Black Diamond

Dawn Patrol Softshell Jacket - Men's

So far so good!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

Large

I've had the jacket out once on a warmish, snowy and blowy backcountry ski day. It performed well. The fit is good - I'm 5'11", 170 lbs and I bought a large -- and the large hood and lengthy arms with velco straps kept blowing snow out. The jacket stayed dry and I did not get too warm while going uphill. The Dawn Patrol seems like a good stormy-conditions counterpart to my OR Ferrosi softshell which is great for spring backcountry outings but not as weather proof as the Black Diamond.

Great jacket for spring ski touring and hiking

Breathable and keeps the wind out. Very useful in all but wet conditions. It seems very durable, after 6 years mine is not showing real signs of wear.

Multi use - great for backpacking!

I know this was designed as a ski shell, but this was ideal for a fairly mild day hiking on Franconia Ridge, NH. It was great for temperature control, breathing well on various uphills but blocking 35-40mph winds well enough to not miss my hard shell. It was really nice to have pack compatible pockets and a stretchy fabric to warm my BD mitts against my chest. It was great to have confidence in the fabric's durability with the many downed trees and various obstacles along the trail, rather than worrying about ripping a shell... Thanks for a great jacket!

Great for high tempo efforts

Breathes well to regulate temperature on uphill efforts, good protection on the downhill. Internal pockets keep skins warm and sticky. Very happy with purchase. Very functional piece of kit.

Fits true to size

Unlike many other ski shells, this one fits true to size. I am 6’2” and 190#. I ordered XL. Full shell fabric that is stretchy. Thin with no insulation.

M's Dawn Patrol Shell

Great as an outer coat or layer on cold days. Fits true to size and great pockets for Backcountry Skiing - which are hard to find on most coats. Design of materials used helps the coat vent heat on the uphill.

Great!

Super happy with this shell. Fits well and works well. Would buy again

Flexy and breathable

The flex is impressive and very breathable! Fit is on the athletic side yet comfortable.

Snug fit

I'm 6'1", 180lbs and this was a snug fit. Most Large jackets fit fine, this one the sleeve length was perfect, but the chest and shoulders were snug. IDK if I'll try an XL as the sleeves and other aspects might change for the worst.

Great jacket!

This is my go-to jacket for winter hikes in the white mountains of NH, but it’s also great for ice or alpine climbing. I’ve bought a second one for when the first eventually wears out incase it ever gets discontinued! It’s made of a really durable, stretchy, and comfortable material similar to OR’s cirque pants. The inside drop-pockets are nice for items you don’t want to freeze like soft-flasks, electronics, or snacks! Does great in moderate wind or mildly wet/snowy weather. It’s not the lightest jacket, but it’s so durable I never worry about abusing it going through narrow trails or blowdowns. Get it!