You don’t usually want a thick, heavy ski shell in the backcountry. Heavy-duty three-layer shells are great on the resort. But they’re often too hot going uphill, and they take up too much pack space when you need to shed them. In a progressive package, the Black Diamond Recon Stretch LT Ski Shell delivers weather protection and breathability in a minimalist design.
This lightweight shell keeps everything simple. It packs down small while providing three-layer weather protection that’s combined with maximum breathability. The relatively slim tailoring avoids excess fabric, but the four-way stretch fabric means it won’t restrict movement, either.
While you can layer underneath to use this ski shell year-round — even for days lapping the ski lifts — it’s much thinner and cooler in cold, midwinter conditions. This means it’s at its best as a touring-specific layer and spring resort jacket.
In short: The Black Diamond Recon Stretch LT Ski Shell ($400) is a backcountry-first shell that’s built to shed heat and moisture during high-output climbing and deliver reliable weather-resistance for the descent. As a hybrid option, I found this jacket works best for warmer spring days at the ski resort.
Read our full review below or The Best Ski Jackets Buyer’s Guide to see how the Black Diamond Recon Stretch LT Shell compares to our other favorite ski jackets.
- Fit: Slim
- Insulation: None
- Shell: BD.Dry 3L, 40d Nylon Stretch with PFC-Free DWR Finish
- Waterproof rating (mm): 20,000
- Breathability (g): 20,000
- Weight: 482 g
Pros
- Excellent breathability
- Good spring ski option
- Tailored fit with stretch
Cons
- Minimal pockets, features
- Thin for winter resort skiing
Black Diamond Recon LT Ski Jacket Review
Great Backcountry Performance: Black Diamond Recon Stretch LT
Fit: Black Diamond Recon Stretch LT
Pockets and Features
Black Diamond Recon Stretch LT Shell Jacket: Conclusion
The Best Women’s Ski Jackets of 2025
We tracked out the slopes to find the best women’s ski jackets. Here are our stellar choices from Patagonia, Rab, Outdoor Research and more.
Black Crows Ora Xpore Ski Jacket Review: High-Performing Steaze, Eco-Friendly Material
The 2023 Ora Xpore ski shell hit the Black Crows lineup with a new eco-friendly material, in a jacket that brings performance and style in equal quantities.