REASONS TO BUY
Good value
Weather resistant
Breathable
Comfy
REASONS TO AVOID
One-way pit zips
Heavier than some other shells
Non-insulating
Flylow Lucy Review
This jacket is a top-tier shell offered at a fraction of the price of some of the highest-end shells
Credit: Flylow
By Jacqueline Kearney ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ January 13, 2023
RELATED: The Best Ski Jackets for Women
Our Verdict
The Flylow Lucy is a well-thought-out shell with the ability to switch from the resort to backcountry with ease. This jacket is quite breathable and weather resistant and allows for great ease of movement on high-output pursuits. In the world of semi-technical non-insulated shells, the Lucy shines as a lower-cost option.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Flylow Lucy | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Insulated Ski Jacket |  Best Value Shell Jacket |  Best Pockets | Best Under $100 | |
| Price | $420 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) | $399 List Check Patagonia (on sale!) | $400 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) | $375 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $70 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This jacket is a top-tier shell offered at a fraction of the price of some of the highest-end shells | For versatile insulated warmth and a looser fit, this jacket is a top option | An excellent value for a high performing technical shell that serves inbounds or in the backcountry | For a relaxed fit and full storm coverage, this insulated jacket is a top pick | While it's budget-friendly, this jacket does not compare to higher end options in any metric, although it's acceptably warm for infrequent use |
| Rating Categories | Flylow Lucy | Patagonia Insulated... | Outdoor Research Car... | Outdoor Research Sno... | Wantdo Mountain Hooded |
| Warmth (20%) | |||||
| Weather Resistance (20%) | |||||
| Comfort and Fit (20%) | |||||
| Breathability (20%) | |||||
| Style (10%) | |||||
| Features (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Flylow Lucy | Patagonia Insulated... | Outdoor Research Car... | Outdoor Research Sno... | Wantdo Mountain Hooded |
| Main Fabric | 100% polyester | 150D postconsumer recycled polyester | 100% nylon | 75D X 150D Plain Weave Mechanical Stretch polyester | 150D Dull Mechanical Elastic |
| Insulation | None | Body: 80g Thermogreen recycled polyester Sleeves: 40g Thermogreen recycled polyester |
None | VerticalX Eco | 240g synthetic insulation |
| Waterproofing | PFAS-Free DWR | 2-layer H2No waterproof membrane with PFC-free DWR | 3-layer Pertex Shield | Ventia 2L | DWR, PU membrane |
| Pockets | 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest, 1 zippered sleeve, 1 interior with media port | 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest, 1 zippered internal stash, 1 internal drop-in, 1 zippered forearm pocket | 2 zippered chest, 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered arm, 1 internal mesh, 1 internal zippered chest | 2 hand, 1 zippered chest, 1 zippered forearm pass pocket, 1 interior chest with media port, 1 internal drop in | 2 zippered hand, 1 internal stash, 1 internal zippered 1 zippered chest, 1 forearm |
| Weight | 1.2 lb | 1.7 lb | 1.2 lb | 1.3 lb | 3.0lb |
| Hood Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, removable |
| Pit Zips | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cuff construction | Velcro | Velcro | Velcro | Velcro, wrist gaiters | Wrist gaiters |
| Powder skirt | Yes, removable | Yes, snap away | Yes | Yes | Yes, snap away |
| RECCO | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Flylow continues to be a tried and true option when it comes to resort-oriented shells with the Flylow Lucy Jacket. This jacket ticks all the boxes when it comes to a burly shell for the resort and backcountry alike, all at a fraction of the price of the very high-end shells.
Testing the Flylow Lucy on a cold resort day in late November. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
Warmth
As a non-insulated shell, the Lucy will not provide much warmth, so you'll want to layer underneath appropriately. This jacket material is backed with jersey and a small amount of tricot on the collar. Where this jacket shines is in the thicker softshell's windbreaking ability. We did not experience any drafts, even through the zippers on this jacket. Still, on cold days, you'll definitely want to layer up.
While the jersey-backed softshell material of the Lucy is soft to the touch, you'll definitely want to bring your own insulation with this jacket. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
Weather Resistance
The Tactic 3L proprietary softshell material from Flylow does a great job at beading water, breaking wind, and resisting wet-through. The 100 denier fabric feels burly and kept us dry all day long, even on the wettest powder days. This jacket is also equipped with highly effective water-resistant zippers at all external pockets.
We loved how well the DWR treatment beaded water while using this jacket in all precipitation, even some early season slush. The fully-taped seams also did an excellent job of keeping water out on the shoulders and the joints of the hood. The helmet-compatible hood and tall collar kept snow off of our faces and heads.
The tall collar of the Lucy was plenty wide enough to protect our lower faces form wind and weather. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
Comfort and Fit
This jacket is one of our favorite fits. The Flylow Lucy has an incredible amount of stretch and mobility for the thickness of its material. We found it very easy to move our shoulders and chest on long hikes and bootpacks in this jacket. The jersey-backed softshell material is soft and comfortable to the touch, and the high collar is also fully lined with brushed tricot to prevent any chafing when you snug up behind it.
A little detail we found to really increase mobility was the split hem. It left room for wide hips and muscular legs, but had the option to cinch down and keep out snow with the adjustable hem. This jacket also left plenty of room for layering without being excessively roomy.
The split hem of the Flylow Lucy was an extra layer of freedom for big action days on and off the resort. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
Breathability
The softshell material of the Flylow Lucy is one of the most breathable out there. We found that the 20k/20k waterproof/breathable membrane performed nearly as well as some of the most expensive ski jackets. We took this jacket ski touring and on long bootpacks and found it let water vapor and excess heat escape, keeping us dry from the inside and out.
When it got a little too warm to keep the hatches battened down, the 12" pit zips on this jacket were extremely effective at dumping heat and increasing airflow. Our only complaint here is that the pit zips only have a one-way zipper, which can make them a bit challenging to open.
The tall water-resistant pit zips on the Flylow Lucy offered great ventilation. We only wish they had a two-way zipper for easier closure. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
Style
The Lucy comes in a few different muted solid colors and a few brighter color-blocked patterns, offering something for almost every style. We love the contrasting water-resistant taped zips on every version. This jacket also had a flattering tapered cut and dropped hem that contributed to its freeride look.
Our favorite elements of this jacket are the more subtle stylistic features in its cut. The hem has a split edge that is clean and unique. The back of the hood has geometric overlapping fabric that is a very nice little detail. Overall, we really loved the look of this jacket.
We love the tapered and long lines of the freeride styled Flylow Lucy jacket. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
Features
This jacket has a good number of sleek, well-functioning features. The design of the removable powder skirt was one of our favorite elements, with its smooth zipper that remains low-profile with or without the skirt attached.
The Lucy also sports one internal and one external chest pocket, both equipped with water-resistant zips. The external chest pocket can double as a venting feature, as it is backed with mesh. The typical resort features of a media pocket and pass pocket work well too. This jacket had everything we needed (and nothing we didn't) for piste and off-piste skiing.
The removable powder skirt of the Flylow Lucy was just so thoughtfully designed and easy to use with its sleek zipper attachement. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
Should You Buy the Flylow Lucy?
The Lucy is an excellent crossover between resort and backcountry ski gear. While not quite as light or streamlined as some top-end shells, it provides excellent performance for a fraction of the price of some other similar jackets. If you are looking for a quiver-of-one shell without completely breaking the bank, this is a great option.
Made of very breathable and weather resistant soft shell, the Lucy will be able to take you from the resort to the backcountry with ease. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
What Other Ski Jackets Should You Consider?
If you're seeking a shell that takes you from the lifts to the lift-accessed backcountry and to the foot-accessed backcountry, check out the Outdoor Research Carbide. Our top choice for a shell jacket is the high-end Arc'teryx Sentinel, which excels on and off the resort. And, if you're wanting a little added warmth, the Patagonia Powder Town is one of the best insulated jackets we tested.
The stylish and useful Flylow Lucy is a great value for a versatile shell jacket. Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
—Jacqueline Kearney
You Might Also Like
