Facebook Twitter Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    Black Diamond FineLine Stretch Waterproof Jacket Review
    Gear Reviews

    Black Diamond FineLine Stretch Waterproof Jacket Review

    Kevin GloverBy Kevin GloverAugust 1, 2018No Comments4 Mins Read

    I love the tagline that Black Diamond has for this jacket – “There’s a fine line between splitter blue skies and afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains.” That is so true, and anyone who’s spent a season in the hills has a story of being caught out by unexpected inclement weather. That’s why it’s nice to have an ultralight, versatile shell like the Black Diamond FineLine. 

    Black Diamond FineLine Stretch Jacket Features:

    • Built with BD.dry waterproof/breathable/windproof solution
    • Stretch shell fabric increases durability and comfort
    • Underarm gussets for added mobility
    • Adjustable, climbing-helmet-compatible hood
    • YKK Reverse coil PU coated center front zipper
    • Stows into external chest pocket with carabiner clip loop
    • Low-profile, elastic cuffs
    • Fit: Slim
    • Weight: 8.1oz
    • MSRP: $129.99
    Black Diamond FineLine Stretch Waterproof Jacket Review
    Gettin’ rained on in the FineLine

    Light, stretchy, and sleek:

    The FineLine has been a fine companion throughout the spring and early summer here in the PNW. I enjoyed taking it on some springtime ski touring, a few scattered day hikes, and a Mt. Hood climb. The diversity of these adventures speaks to the versatility of the FineLine: it’s a very light jacket, but it can do a lot.

    The key to having a happy experience with a light jacket like this is reasonable expectations. This is not the same as buying a heavy-duty Gore-Tex shell that can last for years. Those jackets are heavier, use different waterproofing techniques, and tend to cost a whole lot more. The FineLine is an ultralight, highly packable jacket that’s meant for lighter use in lighter conditions.

    Here’s what I mean by that. The FineLine uses a very light fabric (my guess is 20D, though BD does not say) which is treated with a polyurethane coating. That is the ‘.5’ in the 2.5L BD.dry fabric. PU is one of the lightest treatments available and it promotes a jacket’s ability to be waterproof and also stretchy. However, the flip side is that it degrades more quickly than, say, a Gore membrane. You’ll first notice this in high-wear areas like the shoulders and inner elbows.

    Black Diamond FineLine Stretch Waterproof Jacket Review
    Definitely a sleek design

    So, all that to say, if you want this jacket to have a long and happy life, you need to recognize that it’s good for occasional use but shouldn’t be a daily driver in inclement weather.

    The good thing, though, is that these traits result in an exceptionally lightweight and packable waterproof jacket. I took it on my ski tours and Mt. Hood precisely because of these qualities – I wanted to stay fast and move light with a minimal pack weight. The jacket clocks in at a measly 8.1oz, making it one of the lightest fully waterproof, seam-taped jackets available. It also packs into its single pocket, the chest pocket, with a carabiner loop to dangle this bad boy off your harness.

    Black Diamond FineLine Stretch Waterproof Jacket Review
    Careful seam taping on the FineLine

    The FineLine’s other fine quality is how well it wears and moves with you. It’s a wonderful shell to use, especially while alpine climbing. The long, thin fit fits well underneath a harness. The fabric has inherent 4-way stretch, so it feels like you can do anything while you’re wearing it.

    The jacket has a small, carefully tailored set of features. There are no velcro cuffs, just a slim little reach of elastic. There’s just a single pocket on the chest, which can happily accommodate your large phone and a couple bars. There’s a single hem adjustment and a single hood adjustment. The hood is spacious enough to accommodate a climbing helmet and still preserve side-to-side range of motion.

    Black Diamond FineLine Stretch Waterproof Jacket Review
    Packed and ready to roll

    The Good

    • Very light, very packable
    • Stretchy fabric moves with you, and the tailoring is excellent
    • All features work as they should
    • Fairly affordable by the standards of waterproof jackets

    The Bad

    • Won’t have as much longevity as more costly options
    • Some might miss hand warmer pockets

    The Bottom Line: Black Diamond FineLine Stretch

    This is such a great jacket for those who are looking for something light and packable. It doesn’t have the durability to be a daily driver in harsh conditions, but for that lightweight summer shell it’s hard to beat. The fit is excellent and the range of motion stands out.

    Buy now: Available from Backcountry.com

    ShareTweet
    black diamond jackets
    Previous ArticleBollé B-Rock NXT Modulator Sunglasses Review
    Next Article DannyShane Rigby Jersey & Shelby Bib Shorts Review
    Kevin Glover
    • Website

    Kevin Glover lives, climbs and backpacks out of Spokane, WA. Originally from the Nevada high desert, he moved to the PNW ten years ago and has worked as a glacier and rock guide in the Washington Cascades. When not testing gear, he is a medical student at the University of Washington and will gladly check that rash out for you.

    You Might Also Like

    Mountain Hardwear Basin Lined Pants Review

    February 1, 2023

    Polar Pacer Pro Multisport Watch Review

    January 30, 2023

    Küat Grip 4 Ski Rack Review

    January 26, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022

    Patagonia Downdrift Parka Review

    February 2, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022

    Ultimate All-rounder? Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket Review

    February 2, 2021

    Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket and Pants Review, feat. Gore-Tex ePE membrane

    December 21, 2022

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

    June 18, 2020
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Mountain Hardwear Basin Lined Pants Review
    • Polar Pacer Pro Multisport Watch Review
    • Küat Grip 4 Ski Rack Review
    • Ibis Exie Goes Global
    • Trek Circuit Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey Review
    • Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Insulated Jacket Review
    • Pearl Izumi PRO NeoShell WxB Jacket Review
    • Montane Anti-Freeze Down Hooded Jacket Review
    • Fresh Wheels: Fezzari Veyo is an Aero All-rounder
    • Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Hoody Review
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.