Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell Review
Updated:
Nov 05, 2025The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch is an attractive option for hikers and backpackers looking for a comfortable, lightweight rain jacket priced at a very reasonable $189. It’s not our first choice as a daily driver though, due to its fragile 2.5-layer construction (2.5-layer designs will lose their waterproofing much faster than 2- or 3-layer designs) and relatively trim fit. But for a backcountry-focused rain jacket, the Fineline is a great combination of price, weight, and performance.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
2.5-layer BD.dry
Weight
9.5 oz.
Fabric
50D stretch-woven nylon
Vents
Pit zips
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
Black Diamond Fineline
For this season's top shells, see our guide to the Best Rain Jackets.
The Black Diamond Fineline features a 2.5-layer construction with a BD.dry waterproof/breathable membrane. I tested this jacket in the wild weather of southern Argentina’s Chalten range. My hikes included gusts of wind up to 50 mph, heavy downpours, light showers, and full sun—all in the same day (or hour). My trip was particularly wet and breezy, and the Fineline was the perfect companion: Not too burly (I didn’t need the super thick and rigid protection of a Gore-Tex hardshell), not too heavy, and not so trim fitting that it didn’t fit over my thicker midlayers. Although I wouldn’t trust the Fineline in multiple days of sustained rainy weather, it was the perfect day-hiking rain jacket: The PFC-free DWR did an excellent job beading up moisture, and no moisture made it through to the other side of the membrane.
Other weather-protection features include a collar that comes up over the mouth, offering generous coverage in gusty conditions—I could hide my face behind the collar and feel sheltered from the wind. You can also batten down the hatches with velcro cuffs at the wrists and a single hem adjustment on the right hip. While the Black Diamond Fineline is not as reliable as a Gore-Tex shell for long-term waterproofing and protection against sustained wet, it’s plenty adequate for most of the weather you’ll encounter on a day hike or short backpacking trip.
Comfort is one of the Fineline’s biggest selling points. Its stretchy fabric is a lot nicer to move in than your standard rigid hardshell, and the printed-on liner feels less plasticky than what I’d typically expect in a 2.5-layer jacket (it features a raised dot construction that adds channels for airflow and helps wick moisture away from the skin). That said, I certainly wouldn’t go so far as to wear the Fineline over a t-shirt, as it would still feel pretty uncomfortable next to the skin when sandwiched by rain on one side and sweat on the other. For improved next-to-skin comfort, consider a 3-layer jacket with a soft fabric liner, such as the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L.
The Fineline is also fairly loud (in comparison, the REI XeroCloud is soft and quiet). That said, I was never disappointed with the Fineline’s comfort—it fit well, didn’t restrict my freedom of movement, felt light on my shoulders, and was overall more supple than a lot of rain jackets I’ve worn.
In most cases, 2.5-layer shells like the Black Diamond Fineline are a mixed bag in terms of breathability. Their thin liner (which is laminated, printed, or sprayed on) is great for shaving ounces, but it doesn’t wick moisture as well as the true fabric liner of a 3-layer design. On the other hand, they’re thin and often built to move air efficiently to the outside. While I wouldn’t want to wear the Fineline next to my skin, its raised dot liner and pit zips were sufficient for keeping me comfortable and sweat-free during my hikes around Chalten, which ranged from about 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. On one hike, I wore the Fineline back-to-back with the Cotopaxi Teca wind jacket (swapping wind protection for rain protection), and the difference was stark. The Teca stuck to my skin and trapped incredible amounts of sweat, while the Fineline kept my temperature well-regulated.
The Fineline weighs 9.5 ounces for the women’s jacket, putting it on the lightweight end of the spectrum for rain jackets without dipping too far into the ultralight realm. For reference, jackets like the Outdoor Research Helium, Montbell Versalite, and Rab Downpour Light are all significantly lighter (the women’s Montbell Versalite is just 5.8 oz.), but the weight savings come with tradeoffs, including less breathability, less durability, and much higher price tags (as is the case with the Versalite, which retails for $260—or $80 more than the Fineline). Going heavier will get you a 3-layer jacket like the Patagonia Granite Crest or Torrentshell 3L, which offers arguably better breathability (certainly better moisture-wicking capabilities) and more durable waterproofing.
The Black Diamond Fineline even stuffs into its right-hand pocket, which could be helpful for climbers wanting to hang their rain jacket from their harness (which begs the question: why are you climbing in the rain?). For my purposes, I thought the Fineline’s low weight and packability were a great pairing for hiking and backpacking around Patagonia, where it stuffed into a corner of my pack. That said, for those purposes, you likely won’t notice the extra few ounces that stepping up to a more durable 3-layer jacket would entail. Overall, weight-conscious adventurers who don’t want to empty their wallets on pricier ultralight designs will appreciate the Fineline.
Durability is one area where the Fineline falls short, largely due to its 2.5-layer construction. In fact, many brands (including Gore-Tex, Patagonia, and Arc’teryx) are phasing out 2.5-layer jackets altogether because the thin liner (which is often sprayed, laminated, or printed on) tends to wear off after heavy use, unlike the fabric lining of a 3-layer jacket. If you’re looking for a long-lasting rain jacket, consider investing in a 3-layer design, such as the Patagonia Torrentshell or the lighter Granite Crest. However, although the Fineline’s durability is inherently compromised due to its liner construction, its 50D face fabric has proven itself to be hardwearing, and my jacket has held up well to the rigors of trail life.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Hood
The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch features a helmet-compatible hood, which includes a laminated brim and a single adjustment at the back. While hiking around El Chalten, I put the hood up and cinched it down over my bare head (I was wearing a baseball cap), and it stayed secure through some massive gusts of wind—a big win.
Storage
This jacket features a rather paltry pocket layout, with just two flap-covered hand pockets that are not hip-belt compatible. To me, this is an admittedly strange design choice: Why build a jacket with a helmet-compatible hood and a water-resistant front zip, but no hipbelt- or harness-compatible pockets? Even for my admittedly casual use (hiking and backpacking around El Chalten), not being able to use my pockets while wearing a backpack was a big annoyance.
Tester: 5’6” 140 lb.
Size tested: Women’s small
I typically wear a women’s size small in rain jackets but have recently opted for a women’s medium in some outerwear to accommodate layers more easily. For this reason, I considered getting the Fineline in a medium, knowing that I’d likely want to layer the jacket over a midlayer from time to time. In the end, I took a chance with the women’s small and I’m glad I did. It was the perfect size for me, offering enough room to wear over a midweight fleece or lightweight synthetic jacket without having an oversized or boxy fit—a welcome change compared to some rain jackets. Overall, I’d call the Black Diamond Fineline a trim-fitting jacket that fits true to size.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ($189): A More Durable 3-Layer Option
The Patagonia Torrentshell is a more durable 3-layer rain jacket that falls at the same price point as the Fineline. At 12.6 ounces, it weighs a little over 3 ounces more, a difference only the most obsessed ultralighters will notice. The real difference lies in the Torrentshell’s 3-layer construction: Compared to 2- and 2.5-layer designs, this offers significantly more durable and longer-lasting waterproofing performance. On the other hand, the Torrentshell’s fabric is stiffer and more crinkly, with no stretch, making it less comfortable for active use. It also doesn’t have a helmet-compatible hood, and the fabric flap over its front zipper suggests a more casual intention. Overall, we prefer the lighter and more comfortable Fineline for long hikes and backpacking trips, but the Torrentshell is a strong contender for a one-quiver rain jacket that’s versatile enough for both light hiking and running errands around town. For more, read our review of the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L.
Patagonia Granite Crest ($289): Easy-Movin’ for a 3-Layer
The Torrentshell might be closer in price to the Fineline Stretch, but within Patagonia’s lineup, the Granite Crest is the true apples-to-apples comparison. Like the Fineline, it emphasizes mobility with a soft, flexible 30-denier shell and smooth jersey backer that move freely and quietly. You’ll find similar performance features—a helmet-compatible hood and water-resistant front zipper—plus a bonus chest pocket for extra storage. Thanks to its 3-layer build, the Granite Crest offers noticeably better breathability and long-term durability. If you live in an area where a rain jacket is standard issue, we think the extra $100 is well spent. For more on Patagonia’s high-performance shell, check out our Granite Crest review.
Black Diamond Highline Stretch ($529): A Whole Lot More Jacket
If you like the sounds of the Black Diamond Fineline but think it's too minimalist for your taste, check out Black Diamond’s Highline Stretch Shell. Technically a hardshell, the 3-layer HighLine is noticeably thicker, thanks to a burlier shell fabric and a substantial affixed liner that boosts breathability, protection, and durability compared to the Fineline. With its roomier dimensions and a longer hem length, it fits better over bulky midlayers, too (in fact, it’s so roomy you might even consider sizing down). Finally, while the Fineline has just two hand pockets, the Highline tacks on two chest pockets and an interior drop pocket. It’ll cost you $340 more, is over an ounce heavier (10.7 oz. for the men’s medium), and doesn’t stuff down into a pocket, but it’s a better jacket for true mountain conditions or winter weather. For most standard rain jacket applications, we prefer the Fineline. To learn more, read our review of the can read our Black Diamond Highline review.
The Fineline is an extra-comfortable and easy-moving rain jacket, thanks to a stretch-woven shell and underarm gussets. With a low weight and packable design, it’s suitable for backcountry use. However, it isn’t our first choice as a daily driver due to its trim fit and relatively thin shell fabric.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
This is Patagonia's dependable classic with a low price tag. The Torrentshell’s thick, long-lasting shell and knit backer make it a protective and durable daily driver. However, it’s too bulky and stiff for high-output activities or when you want unhindered freedom of movement.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
The Granite Crest is a breathable, comfortable, and highly mobile rain jacket with a full suite of performance-oriented features, including a helmet-compatible hood and watertight zippers. However, it's on the expensive side for a rain jacket.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Fineline for You?
Hikers, backpackers, and even climbers on the hunt for rain protection will appreciate the Fineline’s stretchy shell, low weight, and decent breathability at an affordable $189 price point. The main downside is the jacket’s 2.5-layer construction, which detracts from its long-term durability and waterproofing. For this reason, the Fineline isn’t a great choice as a daily driver or for those who want to get a lot of life out of their gear. But as a great all-around rain jacket for backcountry pursuits, the Black Diamond Fineline is a solid choice.
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