Black Diamond Women’s Recon Stretch Pants Review

This is one beautiful pair of pants! The fit and features of Black Diamond’s Recon Stretch pants combine with top-notch materials and a striking color. Move aside black pants, azurite (deep turquoise) is definitely my new favorite. It is dark enough to resist stains and match most jackets but bright enough for some fun and variety.

Touring & Resort Skiing

While ski touring, I have been a dedicated softshell pant wearer. I must admit to my previous wonderings about the latest stretch hardshell pant performance– especially on a storm day. To my surprise, the Recon Stretch pants are very comfortable and breathable while touring. They stretch along with my movements seamlessly. I donned my lightweight wool long underwear and found stable body temperatures on days up to 25 degrees while earning my turns. The side zips are easy to operate and work well for extra ventilation. At the resort, I switched to a medium-weight wool long underwear and was comfortable on chilly 15-18 degree days while exerting myself in fresh powder. Of course, they repel snow and protect from wind nicely.

The electronics pocket is super handy for an avalanche transceiver. There is a thick fabric piece that protects the transceiver from getting knocked by the outside world and keeps the edges from making permanent creases on the pants (and perhaps eventual holes). Some may find this set up to be a little bulky, but it serves its purpose well. The integrated cord that attaches to the transceiver is nice, albeit a bit long. While at the ski resort without a transceiver, the pocket worked great for easy access to my phone.

As someone who always adjusts boot buckles throughout the day, I find the gator and cuff size to work well with both touring and alpine boots. I can pull the pant cuff up without unzipping to buckle or unbuckle my boots. The gator stays in place nicely. The cuff is not too large or floppy either. The Recon Stretch pants are a touch long for me in a size small, but I can make do. This is not surprising, as I am a long-waisted but shorter-legged 5’4”.

Black Diamond Women’s Recon Stretch Pants Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Comfortable and breathable while touring
• Handy electronics pocket for avalanche transceiver
• Well-designed gator and cuff sizes

Cons:

• Bulky electronics pocket
• Touch long for petite sizes

Overall Impression

I am excited to add the Black Diamond Recon Stretch Pants ($350.00) to my gear closet. In addition to being a well-thought out design, I also appreciate Black Diamond’s commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. They have a PFOS and PFOA policy for the water-repellent treatments on pants like these and many materials they use are Bluesign Approved.

Related Pants

1. 686 Women’s Smarty Cargo Pants
2. Helly Hansen Women’s Powderqueen Bib Pants
3. The North Face Ceptor Bib Pants