Gear Review: Flylow Billie Coat and Nina Pant

[This article is sponsored by evo.com]

Flylow started ten years ago when two college friends recognized a need for technical outerwear to fill the gap between mountaineering and ski outerwear. They created gear that was light for the ascend and durable for downhill charging. Ten years later, Flylow is based in Lake Tahoe and still true to their independent, mountain-raised roots.

The Billie Coat and Nina Pant are Flylow’s three layer hard-shell outerwear options designed specifically for women.

Pick up the Flylow Bille Coat at evo.com:  Flylow Billie Coat

Flylow Billie Coat Jacket

Specs

– 20k/20k waterproof fabric (20K waterproofing means “if you put a square tube with inner dimensions of 1” x 1” over a piece of said fabric, you could fill it with water to a height of 20,000 mm (65.6 feet) before water would begin to leak through” – evo.com)

– High Performance DWR (Durable Water Repellent, this is what makes water bead up on the Jacket)

– Fully taped seams

– YKK waterproof zippers

– Removable powder skirt

– Average weight: 590 grams

– Price: $374.95 from evo.com

– Tester is 5’9”, 130 lb, and wearing a size Medium.

Fit:

As far as women’s Jackets go, the Billie coat’s fit is top notch. The relaxed fit allows you to layer up on cold days without looking like the Pillsbury doughboy and the tapered waist is feminine but not “euro mom on carver skis” feminine. The jacket is on the longer side, yet light and is easy to move in. It looks and feels great, no complaints about the fit.

Pit Zips:

The pit zips on this jacket are amazing. Each pit has two zippers, which makes it easy to unzip while wearing a backpack. I always forget to open my pitzips before a boot back, so having two I can easily open while hiking is a lifesaver.

Pockets: 

A good pocket layout makes or breaks a jacket. Nothing is worse than fumbling around trying to squeeze your phone out of an awkward pocket as you’re getting a call. The Billie Jacket has two lower pockets (accessible from inside and outside the jacket), a left breast pocket, a right inside breast pocket, and a forearm pass pocket.

With more and more resorts adopting RFID, a well-designed pass pocket is key. No more awkward dance moves as you try to get your pass to scan, a simple forearm move is enough.

The two lower pockets are easily accessible while wearing a backpack and keep your hands warm when you lose your gloves half way through après. I keep my iPod in the inside breast pocket, which keeps it warm and helps the battery last longer.

Nina Pants:

Specs:

Pick up the Flylow Nina Pant at evo.com:  Flylow Nina Pant

– Same 20K, 3 layer hardshell, DWR coated fabric, with waterproof YKK zippers and taped seams as the Billie coat.

– Cordura cuff reinforcements

– Adjustable Velcro waist tabs. No need for a belt.

– Powder Cuffs

– Inner and outer thigh vents

– Average Weight: 650 grams

– Price: $314.95 from evo.com

– Tester is 5’9”, 130 lb, and wearing a size Medium.

Fit: 

Flylow’s articulated knee box design is incredible; I don’t feel these pants at all while skiing or hiking. The Nina pant feels light and is neither baggy nor tight. My only complaint is their length. I’m 5’9 and they’re just long enough on me. But on the bright side, if you’re shorter, your ski breaks won’t get stuck in your cuffs!

Ventilation Zips:

Once again, Flylow KILLS it on the ventilation front with both outer and inner thigh zippers. You can feel a cross flow around your thighs as you hike, making it easy to stay cool on hard ascents. These vents are a must for spring skiing. How has no one else caught on to this?

Pockets:

The Nina Pant comes with two roomy upper pockets, a lower thigh pocket, and a back pocket. I love the lower thigh pocket because it’s easily accessible while sitting, making it super easy to retrieve snacks on the chairlift.

Overall:

I’m impressed with this get-up for the price. The Billy coat and Nina pants are significantly cheaper that most shell outwear on the market, but don’t skimp on materials or design. All around, a solid outerwear set.