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Outdoor gear brands like The North Face, Patagonia, and Arc’teryx have become streetwear staples and are as popular on the trails as they are on city streets. On the other hand, Black Diamond has mainly focused on serving the mountain climbing community and is best known for making gear like harnesses and carabiners. Thankfully, you don’t have to know what belaying is to wear the brand’s apparel, including one of its most popular rain jackets that just went on sale at Backcountry.
Black Diamond’s Wind Shell Jacket was recently marked down to as low as $91—up to 35% off the normal $140 price. This lightweight, breathable layer has earned over 65 five-star ratings from shoppers who use it for everything from alpine running to hiking in the Southeastern US. It’s on sale in the Sulphur color, a subtle yellow hue, and is still available in sizes small through XL, though that could change quickly.
Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell Jacket, From $91 (was $140) at Backcountry
Since it’s performance-minded, the jacket does sacrifice some creature comforts in the name of cutting weight and bulk. There are no hand pockets, though the large zippered chest pocket offers secure storage for items like a phone, wallet, or sunglasses. This pocket also doubles as a packable pouch; the entire jacket packs into this pocket, and there’s a loop for clipping it to a bag for convenient carrying. Suitable for light rain, the jacket’s water-repellent finish keeps you dry in mild weather and is infused into the fabric itself. According to Black Diamond, this means you don’t need to treat it a second time with a spray. The jacket uses reliable YKK zippers, and the chest zips up to the chin for extra protection from the elements. The hood is also climbing helmet compatible.
The jacket is a popular option with climbers, but shoppers also use it for running and cycling. One called it “perfect for biking and hiking,” adding that “it is exactly the type of layer I was looking for.” Another wrote, “I mostly use this as a backup jacket for biking. It fits well in a back jersey pocket.”
A shopper who initially bought it for climbing wrote, “I also bring it running when the weather is questionable. You can fold it up small enough to shove in a running fanny pack.” Another runner called it “great for winter/springtime running,” adding, “It keeps you completely dry in the rain and snow without making you sweat.”
Others simply enjoy it because it’s a lightweight jacket for dealing with the sporadic spring weather. One shopper called it “extremely lightweight and packable” and summed up its appeal by calling it the “perfect jacket for spring.”
Black Diamond’s Distance Wind Shell is a great jacket for any hiker, cyclist, runner, or climber to stash in their gear bag, but it’s also great for more leisurely activities like walking the dog in cooler weather. Now up to 35% off, this discount offers a chance to get a high-quality piece of gear with lightweight construction that won’t slow you down. Consider picking one up for yourself while it’s still in stock.