Review: Mountain Hardwear Powder Maven Parka and Bibs

The Powder Maven Parka has a longer fit than a traditional jacket. I was a little worried about how this would feel while skiing but didn’t find the longer hem to restrict movement or performance and it certainly adds some extra warmth. But if longer jackets are not your thing then this might not be the right kit for you.

Ultimately I was really happy with how this kit fit. Given that it is insulated, though, it’s worth considering that you may not wear your usual base layers underneath it, so if you tend to be between sizes, you might be safer sizing down if you’d prefer a slimmer fit.

Pockets and Features

This kit features a lot of pockets. The parka alone has six pockets just on the outside (plus two more on the inside) and the bibs have pockets on the thighs, waist, and torso. I love a good pocket but honestly found the options on this kit to be a little overwhelming. Aside from my phone, maybe a couple snacks, some chapstick, and a credit card, I usually don’t ski with much when I’m at the resort, so I wasn’t quite sure what to use all the pockets for. But it’s nice to have options for where you want to stash stuff and you could definitely pack a lot with you just by taking advantage of all the pocket space.

Both the Powder Maven Parka and Bib feature vents backed with mesh. I really love the mesh addition which allows you to let some air in while keeping snow out. And this is super important with such a warm kit where venting is key for higher output or warmer ski days.

The Powder Maven Bib features a front torso zipper (as opposed to a side thigh zipper). This definitely makes you feel really snug when you’re in the kit but I could not for the life of me figure out how to pee in this kit without taking the jacket off, pulling down the Bib, and then getting all my stuff back on after I’m done. As someone who really values being able to pee easily in my kit so I don’t have to interrupt laps, this is a major strike against the Powder Maven Bib. But if you like a long lunch break and tend to head into the lodge to pee anyway, then it’s not the biggest deal.

Performance

This is hands down the warmest kit I’ve ever skied in. Thanks to body mapping insulation, and layers of waterproof Dry.Q® fabric this jacket is both warm and protective from the elements. Most days I found myself sweating and wishing I had worn fewer baselayers. As someone who tends to run cold, that’s saying a lot. However, because it is so good at keeping you warm, I didn’t find it to be the most versatile kit. There was one day where it was simply too hot for the conditions and no amount of venting made it feel better. So, while this is the kit I would reach for on a frigid day where it’s dumping snow, for most of the season in Utah or California I think it may simply be too hot if you tend to ski hard and work up a sweat. For the East Coast, northern mountain states or BC, this would be well suited.

Since the Powder Maven kit is really good at insulating, I didn't feel like I had as much agency over my temperature. I played around with some different layers underneath but in the end, it’s the kit that really dictates your temperature. While I didn't feel that its size compromised my ski abilities, it just felt a little heavier and bulkier. Its bulk also means that it’s not the most efficient option to travel with or bring on an expedition where weight and size matter.

The outer fabric of the Powder Maven seems pretty waterproof and is certainly wind protective. I appreciated that I could ski through tight trees and not worry about the fabric catching and ripping and I definitely wasn’t worried about getting soggy in deeper, wetter snow.

Who is the perfect skier for the Powder Maven Parka and Bib?

If you’re someone who values warmth above all else, then the Powder Maven Parka and Bib are worth adding to your wardrobe. They may not be the most versatile options for fluctuating temperatures throughout the season, but they will certainly keep you warm on the coldest of winter days. 

The Mountain Hardwear Powder Maven Bib and Parka are available now.