#4 on this list
Fineline Stretch
Black Diamond
The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch pants target hikers, climbers, and scramblers who demand unhindered leg movement in wet weather. Traditional rain pants can feel stiff, loud, and binding when lifting your knees on high steps or maneuvering over fallen trees. The Fineline Stretch addresses this frustration by incorporating mechanical stretch into a waterproof shell, offering a far more forgiving feel during athletic movement. Black Diamond utilizes its proprietary BD.dry laminate, which keeps external moisture out while stretching with your body. Outdoor reviewers praise the full-length side zippers, which make putting these pants on over muddy boots hassle-free and provide expansive venting options when you generate heat on steep ascents. The tailored cut also keeps excess material from flapping in gusty mountain winds. On the flip side, the inclusion of full-length hardware and stretch fibers brings the weight up to around 7.5 to 9.7 ounces, depending on the gender and size. While comfortable, stretch laminates can wet out faster under unrelenting, days-long deluges than heavy-duty Gore-Tex shells, requiring consistent DWR maintenance. For active users in mixed weather, the comfort and ventilation make it a versatile pick. **Highlights** - Stretch fabric provides superior comfort and dynamic freedom of movement - BD.dry waterproof and breathable shell construction - Full-length side zippers for fast changes and customized venting - Articulated knees tailored for climbing and steep hiking - Packs down compactly into its own rear pocket **Watch-outs** - Heavier than stripped-down ultralight competitors - Stretch face fabric requires frequent DWR upkeep to prevent saturation
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#5 on this list
Downpour Eco Pant - Women's
Rab
The Rab Downpour Eco Pant is aimed squarely at backpackers and weekend hikers seeking an accessible, environmentally conscious shell. Rab built these pants using recycled polyester face fabric and membrane, eliminating fluorocarbons from the water-repellent finish. They serve hikers who need dependable protection against passing storms without committing alpine-level money to a secondary gear piece. Across independent field tests, the Downpour Eco earns solid marks for practicality. The fabric feels soft against bare skin compared to crunchy plastic-style pants, and the knee-length side zippers give decent venting and accommodate most trail hiking boots. It offers reliable waterproof performance for moderate rain events and day-to-day mountain weather. Because it relies on a standard 2.5-layer recycled laminate, it does have breathability limits during high-output climbs. In warm, muggy downpours, condensation will inevitably build up on the interior. The material is tough enough for regular trail hiking, but it is not intended for rugged alpine scree or continuous sub-freezing mountaineering. At its price point, it stands out as an honest, eco-friendly value. **Highlights** - Fully recycled polyester fabric and membrane construction - Fluorocarbon-free DWR finish - Deep side zippers with protective storm flaps - Comfortable, non-crinkly fabric hand feel - Elasticized waistband with drawcord adjustment **Watch-outs** - Breathability lags behind premium three-layer membranes during hard efforts - Modest abrasion resistance not meant for rough scrambling
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Fineline Stretch | Downpour Eco Pant - Women's |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Around $179 | — |
| Weight | 9.7 oz (men's) / 7.5 oz (women's) | — |
| Waterproof Tech | BD.dry waterproof breathable laminate | — |
| Zippers | Full-length separating side zips | Knee-length side zips with storm flaps |
| Pocketing | Stows into back right zippered pocket | — |
| Fabric Type | Stretch-woven shell with mechanical give | 2.5-layer recycled polyester |
| Stated Weight | — | 7.2 oz (approx. 205 g) |
| Membrane | — | Recycled Proflex / Pertex Shield poly |
| DWR Finish | — | Fluorocarbon-free DWR |
| Waist Style | — | Elasticated waist with drawcord adjustment |
| MSRP | — | Around $110 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Fineline Stretch
- Stretch-woven fabric offers unrestricted leg movement on steep terrain
- Full-length side zippers make transitions over muddy boots effortless
- Dual zipper sliders provide customizable venting during high output
- Tailored alpine cut minimizes noisy flapping in exposed winds
- At over 9 ounces for men, it weighs more than minimalist emergency shells
- Stretch face fabric requires regular DWR treatments to prevent saturation
- Higher price point than basic budget waterproof pants
Downpour Eco Pant - Women's
- Fully recycled fabric and membrane reduces environmental footprint
- Soft, quiet hand feel compared to crinkly budget rain shells
- Knee-length zips allow fast pull-on over standard hiking shoes
- Generous storm flaps shield side zips from wind-driven moisture
- Lightweight pack profile takes up minimal pack volume
- 2.5-layer build can feel clammy during high-output climbs
- Lacks reinforced kick patches for rugged off-trail use
- Side zips stop at the knee, limiting full-length venting
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.