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August, 2024

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Is Flylow REALLY that good?

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WoFIowz
Posts: 9788 - Karma: 72,404
Everyone raves about their products, especially the Bakers Bib which is hella expensive. It does look nice and functional though. Does it really cost that much to make that shit or are they pricing to the quality, performance, and durability that they know people will pay for?

I'd love a good pair of bibs, but I just can't seem to justify dropping even half that on a piece of outerwear. Fuck I could buy another pair of skis. I can afford it but whyyyyyyy? Because it will last forever? For reference I got my first winter jacket at tjmaxx. My snow pants that I've had for 10ish years are from Burlington Coat Factory and cost me $25 and generally keep me dry but they soak up water like a wet rag. Current setup was a collective $70 from goodwill and also very happy with.
Aug 24 2020 1:30AM
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colorado_frenchy
Posts: 198 - Karma: 1,329
I grabbed a pair of their cage pants for 70 bucks and I love them, probably a huge upgrade already without dropping half a grand
Aug 24 2020 1:52AM
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f100prerunner
Posts: 504 - Karma: 1,313
Yes it protected me against all day rain last season
Aug 24 2020 1:54AM
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N41v131355
Posts: 212 - Karma: 368
I have baker bibs. They are burly. Also they are heavy. If you plan touring - probably not the best choice. After 2 seasons with 40-50 days they are good in terms of durability. However, their DWR is not as good as top tier manufacturers have. I think I washed them like twice, one time after each year, and now they soak really badly. Struggling with renewing the DWR now
Aug 24 2020 6:24AM
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JohnnyDope
Posts: 457 - Karma: 1,692
They do cost exactly $420...
Coincidence or?
Aug 24 2020 10:01AM
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bennwithtwons
Posts: 1278 - Karma: 9,435
i like my flylow gear but snow sticks to it pretty bad. i have used gearaid waterproofing spray and also had them professionally treated by TEC in truckee but i am still covered in snow all the time..
Aug 24 2020 10:53AM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1625 - Karma: 8,672
If you've been generally happy with your setup, you're probably not going to notice a big enough difference in performance to justify the price.

With that said, Flylow is not overpriced when you look at the whole market. I'd actually say they offer one of the better values on the market for what you get. IMO, they're not far off from brands like Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Strafe, Norrona, and high-end TNF stuff in terms of general performance and quality, but many of Flylow's products are not nearly as expensive vs. comparable options from other brands.

The Baker Bibs are also a unique product in the ski industry — almost no one is making a high-end, 3-layer, waterproof bib using face fabrics that burly. As noted above, the downside to the high-denier, less densely woven fabric is that snow sticks to it more, but if you want to get a waterproof bib that will last longer than nearly anything else on the market, the Baker Bib is pretty much the best option, especially for the price.

Not sure if their style is up your alley, but one of the newer brands that I've found to offer an exceptional value is Montec. Unfortunately, I think all of their pants / bibs are insulated (and pretty skinny), so that might be a dealbreaker, but I've been really impressed by their quality for the price.
Aug 24 2020 12:58PM
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rubberpantaloons
Posts: 506 - Karma: 3,097
If you want quality snowpants without dropping half a rack columbia insulated pants are the best
Aug 24 2020 1:24PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4681 - Karma: 16,388
If your timing is good you can find the Baker Bibs for ~$200
I picked up a pair let spring, they seem really well made but I have not had a chance to use them yet.
Aug 24 2020 2:32PM
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highpeak
Posts: 426 - Karma: 2,209
Full price I think Flylow is expensive but worth it for some items. However, they always have deals in the Spring. May not have a specific item in the exact color and size you want, but keep an eye on deals for sure if you're interested
Aug 24 2020 2:57PM
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WoFIowz
Posts: 9788 - Karma: 72,404
patagonialukeIf you've been generally happy with your setup, you're probably not going to notice a big enough difference in performance to justify the price.

With that said, Flylow is not overpriced when you look at the whole market. I'd actually say they offer one of the better values on the market for what you get. IMO, they're not far off from brands like Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Strafe, Norrona, and high-end TNF stuff in terms of general performance and quality, but many of Flylow's products are not nearly as expensive vs. comparable options from other brands.

The Baker Bibs are also a unique product in the ski industry — almost no one is making a high-end, 3-layer, waterproof bib using face fabrics that burly. As noted above, the downside to the high-denier, less densely woven fabric is that snow sticks to it more, but if you want to get a waterproof bib that will last longer than nearly anything else on the market, the Baker Bib is pretty much the best option, especially for the price.

Not sure if their style is up your alley, but one of the newer brands that I've found to offer an exceptional value is Montec. Unfortunately, I think all of their pants / bibs are insulated (and pretty skinny), so that might be a dealbreaker, but I've been really impressed by their quality for the price.


Oh wow those are sick and price is respectable. Yeah skinny pants are a deal breaker cuz I don't skip leg day. Also no vents on inside of legs? That's an immediate deal breaker
Aug 24 2020 5:24PM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1625 - Karma: 8,672
Trumpkin2020Oh wow those are sick and price is respectable. Yeah skinny pants are a deal breaker cuz I don't skip leg day. Also no vents on inside of legs? That's an immediate deal breaker


Yeah I've noticed them getting more and more popular in the States so I hope that they start expanding their line with some shell options, non-skinny fits, etc. Cause otherwise, they offer a lot to like in my experience.
Aug 24 2020 6:06PM
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animator
Posts: 4547 - Karma: 26,214
patagonialukeIf you've been generally happy with your setup, you're probably not going to notice a big enough difference in performance to justify the price.

With that said, Flylow is not overpriced when you look at the whole market. I'd actually say they offer one of the better values on the market for what you get. IMO, they're not far off from brands like Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Strafe, Norrona, and high-end TNF stuff in terms of general performance and quality, but many of Flylow's products are not nearly as expensive vs. comparable options from other brands.

The Baker Bibs are also a unique product in the ski industry — almost no one is making a high-end, 3-layer, waterproof bib using face fabrics that burly. As noted above, the downside to the high-denier, less densely woven fabric is that snow sticks to it more, but if you want to get a waterproof bib that will last longer than nearly anything else on the market, the Baker Bib is pretty much the best option, especially for the price.

Not sure if their style is up your alley, but one of the newer brands that I've found to offer an exceptional value is Montec. Unfortunately, I think all of their pants / bibs are insulated (and pretty skinny), so that might be a dealbreaker, but I've been really impressed by their quality for the price.

Isnt Montec the brand that got clowned because it looks exactly like a brand that rich fucks that only ski once a year at Jackson Hole would buy? I’ve seen their stuff and that’s what it looks like but obviously can’t judge a book by its cover so if you say it’s good then it’s probably good but damn it looks like rich gaper wear
Aug 24 2020 11:16PM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1625 - Karma: 8,672
animatorIsnt Montec the brand that got clowned because it looks exactly like a brand that rich fucks that only ski once a year at Jackson Hole would buy? I’ve seen their stuff and that’s what it looks like but obviously can’t judge a book by its cover so if you say it’s good then it’s probably good but damn it looks like rich gaper wear


Idk about it looking like a rich brand — it's owned by the same people as DOPE outerwear and from what I understand is basically an internationally available version of that brand, so I know some people have gotten confused about that. But I feel like it's too fashion forward / risky in terms of aesthetics, not expensive enough, and doesn't look enough like TNF / Patagonia / Arc to be rich gaper apparel.

Given its rising popularity, at least in CO, I see it becoming the uniform of Front Range weekend warriors, but it's still not popular enough to quite be taboo yet. Mostly I just think the quality is good for the price, we'll see who ends up adopting it and what kind of crowd it ends up being associated with...
Aug 24 2020 11:28PM
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Liam_j10
Posts: 508 - Karma: 2,442
The waterproofing from a high quality shell like the baker makes a huge difference imo. Armada always has amazing pants too
Aug 24 2020 11:54PM
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PKchu
Posts: 1158 - Karma: 5,943
I ski just about every day, mostly in the backcountry and on my sled, and Flylow holds up super well. I've never gotten wet, and when all the vents are closed the insulation is pretty insane. My pants (firebird bib), even with rubbing around on the sled all the time, have held up super well. Highly recommend.
Aug 25 2020 1:18AM
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rojo.grande
Posts: 1407 - Karma: 11,464
if you're gonna spend that kind of money just get trew gear
Aug 25 2020 5:14PM
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Kevski
Posts: 7056 - Karma: 2,785
evan.schuif you're gonna spend that kind of money just get trew gear


Or get both with after-season discounts! Got a pair of trewths and bakers - trews a bit lighter and slimmer, bakers more burly and baggy. Both super high quality.

**This post was edited on Aug 26th 2020 at 11:32:33am
Aug 25 2020 9:11PM
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Alextheskibum
Posts: 63 - Karma: 423
Flylow hands down makes the best outerwear in skiing. Yes their bibs are marked on the high end but that is because you are getting the best bibs out there. All of their other pants options are just as good for cheaper prices. They also make excellent jackets and gloves. I guarantee your Flylow pants will last you forever as they are bomb proof, not to mention the knees are reinforced with fire hose patch material!
Aug 26 2020 12:15AM
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tcurle
Posts: 1253 - Karma: 5,256
Going into year two with my Baker Bibs and they still look like new. I've got a few cuts in the Carhartt-like material at the bottom of the pants from ski edges but other than that they are still solid.
Aug 26 2020 2:10AM
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WoFIowz
Posts: 9788 - Karma: 72,404
tcurleGoing into year two with my Baker Bibs and they still look like new. I've got a few cuts in the Carhartt-like material at the bottom of the pants from ski edges but other than that they are still solid.

This is good to hear. I'm probably gonna pick up a pair on sale. I assume they'll last me a good 5-10yrs considering I use my gear til it's tattered, resewn and tattered again lol.
Aug 26 2020 2:30AM
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Chunderface
Posts: 2483 - Karma: 9,641
I've had a pair of Baker bibs for 4 seasons and used the fuck out of them. They are dank for sure. Not waterproof anymore but whatever. Compared to the quality of something like Saga or other lower tiered priced brands, there's just no comparison. They are the real deal versus more of a toy.
Aug 26 2020 3:11AM
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tcurle
Posts: 1253 - Karma: 5,256
Trumpkin2020This is good to hear. I'm probably gonna pick up a pair on sale. I assume they'll last me a good 5-10yrs considering I use my gear til it's tattered, resewn and tattered again lol.


I feel like I cou,d get five years out of mine. Also they are black so I'm set.
Aug 26 2020 7:29PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37166 - Karma: 116,496
their mitts fucking rule, honestly. rugged and tough as hell and warm as fuck as long as you take decent care of them, and cheap. Kinda done with hestra ever since lol

**This post was edited on Aug 29th 2020 at 1:59:40pm
Aug 29 2020 1:58PM
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Hellblazer_23
Posts: 526 - Karma: 1,919
buy full tilts
Sep 13 2020 8:52PM
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Dandurand
Posts: 95 - Karma: 35
great quality but the i find the fit to be odd. Jackets could be a bit longer and narrower.
Sep 15 2020 1:32AM
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JaquinGuzman
Posts: 112 - Karma: 350
Most Bomber outerwear made.
Sep 15 2020 12:40PM
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Chunderface
Posts: 2483 - Karma: 9,641
Dandurandgreat quality but the i find the fit to be odd. Jackets could be a bit longer and narrower.


Yeah, and their pants are always short on me, and I have a kinda short inseam for my waist. It's weird.
Sep 15 2020 1:09PM
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TheWeaz
Posts: 803 - Karma: 1,903
Flylow has one thing dialed, and thats the durability of the baker bib.

everywhere else there are brands way ahead of them. The chest pocket set up is wack if you actually want to carry a beacon, phone, camera batteries, snack etc. the plastic buckles always end up under my backpack strap on flylow bibs, and they only stay waterproof for half a season.

trew and dakine have the more dialed in chest pockets, Northface brigandine bibs have velcro straps with no buckles, and goretex pro stomps all over flylow for waterproofing. But no one has all of these put together.
Sep 15 2020 11:53PM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,751
best cost vs quality out there
Sep 17 2020 11:48PM
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