Reviews You Can Rely On

Flylow Chemical Pant Review

Sturdy pants for the regular user that values weather protection and style over freedom of motion and comfort
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Flylow Chemical Pant Review
Credit: Flylow
Price:  $365 List
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Manufacturer:   Flylow
By Jediah Porter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jan 17, 2024
66
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#14 of 19
  • Weather Resistance - 25% 8.0
  • Fit and Comfort - 25% 6.0
  • Ventilation - 20% 6.0
  • Warmth - 10% 5.0
  • Features - 10% 7.0
  • Style - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

The FlyLow Chemical Pant is a basic, functional, and durable pair of ski and snowboard pants. They'll last seasons and seasons, and keep out the gnarliest of weather along the way. We wish that the tailoring and fabrics allowed for more freedom of motion. Overall, though, we verify that these pants are legit. They also make more of a style statement than several other models in our test group.
REASONS TO BUY
Rugged and weather-ready
REASONS TO AVOID
Waterproof but non-confidence inspiring water repellant
Stiff fabric
Confining cut

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line These rugged pants are made for heavy users that require stout protection and baggy styleComfortable, flexible pants for ski touring and sunny days at the resortPlenty of performance for a low priceDecent ski bibs for an excellent priceThese 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%)
8.0
5.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
Fit and Comfort (25%)
6.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Ventilation (20%)
6.0
9.0
5.0
5.0
6.0
Warmth (10%)
5.0
4.0
7.0
4.0
8.0
Features (10%)
7.0
10.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
Style (10%)
7.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
5.0
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


flylow chemical pant - lead test editor and ifmga mountain guide jediah porter in the...
Lead test editor and IFMGA mountain guide Jediah Porter in the Chemical Snow Pants during an avalanche course.
Credit: Benja Glatz

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.

flylow chemical pant - the chemical snow pants snap to flylow ski jackets for a high level...
The Chemical Snow pants snap to FlyLow ski jackets for a high level of protection.
Credit: Jediah Porter

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.

flylow chemical pant - for maximum airflow, we love the dual vents of the chemical snow...
For maximum airflow, we love the dual vents of the Chemical snow pants. That's two vents per leg that virtually turn your pants into shorts.
Credit: Jediah Porter

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.

flylow chemical pant - the baggy cuffs of the flylow chemical offer refreshing boot...
The baggy cuffs of the FlyLow Chemical offer refreshing boot adjustments. The overall trend to slimmer ski pants is welcome, except when making boot buckle adjustments.
Credit: Jediah Porter

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.

flylow chemical pant - the flylow chemical ski pants are color coordinated with a variety...
The FlyLow Chemical ski pants are color coordinated with a variety of FlyLow jacket options.
Credit: Jediah Porter

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.

flylow chemical pant - deep snow, fast moves, hard charging. for rough-and-tumble skiers...
Deep snow, fast moves, hard charging. For rough-and-tumble skiers riding it all, the robust construction of FlyLow gear inspires confidence.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Conclusion


FlyLow Chemical Pants are normal uninsulated ski pants that are baggy and super durable.

Jediah Porter