Now Reading: Free Fly Apparel: A Legit Game-Changer for Outdoor Athletes or Just Another Brand?
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Free Fly Apparel: A Legit Game-Changer for Outdoor Athletes or Just Another Brand?
Free Fly Apparel: A Legit Game-Changer for Outdoor Athletes or Just Another Brand?
In a saturated sportswear market with synthetic fabrics and flashy logos, Free Fly Apparel made a splash with its bamboo performance clothing. Founded by a family of avid outdoor enthusiasts—including a professional fly fishing guide—the brand solved a major problem: performance clothing that felt like sandpaper.
From paddling in Montana to hiking in the Smokies to beaching in South Carolina, Free Fly claims to be the “softest performance gear ever.” Does it actually deliver on that promise, or is it just another marketing myth wrapped in bamboo?
We’ve tested a range of their best-selling products in a variety of terrain and climates to bring you the brutally honest review that free fly enthusiasts and beginners deserve.
🧵 About Free Fly Apparel: The Bamboo Revolution
Founded in 2011, Free Fly was born out of frustration with the uncomfortable synthetic fabrics used in most activewear. The founders chose viscose from bamboo, a plant-based alternative that:
- Temperature-regulating
- Breathable
- UPF-certified
- Antimicrobial and moisture-wicking
- Exceptionally soft
They wanted gear that worked just as well on the water as it did on land – without the stiff, shiny, synthetic feel.
✔ Pros
✘ Cons
Today, Free Fly offers a complete range of clothing for men, women, and children—from hoodies and sweatpants to sun shirts, shorts, and layered outfits. The designs are minimalist, the color palette is earthy tones, and the logo presence is subtle—appealing to both nature lovers and laid-back adventurers.
👕 Free Fly Apparel Product Reviews
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Women's Breeze Flats Pant
Category: Lightweight outdoor pant
Best For: Fishing, boating, travel, beach hikes, everyday wear
Performance & Comfort:
These pants offer optimal freedom of movement and breathability in heat, humidity, and wet conditions. The elastic waistband, loose ankle area, and ultralight bamboo blend fabric make them ideal for tropical climates or spring-to-fall adventures.
Key Features:
- Water-repellent coating
- SPF 50+ sun protection
- Quick-drying and ultra-lightweight
- Tailored fit for a slim silhouette
In Use:
Whether wading in shallow water or strolling through dewy grassland, these pants will keep you cool, protected, and comfortable. The pockets are practical, and the lightweight cut makes them ideal for layering over swimwear.
Women's Ribbed Bamboo Long Sleeve
Category: Lifestyle activewear top
Best For: Everyday wear, lounging, transitional layering
Performance & Comfort:
This garment is characterized by its softness and stretch. The ribbed knit fabric feels like your favorite long-sleeved T-shirt, but offers a better drape and greater freedom of movement. It’s comfortable without being constricting and wears beautifully under outerwear.
Key Features:
- Ribbed stretch fabric (bamboo-viscose blend)
- Flattering round neck and rounded hem
- Breathable, body-hugging fit
In Use:
Perfect for morning coffee, hikes in mild weather, or layering under flannel and fleece. It’s incredibly soft and retains its shape even after repeated washing.
Women's Ribbed Bamboo Tank
Category: Lifestyle/casual wear
Best For: Layering, everyday basics, warm weather travel
Performance & Comfort:
This tank top combines the comfort of bamboo with a sleek, versatile look. The ribbed texture provides shape and durability, while the racerback cut is airy and supportive.
Key Features:
- Seamless design with natural elasticity
- Lightweight and non-restrictive
- For a flattering, non-slip fit
In Use:
Whether you’re doing light yoga, wearing it under a shirt, or with high-waisted shorts, this tank top is simply perfect. It’s a top you’ll wear quickly and easily, and one you’ll find yourself wearing far more often than you expect.
Men's Breeze Pant
Category: Lightweight active pant
Best For: Hiking, paddling, travel, casual lounging
Performance & Comfort:
A favorite among free-flyers, these pants feature a barely-there feel and excellent ventilation. They’re made from a blend of bamboo viscose and polyester for a naturally cool feel and athletic durability.
Key Features:
- UPF 50+
- Adjustable waistband
- Tapered, athletic fit
- Deep pockets
In Use:
Took them through remote hiking trails and beach towns – same result: maximum comfort, no chafing, and enough stretch for climbing, kneeling, and kayaking.
Men's Reverb Short
Category: Hybrid performance short
Best For: Swimming, running, outdoor workouts
Performance & Comfort:
These are Free Fly’s answer to crossover shorts for training and water. Made from a quick-drying, lightweight stretch blend, they’re equally suitable for trail runs or beach swimming.
Key Features:
- 4-way stretch with water-repellent coating
- Lined-free design
- Internal drawstring waistband
- Thigh-length
In Use:
The fabric feels weightless yet durable. You can jump into the ocean or jog back to the car, always feeling dry and breathable. The modern, matte color with a subtle print adds personality to the garment without being overpowering.
Men's Pinnacle Hooded Rash Guard
Category: High-performance sun protection
Best For: Paddleboarding, surfing, fishing, full-day water adventures
Performance & Comfort:
This is no ordinary rash guard. With a hood, thumbholes, and UPF 50+, it offers comprehensive sun protection without overheating. The fit is snug but not restrictive, and it works well on its own or under a life jacket.
Key Features:
- Full-length hood and crossover collar
- Thumb loops to protect your hands
- UPF 50+ with sweat-wicking fabric
- Lightweight yet protective
In Use:
5 hours of paddleboarding in the sun – no sunburn, no unpleasant feeling. Dries quickly and prevents that unpleasant after-surfing odor. Ideal for tropical climates and long periods on the water.
🌿 Fit, Sizing & Fabric Durability
👕 Fit:
- The men’s cuts are sporty and casual.
- Women’s sizes run true to size, but models with inner lining may run small.
- The size charts are accurate, and most models have a slight stretch.
🧼 Durability:
- Withstands repeated washing – but line drying is best.
- The seams are clean, and pilling is minimal even after months of wear.
- The color hardly fades, especially in darker shades after intense sun exposure.
| Product | Best Feature | Ideal For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s Breeze Flats Pant | Light-as-air comfort | Hot weather, sun protection | ★★★★★ |
| Women’s Ribbed Long Sleeve | Silky stretch fit | Layering, lounging | ★★★★☆ |
| Women’s Ribbed Tank | Sleek versatility | Everyday basics | ★★★★☆ |
| Men’s Breeze Pant | All-day wearability | Travel, hiking | ★★★★★ |
| Men’s Reverb Short | Hybrid performance | Active & water days | ★★★★☆ |
| Pinnacle Hooded Rash Guard | Ultimate sun coverage | Water sports | ★★★★★ |
📦 Shipping, Returns & Support
- Shipping: Free on orders over $150 (US only)
- Delivery time: 3–7 business days
- Returns: 30-day return policy, items must be unworn and unwashed.
- Exchanges: Easy via the online return center.
- Warranty: No formal warranty, but the support team often resolves issues with a credit or exchange.
🛍️ Price Point vs Value
Free Fly is neither fast fashion nor luxury goods. You’re paying for sustainable production, high-quality natural fabrics, and versatile gear that lasts longer than synthetic competitors.
For example:
- Hoodies typically cost between $70 and $80.
- Technical shorts cost between $60 and $70.
- Tops and clothing cost between $45 and $95, depending on the style and season.
Is it worth it?
Yes – especially for outdoor enthusiasts, minimalists, and anyone looking for functional comfort without flashy logos.
📊 How Free Fly Compares to Other Outdoor Brands
| Brand | Fabric Feel | Eco-Friendliness | Performance Rating | Style Aesthetic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Fly | Minimalist / Earthy | |||
| Patagonia | Sporty / Rugged | |||
| Vuori | Urban-Athletic | |||
| Columbia | Traditional Outdoor | |||
| Lululemon | Trendy / Fashion-Forward |
Final Verdict: Is Free Fly Apparel the Real Deal?
After thoroughly testing Free Fly Apparel in a range of climates, activities, and daily routines, the answer is a resounding yes—although with some nuanced caveats to consider.
Free Fly isn’t just another performance brand chasing hype. It stands out because it focuses on what truly matters to the modern outdoor enthusiast: comfort, breathability, sun protection, and sustainability. Bamboo-based fabrics aren’t a gimmick—they offer a noticeable improvement in feel, function, and comfort. Whether hiking in humid air, paddling in the blazing sun, or simply enjoying a relaxing day outdoors, Free Fly clothing delivers on its promise: natural performance without synthetic comfort.
This clothing doesn’t scream for attention. That’s precisely its charm. With earthy tones, minimalist branding, and timeless silhouettes, Free Fly appeals to those who prefer understated, thoughtful design to flashy logos or seasonal gimmicks. The pieces you buy today will likely be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come, both in terms of durability and aesthetics.
However, it’s not perfect for everyone. The limited color selection, the slightly higher price, and the somewhat unique design may not appeal to fashion-conscious people or those in need of winter clothing. But for those who value comfort and movement-friendly convenience combined with environmentally conscious manufacturing, Free Fly isn’t just a good choice—it’s a true game-changer.
Who will love Free Fly most:
- Outdoor athletes who want all-day comfort without the sticky feel of synthetics
- Travelers and digital nomads seeking lightweight, versatile clothing
- Eco-conscious consumers who want high-quality clothing without waste
- Minimalists who prefer well-made, neutral everyday wear
