TL;DR: Flylow ski pants are a perfect blend of style, functionality, and mountain-ready features. From the durable fabrics used to construct their gear, to their sustainable materials sourcing, Flylow is a leader in the field. Let's explore what makes Flylow the ultimate choice for winter enthusiasts!

Hello, my snow loving friends! I’m Branin, an outdoor enthusiast with over 25 seasons of winter sports mayhem under my belt. As a Curated Expert, I I spend my time testing out gear and working with friends to help them select their new gear. Today, I'm excited to guide you through the captivating world of Flylow ski pants. From the most pristine powder to the steepest slopes, I’ll help you unravel the magic that makes Flylow ski pants a top pick for alpine adventurers.

Who is Flylow?

Flylow's story began with two friends, struggling to find snow gear that would hold up to their vigorous backcountry skiing. Colorado natives Greg Steen and Dan Abrams, sought to create gear that could withstand the challenges of the backcountry. In 2005, they launched Flylow with just one pair of pants and a black jacket for sale. With a quickly growing following within the ski community, Flylow gained speed. Fast forward to 2024, and Flylow's catalog now encompasses ski and snowboard gear, mountain bike apparel, women's waterwear, and lifestyle apparel. With such variety, there is plenty to look under the Flylow brand, but today we’re going to focus on pants.

What to Consider When Buying Flylow Pants

Take the following factors in mind to make sure your new ski apparel not only complements your style, but meets all your alpine needs as well.

How Much Am I Willing To Spend?

With a regular price of between $200 to $500, Flylow gear runs on the higher end of the snow pants market. Make sure to ask yourself if that price range fits your budget.

What’s Most Important To Me, Breathability or Insulation?

Flylow pants are crafted with various insulation levels catering to different weather conditions and individual preferences. From insulated pants for cold weather to lightweight options for touring, Flylow has you covered. Breathability ratings are found as the second number in a 10k/10k or 20k/20k rating, and allow you to gauge how well the pants will allow hot moist air to escape. If you’re interested in learning more about waterproof and breathability ratings, check out this article: Making Sense of Waterproof Ratings on Your Ski Gear.

What Kind of Waterproofing Do I Want?

Flylow pants feature high-performance DWR, an advanced waterproofing technology that keeps you dry in deep snow and wet conditions. The waterproof rating, indicated by the first number in a 10k/10k or 20k/20k rating, gives you peace of mind when out in the powder. 10k is plenty for a typical rider, but if you often find yourself up to your knees in powder or if you spend a lot of time falling on the ground (you know who you are), you may want to opt for the 20k rating.

What Level of Movement Do I Want?

Flylow offers a range of fits, from relaxed to snug alpine elegance. You’ll need to find a fit that complements your style and provides the freedom of movement essential for conquering the slopes. You may be the freeride type, who needs as much range of motion as possible. Or, you may be the corduroy cruiser who would rather be snug as a bug. When considering freedom of motion, it comes down to personal preference.

Features to Look For When Buying Flylow Pants

Here are the features to look for that make Flylow pants a great pick for a variety of skiers:

• Fully Taped Seams: This advanced seam sealing technique enhances the pant’s waterproof capabilities, keeping you dry even in wet conditions.
• Adjustable Waistbands: Adjustable waistbands allow you to fine-tune your comfort level for an optimal and personalized fit.
• Reinforced Knees: This extra layer of protection not only extends the lifespan of your gear, but also shields against abrasions and wear, which is especially crucial during intense activities in challenging terrains.
• Waterproof YKK Zippers: These zippers create a watertight seal, preventing any chance of water seeping through vulnerable areas, and keeping you dry and comfortable in diverse weather conditions.
• Breathable Fabric and Design: Strategically placed ventilation zones and breathable materials allow excess heat and moisture to escape, ensuring optimal comfort during high-energy activities while maintaining protection against the elements.

Different Types of Flylow Pants

Flylow caters to both men and women, and their apparel selection ranges from comfortable lightweight touring pants to heavy-duty bibs, for the more demanding rider. Read on for my top recommended ski pants offered by Flylow, for a variety of mountain enthusiasts.

Flylow Men’s Firebird Bib

This three-layer bib was made for mountains of fun and adventure. The Firebird Bib covers not only your legs, but portions of your abdomen as well, like a pair of overalls. Whether you exploring out-of-bounds or shredding the corduroy, the Firebird’s standard fit and 10k/10k rating will keep you dry and warm while looking like a boss. One thing to be aware of, of course, is that bibs do make bathroom breaks a bit more involved, as they’re more difficult to take on and off than a standard pair of pants.

Benefits:

• Articulated knee box for better range of motion
• Higher waist to keep snow out
• Long exterior zipper for easy entry

Be Aware:

• Bibs do then to make bathroom breaks a bit more involved

Flylow Chemical Pant

A signature item in the Flylow catalog, The Chemical Pant is built with traditional styling, rugged lines, and a streamlined design. With a 20k/20k waterproof and breathability rating and high-performance durable water repellent (DWR), the Chemical Pants will keep you dry through the harshest conditions.

Benefits:

• 1000 Denier cuff reinforcements to keep the snow out
• Beacon attachment system in pocket
• Inner and outer thigh vents to regulate temperature

Women’s Flylow Daisy Pant

The Daisy Pant is built for those who like to layer up. With a traditionally cut fit and a straight-leg design, lined with a thin layer of Micro Puff insulation, these pants will have you looking good and staying dry even on the coldest days. The Daisy’s stretchy 2-layer waterproof design has both the function and protection for even the most discerning skier.

Benefits:

• Micro Puff insulation keeps you warm without the bulk
• High-performance DWR (Durable Water Repellent) keeps you dry
• Adjustable waist for better fit

Be Aware:

• Some buyers report fit issues, particularly a fit that is too big or too small in the waist

Flylow Women's Foxy Bib

Flylow’s Foxy Bib is the pinnacle of style and functionality. Its flattering and functional Tactic 3-layer soft shell fabric design comes packed with features: A Kangaroo chest pouch for storing those must-have items, large thigh vents for warmer runs, and perfectly placed thigh pockets to stash your phone.

Benefits:

• Recycled 3-layer soft shell fabric
• Higher waist to keep snow out
• Adjustable vents to regulate temperature

Be Aware:

• Some buyers report a tight fit in the thigh area

How to Choose the Right Flylow Pants

Just as every winter enthusiast has a unique style, finding the right Flylow pants is a personalized journey. Let’s take a quick look at three hypothetical Curated customers, each which represent different “skier personas,” and my recommendations for their perfect pant.

Freeride Fiona: The Off-Piste Explorer

Fiona is an adventurous spirit, and she loves venturing into off-piste terrains where freedom of movement, durability, and weather protection are paramount. Her riding style takes her into some beautiful untouched powder, but also leaves her vulnerable to cold, wet snow.

Features Fiona should look for:

• Reinforced knees for added durability in the off-piste areas
• Waterproof zippers for reliable water resistance
• A fit that doesn’t compromise flexibility
• Breathable design to keep from getting too hot

Example: Flylow Women's Moxie Bib

Powder Penny: The Powder Enthusiast

Penny’s heart beats for the thrill of fresh powder. This often has her chasing snow storms, and colder weather in general. Penny’s passion for conquering untouched powder-covered slopes has her looking for cold-weather gear.

Features Penny should look for:

• Reinforced design with fully taped seams for added durability
• Powder gaiters with reinforced cuffs to keep the snow out
• High-performance DWR (Durable Water Repellent) to stay dry
• Zippered pockets to keep her gadgets dry and safe

Example: Flylow Women's Kimberly Bib

Slopeside Steve: The Piste Prodigy

Steve is a master of on-piste skiing, carving his way through groomed resort trails with precision and style. For Steve, ski pants need to blend comfort and style with performance, allowing for effortless turns and plenty of maneuverability on the slopes.

Features Steve should look for:

• A tailored fit to avoid any extra material limiting his movement
• Breathable design for optimal temperature control
• Waterproof zippers to protect against any unexpected weather conditions

Example: Flylow Men's Cage Pants

Find the Best Flylow Pants For You

Whether you're the off-piste explorer, the powder enthusiast, or the piste prodigy, Flylow has crafted a pant tailored to your unique alpine tale. Here's to a winter filled with thrills, style, and unmatched performance. If you’re still in need of some extra guidance on the perfect pant for you, chat with a Curated Expert for free, personalized advice—they can help you find the exact gear you are looking for!