Black Diamond Fineline Stretch vs Highline Stretch
Choose the Fineline Stretch for a 320 g, pocket-stowing rain shell with a climbing-helmet-compatible hood. Choose the 360 g Highline Stretch if you want three-layer construction and more storage. Both have pit zips, so the Highline is not the only option for opening vents on a climb.
Based on 506 included owner reviews.
The differences that matter
The Fineline uses 2.5-layer BD.dry with a nylon stretch face. The Highline uses three-layer BD.dry with a jersey backer. The additional bonded inner layer changes the construction, but does not alone prove a more comfortable or longer-lived jacket.
The Highline has two chest pockets, two hand pockets and an interior stash pocket. The Fineline keeps storage to two hand pockets and stuffs into the right one. Think about harness access and where you want to put gloves before deciding that more pockets are worth carrying.
Technical comparison
Fineline Stretch
BD.dry 2.5-layer construction with a nylon stretch face. A climbing-helmet-compatible hood, pit zips, two hand pockets and adjustable cuffs and hem. It stows in the right hand pocket. The manufacturer lists a weight of 320 g. The manufacturer describes a regular cut.
Highline Stretch
Three-layer BD.dry with a jersey backer. An adjustable hood, pit zips, two chest pockets, two hand pockets and an interior stash pocket. The manufacturer lists a weight of 360 g. The manufacturer describes a regular cut.
What do owners report?
Fineline Stretch
This product has 472 included owner reviews. Repeated strengths include staying dry in rain (40.3%; 190 reviews); low weight (37.5%; 177 reviews); and a comfortable fit (31.8%; 150 reviews).
Published drawbacks include body sizing that feels too small (3.8%; 18 reviews); water getting through the shell in rain (2.3%; 11 reviews); body sizing that runs too large (2.3%; 11 reviews); and sleeves that feel too long (2.3%; 11 reviews).
Read the Fineline Stretch owner reviews for the full published findings and revision scope.
Highline Stretch
This product has 34 included owner reviews. Repeated strengths include staying dry in rain (35.3%; 12 reviews); a comfortable fit (29.4%; 10 reviews); and helpful fabric breathability during active use (26.5%; 9 reviews).
Read the Highline Stretch owner reviews for the full published findings and revision scope.
These mention shares describe separate owner groups, rather than performance measured under the same conditions.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Fineline when low carried weight, pocket storage and its helmet-compatible hood cover your needs. Choose the Highline when its three-layer backer and additional pockets are useful enough to carry another listed 40 g. Check the repeated fit and fabric findings before buying either.