FlyLow-logo[1]Well, we’ve been rockin’ our new FLYLOW GEAR for two seasons now and the field data from the DSJ Gear Testing Laboratories has been compiled and tabulated. In particular we’ve been using the Higgins Jacket, Quantum Jacket, and Chemical Pants.

Flylow Higgins Jacket

Flylow Higgins Jacket

The Higgins Jacket is a rugged no-nonsense technical shell. For the 2013/14 season it was upgraded to a 3 Layer, 20k/20k waterproof, breathable fabric. Designed with the rigors of backcountry usage in mind, it has waterproof zippers, large hand pockets, ample hood, and huge pit-zips for extra ventilation.  The brushed tricot lining makes the shell totally comfy.   All the zipper “pulls” are large enough to use with your gloves on.  B J snap2It has good fit, and like most of their stuff we’ve tried on, runs slightly on the larger side. Minor critiques: we would like to see two chest pockets and the inside chest pocket could be slightly larger.   Overall, a great piece and definitely on par with any of the high-end shell offerings from the other big name companies, but very likely a much better deal.

Flylow Quantum Jacket

Flylow Quantum Jacket

1781469_10201588289778362_779795221_n[1]The Quantum Jacket is just a superb piece and a nice step up from the Higgins. Most notable is its incredible lightness while maintaining every bit of warmth and protection.  You hardly notice you have this jacket on, and while it is also a 3L, 20k/20k fabric, it is an upgraded Dobby Intuitive and has noticeably superior breathability. It also addresses our gripe with the Higgins by having two chest pockets and adds a nice removable powder skirt. And new for the 14/15 season is an additional wrist pocket which is great to get to your emergency whistle when stuck in a tree well!

Flylow Chemical Pant

Flylow Chemical Pant

Now for the Chemical Pants. Evidently this is the product that put the company on the map and we now understand why. The design has changed little over the years and is a testament. These are just superbly designed pants that are built like a tank. One great change was the 13/14 upgrade to the same 3L, 20k/20k Intuitive fabric as the Quantum Jacket. This results in a noticeable increase in waterproofness with a decrease in weight. With this rugged fabric and articulated, reinforced knees, these pants will likely last years, without being heavy and cumbersome. With a slightly baggy fit, these are the lightest feeling, most well-fitting, comfortable pants we’ve worn in years – actually – ever!  We say “baggy”, but not like park rat pants, just enough for total freedom of movement. Add “through” ventilation with thigh vents inside and outside, large zipper pulls, a heavy duty “jeans” style front button (instead of the dreaded snap) and belt loops (missing on many brands) and you have the best ski pants on the market today.  Minor critiques: none 

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Even old dawgs show the Flylow love!

In the Phoenix area you can check out some Flylow stuff at  Alpine Boardsports  or go to their web site at  www.flylowgear.com

fritzski out

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