As someone who spends most weekends hiking, kayaking, or kicking back at our cabin retreat, quality outdoor apparel remains essential for me. My gear faces equal abuse battling overgrown trails as lounging lakeside. So when durable new brand Free Fly Apparel caught my eye months back touting “clothing for adventure & comfort”, I took the plunge with a few pieces.
After extensive testing wearing my new Free Fly threads everywhere from misty forests to my neighborhood pub, I felt compelled to provide this in-depth review. I‘ll cover everything from their eco-friendly materials to performance holding up through rugged weekends in nature.
So join me assessing if Free Fly’s sustainable outdoor styles live up their promise enabling adventure while staying light on the planet.
My Criteria for Evaluating Outdoor Brands like Free Fly
Before jumping to the Free Fly review, let me share how I judge any outdoor brands entering my closet these days. 5 key criteria matter most to me:
Durability: My gear gets used hard across all seasons hiking, climbing, paddling, camping, and more. It must stand up to abrasion, sun exposure, moisture, and general outdoor abuse.
Breathability: Nothing ruins a day outdoors faster than a clammy shirt or swampy shorts. Quality breathable fabrics prove critical.
Eco-conscious Production: I aim to support brands who responsibly source materials & production.
Value: Is the gear reasonably priced relative to functionality and lifetime value?
Style: Technical pieces need proper outdoor performance BUT also blend for casual wear too.
Keeping those top priorities in mind, let’s see how Free Fly holds up under extended testing…
Free Fly Review: Brand Background & Products Overview
Coastal lifestyle brand Free Fly Apparel first took off in 2011 when founder Tanner Sutton moved to Charleston, SC seeking better fishing shirts. Ultimately his journey led to creating his ideal comfy, breathable fishing shirt using bamboo viscose fabric.
Word spread over the decade about Free Fly’s soft, light, high-performance apparel perfect for adventures outdoors or just casual relaxing wear. The brand now operates under Tanner’s sister Jenna and her husband Austin. Their focus stays fixed on quality sustainable fabrics turned into durable clothing for inspired outdoor living.
And Free Fly sells across a wide range spanning base layers, hoodies, tees, pants, shorts, and accessories like buffs and caps. Materials include both their:
Performance Bamboo – Proprietary fabric woven from bamboo viscose offering exceptional softness & breathability
Performance Woven – Lightweight technical blends composed with polyethylene or polyester fibers, with some spandex tossed in certain pieces like shorts for stretch. These woven fabrics deliver moisture wicking essential for active pursuits outdoors.
Now you’re caught up on Free Fly‘s origins and lineup. Let’s get hands-on reviewing both mens and womens gear assessing real world performance.
Testing Free Fly Men’s Apparel for Durability & Performance
I’ve compiled thoughts across 5 of my most worn Free Fly men’s items over the past 6 months traveling, hiking, snowshoeing, and casually lounging alike.
Men‘s Lightweight Hoodie: As cozy as promised
My trail pal Matt turned me onto this hoodie last fall when nighttime mountain air still felt crisp. And I continue staying snug thanks to the soft bamboo cotton blend more durable and better insulating than most average sweatshirts. It makes a trusty cool weather companion without weighing you down hiking or the adjustable quarter zip opening allows rapidly tailoring ventilation when winds shift or workout intensity cranks up.
I also appreciate the UPF 30 sun protection considering unpredictable exposure on all-day hikes. Though the lack of adjustable hood and slim waist allow some light breezes sneaking in occasionally.
But for a lightweight hoody combating chilly breezes across all seasons $68 proves reasonable. Just size up if wanting to layer heavier shirts or long sleeves underneath.
Key specs:
- Fabric: 60% bamboo viscose, 40% recycled polyester
- Weight: 7 oz
- UPF Rating: 30
My rating: 4/5 stars
Men‘s Nomad Pant: My new go-to outdoor trekking pant
The Men’s Nomad Pant quickly won me over this spring once temperatures warmed thanks to breathable fabric that still repels errant branches or gravel underfoot when off trail. The relaxed cut allows free movement during intense hikes while quick-dry performance wicks moisture when streams can’t be avoided.
I especially appreciate the UPF 50 sun protection since legs endure extensive exposure on all-day treks. My only gripe falls around the slim thigh and pockets. But for $98 you’ll be hard pressed finding more durable and comfortable outdoor pants. I wear my Nomads just as often casually around town for good measure thanks to the wrinkle-resistant fabric.
Key specs:
- Fabric: 88% woven bamboo, 12% spandex
- Weight: 7 oz
- UPF rating: 50
My rating: 5/5 stars
Men‘s Breeze Jogger: Lounging excellence
Few environments test clothing relaxation readiness like our cabin. And the Men’s Breeze Joggers withstand Xbox sessions, grilling mishaps, and wood-chopping wear impressively thanks to moisture-wicking fabric, stretchy waistband, and loose tapered cut allowing free movement in all directions.
They serve equally well tossing the football at the park on warmer spring days thanks to built-in UPF 50 sun protection or layered under my insulated bibs clearing snow after blizzards. $88 runs reasonable for lounge pants doubling as outdoor companions. Just consider sizing up if typically falling between sizes. But expect these to become weekend favorites.
Key specs:
- Fabric – 96% polyester, 4% spandex
- Weight – 7oz
- UPF rating – 50
My rating: 5/5 stars
Men’s Long Sleeve Crew: My new favorite camping base layer
I whet through base layers each season between poor insulation, lack of breathability, or terrible odor after extensive activity. So when fellow backpacker James suggested this Men’s Lightweight Long Sleeve by Free Fly last summer, I took the plunge. And it truly surprised me with how effectively the bamboo fabric regulated temperatures during grueling hikes and nights spent in my hammock across the Adirondacks. This shirt breathed well, wicked moisture, and prevented stink even after a week in the backcountry. Plus I love the quarter zip and thumb holes for customizing air flow.
And its durability continues holding up now alternating relaxing weekends at our cabin and winter snowshoeing. For $58, I finally found my long-term warm weather camping base layer allowing extended adventures in comfort. Size it snugly for best performance.
Key Specs:
- Fabric: 92% viscose (from bamboo), 8% spandex
- Weight: 5 oz
- Odor control: Yes
My rating: 5/5 stars
Men‘s Lightweight Quarter Zip: Ideal shoulder season mid-layer
Once autumn winds arrive, I immediately reach for this versatile Men’s Lightweight 1/4 Zip Top. The soft bamboo blended fabric retains next-to-skin comfort while resisting light precipitation and blocking chilled air. I’ll throw it on morning dog walks once frost hits the ground through early winter hikes as a trusted mid-layer under my down puffer.
And the quilted pattern adds warmth without excessive weight while thumbholes and a quarter zip dial in customizable insulation. It transitions nicely into early spring as well when the fully zipped neckline can open for breezy temperature regulation hitting the trails.
For a mid-weight layer holding up across 3 seasons of shoulder weather, $78 feels like a win to me. True to size fits great over a long-sleeve tee.
Key Specs:
- Fabric: 88% bamboo rayon, 12% spandex
- Weight: 7 oz
- UPF rating: 30
My rating: 5/5 stars
Reviewing Core Free Fly Women‘s Apparel
My wife Sarah doubles as both weekend adventure buddy and neighborhood happy hour pal. So she demands comfort, performance, and style bundled conveniently together. Does Free Fly deliver on the women’s apparel side? She assessed a few core pieces putting them through lifestyle paces.
Women‘s Midweight Long Sleeve: Flattering fit transitional top
Sarah loves wearing this Women‘s Midweight Long Sleeve equally out walking forest trails as strolling downtown thanks to the flattering slim cut, thumb holes, and quarter zip improving ventilation. The fabric feels silky smooth against skin yet offers subtle texture that looks attractive over leggings or skinny jeans.
And since the top incorporates anti-odor tech, she can confidently wear it all day or sweating through hot yoga then seamlessly transitioning to patio happy hours without worrying about smelling less than fresh.
Her only complaints rest around the unzipped neckline loosening a bit over time. But at $58 with versatile wear possibilities across casual and active use, Sarah ranks it a worthy investment in comfort and style.
Key Specs:
- Fabric: 92% viscose (from bamboo), 8% spandex
- Weight: 7 oz
- Odor control: Yes
Her rating: 4.5/5 stars
Women‘s Lounge Short: Lightweight weekend warrior shorts
Come summertime, Sarah expects her shorts to keep pace whether chasing waterfalls on wooded trails or chasing after our niece around backyard barbeque. She swears by these Women‘s Lounge Shorts after trying them out last year. The breathable blend of polyester and spandex allows free movement in all directions without chafing or limiting mobility hiking over rocks or squatting down to eye level with our toddler niece.
She also appreciates the ample UPF 50 protection since her fair skin burns easily. And the comfy elastic waistband prevents sagging when loaded down with gear or weighted down piggy-backing an exhausted kiddo. At $58 they deliver on performance without looking overly technical. One of Sarah’s new end-of-spring essentials!
Key Specs:
- Fabric: 96% polyester; 4% spandex
- Weight: 4 oz
- UPF rating: 50
Her rating: 5/5 stars
Women‘s Lightweight Jogger: Fireside cabin essential
Once high temps drop heading into fall, Sarah lives in these Women‘s Lightweight Joggers. The buttery soft feel resembles high-end leggings rather than rugged fleece. So her legs and butt stay equally as comfortable curled up fireside with a pint of ice cream as actively chopping wood to fuel the flames thanks to unrestricted mobility from the stretch-woven bamboo blend. They also serve well layered under jeans when helping me clear brush from the surrounding forest before winter.
And unlike most fleece, the breathable fabric still ventilates well if the fire gets too raging. At $88 she considers them a cabin weekend essential with the cozy comfort rivaling beloved leggings. Just beware the lightweight fabric probably won‘t withstand serious outdoor abuse.
Key Specs:
- Fabric: 95% bamboo rayon; 5% spandex
- Weight: 7 oz
Her rating: 5/5 stars
Why I Love Free Fly Apparel: Sustainability Meets Performance
Beyond making durable, comfortable gear for enjoying life outdoors, Free Fly Apparel commits fully to responsible environmental practices. They consciously track material sourcing, manufacturing procedures, distribution channels, and even product packaging to mitigate ecological impact at every stage.
100% of their signature bamboo rayon hails from certified organic forests rather than clear-cut plantations damaging regional ecosystems. And it gets woven into their beloved feather-soft fabric using non-toxic solutions consuming far less water than common textiles like cotton.
They also partner exclusively with bluesign®-approved factories meeting rigorous standards around sustainability and worker safety. And Free Fly aims for 50% recycled material content across their broader supply chain within 3-5 years. That means synthetic insulation, woven fabrics, trims, and components supporting performance clothing free unnecessary virgin plastic waste.
And every order ships in compostable/paper packaging too. Your purchase gives back to the planet from production through delivery.
Now that‘s an apparel brand aligned with my values I can eagerly promote more awesome people exploring ethical outdoor adventure.
Free Fly Review Conclusion: My Must-Have Outdoor Brand
If unable to tell yet, I‘m clearly all-in on Free Fly Apparel after months testing pieces across hiking, snowshoeing, chopping wood, and casually lounging alike. Their gear delivers on my top criteria:
Durability to withstand serious outdoor use while lasting for years even through casual wear & tear
Breathability on par with top outdoor brands costing far more
Eco-conscious production from the bamboo fields through my front door
Great value considering the quality and versatility
Stylish fits spanning trail to town
So whether you need a trusted base layer warming overnight backpacking trips or want everyday joggers that still work great scaling your favorite nature trail, Free Fly has you covered.
Just expect occasional pilling in tradeoff for those beloved cloud-like soft bamboo textiles seducing your skin all day long. A perfectly reasonable concession enabling more people affordably enhancing sustainable outdoor living.
I gladly award Free Fly Apparel my highest backing. And I predict you too will love their gear as much as me once you give it a shot. Feel free to ping me any other questions before you take the plunge though!
Related Brands Worth Checking Out
- Toad&Co organic cotton tops and shorts
- Prana stretch Zion pants
- Patagonia all-weather mid layers
- Columbia lightweight hiking shoes
