Dawn Patrol Shell - Men's
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Dawn Patrol Shell delivers breathable protection and stretch for high-output touring days
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:
"This shell keeps me moving through long uphill pushes and offers just enough coverage when the weather turns. It fits great over my layers and under a pack, and the stretch fabric is ideal for dynamic transitions."
We reach for the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Shell when the day calls for fast transitions, steep skin tracks, and unpredictable skies. Designed with the backcountry in mind, this highly mobile shell blends a weather-resistant DWR finish with a four-way stretch-woven fabric that offers exceptional breathability and freedom of movement.
A slightly extended drop-tail hem and gusseted underarms ensure coverage and range of motion, while two skin-sized chest pockets and an internal media pocket keep essentials close and dry. Finished with an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood and minimalist Hypalon cuffs, this piece is lightweight and dialed for year-round mountain travel. Whether it's spring corn or midwinter powder laps, the Dawn Patrol Shell is ready to ride.
Details
- Lightweight shell designed for ski touring and mountain missions
- Four-way stretch-woven fabric moves with your body
- DWR treatment adds moisture resistance without bulk
- Gusseted underarms and drop-tail hem improve coverage and mobility
- Two large chest pockets fit climbing skins or gloves
- Adjustable hood fits over helmets for alpine-ready protection
- Internal media pocket keeps electronics close and secure
- Low-profile Hypalon cuffs seal out snow and wind
- Item #BLDZA1C
- Material
- 63% nylon, 26% polyester, 11% elastane, PFC-free DWR finish
- Fit
- regular
- Length
- hip
- Hood
- helmet-compatible, adjustable
- Pockets
- 2 harness-compatible zippered hand, 1 zippered chest, 2 internal drop
- Claimed Weight
- 1lb 6.3oz
- Activity
- backcountry touring, hiking
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
Reviews
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What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
5 based on 4 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageOctober 22, 2025
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] As an avid backcountry skier I have used a lot of different shells. The fit is true to size, the soft shell fabric is durable but also breathable and the internal glove pockets are great for quick transitions without having to remove your backpack. I have not been able to use the jacket yet in snow, but have tested it in a light rain and it whicker water effectively. I would recommend this to anyone who needs a effective jacket for ski touring that is sick of bringing a larger, bulky shell with them. Black Diamond gave me this free product to try. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
October 20, 2025
Perfect fit-- better than hardshell for wet snow.
Superbe soft shell jacket. The cut is just right: not too voluminous! Also relatively light weight. I ski Sierra resorts and backcountry-- we get wet snow. This jacket replaces my hard shell jackets most of the time, even when it's wet. It's not as warm as gore-tex, etc. , but that's why I prefer it most of the time.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
October 16, 2025
A Solid and Versatile Jacket with nice Features
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The BD Recon Stretch Ski Shell is a great all-around jacket with a robust build quality and thoughtful features that add to its versatility. The jacket is heavier than some others, but that adds to its durability and gives me confidence that it's built to last. The boxier fit allows for a generous amount of layering. Feature-wise, I love the seam-sealed pit zips, the ski pass pocket on the forearm, and the two big drop pockets on the inside. My favorite feature is definitely the removable powder skirt, which is a big part of what makes this jacket so versatile. It zips on at the bottom and stays fairly secure in use. My only real gripe about the jacket is the main pockets. They sit lower than I’d prefer (I like higher pockets to rest my arms more comfortably), and the design opts for storm flaps instead of seam-sealed zippers, which I would prefer to have in order to keep my phone and wallet dry. All together, the Recon Stretch Ski Shell is a feature-rich jacket with far more upside than downside, and given its build quality, thoughtful design, and versatility, it punches well above its weight—especially at a price point that undercuts many comparable options on the market. I’m excited to get out on the slopes this winter and put it through its paces. I did receive this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
October 2, 2025
Awesome jacket
Fits really well beads off worker great and breaths excellent
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
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