Kate Agathon

This winter, we are hitting peak full pants and the outdoor rec industry is no exception.

The all-new Mountain Hardwear Powder Maven Ski Pant is an easy going ski pant that is roomier (i.e. fuller) than its popular Mountain Hardwear counterpart, the Powder Quest Ski Pant (which I love).

 

Designed to offer a more relaxed fit and a softer drape to reflect the current “big pant” style, the Powder Maven Ski Pant is a comfortable choice to spend wearing all day on the mountain.

The low-profile adjustable waist was super comfortable, even with some thicker baselayers underneath. Recently, I have been prone to bloating, so on those ski days I really appreciated the adjustable waist!

 

I am usually in between a size small and a size medium. In recent years, I always opted for the larger size because the smaller size always seemed too tight after I put on some baselayers.

I wore a size small short in the Mountain Hardwear Powder Maven Ski Pant and they were fine. They were not too tight around the waist and needed no adjustment throughout the day.

 

The pants initially seemed a little long (I had to recheck the tag to make sure they were a short inseam), but as soon as I put on my ski boots, the length was just fine.

 

While they are not shell pants, they did seem a little lighter than my other ski pants. Despite being only lightly insulated, I didn’t get cold at all.

Technology

The Mountain Hardwear Power Maven Ski Pant boasts 2-layer waterproof and windproof Dry.Q breathable fabric that kept me dry and wicked moisture away.

 

It also features an integrated RECCO reflector that helps locate people lost outdoors by emitting a directional radar signal. I love how the reflector is battery-free and doesn’t require any maintenance.

 

Other Features

My favorite features were the pockets. I loved that the zippered hand pockets were lined with soft-brushed material-so comfy! I wasn’t expecting to find warm lining in the pockets, so it was a nice surprise. To me, it’s those little extra details that make such a difference in outer wear.

 

I also liked the hook-and-loop flapped thigh cargo pockets. I find cargo pockets very practical and I was delighted that they were a feature on the pants.

 

Other features include a jacket-to-pant attachment loop, and Reinforced 600 CORDURA kick patches along the bottom hem.

Overall Impression

The Mountain Hardwear Power Maven Ski Pant is designed for all-day adventure.

 

With its mesh-backed thigh vents and internal snow gaiters, the pants can be adjusted to your comfort level (i.e. vents for temperature regulation) that matches whatever the current conditions are.

Available in three colors (Copper Clay, Black, Mantis Green/Black) and five sizes (XS to XL), the Mountain Hardwear Powder Maven Ski Pant is offered in short and tall sizes as well.

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.

 

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.