Rainwear (also known as rain gear), an essential piece of equipment for mountain climbing, was never cheap to begin with, but now it's becoming common for a jacket alone to cost over 30,000 yen
Among these, one of the few products that has been striving to maintain a high balance between quality and price for a long time Stormline Stretch Anorak (hereafter Stormline) a classic series from BlackDiamond . This is a pullover type, but there is also a jacket type Stormline Stretch Rain Shell, which I think is actually the main model, but this time I chose the anorak type as it is my preference.
I 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
- Key Features of the BlackDiamond Stormline Stretch Anorak
- Detailed review of wearing it on a spring low mountain trail
- Comfort and ease of movement: Rather than calling it rain gear, it's more like an "all-weather parka" - so comfortable you'll want to wear it no matter the weather
- Weather resistance and breathability: Protection and breathability are satisfactory (excellent for the price range)
- Functionality: Hood, pockets, packable, perfect
- Summary: A highly cost-effective, all-purpose jacket that can be worn not only as rainwear but also as a soft shell in a variety of situations
Key Features of the BlackDiamond Stormline Stretch Anorak
The BlackDiamond Stormline Stretch Anorak is an affordable pullover rain jacket that offers the waterproof and breathable performance you need for outdoor activities. Its 2.5-layer, lightweight fabric provides protection from wind and rain while wicking away moisture, while its two-way stretch provides the freedom of movement and comfort of a softshell, reducing chafing noise. It offers most of the features hikers and mountaineers demand, including an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood with a front brim, a long front zipper, a large zippered kangaroo pocket, Velcro cuffs, and a packable interior pocket. It's durable enough to withstand some rough handling, making it suitable for year-round use in a variety of activities, from hiking and backpacking to running, cycling, and skiing.
Favorite points
- The sophisticated three-dimensional cut and moderate stretch create a beautiful silhouette and allow for ease of movement
- Lightweight and compact
- The fabric is soft and not noisy
- The hood is well-fitting and waterproof
- Reasonably priced considering the overall quality
- Packable
Points of concern
- It's hard to escape the sweat during intense exercise (pit zips would have been nice)
- Many 2.5-ply fabrics have a vinyl-like lining that sticks to the skin
- The only pocket is a kangaroo pocket on the stomach, which is not very useful when the waist belt of the pack is fastened
Main specifications and evaluation
| item | BlackDiamond Stormline Stretch Anorak |
|---|---|
| weight | 260g (medium size, actual measurement) |
| color | Black, Dark Curry, Drifter Blue |
| size |
Flat size (actual measurements/cm)
*Measurement values may vary due to individual differences, measurement errors, and specification changes |
| Women's model | ◯ |
| Waterproof and breathable | BD.dry 2.5 layer (water resistance 10,000mm, breathability 10,000g/m²/24h) |
| Outer fabric | 100% nylon (2-way stretch woven, DWR water repellent, 110g/m²) |
| lining | Printing |
|
|
| Other features |
|
| Reference price (as of June 18, 2024) |
￥21,560 (tax included) |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Weather resistance (waterproof/windproof) | ★★★☆☆ |
| Breathable and non-stuffy | ★★★☆☆ |
| Comfort and ease of movement | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★★☆ |
| durability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cost performance | ★★★★★ |
Detailed review of wearing it on a spring low mountain trail
Comfort and ease of movement: Rather than calling it rain gear, it's more like an "all-weather parka" - so comfortable you'll want to wear it no matter the weather
Rain jackets typically lack stretch, and while they achieve ease of movement through techniques such as three-dimensional cutting to accommodate joint movement, they are generally not considered comfortable to wear. This jacket defies conventional wisdom, using a 100% stretch-woven nylon outer fabric that allows for two-way stretch. The absence of stretch yarns such as polyurethane prevents deterioration over time, allowing for a wide range of movement and a comfortable fit while also ensuring durability
The actual weight of the S size is 230g, which is considerably lighter than average, and you hardly feel the weight when wearing it. In addition to the stretch mentioned above, the three-dimensional cut on the shoulders and elbows means that the garment does not feel tight when bending and stretching your arms or rotating your shoulders, allowing for a natural, easy-to-move fit
What's great about a rain jacket that's easy to move in is that it's not a defensive piece that you have to put on when it rains, but rather something you can wear like a soft shell, "when it's not raining but you feel a bit chilly or when you want to prevent the wind from taking your body heat." In fact, this jacket can be used in a variety of situations, not just rainwear, such as when you start moving around early in the morning, when walking on a ridge where the wind blows through, or during a short break. What's more, when you consider wearing it "offensively" in situations other than rain, the advantage of the pullover type is that the zipper doesn't get in the way of the waist belt of the pack, making it more comfortable to wear
The fit is slim, but the slightly loose silhouette means you can wear a mid-layer underneath without feeling too tight. The sleeves are a little long (as is typical of BD apparel). I'm 176cm tall, 62kg, and slim, and wearing the small size was just the right fit
The lining is printed to protect the waterproof and breathable membrane. This print has a slightly textured coating, which feels smooth and comfortable against the skin when you're not sweating, but once you start sweating and it gets wet, it feels sticky and somewhat uncomfortable, just like a traditional 2.5-layer jacket. For this reason, it's best worn over a long-sleeved base layer, and unfortunately, it doesn't go well with short-sleeved T-shirts
The back of the neck is lined with microfleece, which absorbs oil and sweat from the area where dirt tends to accumulate, improving comfort and durability (see photo below). I also like the small but securely sewn-in hanging loop located there
Weather resistance and breathability: Protection and breathability are satisfactory (excellent for the price range)
The Stormline uses 2.5-layer BD.dry fabric, which sandwiches a waterproof and breathable membrane between a thin but durable nylon fabric (1 layer) on the outside and a printed porous coating (0.5 layer) on the inside. While this is less durable and breathable than a 3-layer structure with fabric on the inside, it has the advantage of being lighter and more compact.
The published water resistance and breathability scores for this jacket are somewhat mediocre, but based on my own research and actual use, the fabric structure seems almost identical to the proprietary materials (presumably similar in structure) of other manufacturers such as Patagonia. In that sense, it offers such solid protection that you don't need to worry about water getting in unless it's a really heavy downpour, and you don't have to worry about wind or waterproofing
Naturally, all seams are taped, so even if it rains, water won't seep in through the seams, and the front zipper is waterproof (no extra flaps needed, saving weight) for effective waterproofing
The durable water repellent (DWR) treatment, which is designed to ensure waterproof and breathable properties, also worked surprisingly well for lightweight rainwear, with the surface continuing to repel water even during long showers
On the other hand, during intense exercise during the day, moisture cannot escape completely, and you can feel condensation forming inside the garment. In this case, the jacket type has pit zips (ventilation) under the armpits, which greatly aids ventilation and makes up for the low breathability of the fabric, but this pullover type only has a long half-zip on the front that functions as ventilation. Because it is made to a certain extent, you can open it all the way when it is not raining and get sufficient ventilation, but it is a bit disappointing that there is no option to let moisture out when it is raining. Even though it affects the weight, it would have been nice if the pullover type also had pit zips
Functionality: Hood, pockets, packable, perfect
Shapely, easily adjustable hood for a perfect fit
The Stormline features a conveniently adjustable hood with a single pull cord that adjusts to a wide range of head sizes, from climbing helmets to other head sizes. The stretchy fabric and a cord lock at the back of the head make it easy to find the perfect fit, and the slight stretch provided by the stretch fabric ensures a comfortable fit even when moving your neck, even in the rain. The high collar and long brim are also well-designed, providing ample coverage for your chin and keeping rain out from the front.
Kangaroo pocket with excellent storage capacity unique to pullover type
Of the two types of Stormline, this pullover type has one large kangaroo pocket that can be accessed through zippers on both sides. This large space can hold not only a large smartphone, but also a large map, a water bottle, gloves, snacks, and pretty much anything else you can think of, and this high storage capacity can be said to be one of the advantages of the pullover type. However, in reality, it does get in the way a little when fastening a harness or the waist belt of the pack, so it's not something you'll use that often while on the move
By the way, the full-zip jacket type has ample zippered hand pockets on both sides
Furthermore, this pocket has an inner pocket made of stretch mesh, and by turning the whole thing inside out and rolling it up into this mesh pocket, you can store your rain gear. This packable design makes it easy to store without worrying about losing the storage bag. What's more, it has a loop for passing a carabiner through, so you can hang it on a harness in this state, and these small considerations for practicality are very appreciated
Velcro cuffs and drawcord hem
The wide cuffs allow for easy on and off even over gloves, and can be adjusted with Velcro. Suitable for a wide range of wear from early spring to early winter
There is an easy-to-use drawstring on the right side of the hem, which can be tightened to prevent rain and cold air from entering
Summary: A highly cost-effective, all-purpose jacket that can be worn not only as rainwear but also as a soft shell in a variety of situations
*For a limited time from March to the end of August 2024, this season's products will be on sale at bargain prices 20% lower than the market price in Europe and the United States
After trying it out, I can sum the Stormline in one word: "a versatile rain jacket that's worth more than its price." While it's a rain jacket with basic functionality, it also boasts premium features such as lightness, comfort (ease of movement), and design. Its competitive price compared to competing products, combined with its overall excellent balance, make it an attractive piece for hikers.
It's perfect for people looking for an affordable piece of clothing that can be worn comfortably for moderate activity throughout the year, such as regular hiking, mountain climbing, backpacking, running or skiing in cold seasons, rather than activities that make you sweat profusely in the middle of summer. If you prioritize ease of movement as activewear, like me, then an anorak type would be best, but if you value ease of use and high ventilation as an outer layer, then a full-zip jacket type would be best
In any case, to be honest, it's hard to find such high overall quality, including good style, in this price range these days (in fact, this model was even more unbelievably priced before the yen began to weaken). While "cost performance" has long been a hot topic in many places, the true meaning of "cost performance" isn't just about a low price. This rain jacket offers value beyond its price, while also providing solid reliability so you can enjoy the outdoors with peace of mind, and it deserves to continue to be more highly rated
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