Flylow Chemical Pant Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
Flylow Chemical Pant | |||||
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Awards | Best for Backcountry | Best Bang for the Buck | Best Bargain for Bibs | ||
Price | $108.83 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $124.48 at Evo Compare at 4 sellers | $129.73 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $198.95 at Backcountry Compare at 5 sellers | $149 List $43.83 at REI |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | These rugged pants are made for heavy users that require stout protection and baggy style | Comfortable, flexible pants for ski touring and sunny days at the resort | Plenty of performance for a low price | Decent ski bibs for an excellent price | These pants are warm and moderately weather resistant, but not very stylish |
Rating Categories | Flylow Chemical Pant | Outdoor Research Tr... | Helly Hansen Legend... | The North Face Free... | REI Co-op Powderbou... |
Weather Resistance (25%) | |||||
Fit and Comfort (25%) | |||||
Ventilation (20%) | |||||
Warmth (10%) | |||||
Features (10%) | |||||
Style (10%) | |||||
Specs | Flylow Chemical Pant | Outdoor Research Tr... | Helly Hansen Legend... | The North Face Free... | REI Co-op Powderbou... |
Main fabric | Polyester | Nylon/Polyester/Spandex | Polyester | Recycled Nylon | Nylon |
Insulation | None | None | Polyester | Recycled polyester | Recycled polyester |
Waterproofing | Surface 3L | Ventia 3L Lower Legs | Helly Tech | DryVent 2L | 2-layer waterproof breathable laminate |
Waistline construction | Snap/zipper fly with adjustable tabs | Snap/zipper fly with adjustable tabs | Snap/zipper fly with adjustable tabs | Bibs | Button zip fly with hook/loop adjustment |
Weight (in pounds) | 1.56 lbs | 1.64 lbs | 1.30 lbs | 1.52 lbs | 1.64 lbs |
Weight (in grams) | 708 g | 744 g | 590 g | 689 g | 744 g |
# of Pockets | 3 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
Vents | Inner and outer thigh zips, no mesh | Outer thigh zips | Inner thigh zips | Inner thigh zips | Interior thigh zips |
Ski-specific features | Transciever pocket, elastic cuffs, scuff guard | Elastic cuffs, scuff guard, transceiver pocket, gussetted ankle zipper | Elastic Cuffs, Scuff Guards | Elastic cuffs, scuff guards | Scuff guards, elastic powder cuffs, elastic waist |
Recco | No | No | No | No | No |
Our Analysis and Test Results
These are sturdy, basic ski and snowboard pants in a baggy “dirtbag” style. The construction is very robust, and the materials are nearly top notch. Despite the baggy cut, the stiff fabric and a low crotch seem to inhibit freedom of motion more than other pants we've tested. When scored on our overall matrix, the Chemical Snow Pants are below average. The primary issues are fit and mobility.
Performance Comparison
Weather Resistance
FlyLow's proprietary “Intuitive” fabric will keep out the water. Sealed seams and waterproof zippers all-around complement this. New for this season, Flylow has introduced a new DWR finish that beads water much better than previous versions, so make sure you purchase a new pair, not one from an older season. The pants also feature buttons that attached to the powder skirt in Flylow jackets. Overall, the Chemical Pants are very weather resistant.
Fit and Comfort
One's first impression of the Chemical Pants is that they are big and baggy. If you are between sizes, we recommend sizing down. The fabric is also quite stiff. This inhibits motion. Further inhibiting motion is something about the tailoring. It seems that the crotch of the pants hangs lower, blocking some motion. There's enough motion for most ski and snowboard moves, but walking around and climbing, scrambling, or park time will meet resistance.
Ventilation
FlyLow pants top the ventilation charts. The dual leg vents (two, per leg!) lead the field and provide cross ventilation that none others provide. If you open both non-mesh-backed vents in a stiff breeze, it can feel almost as if you are wearing shorts. These pants are great for skiers who run warm or do a lot of hiking for fresh tracks, as is the norm at resorts like Alta, Bridger Bowl, or Jackson Hole.
Warmth
There is no insulation in the FlyLow Chemical Pant. Nonetheless, the thick fabric feels warmer than other “three-layer” style pants. Other shell pants feature a hanging mesh liner, but that is absent in these pants. As a result, and due to the stiff shell fabric, expect to wear long underwear when wearing these pants.
Features
Pockets are the primary feature of the Chemical Pant. There are only three of them, but each is lined with smooth nylon and sealed with a waterproof zipper. We like that.
Style
These are decidedly targeted to the youthful rider. The cut is baggy and low, and in general, we think Flylow pants try to emulate work clothes that landscapers or construction workers would wear. That style is popular in places with lots of young skiers, like Salt Lake City, Bozeman, Bellingham, and Burlington. It's less popular in destination resorts like Vail, Aspen, or Jackson Hole. They will stick right out in a racing environment or in European resorts. In general, these pants look more like work clothing than athletic wear, and those who like the style of these pants will not mind the sacrifices in comfort.
Value
These pants are not cheap, but they will last a long time. Construction and materials are robust enough to last many years of regular use. Your per-day cost will be lower than some more expensive but less durable options.
Conclusion
FlyLow Chemical Pants are normal uninsulated ski pants that are baggy and super durable.