The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket is a lightweight 2.5-layer waterproof/breathable shell for hiking, climbing, and commuting, with subtle mechanical stretch fabric for added comfort and mobility. Simple and understated, it includes features like pit zips, a one-way adjustable hood with a front bill that works well under a climbing helmet, a waterproof center zipper, and adjustable hook-and-loop wrist cuffs. Two-point-five layer rain jackets provide enough protection for three-season hiking and backpacking in temperate climates and offer an economical, lightweight, and often more packable alternative to a more fully featured three-layer rain jacket.

• Gender: Men's (Women's Available)
• Waterproofing: BD.dry 2.5-layer (mm 10,000)
• Breathability: 10,000 g/m²/24hr
• Seam-taped: Yes
• Mfg Spec Weight: 11.3 oz (men's medium)
• Actual Weight Tested: 11.0 oz (men's large)
• Hood: Rear volume adjustment with extended front brim
• Pit zips: 13″
• Pockets: 2 side pockets, zippered
• Packable: Right-hand pocket with ‘biner loop
• Wrist-cuffs: Hood and loop
• Sizing: Roomy

Waterproof Protection

The jacket uses Black Diamond’s BD.dry 2.5-layer waterproof-breathable fabric. Its 10,000-millimeter waterproof rating provides dependable protection during ordinary rain, showers, and brief periods of heavier weather. The outer fabric also has a DWR finish, allowing rain to bead and roll off; however, no waterproof/breathable rain jacket remains equally effective forever. Regular stuffing, dirt, abrasion, and frequent use will reduce the water-repellent finish's effectiveness, so occasional cleaning and DWR reproofing are necessary to help maintain performance.

You have to wear a billed cap to prevent the brim from flopping over your eyes.

Breathability and Ventilation

The Fineline Stretch has a listed breathability rating of 10,000 grams per square meter over 24 hours. That is adequate for a lightweight rain shell, though not exceptional. During gentle hiking or everyday use, the fabric should manage moisture adequately.

During strenuous uphill walking, climbing, or warm-weather activity, sweat still builds up inside. The pit zips are an important feature. Opening them allows excess heat and moisture to escape and gives the wearer more control than relying on the waterproof fabric alone. Like most rain shells, the jacket performs best when you use ventilation actively during demanding exercise, although that still may not be enough.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is one of the jacket’s stronger qualities. The fabric has enough mechanical stretch to make reaching, scrambling, and moving with a backpack feel somewhat more natural. This is especially valuable for climbers and hikers who find traditional waterproof fabrics restrictive. The regular fit generally leaves enough room for a light fleece or insulating layer underneath, although people who prefer a close athletic cut may find it too roomy. The neck is noticeably high, with a large, almost ungainly volume that provides good protection when the hood is down in a stiff breeze, but can become awkward when the hood is up.

While the hood has a one way-rear volume adjustment, it will probably still be too large for anyone not wearing a climbing or skiing helmet. Unless you wear a baseball cap with a front bill, the jacket's brim will fall down over your eyes. You can wear this jacket for hiking, but let's be frank: it's made for people who wear helmets or people with big hair.

The hood has a single rear volume control.

Weight and Packability

The Fineline Stretch is relatively light, weighing 11 oz in the men’s size large. It stuffs down small enough to remain in a daypack or in its right-hand side pocket without becoming a noticeable burden. This makes it useful for changing weather, travel, and routes where rain is possible but not guaranteed. In other words, it's a good jacket to pack just in case it rains, but when it mostly doesn't.

Hook and loop wrist cuffs help seal in body heat

Limitations

The 2.5-layer construction can feel less comfortable or cold against bare skin, especially during extended wear in the rain. The best way to counter this is to wear a midlayer fleece sweater to trap body heat and create a thermal barrier between you and any condensation accumulating inside the jacket. This happens with all rain jackets, including premium 3-layer waterproof breathable rain jackets.

Other Recommended Rain Jackets

Here are the top 10 rain jackets that we recommend for hiking and backpacking at a variety of price points.

Assessment

The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket offers solid technical features for a 2.5 waterproof/breathable jacket, with pit zips, hook-and-loop wrist cuffs, zippered size pockets, passable breathability, and slight mechanical stretch. My main reservation is the oversized hood, which is comically large unless you have an enormous head or need to wear a climbing helmet with the jacket. While the hood has an elastic adjustment to control its volume, you'll still likely need to wear a billed cap to keep the hood from flopping down over your eyes. If you want a much less expensive 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable jacket and a better hood with neck cords, I suggest you take a look at the REI Rainier Rain Jacket instead.

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