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
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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 | |||||
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| Awards |  |  | | ||
| Price | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 4 sellers | $174.99 at Evo Compare at 3 sellers | $139.99 at Evo Compare at 4 sellers | $200.00 at Backcountry Compare at 4 sellers | $68 List $69.97 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Coming in at a fraction of the price of some higher-end shells, this jacket is still top tier | A top performer where it counts, this insulated jacket also comes in at a reasonable price | A high performance technical shell that performs well in or out of bounds and won't break the bank | This jacket is very ski-worthy, especially for those wishing to have a quiver-of-one jacket. The adaptability this model offers is top notch | When we didn't push this inexpensive jacket too hard, it was able to perform adequately at keeping us warm and dry |
| Rating Categories | Flylow Lucy | Patagonia Insulated... | Outdoor Research Ca... | The North Face Ther... | Wantdo Snowboarding... |
| Warmth (20%) | |||||
| Weather Resistance (20%) | |||||
| Comfort and Fit (20%) | |||||
| Ventilation (20%) | |||||
| Style (10%) | |||||
| Features (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Flylow Lucy | Patagonia Insulated... | Outdoor Research Ca... | The North Face Ther... | Wantdo Snowboarding... |
| Main Fabric | 100% Polyester | 75D postconsumer recycled polyester | 100% Nylon | 100% Nylon | 150D Dull Mechanical Elastic |
| Insulation | None | 80g Thermogreen recycled polyester; sleeves: 40g Thermogreen recycled polyester | None | 100% postconsumer recycled polyester | Insulating padding |
| Waterproofing | 3-layer Stormshell Intuitive | 2-layer H2No waterproof membrane | 3-layer Pertex Shield | 2-layer DryVent | DWR, 10k waterproof fabric |
| 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 | 2 zippered chest, 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered arm, 1 internal mesh, 1 internal zippered chest | 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest, 1 zippered sleeve, 1 internal goggle Liner: 2 zippered hand | 2 zippered hand |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs | 1.7 lbs | 1.2 lbs | 2.0 lbs | 2.5 lbs |
| Hood Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, removable fur |
| Pit Zips | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cuff construction | Velcro | Velcro | Velcro | Velcro | Snap |
| Powder skirt | Yes, removable | Yes, snap away | Yes | Yes, behind insulating layer | Yes, snap away |
| RECCO | No | Yes | No | No | No |
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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.
Performance Comparison
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
Ventilation
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 Helly Hansen Powderqueen 3.0 is our favorite insulated ski jacket.
The stylish and useful Flylow Lucy is a great value for a versatile shell jacket.
Credit: Jacqueline Kearney
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Jacqueline Kearney
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