FLYLOW BILLIE COAT & MOXIE BIBS - WOMEN'S KIT REVIEW
As a longtime Flylow fan, I am impressed yet again with their outerwear, this year with the Women’s Billie Coat and Moxie Bibs. In my continuous search for women’s ski outerwear that not only looks and feels right, but also fits appropriately and comfortably, I find myself turning to Flylow time and again. From the cut to the fabric, I think the company does a fantastic job with their products, designing outerwear that truly makes a statement. Anyone who is anyone in the ski industry knows the brand Flylow, and for good reason. When it comes to buying outerwear, I have struggled as a female ex-park/freeride skier. A lot of companies today offer bright, feminine colors with a tapered cut at the waist, featuring a more flattering fit. While there is certainly a market for that style, I personally look for a straighter, looser fitting cut. All this to say, Flylow really hit the nail on the head with their women’s outerwear products, blending the perfect amount of femininity with functionality and fit.
Offering a diverse range of options for ski jackets, women can choose between 800-fill down jackets, technical hardshells, and insulated softshells. Whether you’re touring in the backcountry or riding the lifts, Flylow has the jacket for you. As someone who spends the majority of their time at the resort but enjoys touring as well, having versatile outerwear is crucial. The Billie Coat is exactly that–a highly versatile, hardshell jacket designed with technical features and fabric, making it applicable in all conditions. While it is considered a backcountry coat, I have been wearing it at the resort all season and consider it my all-in-one jacket. Great for resort riding and designed for whatever mother nature throws at you, it is also a perfect jacket for touring, with ample breathability and ventilation.
Starting off with the fit, I wear a size small, which I find perfect for my height and body type. I am 5’3 and 110 lbs and find it to be comfortable and flattering. Featuring more of a freeride cut, I love the length, with the front sitting a little below my waist and the cut in the back running a little longer, which I really like. Based on the fact that I prefer my outerwear to be a little bit baggier/looser fitting, I think the small is perfect. If you prefer your ski jacket more form fitting, the XS would be a better option. I will also add that with the size small, I can fit a decent amount of layers underneath and with it being uninsulated, it is ideal to have more room for layering. Aside from the fit, I can’t help but love the color, which is named Mars. I have received a lot of compliments on both the look and fit of the Billie Coat.
Looking next at the fabrics, Flylow designed this coat with variable weather conditions in mind, ensuring protection from the elements and all-day comfort. Living in Vermont, there’s really no sure way to know what a day on the mountain will bring, which is why a reliable, stormproof ski jacket is essential. The Billie Coat is equipped with a surface 3-layer hardshell fabric made of 100% polyester, providing breathability and lightweight protection. In addition, it is topped off with a 20k/20k waterproof, breathable membrane with a high performance DWR treatment, guaranteeing protection from all forms of precipitation. Lastly, this coat is fully seam taped and has YKK waterproof zippers. Between the waterproof, breathable membrane and lightweight, soft feel, I am very impressed with the performance of this jacket.
Lastly, we look at the numerous features of the Billie Coat. Starting with the pockets- there are 4 external pockets, including a pass pocket, and 3 internal pockets. I always ski with various items on me, including a snack, car key, headphones and my phone. Having spacious, reliable pockets to store belongings in is key, not to mention the convenience of the pass pocket. With two side pockets and one chest pocket, I have options and space for my things. For the internal pockets, there is a smaller zippered pocket that I tend to keep my car key in and two other pockets by the waist. In addition, there is a removable powder skirt, helmet compatible hood, and underarm vents that round out the features on this coat.
Onto the Moxie Bib, I wear a size small and chose the color black. I have always really loved the fit of the Flylow bibs, particularly this style. Always between an XS and S, I am really happy with the cut and fit of these. Featuring a relaxed, straight leg fit, I find the style to work perfectly, not only with my preference but also with the Billie Coat as well. Similar to the sizing in the coat, I could definitely wear an XS in the bibs but prefer a looser fitting pant. Flattering and technically built, the Moxie Bibs are ideal for both resort and backcountry skiing, with ample breathability, waterproofness, and durability.
Versatile and lightweight, the Moxie Bibs are made with surface 3-layer hardshell fabric and 100% polyester to provide reliable protection and dryness. On the interior, recycled tactic 3-layer softshell fabric and 100% polyester material makes them stretchy and pliable, moving intuitively with your body. Topping off the weather-proof nature, a 20k/20k waterproof, breathable membrane deters moisture while allowing for ventilation and breathability. To provide extra durability, thicker material was used on the knees and ankle cuffs. Finished off with a DWR treatment and fully seam taped, these pants really step up to the challenge of winter weather. As for features, the Moxie Bibs include 2 mid-thigh pockets, one pleated with a beacon attachment, 2 chest pockets, and 1 seat pocket. Despite the smaller sized vertical chest pocket, I do like having the option of a reach through as well. The 2 thigh pockets are nice and spacious and sit flush against your legs, while the seat pocket is zippered and adds convenience. One of the best features of these bibs is the long exterior zipper that provides easy entry, as well as the option to use the restroom without having to fully take them off. And lastly, the powder gaiters are crucial and sit nicely on my ski boots, preventing any snow from getting inside.
In my continuous search for women’s outerwear that not only fits my style but is comfortable and technical, I can always rely on Flylow. Not only are they designed with high quality materials and beneficial features, but they also seem to fit and feel even better. I think Flylow has found the perfect blend of feminine and athletic without sacrificing high performance and technical details. As my go-to outfit for most days, whether I’m exploring in the backcountry or hitting the resorts, I am extremely satisfied with the Flylow Women’s Billie Coat and Moxie Bib.
