It’s no secret that the outerwear needs of backcountry enthusiasts is much different than what is offered by typical outerwear. Splitboarder’s are always searching for that holy grail where breathability, weight, and waterproofness perfectly align for their given conditions. It’s great to finally see the emergence of several different touring specific outerwear lines where product design is strictly based upon our needs.
This season Patagonia released their Touring Collection which consists of the PowSlayer Kit, the Reconnaissance Kit, the KnifeRidge Kit and the Refugitve Jacket. The PowSlayer kit at one end of the spectrum features a relaxed snow fit while the KnifeRidge Kit and Refugitive jacket are on the other end of the spectrum with an alpine fit. Splitting the middle of the lineup is the the Reconnaissance kit which features a regular fit. When it comes to constuction the PowSlayer kit and Refugitive Jacket feature 3 layer GORE-TEX construction for those full on storm days where staying warm and dry are essential. The Reconnaissance pieces feature a hybrid soft shell/hard shell construction which aide in the venting and overall breathability while earning those turns. The KnifeRidge features a full soft-shell construction for maximum breathability and stretch.
We’re in the process of putting some of Patagonia’s Touring Collection through the paces and will be reporting back with our findings. In the meantime take a look the various pieces and see how they’ve addressed breathability, stretch and weight into their line.
The PowSlayer Bibs are lightweight and packable protection for backcountry pursuits. Built with innovative zero-bulk construction for freedom of movement and GORE-TEX® Pro fabric for the highest level of durably waterproof/breathable and windproof protection.
The construction of 3-Layer GORE-TEX® Products is unique. A 3-layer GORE-TEX® membrane is sandwiched between a soft outer material and a knit polyester backing material that increases durability. These garments keep you comfortable and protected from the elements without adding extra bulk or weight.
The GORE-TEX® membrane has 9 billion pores per square inch, with each pore 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet. These tiny holes are too small for water and wind to pass through from the outside. But these same pores are large enough for moisture vapor to pass through, so your body’s perspiration is able to escape and you won’t feel clammy or uncomfortable inside your jacket.
We make our PowSlayers for the backcountry’s unpredictable weather. They deliver premium storm protection to riders in all conditions—whether you’re piecing together your descent in a blower squall or skinning back to camp under a head of steam. Built for movement (both up and down the mountain) and no-compromise performance, they feature lightweight, yet highly durable 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro fabric for the highest level of waterproof/breathable and windproof performance. A DWR (durable water repellent) finish sheds water and spindrift when the going gets deep. The low-profile, full-coverage design includes drop-seat adjustability, a center-front zip for easy relief and belt loops so you can drop the shoulder straps when you’re wallowing in the boot path. Our Slim Zips provide watertight protection and reduce weight and bulk. Other details include articulated patterning through the hips and knees for full mobility; thigh vents for climate control; tough scuff guards; internal gaiters; five pockets (two thigh cargo, two mid torso and one back); and an embedded RECCO® avalanche rescue reflector.
-Lightweight and highly durable 3-layer nylon ripstop GORE-TEX® Pro fabric offers the highest level of durably waterproof/breathable and windproof protection
-This low-profile bib has a drop-seat configuration with 2-way slider side zips for venting, a zip fly with a single-snap closure for convenient relief and grown-on belt loops at the waist for convertibility when hiking
-Vislon® zippers on side zips and cargo pockets are watertight and easy to use; Slim Zip installation on mid-torso pockets with watertight, coated zippers reduce bulk and weight
-Loop on rear yoke attaches bibs to powder skirt on any Patagonia® Snow jacket
-Articulated patterning for mobility and comfort
-Gaiters seal out snow; tough scuff guards protect inside of leg and bottom hem; zippered pockets: two high cargo, two mid torso, and one back
-Concealed RECCO® reflector
-3-layer, 3.72-oz 40-denier 100% nylon ripstop GORE-TEX® Pro fabric with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
-581 g (20.5 oz)
The PowSlayer Jacket has been updated with the Cohaesive™ embedded cord-lock system, the PowSlayer Jacket is lightweight and packable protection for backcountry pursuits. Built with innovative zero-bulk construction for freedom of movement and GORE-TEX® Pro fabric for the highest level of durably waterproof/breathable and windproof protection.
The construction of 3-Layer GORE-TEX® Products is unique. A 3-layer GORE-TEX® membrane is sandwiched between a soft outer material and a knit polyester backing material that increases durability. These garments keep you comfortable and protected from the elements without adding extra bulk or weight.
The GORE-TEX® membrane has 9 billion pores per square inch, with each pore 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet. These tiny holes are too small for water and wind to pass through from the outside. But these same pores are large enough for moisture vapor to pass through, so your body’s perspiration is able to escape and you won’t feel clammy or uncomfortable inside your jacket.
The lift is just a launch pad: Through the gate and beyond the crowds—that’s where the uncompromised PowSlayer comes into its own. This fully dialed jacket gives you the highest level of stormproof performance available, so you can ride in every condition. Made with zero limitations, the PowSlayer is built from extremely light, yet highly durable 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro fabric for the pinnacle of waterproof/breathable and windproof protection. A DWR (durable water repellent) finish increases durability and prevents wet-out in soggy, spitting conditions. The helmet-compatible, 2-way-adjustable hood has a laminated visor for optimal visibility and a Cohaesive™ cord-lock system, which embeds cord locks into the hood and hem to eliminate loose ends. Watertight, coated Slim Zips reduce weight and bulk; pit zips quickly release your heat. The low-profile powder skirt has a webbing loop to connect to any Patagonia® Snow pants and holds tight for snorkel-deep sessions. Pockets include two chest (one with a secure media pocket and cable routing); two handwarmers; one arm pocket for your pass; two internal drop-ins; and one internal stash pocket. Includes an embedded RECCO® avalanche rescue reflector.
-Lightweight and highly durable 3-layer nylon ripstop GORE-TEX® Pro fabric offers the highest level of durably waterproof/breathable and windproof protection
-Helmet-compatible, 2-way-adjustable fixed hood with laminated visor for optimal visibility in bad conditions; Cohaesive™ cord-lock system embeds cord locks in hood and hem for quick and easy adjustment
-Watertight, coated zippers with Slim Zip installation reduce bulk and weight; Vislon® watertight, center-front zip is durable and easy to use
-Pit zips quickly release heat; adjustable, low-profile cuffs secure over or under gloves
-Sleek, low-profile powder skirt (with snap at the center front) stays in place whether secured or not and rotates as rider moves for comfort and protection. Webbing loop at center back connects to any Patagonia® Snow pants
-Zippered pockets: two chest, one with secure media pocket with cable routing; two handwarmers; one arm for pass; two internal drop-in and one internal stash
-Concealed RECCO® reflector
-Shell: 3-layer, 3.72-oz 40-denier 100% nylon ripstop GORE-TEX® Pro fabric with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Powder skirt: 3.5-oz 91% all-recycled polyester/9% spandex
-593 g (20.9 oz)
Powder is where you find it, so our most breathable snow jacket, the Reconnaissance Jacket offers protection tuned to high-output search missions. Using fully taped construction, highly breathable stretch-woven fabric is paired with additional weather protection on the shoulders, arms and hood. DWR
(durable water repellent) fabric finish repels light rain and snow and decreases dry times. When DWR is used in conjunction with a waterproof/breathable barrier, the DWR finish keeps the outer fabric from becoming saturated so that the breathable barrier can do its job.
On a hunch, you skinned through the dark and most of the morning to drop into a line that everyone thought would be wind scoured and boney as hell—and you’d do it all over again. As our most breathable snow shell, the Reconnaissance Jacket delivers exceptional performance for high-output, muscle-powered lines deep into the backcountry or just beyond the gates. It has a supple, double-weave soft-shell fabric throughout the body, paired with a waterproof/breathable 3-layer shell fabric with 2-way stretch on the shoulders, arms and hood for a hardworking blend of breathable comfort and durable weather protection. A DWR (durable water repellent) finish prevents saturation and sloughs snow. To seal out moisture the Reconnaissance has fully taped construction, low-profile cuffs that adjust easily to fit under or over gloves and the Cohaesive™ cord-lock management system at the hem and hood. Pockets include two self-lined handwarmers; two large chest pockets (one with internal stash and cable routing); and one interior drop-in for goggles, gloves or your flask. With an articulated fit designed for freedom of movement and an embedded RECCO® avalanche rescue reflector.
-Lightweight and durable stretch double-weave soft shell is paired with a waterproof/breathable 3-layer shell for a great blend of breathable comfort and durable weather protection
-Articulation built into the patterning of the sleeves for freedom of movement. Low-profile cuffs secure over or under gloves easily
-Zippered pockets: two handwarmers with self-lining, two large chest (one with internal stash for media pocket and cable routing). -One interior drop-in pocket for goggles or gloves
-Cohaesive™ cord-lock management system at hem and hood
–Concealed RECCO® reflector
-Body: 100% polyester stretch double weave with 2-way mechanical stretch and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Overlay: 3-layer, 4.13-oz 100% nylon plain weave with a DWR finish. Fully taped construction
-573 g (20.2 oz)
The Reconnaissance pants are tuned for high-output powder missions, these new hybrids use fully taped construction to pair breathable stretch double-weave fabric with a waterproof/breathable 3-layer shell for weather protection. DWR (durable water repellent) fabric finish repels light rain and snow and decreases dry times. When DWR is used in conjunction with a waterproof/breathable barrier, the DWR finish keeps the outer fabric from becoming saturated so that the breathable barrier can do its job.
Finely tuned for self-supported travel into deep, wild places where the commitment is greater, but the rewards are deeper, our Reconnaissance Pants are made for all-day movement through the shifting weather and conditions of the backcountry. Our most breathable snow shell, they have a supple, double-weave soft-shell fabric throughout the legs, paired with waterproof/breathable 3-layer fabric reinforcements with 2-way stretch for a hardworking blend of breathable comfort and durable weather-protection. A DWR (durable water repellent) finish prevents saturation and sheds snow and muck. The snow-seal gaiters form a tight bond over boots when you’re postholing, and scuff guards add durability for full-time riders. Zippers on low-profile cuffs allow easy access to boot buckles and a two-snap closure system, with integrated cord management, provides a snug fit when you’re using crampons or climbing shoes. For long uphills or big spring days, side vents allow a cooling airflow. Expandable thigh pockets lay flat for aerodynamics yet easily hold your hat and gloves when you break out the thermos for lunch. With an articulated fit designed for freedom of movement and an embedded RECCO® avalanche rescue reflector.
-Lightweight and durable stretch double-weave soft shell is paired with a waterproof breathable 3-layer shell for a great blend of breathable comfort and durable weather protection
-Side vents at exterior thighs dump heat when hiking
-Zippered pockets: two thigh cargo with expandable construction
-Low-profile, adjustable zipper cuff allows the rider to open the cuff up for easy boot buckle and lace access; Two snap-secure adjustment positions with a cord management system allows for extra-snug closure when using with crampons or climbing boots
-Snow seal gaiter at interior hem with boot lace hook, strategically placed scuff guard in high-abrasion area
-Concealed RECCO® reflector
-Body: 3-layer, 4.13-oz 100% nylon plain weave with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Inlay: 100% polyester stretch double weave with 2-way mechanical stretch and DWR finish. Fully taped construction
-496 g (17.5 oz)
A shelter for the high-country escape artist, our Refugitive Jacket uses lightweight and stretchy 3-layer GORE-TEX® fabric with Gore® C-Knit™ backer technology in a fully featured, packable hard shell.
The construction of 3-Layer GORE-TEX® Products is unique. A 3-layer GORE-TEX® membrane is sandwiched between a soft outer material and a knit polyester backing material that increases durability. These garments keep you comfortable and protected from the elements without adding extra bulk or weight. The GORE-TEX® membrane has 9 billion pores per square inch, with each pore 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet. These tiny holes are too small for water and wind to pass through from the outside. But these same pores are large enough for moisture vapor to pass through, so your body’s perspiration is able to escape and you won’t feel clammy or uncomfortable inside your jacket. DWR
(durable water repellent) fabric finish repels light rain and snow and decreases dry times. When DWR is used in conjunction with a waterproof/breathable barrier, the DWR finish keeps the outer fabric from becoming saturated so that the breathable barrier can do its job.
Made for the high-country escape artist, our new Refugitive Jacket combines fully waterproof/breathable protection with stretch and light weight for steep climbs and serious descents. The hybrid 3-layer GORE-TEX® construction has enhanced breathability throughout, but uses a slightly more robust, stretchy fabric along the upper back, shoulders and the backsides of the arms for unimpaired mobility. The Optimal Visibility Hood™ adjusts via an embedded single-pull cord-lock system and fits over ski and climbing helmets alike, while 2-way watertight pit-zips let you dump heat on lung-busting ascents. Pockets include two above harness-line handwarmers with watertight zippers, interior and exterior zippered left-chest pockets, and a right-side interior, stretch catch-all for spare gloves or skins. The hem cinches with embedded cord locks, and an elasticized strap at the lower back connects to any Patagonia Snow pants (and select Alpine pants) for deep powder days. With a concealed RECCO® reflector.
-A hybrid design for the optimal balance of stretch and lightweight; durably waterproof and windproof 3-layer GORE-TEX® fabrics with Gore® C-Knit™ backer technology are softer, lighter and more breathable than regular 3-layer GORE-TEX® fabrics
-Specially engineered Optimal Visibility Hood™ adjusts with single-pull Cohaesive™ embedded cord lock system to fit equally well over all helmet types or a bare head
-Two high handwarmer pockets with watertight zippers stay clear of a harness or pack waistbelt; welted exterior left chest pocket, interior left chest pocket and interior stretch catch-all pocket
-Watertight 2-way pit zips for venting
-Elasticized strap at low back connects to any Patagonia® Snow pants and select Alpine pants to prevent jacket from riding up
-Cohaesive™ embedded cord lock system has two contact points at hem for intuitive one-handed operation either inside pocket or at hem
-Concealed RECCO® reflector
-Body: 3-layer, 3.1-oz 30-denier 100% nylon ripstop GORE-TEX® shell. Lower arms, upper back: 3-layer, 4-oz 40-denier 100% nylon stretch plain-weave GORE-TEX® Shell. All with Gore® C-Knit™ backer technology and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
-425 g (15 oz)
We did not include the KnifeRidge Kit in this writeup due to concerns that the pants may not fit over some soft snowboard boots. You can read more about the KnifeRidge kit here.
