Flylow Softshell

[iggyskier]

I've been wanting to get a softshell for awhile and had pretty much decided on getting the Norrona Schoeller Softshell. I was just talking with a friend about it and he said to check out a company called Flylow, so I went to the website and the softshells they have look really promising.

I am now considering the Flylow Kung Fu Jacket as well. This one doesn't come out until September, but they have another softshell jacket that has already been out for awhile I believe.

I was wondering if anyone has any info/experience with these softshells and maybe the pants? I know people on here love the Norrona jacket, but the Flylow jacket is $140 cheaper and seems to have everything I want in a softshell. Thanks!

[SafteySquad]

hey scott, my buddy is a rep for flylow. i don't really know much about them (except him and his girlfriend love them), but i could probably get some info about them. they seem pretty nice, i was thinking about maybe getting that jacket too. if you are ever back in boulder you could probably try on some of the shit he has, he is actually about the same size as you too.

[iggyskier]

I actually just tried on the Kung Fu Softshell in Golden! I liked it alot. It isnt as technical as the Noronna but I usually ski in hardshells anyway. And to save $140, it seems worth it. I am going to think about it for awhile I guess.

[baxter]

Get it. Flylow is a great company. I want the orange one.

[3pin]

I have the original Flylow softshell (the Black Coat), and a pair of the Drop Kick Pants (as well as a pair of the Norrona Lofoten pants). I'd say get the new Flylow softshell. The old one is nice, but it doesn't breathe all that well. It's great for cruising around, and I find myself wearing it alot, but it does get a little sweaty, especially on the upper back/shoulders. But, the Kung Fu jacket was basically to fix that problem, so you should be set with that. The large hood is really nice, and the cut is pretty comfortable, too.

As for the pants, they're f'ing bomber. I've loved the Norrona pants, which I got because of their reputation for holding up well, and the Flylows are actually a step up in terms of durability. I had an early pair of the Flylow pants for testing, so I know they've tweaked things since, but all-in-all, they're awesome (I think the new ones even snap into the jackets to keep the snow out on powder days).

My 2 cents.

[iggyskier]

The rep I talked to said the new one was something ridiculous like 700x more breathable. He said the first one was not that breathable at all.

Any more info on how the Norrona and Flypants fit? I like my pants to be fairly baggy/loose. Do you prefer one pant to the other?

[3pin]

The rep I talked to said the new one was something ridiculous like 700x more breathable. He said the first one was not that breathable at all.

Any more info on how the Norrona and Flypants fit? I like my pants to be fairly baggy/loose. Do you prefer one pant to the other?

Iggy... I tend to go with the traditional mountain brands (Patagonia, Marmot, Cloudveil, etc, etc) for their quality, but I always have a hard time finding pants that I really like, because half of them are made for skinny little ice climbing dudes. Neither the Norrona Lofoten nor the Flylow Drop Kick pants have that problem. They're not really hanging-off your ass baggy, but they're both very loose and relaxed. The Lofotens have the more traditional cut of the two, with the Flylow's being a little bigger. I ordered the L's in both, and I probably could do with a M in the Flylow pants (I'm a 34), which I can't wear without a belt.

Norrona vs Flylow? I switch back and forth between the two. The Flylow's have more and better vents than the Norronas, and feel a little more breathable. The Norrona's aren't quite as warm (they're thinner), but they're lighter and probably a little more waterproof (straight XCR). Although the Flylow's have seen a lot of storm days, and I've been very impressed. The Norrona's best part is the zip-off bibs, which is awesome for taking one pair of pants and making it excel for day-to-day and storm days.

Honestly, the decision of which ones to wear each day last season came mostly down to whether or not I felt like wearing bright green pants (Norrona) or brown ones (Flylow).

-Graham

[iggyskier]

3pin - thanks for the help. Exactly what I wanted to know. Looks like some Flylow gear will be mine before the upcoming season! Only wish they had examples of what the colors looked like on the website. Either way, they sound awesome.

[ECbum]

Gregy and Dan at Flylow are working their butts off to build gear that can keep up with them...anyone who has seen greg ski can attest to those limits. Sick gear for sick birds. bump to Flylow...