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Flylow Lab Coat Review

A minimalist shell jacket with great weather resistance for resort and backcountry skiing
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Flylow Lab Coat Review
Credit: Backcountry
Price:  $550 List
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Manufacturer:   Flylow
By Jeff Dobronyi ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Sep 29, 2023
67
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#11 of 18
  • Warmth - 20% 3.0
  • Weather Resistance - 20% 8.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 20% 6.0
  • Ventilation - 20% 10.0
  • Style - 10% 7.0
  • Features - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

Flylow Gear has produced an excellent, lightweight ski shell in the Lab Coat. It is designed for those who need the versatility of a shell that can perform well both at the resort and in the backcountry. We were impressed by its weather resistance, durability, and breathability at a price slightly below other models in the shell top echelon. It has enough pockets and features to be useful and nothing else, which keeps the weight down for human-powered missions. This jacket is also one of the more breathable jackets we have ever tested due largely to the eVent waterproof/breathable membrane. This jacket should be on your shortlist if you split your time between the resort and the backcountry. See our full ski jacket review to find out how it ranks next to the competition.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Great ventilation
Highly weather resistant
REASONS TO AVOID
Provides little warmth
Limited color options
Thin shell material
Editor's Note: We updated this review on September 29, 2023, to share information on the Flylow Lab Coat's new waterproofing material.

Compare to Similar Products

 
flylow lab coat
This Product
Flylow Lab Coat
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Ski Jacket
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Best Buy Award
Best Buy Award
Best Ski Jacket Under 100$
Price $550 List
$524.95 at Backcountry
$500.00 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$319 List
$319.00 at REI
$199 List
$98.83 at REI
$73 List
$64.98 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Resort or backcountry, this lightweight shell will keep you dryWe can't picture a better all-around jacket for skiingThis shell nearly matches the performance of much more expensive productsThis jacket doesn't excel in any attribute, but it doesn't fall short eitherThis inexpensive and warm jacket ticks all the boxes for a solid ski jacket
Rating Categories Flylow Lab Coat Helly Hansen Alpha... REI Co-op First Cha... REI Co-op Powderbou... GEMYSE Men's Mounta...
Warmth (20%)
3.0
8.0
4.0
6.0
7.0
Weather Resistance (20%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Comfort and Fit (20%)
6.0
10.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
Ventilation (20%)
10.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
3.0
Style (10%)
7.0
9.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
Features (10%)
6.0
10.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
Specs Flylow Lab Coat Helly Hansen Alpha... REI Co-op First Cha... REI Co-op Powderbou... GEMYSE Men's Mounta...
Main Fabric 100% nylon 2-layer stretch polyester Recycled polyester Nylon Unknown
Insulation None LifaLoft synthetic None 60g polyester sleeves, 80g polyester body Synthetic and faux-fleece
Pockets 2 handwarmer, 2 chest, 1 internal mesh 2 handwarmer, 2 chest, 1 internal chest, 1 internal mesh, 1 sleeve 2 handwarmer, 2 chest flap, 2 chest zipper, 1 internal zipper, 1 intenal mesh, 1 sleeve 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest, 1 sleeve, 1 internal zippered chest, 1 internal mesh 2 handwarmer, 1 chest, 1 internal zip, 1 internal stash
Weight (size large) 1.46 lbs 2.56 lbs 1.73 lbs 1.81 lbs 3.63 lbs
Water Resistance eVent w/ Direct Venting Expedition Technology Helly Tech Professional Gore-Tex 2-layer waterproof breathable laminate Unknown
Hood Adjustable Adjustable and removable Adjustable Adjustable Removable
Pit-Zips Open Mesh-backed Yes Yes No
Cuff construction Velcro Interior stretchy wrist gaiters and external velcro cuffs Velcro Interior wide hook-and-loop adjustments and external velcro Stretchy wrist gaiters and external velcro
Powder skirt Yes, removable Yes Yes Yes No
RECCO No Yes No No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

Updated for 23/24 Season
Since we tested the Lab Coat, Flylow has switched the waterproof material from eVent to their proprietary Intuitive Perm HD 3L fabric, which is designed to be waterproof and air-permeable. We've yet to test the jacket with the updated material, so the rest of this review only references our experience with the version of the Lab Coat that uses eVent material. However, our affiliate links point towards the latest model.

The Flylow Lab Coat is a lightweight, waterproof hardshell that is at home in the expert areas of the resort and the backcountry. Weather resistance and ventilation are the main strengths of this jacket, but it also delivers good ski features and style.

Performance Comparison


flylow lab coat - deep powder and cold temps were the settings for most of this ski...
Deep powder and cold temps were the settings for most of this ski jacket review testing.
Credit: tom causley

Warmth


The Lab Coat is a hardshell jacket that is not designed to provide much warmth. Rather, warmth comes from insulating layers worn underneath. That said, the jacket has great velcro sleeve closures and a well-fitting hood that keep warmth inside. Our testers noted that the shell seemed thin, and on a cold chairlift ride, wind penetrated the fabric more than other shell-only jackets. Still, users won't be buying this jacket to keep them warm.

flylow lab coat - the velcro cuff closures, high collar, and well-fitting hood all...
The velcro cuff closures, high collar, and well-fitting hood all help keep warmth inside the jacket.
Credit: tom causley

Weather Resistance


Weather resistance is the main job of a shell-only jacket, and the Lab Coat performs this duty well. The waterproof, breathable eVent fabric is completely waterproof and performed well in the dreaded shower test, never wetting out. We appreciate the robust sleeve cuff closures, and you can snap the removable powder skirt onto compatible Flylow ski pants. All zippers are waterproof, and all seams are tape sealed.

We noted that wind seemed to penetrate the Lab Coat slightly easier than other shell jackets that we have tested, which might be attributed to its excellent breathability (more on that later) and thin fabric, which is appropriate for high-output skiing and backcountry travel.

flylow lab coat - the lab coat provides adequate weather resistance for backcountry...
The Lab Coat provides adequate weather resistance for backcountry skiing, cutting through the wind on cold mornings at the trailhead.
Credit: tom causley

Comfort and Fit


Overall, the Lab Coat is relatively comfortable for a shell jacket, which can be crinkly, stiff, and abrasive. The outer fabric is thick enough to inspire confidence yet thin enough to be flexible. As such, this shell is great for users who do a lot of inbounds bootpacking and sidestepping active freeskiing, and uphill skinning in the backcountry. The soft, fleece patch that protects the chin from the zipper closure is also very comfortable.

flylow lab coat - we liked the flexible, thin fabric of the lab coat for backcountry...
We liked the flexible, thin fabric of the Lab Coat for backcountry ski touring and inbounds bootpacking.
Credit: tom causley

As with all shell jackets, the inner lining is less comfortable than other jackets that might feature a fleece lining or soft nylon. The weight savings are worth the sacrifice for those who will use the Lab Coat. Finally, we noticed that this jacket could feel slightly tight in the chest, so if you are on the fence about which size to get, go for the larger size.

Ventilation


This jacket has excellent ventilation. Long, mesh-free pit vents open wide to dump heat while traveling uphill or skiing hard on warmer days. Furthermore, the eVent fabric is highly breathable, allowing water vapor to escape the inside of the jacket during exertion. This jacket is perfect for hike-to terrain and backcountry skiing, where all of a sudden, those warm layers that keep you toasty on the downhill can make you sweat buckets on the uphill. Suppose you are the type of skier that is not interested in moving uphill. In that case, other shell options will provide slightly more weather resistance by sacrificing some ventilation.

flylow lab coat - the vents on this shell are long and mesh free, providing great...
The vents on this shell are long and mesh free, providing great airflow.
Credit: Sam Willits

Style


The style of the Lab Coat is sharp and well-tailored. The cut is not too tight and not too loose, meaning you don't end up looking like a park rat or a ski racer. The two-tone color panels look sharp and fast, and you'll stick out from a crowd. This can be a good thing if you are confident in your skiing ability. Others will avoid the somewhat provocative styling. We wish the Lab Coat came in more color options.

flylow lab coat - sharp lines and color panels give this jacket a distinct style and...
Sharp lines and color panels give this jacket a distinct style and help it stick out in a crowd.
Credit: tom causley

Features


The Lab Coat has just the right amount of ski features. Two handwarmer pockets and two chest pockets are all spacious and comfortable. There is a waterproof internal chest pocket that is very spacious and has a headphone port. The powder skirt works well and snaps into compatible Flylow pants, and is removable when you want to ditch the weight. We wish the jacket had a RECCO reflector because its target user group is the type that might be wandering out of the gates and into the sidecountry in search of fresh tracks.

flylow lab coat - on display are the removable powder skirt, internal chest pocket...
On display are the removable powder skirt, internal chest pocket, and headphone port.
Credit: Sam Willits

Should You Buy the Lab Coat?


This jacket is an excellent choice for those who split their time between the resort and the backcountry, with good weather resistance and ventilation. The Lab Coat isn't cheap, but it is cheaper than most Gore-Tex shells. It doesn't score the best overall, but the ratio of performance to value of this jacket is aimed towards a specific user group – our testers are fans.

What Other Ski Jackets Should You Consider?


For others who want a more robust shell for downhill performance in all weather conditions, the Arc'teryx Sabre Jacket is a very similar jacket that isn't quite as biting in the wind. For those committing to the backcountry, the Arc'teryx Rush is worth your consideration. If you're more of a casual skier – and certainly don't go uphill – the The North Face ThermoBall ECO Snow Triclimate is a 3-in-1 modular jacket that offers performance at an unparalleled price point.

flylow lab coat - the flylow lab coat is a great option for backcountry skiing and...
The Flylow Lab Coat is a great option for backcountry skiing and those who want weather resistance without much weight.
Credit: tom causley

Jeff Dobronyi