Weight and Packability
Lexi: I measured the Billie Coat (size Extra Small) at 22.8 oz, which is 2 oz heavier than the jacket’s average stated weight. Without the powder skirt, the jacket is closer to 20 oz, but I still find it a little heavy for longer touring days. If I’m headed out on a big day, I’d prefer to carry something lighter, like my Westcomb Fust LT Hoody jacket that weighs 10.6 oz, almost half the weight of the Billie Coat. However, on shorter tours or days riding the resort, the jacket’s weight has never bothered me.
The Extra Small Billie Coat can pack down pretty small, to about 11 x 6”. I have been pretty impressed with the jacket’s packability considering the bulkier zippers, large number of pockets, and the slightly thicker fabric.
Notable Features
Lexi: I don’t usually use a powder skirt since I wear bibs, and I don’t like the additional weight or bulk. However, the Billie Coat’s powder skirt is very well designed. The snaps along the bottom connect to Flylow pants, and a strip of grippy silicone helps the powder skirt stay in place. The zipper has a low profile, so if you remove the powder skirt, it doesn’t feel too bumpy.
The Billie Coat has no shortage of storage with its six pockets. There are two large exterior hand pockets, which can easily store my phone, snacks, Voile straps, etc. Each hand pocket has a flap over the zipper, helping to prevent snow from getting inside.
Another zippered medium-sized pocket can be found on the left chest panel, where I keep a goggle wipe. A small pocket that can pretty much just fit a credit card is located on the lower left sleeve.
There are two additional pockets located on the interior of the right panel. One is a smaller cell phone or iPod media pocket, while the other one is larger, measuring 7” wide by 10” deep.
While Flylow says that this pocket can accommodate skins, I haven’t found that to be true. My BCA Magic Carpet skins are quite packable and about 115mm at the widest point, but they weren’t close to being able to fit in the opening of the pocket. Unless you have incredibly skinny kicker skins, I don’t think this pocket works for holding skins.
Julia: The 15/16 Billie Coat has a slightly different pocket layout. Most of the pockets remain the same, but the two large hand pockets can also be accessed through a horizontal zipper on the inside of the jacket. So rather than the separate internal pocket that Lexi found could not actually hold skins, I was easily able to fit my Black Diamond skins into the hand pockets through the inner opening.
Lexi: In my opinion, the Billie Coat’s hood is perfect.
I’ve found that so many hoods on shells are too floppy and have far too much material. The Billie’s hood easily fits over my helmet, with no excess material and doesn’t restrict my vision. I’ve been particularly impressed by the hood because I have a tiny head (typically wear a Small helmet) and almost always find hoods to be way too large for me. If you wear a larger helmet, though, you may find that the Billie’s hood is a little more snug.
In order to cinch down the hood, there are three points of adjustment—one on each side of the chin, and on the back of the head. These are pretty standard and easy to use, consisting of an elastic cord that can be tightened with a small plastic toggle.
The inside of the jacket’s collar is also lined with soft fleece, so it feels really comfortable next-to-skin.
Durability
Lexi: After more than twenty days of use, I’ve seen no signs of wear or tear on the Billie Coat’s fabric. I’ll update the review if I experience any issues long term, but it has held up well so far.
All zippers and seams seem solid.
Bottom Line
For style-conscious females who don’t want to sacrifice performance, Flylow has a number of excellent outerwear options. The Billie Coat is a looser, longer freeride-oriented hard shell, which has been an excellent jacket for the resort and shorter trips into the backcountry. It has plenty of storage, a stylish, feminine cut, and great waterproofing and breathability performance.
Julia and I both highly recommend the Billie Coat to women looking for a hard shell with a good blend of fashion and function.