Bottom Line
The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch pants (men’s / women’s) folks who are planning on getting after it in all weather conditions. From light drizzles to heavy downpours, these pants have you covered while keeping comfort and performance front and center.
Weighing under 10 ounces, the Finelines are among the lightest rain pants in our lineup and compress easily into their own pocket for compact storage. The elastic waistband with a drawcord ensures a secure, customizable fit, while full-length zippers allow for venting and quick on-and-off without removing your shoes.
Unlike many rain pants, these don’t sacrifice style for function. With a sleek, tailored fit, they look more like everyday pants than traditional rain gear, making them a great choice for kicking around town after a day out. The stretchy fabric provides exceptional mobility, excelling in steep climbs, technical terrain, and other activities requiring full range of motion.
However, the slim design may not suit everyone. Those with larger body types or who prefer layering underneath might find them snug. Additionally, they’re less durable and waterproof than heavier-duty options.
Despite these limitations, the Fineline Stretch pants offer a winning combination of comfort, portability, and style, making them a top pick.
How We Tested
Over a 60-day period, we tested the Fineline Stretch pants in soggy Minnesota winter rains, frigid temps, and afternoon storms along Colorado’s Front Range.
Quick Specs
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch
Best Stretchy & Comfortable Rain Pants
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $155
Weight: 9.7 oz. / 7.6 oz.(men’s / women’s)
Zipper Length: Full
Pros
- Lightweight
- Elastic waist
- Pack small into their own pocket
- Comfortable, stretchy fabric
- Full-length zips for easier on/off
Cons
- Slim fit doesn’t layer well
- Only one pocket
- Not as durable as heavier options
- Not super breathable under duress
Comfort & Mobility
The Finelines excel in comfort and mobility. Our tester raved about the fit from the moment he put them on. The elastic waistband and adjustable drawcord provide a snug yet customizable fit that feels instantly comfortable. They’re not restrictive or noisy, and the Fineline’s lightweight, stretchy fabric allows for natural movement without sacrificing durability.
These pants are designed for active adventures. We scrambled up steep ascents in Colorado and climbed over fallen trees in dense Wisconsin woods, and the stretch fabric moved effortlessly, providing unrestricted mobility. The full-length zippers are another nice touch, allowing quick on and off without removing your shoes.
The tailored fit of the Finelines adds to their appeal, offering a sleek profile without any unnecessary bagginess. However, the slim design may not be ideal for those who prefer extra room for layering or have broader body types.
Overall, the pants deliver exceptional comfort and freedom of movement.
Weather Resistance
These pants deliver solid, dependable weather resistance in light drizzles to heavier downpours. The waterproof/breathable construction and fully taped seams keep us shielded from surly weather without feeling overly bulky or restrictive for an array of moderate to strenuous adventuring.
The DWR finish does a great job of shedding light rain and mist, and the Finelines hold up well under rainy duress. Their stretch fabric not only enhances mobility but also resists water penetration. The side-zippers allows you to adjust your fit over boots, keeping moisture from soaking your feet.
That said, the lightweight design comes with limitations. The Finelines aren’t as rugged or waterproof as heavier-duty rain pants, making them better suited for moderate conditions rather than prolonged exposure to torrential rain or snow.
Ventilation
The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Pants valiantly address ventilation, which is always a conundrum for rain pants. The fabric is built with Black Diamond’s BD.dry™ 2.5L fabric. It’s made of three parts: a face fabric treated with a DWR finish that sheds water; a microporous membrane that goes on the inside and stops percipitation from penetrating; and a half layer print that goes on the inside of the membrane, keeping your ski dry and comfortable.
Still, the Fineline’s run a bit warm, so they aren’t the best for humid/warm climates, especially if you’re generating some warmth from exertion.
For most users, this level of ventilation will suffice for short to moderate outings or cooler weather.
Weight
The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch pants shine when it comes to weight, making them an excellent choice for anyone focused on ultralight gear. At under 10 ounces, these rain pants are among the lightest in their class, barely noticeable on long hikes or climbs. Their compact design and accompanying pocket make it easy to stow in a backpack without taking up valuable space.
This ultralight construction is ideal for fast-and-light adventures or for those who want reliable rain protection without added bulk. Our Minnesota tester squirreled the Finelines into a jacket pocket on a multi-day North Country Trail hike for quick access during pop-up storms.
However, the minimal weight does come with some trade-offs. These pants are less durable and protective compared to heavier, more rugged rain gear, so they’re best suited for moderate weather conditions rather than harsh, prolonged exposure.
Durability
The Fineline Stretch pants are built for active, fast-moving adventures where low weight is a priority, and you don’t need the toughest, most bombproof gear. They’re great for hiking, climbing, and other activities where you’re moving quickly and don’t expect to be in torrential rain for extended periods.
For those looking for something ultra-light with enough durability to handle the demands of day hikes and moderate conditions, these pants offer a great balance of performance and longevity. But, if you’re expecting to face harsh weather regularly, you might want something with a bit more ruggedness.
Should You Buy the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Pants?
The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch pants are ideal for outdoor fans who prioritize lightweight, packable rain gear for moderate conditions. They’re designed for fast-moving adventures where mobility and portability are key. Their sleek fit and stretchy material offer comfort and style on the trail and in town.
However, they may not be the best option for those needing heavy-duty durability or extended protection in harsh weather conditions. The lightweight fabric isn’t as rugged as burlier alternatives and may not stand up to frequent abrasion or prolonged downpours.
In terms of value, the Fineline Stretch Pants deliver an impressive combination of performance, portability, packability, and comfort.
What Other Rain Pants Should You Consider?
Here are a few top rain pants from our best rain pants gear guide that might fit your rainy weather needs:
Outdoor Research Foray/Aspire Review: These pants stand out with their 3/4 length side zips providing exceptional ventilation control. The 3-layer construction offers reliable waterproofing while maintaining breathability. These pants are ideal for those who prioritize ventilation options and don’t mind carrying slightly heavier pants.
Montbell Versalite Review: These rain pants are impressively lightweight at just 3.2 ounces, rock fully-taped seams and a simple design, making them a favorite among ultralight hikers.
REI Trailmade Rain Pants Review: These are half the cost of the Finelines and are great to be your “just in case” emergency layer rather than the pair you get if you know you will be in the rain for a long time.
