Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell

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An incredibly lightweight hooded jacket, that offers instant protection from the wind when the weather turn

Black Diamond says: 

Engineered to provide ultimate lightweight weather protection in the mountains, the Distance Wind Shell combines superior weather resistance and breathability with an ultralight design, so you are always ready for what the mountains throw at you. Launching in partnership with Green Theme International, the Distance Wind Shell features GTI’s revolutionary Breathable Water Protection Technology, an environmentally friendly PFC-free water-repellant finish that is superior in performance compared to any other C-6, C-8, or C-0 DWR. This performance is only exceeded by its durability, as the GTI technology is permanently hyper-fused to the individual fabric fibers, and there is no need to ever refresh the jacket with an additional spray or wash-in finish. The Distance Wind Shell is ultra-packable, making it a perfect emergency piece for mountain missions with a chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack and clips to a harness with a carabiner clip loop. With its air permeable qualities designed for high-output activities, and robust weather resistance, the Distance Wind Shell is tailor-made for fast and light mountain adventures.

Our Verdict

The medium size for this jacket (which fitted me, a 6-foot skinny chap perfectly) is staggeringly only 90 grams, and though very minimalistic in terms of features, it still gives the protection you would want from a running jacket. Fantastic at cutting out wind chill, with an impressive DWR that still manages a good level of breathability, is impressive in an ultralight design such as this. Elasticated cuffs, a drawstring Hemline and a hood that can be tightened with a simple draw string, make this an incredibly well-fitting jacket, that also has a zipped chest pocket with a carabiner clip loop. All nice features to have especially in a jacket that weighs less than 100 grams. I think this would be a fantastic jacket to have, just to add to a layering system on a chilly summer morning run or hike, that can be easily stashed (in its own chest pocket) and deployed in high winds or light rains.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• GTT’s Empel Breathable Water Protection Technology—a revolutionary water-free and PFC-free DWR that’s superior in performance and substantially more durable than other DWR solutions
• YKK-Zippered stowable chest pocket with carabiner clip loop
• Air permeable fabric provides breathability for high output activities
• Climbing helmet compatible hood
• Adjustable hem
• Elastic cuff

Specifications

• Small Weighs: 78g
• Medium Weighs: 90g
• Large Weighs: 96g
• XLarge Weighs: 129g

Material & Construction

• 15D Light Weight Nylon Rip Stop Woven with DWR Finish (100% Nylon, 30gsm)
• Front Length: 28.5 in from High Shoulder Point
• Slim Fit