[Excellent value for money] Black Diamond Storm Rhine Stretch Anorak Review: Easy-to-moving pullover rainwear that can be used widely, such as rainwear and windshells.
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
Although rainwear (so-called rain gear) is an essential equipment for mountain climbing, it was not a cheap item to buy, now it is becoming common for a jacket alone to cost over 30,000 yen.
Among these, one of the few products that have been working hard to maintain a high level of balance between quality and price for a long time is the first item we will be featured in this article, the classic Storm Line Stretch Anorak (hereinafter referred to as Storm Line) from BlackDiamond of activities. This is a pullover type, but there is also a jacket type "Storm Rhine Stretch Rain Shell," which I think is the main model, but this time I deliberately chose the anorak type, which is my favorite.
I've tried wearing it in a variety of situations, from early spring in May to the start of the rainy season in June, so I'd like to review it right away.
table of contents
- Main features of BlackDiamond Storm Rhine Stretch Anorak
- Detailed review worn on the low mountain trail in spring
- Comfort and ease of movement: It's more appropriate to wear an "all-weather hoodie" than a rain gear, and it's comfortable to wear regardless of the weather.
- Weather resistance and breathability: Protection and breathability are on the same level (excellent in price range)
- Functionality: Hood, pockets, packable, perfect
- Summary: A versatile, highly cost-effective jacket that can be worn not only in rainwear but also in a softshell style.
Main features of BlackDiamond Storm Rhine Stretch Anorak
The BlackDiamond Storm Rhine Stretch Anorak is an affordable pullover rain jacket with waterproof and breathable properties needed for the outdoors. The 2.5-layer thin, lightweight fabric prevents rain and wind and escapes stuffiness, while stretching in two directions at the same time makes it easy to move like a soft shell, providing less noise from the fabric and provides a comfortable fit. It offers most features hikers and climbers want, including a helmet-compatible adjustable hood with a front brim, a long front zipper, a large zippered kangaroo pocket, Velcro cuffs and a packable interior pocket. It has a moderate durability that can be handled a little roughly, and can be used all year round for a variety of sports, from hiking and backpacking to running, cycling and skiing.
Favorite points
- Elaborate three-dimensional cutting and moderate stretch make it a beautiful silhouette and easy to move
- Lightweight and compact
- The fabric is supple and not loud
- A hood with a high fit and high waterproofness
- Affordable prices are hard to imagine due to the overall quality
- Packable specification
Interesting points
- You can't escape stuffiness during intense exercise (I wish there was a pit zipper)
- The vinyl-like lining that sticks to the skin, which is common with many 2.5-layer fabrics, is easy to stick to the skin.
- The pockets are only the kangaroo pockets on the abdomen, so they are not very useful when you are tightening the waist belt of your backpack.
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | BlackDiamond Storm Rhine Stretch Anorak |
|---|---|
| weight | 260g (M size, actual measured value) |
| color | Black, Dark Curry, Drifter Blue |
| size | Flat size (actual measurement value/cm)
*Measurement values may differ due to individual differences, measurement errors, and changes in specifications. |
| Ladies model | ◯ |
| Waterproof and moisture permeable function | BD.dry2.5 layer (water pressure resistant 10,000mm, breathability 10,000g/m2/24h) |
| Outer material | 100% nylon (2-way stretch woven, DWR water repellent, 110g/m2) |
| lining | Printing |
| |
| Other features |
|
| Reference price (as of 2024/06/18) | ¥21,560 (tax included) |
| Outdoor Gearzine Rating | |
| Weatherproof (waterproof and windproof) | ★★★☆☆ |
| Breathability and less likely to get stuffy | ★★★☆☆ |
| Comfort and ease of movement | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cost Performance | ★★★★★ |
Detailed review worn on the low mountain trail in spring
Comfort and ease of movement: It's more appropriate to wear an "all-weather hoodie" than a rain gear, and it's comfortable to wear regardless of the weather.
Normally, rain jackets are not stretchy, and although they are made by cutting them in three-dimensional shapes that are designed to allow for joint movement, they are generally not considered to be comfortable to wear. This jacket overturns this common sense and uses 100% stretch woven nylon on the outer material that allows for two-way stretching. The fact that no stretchable yarn such as polyurethane is used here is heavy to avoid aging, and while ensuring a wide range of ease of movement and comfortable fit, it also ensures durability.
The actual measured S size is 230g, which is much lighter than average, and you can hardly feel the weight of the comfort of the item when worn. In addition to the above-mentioned stretchability, the three-dimensional cutting on the shoulders and elbows ensure that your clothes do not become tense due to bends and stretching of the arms or rotation of the shoulders, making it natural and easy to move in.
What's good about rain jackets that are easy to move in is not a protective way of wearing them when it rains, but rather a softshell style, such as "it's not raining but you feel a little chilly or want to prevent your body temperature from being taken away by the wind." In fact, this jacket is not only used in the case of storing it deep inside your backpack just in case, but also can be used in a variety of situations, such as when you start moving early in the morning, walking along a ridgeline with wind blowing through, or during a short break, not just rainy wear. Furthermore, when considering wearing it for "offensive" outside of rain, the good thing about pullover types is that the zipper does not interfere with the waist belt of the backpack, making it even more comfortable to wear.
The size has a slim silhouette, but the silhouette feels slightly looser when worn without feeling cramped even when wearing a middle-wear underneath. The sleeves are still a little longer (although they are familiar to BD apparel). I, who is 176cm, 62kg, and slim, wears size S, and it fits perfectly.
The lining is printed to protect the waterproof and breathable membrane. This print has a slightly uneven coating, and when you are not sweating, you can feel a smooth and comfortable feel, but once you sweat and get wet, the soft texture, just like the conventional 2.5 layers, the soft texture will slightly spoil your comfort. For this reason, it is best to wear it over long-sleeved base layers, and unfortunately it doesn't go very well with short-sleeved T-shirts.
In addition, a micro fleece lining is applied to the back of the neck of the lining, which absorbs moderate amounts of oil and sweat on the back of the neck, which tends to accumulate dirt, increasing comfort and durability (photo below). I also love the small but firmly sewn hanging loops placed here.
Weather resistance and breathability: Protection and breathability are on the same level (excellent in price range)
The fabric used for the Storm Line This is a waterproof and breathable membrane that is sandwiched between a thin yet durable nylon fabric (1 layer) on the front and a printed porous coating (0.5 layers) on the lining. While it is less durable and breathable than a three-layer structure with the fabric on the inside, it also works advantageously in terms of lightness and compactness.
The published water pressure and breathability scores of this jacket are somewhat mediocre, but based on the fabric structure (as far as I have done on my own research), and the actual use I have the impression that it is almost the same as the original materials (presumably similar structures) from other manufacturers such as Patagonia. In that sense, it has solid protection so that you don't have to worry about flooding unless there is a major heavy rain, and it can be said that there is no need to worry about windproofing and waterproofing.
Naturally, all seams are tape-fitted, so even if it rains, water will not penetrate through the seams or anything else. The front zipper is also waterproof (without unnecessary flaps and reducing weight) effectively waterproof.
The durable water-repellent (DWR) coating to ensure waterproof and breathable properties work surprisingly well as lightweight rainwear, and the surface continued to repel water even after a shower for quite some time.
On the other hand, when you do intense exercise during the day, you can't escape the stuffiness, and you start to feel the condensation inside your clothes. In this case, the jacket type has a pit zip (ventilation) under the armpits significantly aiding ventilation, covering the low breathability of the fabric, but for this pullover type, only the longer half zip on the front serves as ventilation. It is made for a long time, so when it's not raining, it can be fully opened to provide adequate ventilation, but it's a bit disappointing that there's no option to let the moisture go when it's raining. Although it affects the weight, it would have been nice if the pullover type had a pit zip.
Functionality: Hood, pockets, packable, perfect
A well-shaped, adjustable hood that fits easily
The Storm Line has an adjustable hood that can be adjusted to a wide range of options, from climbing helmets to head sizes, with just one pull cord. The elastic fabric and cord lock at the back of the head provide a perfect fit, and even when you move your neck, the slight "stretch" of the stretch fabric gives you a comfortable fit even in the rain. Additionally, the high collar covers the chin and the brim is well-made, long enough to prevent rain from coming from the front.
Kangaroo pocket with excellent storage capacity that is unique to pullover types
Of the two types of Stormline, this pullover type has one large kangaroo pocket, which can be put in and taken out through the left and right zippers. This large space can store not only large smartphones, but also large maps, plastic bottles, gloves, and food that you can imagine, such as food, and this high storage capacity can be said to be an advantage of the pullover type. However, realistically, it may interfere with the waist belt of the harness or backpack, so it is not something you should use it that actively while you are taking action.
Incidentally, the full zip jacket type has hand pockets with left and right zippers for ample space.
Furthermore, this pocket has a stretch mesh inner pocket, and is packable so you can store rain gear by turning it over and rolling it up inside the mesh pocket, making it convenient to store it without worrying about losing the storage bag. Moreover, it has a loop for passing a carabiner, so it is possible to hang it on a harness or something in this state, which is nice to see the detailed consideration given to practical use.
Velcro cuffs and hem drawcord
The cuffs have a wide design that allows you to easily take off and take off even over gloves, and can be adjusted using Velcro. It can be used in a wide range of situations from early spring to early winter.
A drawcord with an easy-to-operate shape is placed on the right side of the hem, and by squeezing it out, you can prevent rain and cold air from entering.
Summary: A versatile, highly cost-effective jacket that can be worn not only in rainwear but also in a softshell style.
*From March 2024 to the end of August, this season's products are on sale for a limited time at a bargain price 20% lower than the market price in Europe and the US
I tried it this time, and personally, the Stormline is "a versatile rain jacket worth more than the price." Although it is a rain jacket with basic and alphabetical features, it also has premium features such as lightness, comfort (ease of movement), and design, and is also a competitive price compared to competing products and a high overall balance, making it an attractive piece for hikers.
This is perfect for those looking for an affordable piece that is comfortable to wear with activities that are medium-sized throughout the year, such as regular hiking, mountain climbing, backpacking, running and skiing in cold seasons, rather than activities that will cause you to sweat a lot in the middle of summer. If you prioritize ease of movement as an active clothing, like you, it's a good idea to choose the anorak type, and if you prioritize ease of use and high ventilation as an outerwear, it's a good idea to choose the full zip jacket type.
In any case, it's hard to find the overall quality, including good style, at this price range, at this price point (in fact, this model was even more incredibly incredible before the yen began to weaken). It's been a long time since "cost performance" has been called for in all parts of the world, but "cost performance" in its original sense is not simply a low price. This rain jacket, which offers value beyond the price, is sure to be appreciated more than you can afford, while achieving solid reliability that allows you to enjoy the outdoors with peace of mind.
