Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell Review
JUMP TO: SPECS | PROS & CONS | HOW IT PERFORMED | FEATURES | SUMMARY
Author: Steve Edgerton | Updated: Oct 10, 2023
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The Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell (men’s and women’s) is purpose-built for mountain athletes embodying the “fast and light” ethos. The Distance offers ultralight, supremely packable rain and wind protection for high-output pursuits ranging from bluebird ski tours to multi-pitch climbs to long mountain runs.
The Distance is perhaps the most lightweight, packable, and breathable jacket in its class, but it does come at a cost. The thin, single-layer nylon construction results in a jacket that is not particularly water resistant. It is perfect for light showers or brief rain squalls, but not something to count on getting you through proper rainstorms when climbing committing routes or running remote backcountry trails.
Overall, the jacket’s balance of weather protection and comfortable breathability for highly aerobic adventures is second to none. For everything other than the most unfavorable weather forecasts and remote objectives, the Distance is a perfect ultralight companion, equally unnoticeable on your body as it is in your pack.
SPECS
MEASURED WEIGHT: 3.3 oz / 94.2 g (men’s medium)
MATERIAL: 15D nylon ripstop
WATER RESISTANCE: PFC-Free EMPEL DWR finish
SEAM SEALED: No
POCKETS: 1 zippered chest pocket
PROS
Air-permeable nylon stays breathable during high-output activities
PFC-free DWR protects from wind and light rain and never requires reapplication
One of the lightest shells on the market
Packs down small into its own chest pocket
CONS
Simply doesn’t have the weather resistance of slightly heavier 2-layer jackets
Not adequate rain protection for multi-day/remote adventures
HOW IT PERFORMED
WEATHER RESISTANCE: Let’s get the bad out of the way first. If you’re expecting the Distance to perform like a true rain jacket, you will be disappointed. Even fairly light precipitation will soak through the paper-thin 15-denier nylon fabric in less than an hour.
That said, full water resistance is not usually what I’m after, especially for trail running and climbing. Wind is the more persistent challenge in exposed, alpine terrain, and the Distance is an extremely effective layer of protection against bone-chilling gusts of mountain air.
BREATHABILITY: The water resistance of the Distance is perhaps subpar compared to 2 layer, seam-sealed mountain running jackets, but that is a sacrifice I’m willing to make given the jacket’s superior breathability. The Distance vents heat and moisture remarkably well. Unlike the sticky, claustrophobic feel of many technical shells, the Distance is comfortable to wear, even in warm and wet conditions. Though the jacket soaks through relatively quickly, it also dries out quickly.
FIT AND COMFORT: The relaxed, versatile fit of the Distance is another one of its strong points. It allows for full shoulder articulation and fits comfortably over a thick midlayer or running vest. The adjustable hem allows you to fine tune the fit and block out cutting winds.
The relaxed fit of the Distance doesn’t constrict movement and fits well over a midlayer or running vest.
DURABILITY: There is only so much durability you can build into a jacket as light as this. The nylon ripstop is sturdy, but it is literally paper-thin. Abrasive mountain scree and tree branches threaten to tear or puncture the jacket’s single layer. But that is the name of the game with fast and light gear. Otherwise, the build quality is solid and the zippers are robust. The jacket does earn some durability points thanks to its innovative DWR treatment, which is PFC-free and fused into the nylon – meaning it should never require reapplication.
WEIGHT AND PACKABILITY: My men’s medium Distance weighed in at 3.3 oz. (94.2 g) and fits in the palm of my hand when packed into its chest pocket. It is easily the lightest and most packable wind shell I’ve ever used.
The Distance is easily one of the lightest and most packable wind shells we have ever tested.
NOTABLE FEATURES
PFC-FREE WATER-REPELLENT FINISH: The Distance features an innovative breathable water protection technology, called EMPEL. EMPEL is an environmentally friendly PFC-free water-repellant finish. The application process permanently fuses the finish into the fabric of the Distance, so you should never need to re-waterproof with a spray or wash-in finish.
ADJUSTABLE HOOD: The roomy hood easily fits over a climbing helmet. A single drawcord near the neck allows you to tighten the fit, and the hood features an elastic hem to help secure it in place.
The adjustable hood is comfortable and protective, whether you’re sporting a helmet or not.
CHEST POCKET: The single zippered pocket on the left chest is perfect for keeping your phone or route topo close at hand. The jacket packs up nicely into the pocket, which features a loop to easily clip the packed jacket onto your climbing harness or pack.
ADJUSTABLE HEM CUFF: The hem of the Distance is also adjustable via a single drawcord on the right side. Pulled snugly, it effectively shuts out drafty mountain winds.
A single draw cord makes it easy to cinch the hem shut while on the move.
SUMMARY
I approached the Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell looking for an ultralight, packable, and breathable outer layer and came away extremely impressed. With excellent wind resistance, unmatched breathability, and serviceable water resistance, it is the perfect outer layer for most of my trail running and climbing days. The Distance is not cheap, but it’s not unreasonably expensive either. Multi-sport mountain athletes will appreciate its high-performing qualities for just about any high-output endeavor, including running, climbing, ski touring, snowshoeing, and even as a packable layer for multi-day bikepacking trips.
For remote objectives or iffy weather days, you’ll still be wise to stick with a 2-layer, seam-sealed waterproof jacket, like the La Sportiva Pocketshell. But usually, I’m willing to trade some weather protection for packability and breathability – which the Distance provides better than any alternative out there.
DISCLOSURE
Black Diamond provided me with a free sample for this review – but the views expressed here are all my own. The review might also contain affiliate links, which help us keep churning out more content.
MORE INFORMATION
If you are looking for something a little more protective then check out our review of the Best Lightweight Rain Jackets. Or if you are getting kitted out to hit the trails, be sure to check out our gear lists for Trail Running or Fastpacking.
Or for more information on hiking and backpacking, check out some of our other tips and gear reviews:
Or check out our entire Gear Reviews Page, our Knowledge Base Articles, or Destination Guides for more hiking, backpacking, and outdoors related content.
Happy hiking and take care out there in the wild!