are.

Credit: Jackie Kearney

Ventilation

Generally, the Powderbound doesn't vent well. The synthetic insulation and inner lining feel stuffy and keep heat inside. During aerobic activities, the armpit vents are unlined and open completely to the interior, but they aren't very long, and the vent zipper pulls are hard to find and grasp with gloved hands.

The armpit vents on the Powderbound are relatively short, but they open completely and allow decent ventilation during aerobic skiing and hiking.

Credit: Jackie Kearney

Style

The Powderbound's style is generic and unremarkable. The straight, boxy cut and wide hem produce an untailored look, and the baggy fit isn't our favorite style. It comes in a decent selection of colors, and the jacket generally fits into a crowd rather than standing out. The style fits in with other budget ski jackets that we have tested, so if you try to blend in with a refined crowd, this jacket might not be a good choice.

We aren't huge fans of the Powderbound's style, but our testers like to stand out on the slopes, and you might not.

Credit: Jackie Kearney

Features

The Powderbound features two fleece-lined handwarmer pockets that are large and useful. It has a left sleeve pass pocket, making RFID-reading lift turnstiles easy to navigate. The external zippered chest pocket has a horizontal opening, making it hard to manipulate. A powder skirt, mesh stash pocket, and zippered chest pocket round out the set of features on the inside.

Should You Buy the Powderbound Insulated Jacket?

The REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated is a decent ski jacket that provides acceptable performance at a rock-bottom price. It won't protect you on the coldest and stormiest winter days, but it is adequate for occasional use. It is a good choice for users in temperate winter climates who want a ski jacket that can also double as a general-use winter jacket as well. But other jackets on the market perform better overall for a similar price. If you are a regular skier, you will quickly wish you shelled out a little more money for a better jacket.

What Other Ski Jackets Should You Consider?

At a fraction of the cost of many high-end ski jackets, the Powderbound provides decent general winter jacket performance without excelling in any metric. You can buy the REI Co-op First Chair GTX, an affordable shell jacket that does rival the higher-end models in this review for a little more money. For those looking to double-up on their investment, 3-in-1 options like the Columbia Whirlibird IV Interchange or slightly more expensive The North Face ThermoBall ECO Snow Triclimate are also great options.

The Powderbound on the slopes during testing in Wyoming.

Credit: Jackie Kearney