Gear Review: Flylow Billie Coat – Women’s

A burly ski jacket for women that’s functional and stylish

If I’m completely honest, what initially attracted me to the Flylow Billie Coat were the colors… Mainly, the purple (I’m a sucker for a good purple). However, once I started researching the jacket, I discovered that ladies loved it. Since I’ve been skiing with it for the 2015-16 season, I understand why the Billie Coat is so popular and well-liked among female skiers – it’s a pretty bomber jacket.

The Flylow Billie Coat is a three-walled ski shell that offers waterproof protection in the elements. It’s designed by skiers and made for skiers. The fit is on-point, the colors are stylish and key functionality features add to its technical performance.

Product usage:

• Well-used, I’ve skied with it for the majority of 2015-2016 ski season
• Mainly resort skiing (although, it is designed to be used in the backcountry)

The Billie Coat is well-designed in terms of style and functionality, which can be hard to come by. The colors are vibrant and tasteful with complimentary zipper accents. With Flylow’s proprietary outerwear fabric and pit zips, the breathability of this ski jacket is excellent. It’s also more affordable considering other performance outerwear options (the Billie Coat is still an investment, but it’s less expensive than other performance jackets on the market).

Pros

Besides the obvious waterproof ski shell, stylish colors and breathability, there are some specific standout features for the Billie Coat.

1. Helmet compatible hood

Unlike some jackets that say they have a “helmet compatible” hood, the Billie Coat really does. It fits comfortably over my ski helmet with enough coverage over the face to keep you warm yet unrestricted while skiing.

2. Women’s Fit

The fit of the Billie Coat is spot on with the women’s / freeride fit. It’s long enough to provide coverage, but not too long. It’s relaxed enough to allow room for layering underneath, but not too baggy. Overall, I’m super pleased with the fit and consider it a style win for Flylow.

3. Functional Pockets

The pockets are well thought out and in perfect locations. The ski pass pocket allows for easy lift access and the media compatible pocket is great for skiers (including myself) who listen to tunes.

Cons

1. Narrow cuffs

The only downside to this jacket are the narrow wrist sleeves (which are actually a product feature). My gloves are designed to fit under my cuffs and with the Billie Coat, the cuffs are barely wide enough to accommodate them. I will likely get over-the-cuff gloves to adapt (I need a warmer pair of gloves anyway) and imagine this will not be an issue anymore.

Product Features

• 3-Layer Nylon Dobby Intuitive™ Fabric (Flylow’s proprietary fabric)
• High Performance DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish
• Women’s / freeride fit
• Helmet compatible hood
• “No bulk” cuffs
• Articulated shoulders and sleeves
• 7 internal and external pockets (including a ski pass pocket on the left sleeve and a media player compatible chest pocket)
• Underarm vents
• Removable powder skirt
• Waterproof zippers and fully taped seams

Find the Billie Coat on Evo.