Flylow Baker Ski Bib Review
The Flylow Baker ($430) is a welcoming refuge of a ski bib. It’s burly, stormproof, and built for skiers who prioritize protection and longevity over weight savings. During a full season of testing, it proved to be one of the most waterproof pieces in our closet, shrugging off wind, rain, and deep snow without us breaking stride. It’s heavy, yes, and not the best choice for hot spring laps or touring, but skiers who stay within the ropes (or quickly dip beyond them) will appreciate the Baker’s durability, feature-rich layout, and relaxed fit.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort & backcountry
Waterproofing
3-layer Surface
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
150D polyester
Pros
Cons
Flylow Baker
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Bibs.
The Flyow Baker’s 3-layer Surface membrane and 150-denier polyester face fabric combine to form one of the most protective bibs I’ve ever tested. In blizzards, rain, chairlift wind tunnels, and knee-deep powder, it consistently kept the elements at bay. Snow barely sticks to the material at all—the flakes brush off like sawdust on a workbench. The exception is the Baker’s reinforced knee panels, which are intentionally a bit more textured. Those do grab some snow, but it’s not a flaw; it’s a satisfying visual cue that you’ve been skiing through the deep stuff. Plus, despite the cling, nothing ever soaked through.
I even took the Flylow Baker out during light rain—a test some resort ski bibs in this price range would fail quickly—and it stayed bone dry. The weatherproofing extended to the details, too: Fully sealed zippers blocked out wind and moisture, and the simple powder cuffs stayed snug and effective over boots. The bib doesn’t feature gimmicky gaiter cutouts or snap vents near power straps (which often become failure points). Instead, it keeps things clean and thus secure. Sitting in the snow to adjust my boots or rest didn’t lead to any wet base layers or undue cold spots, either—a common weak spot in many other models.
While the Baker is technically uninsulated, its thick face fabric provides better thermal protection than many insulated ski pants I’ve worn. I skied it in temps well below zero with just a normal base layer underneath and stayed comfortable the entire day. That’s not something I can say about other unlined shells, such as the Arc’teryx Sabre. The 3-layer construction traps enough body heat to buffer wind chill, and the Baker’s wind resistance plays a huge role in maintaining comfort on long, cold lift rides.
This still isn’t a ski bib I’d call “warm” in the traditional sense, though. There’s no fleece lining or synthetic insulation built in, so on especially frigid days, skiers who are prone to cold legs might want to layer up. But compared to lighter models, such as the Black Diamond Factor, the Baker is clearly more robust. It also feels warmer than similarly thick bibs I’ve used in the past, like the Trew Gear Trewth. Ultimately, this is a warm enough shell for the vast majority of resort days—and a few laps out of the gates, if that’s your style—even when the mercury drops.
The Baker isn’t softshell comfortable, but it doesn’t need to be. The rigid outer fabric is undeniably stiff, but the roomy cut and dialed fit make it surprisingly pleasant when you’re in motion. On paper, this is one of the bulkiest ski bibs we tested, but in practice, it moved well. The key lies in the sizing. I wore a medium in the tall inseam option (34 in.), and it gave me the coverage I needed without feeling overly baggy. It looked fashionable enough (some might even say steezy), but it never translated into a sloppy fit, especially around the waist and torso.
The lack of stretch in the Baker’s fabric might be limiting in a slimmer cut, but with this slightly baggy fit, mobility was never an issue. I was able to bootpack, sidestep, and bend without feeling restricted. Compared to something like the Factor—which has a softer and more pliable fabric—the Flylow Baker feels more industrial, but also more trustworthy. It’s also much more comfortable than you’d expect based on the fabric alone. The shoulder straps are excellent, too. They’re thick, supportive, and impossible to twist accidentally. They stayed in place all day, distributing the bib’s substantial weight evenly without digging into my shoulders.
With its heavyweight fabric and dense weave, the Baker isn’t built for skinning uphill. But for how burly it is, the breathability is surprisingly decent. On cold days that involved minimal effort, I was able to regulate my temperature without unzipping anything. But when things warmed up—especially during spring backcountry laps accessed via the resort—the dual vent system really shone. The bib includes small inner-thigh vents and massive outer zips that run all the way from below the knee to the waist. That combo allows for major airflow, whether you’re moving uphill or cooling off in the lift line.
The Baker’s outer zippers can be opened from the top or bottom, giving you the flexibility to use them for ventilation or bathroom breaks. On warmer days when I paired the bib with just a midlayer jacket and no shell, I was able to ski comfortably into the 50s. That said, I wouldn’t reach for these on a sunny spring tour. Other bibs like the Arc’teryx Sabre or Black Diamond Factor are clearly better suited to active uphill days. But for a shell this thick, the Baker ventilates better than it has any right to.
The Flylow Baker Bib feels built to last, and so far, it’s proving it. After about 45 days of hard use, including lots of traverses in the backcountry, tree skiing, and going hard on pow days, there’s no visible wear. The seams are still intact, there’s no fraying or abrasion on the fabric, and the zippers all glide smoothly. I’ve had issues with zipper reliability on other brands, including Strafe and Black Diamond, but not here. The Baker’s construction is clean and confidence-inspiring from top to bottom.
Earlier generations of the Baker reportedly suffered some durability issues around the knees, but I’ve seen no signs of that on this model. The 150-denier polyester fabric isn’t the thickest on the market (Trew uses heavier 200-denier Oxford weaves, for example), but it’s noticeably more substantial than the 80-denier fabrics found in most high-end freeride shells, such as the Sabre. For the price—$270 cheaper than the Sabre—the Baker’s durability-to-cost ratio is excellent. If I were working outside or needed a second pair of pants for manual winter labor, I’d buy another pair of Bakers in a heartbeat.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
The Baker is loaded with storage, and most of it is genuinely useful. There are two traditional hand pockets on the waist, which are great for your wallet, phone, or snacks. On the right thigh, there’s a horizontally oriented zip pocket that’s perfect for beacon storage—except it doesn’t include a leash. I ended up adding one via a seamstress and used it as a beacon pocket all season. Above the waist, there’s a multilayered stack of chest pockets, including a stretch stash pouch with button closure and leash, a horizontal zip, and a deeper vertical zip behind that. You can’t stuff them full, but they hold the essentials.
The glute pocket is there if you want it—I never used it—but some folks might find it handy. The hook-and-loop waist adjusters work well, though I never needed them. Between the shoulder straps and dialed sizing, the fit was locked in. There are also belt loops, which add versatility for folks who like a hybrid fit. The Baker’s fly is a basic one-way design, which I personally find unnecessary on ski pants. Overall, though, this is one of the most full-featured ski bibs I’ve worn without going overboard.
Tester: 6’1”, 160 lb.; 31” waist; 34” inseam
Size tested: Men’s medium, tall inseam
Finding pants that fit tall and slim bodies is a nightmare, but the Baker’s sizing options saved me. It has an enormous amount of options to choose from, with six sizes and eight lengths. The medium/tall size gave me the long inseam I need without being baggy or oversized in the waist or chest. Around the legs, the cut is relaxed but intentional—roomy enough to feel stylish and allow for freedom of movement, without being loose enough to snag or flap. It's definitely more “freeride” than “speed-oriented,” but not excessively so.
The Flylow Baker isn’t the roomiest bib out there, but its plethora of sizing options means that people with less conventional proportions (like me) can finally get a solid fit. Compared to other brands where I’ve had to size up to a large (only to have them fit short and overly roomy), the Baker finally feels like a bib made for lanky skiers. Sizing down for a more athletic cut is possible, but for the best performance, I’d recommend picking a version based on your inseam first and adjusting from there.
Trew Gear Trewth Bib Primo ($519): Less for More
Like the Baker, the Trewth Bib Primo is a premium 3-layer resort bib built for durability and storm protection, but it doesn’t quite deliver at the same level. We’ve seen the Trewth’s Oxford weave shell fabric wet out in damp conditions, and it lacks the Baker’s burly 1000-denier reinforcements at the knees. And while neither bib excels in breathability, the Baker wins out with its cross-venting and stretchy back panel. For $90 less, the Baker is the more confidence-inspiring and well-rounded option.
Arc’teryx Sabre ($700): A Better Hybrid Pick
The Arc’teryx Sabre is about as premium as it gets, with a price to match. Both the Sabre and Baker offer excellent weather protection, but the Sabre’s 3-layer Gore-Tex construction and 80-denier nylon face are much lighter and more breathable, making it a far better crossover choice for skiers who split time between the resort and the backcountry. That said, if you mostly stay inbounds, the Baker saves you $270 and delivers better long-term durability thanks to its burlier build. It’s also the steezier pick, while the Arc’teryx gives off more technical vibes. You’ll sacrifice some breathability with the Baker, but the tradeoff is worth it for full-time resort riders. For more, read our review of the Sabre.
For resort skiing, you’d be hard pressed to find a more complete package than the Flylow Baker. It offers top-of-the-line protection and durability for less than much of the competition, plus a plethora of size options. Just don’t take it too far into the backcountry.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
The Trewth Primo (women's Chariot) is a stylish, relaxed bib that’s available in 27 sizes and a variety of playful colors. The thick shell fabric has a tendency to wet through and not everyone will appreciate the stiff build, but it's a durable and stormproof pairing for resort skiers.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
In true Arc’teryx fashion, the Sabre (women's Sentinel) exudes quality from hip to toe. The premium 3-layer Gore-Tex construction offers breathable waterproof protection for everything from storm days at the resort to high-octane skin track sessions. But buyer beware: The fit doesn’t work for everyone.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Flylow Baker for You?
If you’ve ever felt let down by a shell on a storm day, the Flylow Baker will restore your faith. It’s not built for warm-weather touring or fast-and-light travel, but it won’t let a drop of moisture through, and will keep you decently warm (for an uninsulated shell) while doing so. We’d recommend it to skiers who prioritize long-term durability, rugged construction, and maximum weather protection. The relatively lack of breathability means you should probably go mostly downhill with this ski bib, but for resort-focused skiers who want to stay dry and warm no matter what, the Baker gets it done.
powder to the people
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