Gear Review: Flylow Quantum Pro Jacket and Baker Bibs

Flylow is an independent outerwear company dedicated to manufacturing high performance, durable products out of Lake Tahoe. Originally created by ski mountaineers in the Pacific Northwest, Flylow’s technical pieces are designed to accommodate fast uphill and aggressive downhill skiing. In addition to designing hard-charging outerwear, Flylow is also working to achieve a long-term sustainability plan to better serve the planet and the ski industry as a whole.

The Quantum Pro Jacket and Baker Bibs are two of Flylow’s versatile, waterproof, breathable hardshells. 

Pick up the Quantum Pro Jacket at evo.com:  Quantum Pro Jacket

Technical Specs:

Quantum Pro Jacket

• 3-layer nylon Dobby Intuitive fabric
• 20k/20k waterproof/breathable membrane
• High performance Durable Water Repellant (DWR) coating
• Fully seam taped
• 8 Pockets
• Helmet-compatible hood
• Removable powder skirt
• Powder guard snaps
• YKK waterproof zippers
• Average weight: 656 grams

$379.95 on evo.com

Baker Bibs

• 3-layer nylon Dobby Intuitive fabric
• 20k/20k waterproof/breathable membrane
• High performance Durable Water Repellant (DWR) coating
• High performance Durable Water Repellant (DWR) coating
• Fully seam taped
• 4 Pockets
• 1000 denier Cordura reinforcements in the inner ankle and knee
• Articulated knee box
• Avalanche beacon (or tall boy) chest pouch and attachment system
• Full side zip vents from the waist and inner thigh vents
• Adjustable velcro waist tabs
• Detachable suspender clips
• Ski boot gaiter in lower leg
• Average weight: 948 grams

$364.95 on evo.com

Fit:

The Quantum Pro Jacket has a relaxed, expedition fit that allows skiers to layer heavily underneath for stormy days. With the relatively long and narrow fit, the jacket avoids making you look like a tent. I am around 150 lbs. and about 5’7, and the men’s small is a perfect fit for backcountry and big mountain skiing.

The Baker Bibs have a wide fit in the leg, allowing for both layering and free movement while skiing, skinning or climbing. The suspenders are stretchy and elastic so the bibs don’t ride up too much. The length in the leg runs true to size; the men’s small is perfect for me once I have placed the gaiter over my ski boot.

Vents, Pockets and Other Notes:

The pit zips in the Quantum Pro Jacket include two zippers, allowing for easier access while wearing a backpack. The pocket layout includes two lower, casual pockets on the sides for stashing extra goggles or beanies. However, wearing a harness over the jacket, or even a high backpack waist, makes these pockets difficult to access. The jacket also has two exterior chest pockets and one arm pocket, perfect for an RFID pass. On the inside, there are two small zip pockets for snacks, phones or illicit drugs.

If you are an avid ski mountaineer, note that the jacket does not have the ability to unzip from the bottom. This means that accessing a harness or beacon underneath the jacket requires the upper of the jacket to be unzipped, exposing the skier to the cold. 

The face fabric of the jacket has proven to be very durable and soft to the touch. The waterproof/breathable membrane did an awesome job of keeping me dry and warm during a strenuous, four day yurt trip with some very wet, deep snow. 

The lateral side vents in the Baker Bibs extend from the knee to the waist and have two zippers, allowing for quick thermoregulation on the move. These also make the bibs easy to slide on (and to drop when you have got to go). The bibs also include medial side vents.

There are two casual pockets on the front of the bibs, but each opening is just slightly small for a gloved hand. The bibs have a zipped back pocket on the right, and an awesome beacon chest pocket with a plastic ring for cord attachment. 

The reinforced Cordura patches in the inner ankle and knee are essential for preventing your ski edges from cutting up your pants. They also seem to be somewhat stain resistant in my experience.

Overview:

Overall I am extremely impressed with the quality of both the Quantum Pro Jacket and Baker Bib. Each delivers exactly what Flylow promises – functional, breathable performance on the way up, and durable, waterproof materials for the way down.