“Into each life some rain must fall” ~ a line from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, The Rainy Day. And a line I mutter to myself now and again. An older pilot buddy of mine used to say that to me when things weren’t going well. And it seemed to stick. Living in the Pacific Northwest for 12 years will do that to someone. It rains a ton up there. But living in the Midwest has it’s moments too. Pop up thunderstorms are a pretty regular thing during the months without snow. Those are our two seasons, months with snow and months without. So having a rain shell within arms reach is a must. Especially if you work or play outdoors all day. Fortunately, Black Diamond has a lightweight, packable storm shell that won’t break the bank. The StormLine Stretch Rain Shell
StormLine Stretch Rain Shell Video Review:
My day job as a General Contractor keeps me outdoors most of every day. And customers don’t like project delays due to a little rain. So having a lightweight shell stored under the back seat of my Tundra is good piece of mind when the weather hits. The 2.5 layer BD.Dry membrane seals out the elements with a waterproof rating of 10,000mm along with 10,000g/m2 breathability rating. And with 4 way stretch, the StormLine Rain Shell moves with me regardless of my activity. Because it packs into its own pocket, this jacket is a no brainer for throwing into a day bag. Whether you’re just cruising into town, hiking in questionable weather or traveling, this lightweight shell should be on your packing list.
Features like a helmet compatible rain hood and adjustable cuffs make the StormLine Stretch a great climbing companion. Discreet zippered hand pockets don’t add a lot of bulk to the front of the jacket allowing for harness compatibility. And armpit zips help regulate interior temps when things inside are heating up. The price point for the StormLine Stretch makes this a great option when you don’t want to pay for 3L Gore-Tex Jacket. Because this will easily do the job…because in your life, some rain must fall.
Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell:
- Material: [membrane/laminate] BD.Dry (2.5-layer), [face fabric] 100% nylon, DWR
- Waterproof Rating: 10,000mm
- Breathability Rating: 10,000g/m2
- Fit: regular
- Length: hip
- Hood: helmet-compatible
- Built with BD.dry™—our engineered waterproof/breathable/windproof solution
- Stretch shell fabric increases durability and comfort
- DWR pit zips for ventilation
- Underarm gussets for added mobility
- Adjustable, climbing-helmet-compatible hood
- YKK reverse coil PU coated center front zipper
- Packs into right-hand pocket with carabiner clip loop
- Adjustable cuffs and hem
- Fit: Regular
- Size: XS-XL
- MSRP: $149
Feature Image courtesy of blackdiamondequipment.com
