Minimalist, light weight, and protective – these are elements I want when shopping for a backcountry ski shell. So far this season I’ve been touring in the Black Diamond Liquid Point shell. It’s an outer layer made from Gore-Tex Paclite, which is a fairly new, two-layer version that keeps the weather out, but breathes better than standard 3-layer Gore-Tex. From skinning up Grizzly Gulch and Catherine Pass on early-season ski tours, to in-bounds shredding at Alta, and even ice fishing in a blizzard on the Skyline Plateau, I put the Liquid Point to the test in all conditions. So is it “on-point?” First, let’s look at the details.
The Black Diamond Liquid Point features:
- Gore-Tex PacLite (two-layer)
- Fully taped seams
- 75D nylon face with DWR finish
- Regular fit
- Zippered underarm vents
- Low-profile custom-molded cuff tabs
- Drawcord hem
- YKK Vislon center front zipper with DWR coating
Backcountry skiing is a highly aerobic activity when you are skinning up a mountain, so if it’s snowing on your ascent, you want a shell that breathes as well as it keeps water away from your inner layers. To test, I skinned with the Liquid Point on regardless of weather conditions. While any old Gore-Tex hard shell is not going to breathe as good as a softshell layer, the Liquid Point does remarkably well. I chalk that up to the Paclite, 2-layer system. Also, the shell has large pit zips, which go a long way toward dumping heat.
Simplicity is probably the Liquid Point’s strongest suit. In the backcountry, I find most jacket features (like powder skirts or too many pockets) to be annoying. The Liquid Point, however, is very minimal with only two outer pockets, no doo dads, and a nice, streamlined cut. It’s essentially everything you need on a ski tour, and nothing you don’t.
Construction is top notch. The materials, zippers, velcro cuff closures, large hood, and fully taped seams show the attention to detail designers gave to this piece. The Liquid Point is just a damn good-looking shell.
Another plus is the light weight of the shell. At only 14.5 ounces, the Liquid Point is super packable. When I don’t wear it on the skin track, I toss it into my pack, and it takes up hardly any room. I foresee this shell being my go-to not just for ski touring, but also backpacking, mountain biking, or even walking the dogs in the rain.
My only gripe is a common one for hard shells – the fabric makes a crinkly noise when you move.
The Good: Quality construction, simplicity, breathes very well for a hard shell jacket.
The Bad: Aside from being a bit noisy with movement, I find nothing wrong here.
Final Word: The Black Diamond Liquid Point shell is a great choice for backcountry ski touring in Utah, especially if you’re skiing mountains in inclement weather. The shell breathes, keep moisture out, and is just a workhorse that I can see wearing for years to come.