Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s Review

Let’s Dive into Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s

The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s is an ultralight softshell designed for the weight-conscious climber or outdoor enthusiast seeking protection from wind and light weather. Crafted by Black Diamond, this hoody utilizes Schoeller stretch-woven fabric, promising breathability and packability. The updated silhouette promotes increased range of motion, while elastic banding and a drop hem ensure a secure fit.

For years, I’ve struggled to find a lightweight shell that balances breathability and weather resistance during alpine climbs. Many were either too bulky, not breathable enough, or simply lacked the necessary freedom of movement for technical ascents. The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s seemed to offer a solution.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the hoody’s featherweight feel and minimalist design. The Schoeller fabric felt soft yet durable, and the construction appeared robust despite the minimal weight. This was far lighter and more packable than my previous softshell jackets.

Compared to my Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody (another lightweight wind shell) and my Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody (a more durable softshell), the Alpine Start seemed to strike a middle ground. It offered a similar level of wind resistance to the Squamish but with added stretch and breathability, while being significantly lighter and more packable than the Ferrosi. I chose the Alpine Start for its targeted balance of weight, weather protection, and mobility.

My first impression was excitement tempered by slight skepticism. Could something this light and packable truly hold up in harsh alpine conditions? The potential for unrestricted movement and excellent breathability was enticing, but I needed to put it through its paces.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s during a multi-pitch rock climbing outing in the Shawangunk Mountains, NY. The day started cool and windy, with occasional light showers threatening. I wore it over a light merino wool base layer.

The hoody performed exceptionally well in the varied conditions. The wind resistance was impressive, cutting through the gusts on exposed belay ledges. The Schoeller fabric breathed remarkably well during strenuous climbing, preventing overheating and minimizing moisture buildup.

The unrestricted movement was a standout feature. I didn’t notice any binding or limitations while reaching for holds, stemming, or executing awkward maneuvers. No time was needed to get used to it, which is rare for some outerwear.

One initial surprise was how well the elasticized hood stayed in place, even without a helmet. It conformed snugly to my head, providing excellent peripheral vision.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Alpine Start Hoody has become a staple in my outdoor kit. I’ve worn it for everything from trail running and hiking to backcountry skiing and alpine climbing. It continues to impress.

The durability has been surprisingly good. Despite its lightweight construction, the Schoeller fabric has resisted abrasion from rock and branches. I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear, even in high-stress areas like the elbows and shoulders.

Maintenance is simple. I typically wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle and hang it to dry. The fabric dries quickly and retains its shape well. No special detergents or treatments are required.

Compared to my previous softshells, the Alpine Start excels in weight, breathability, and mobility. It doesn’t offer the same level of abrasion resistance as heavier options, but the trade-off is well worth it for activities where weight and freedom of movement are paramount. The versatility makes it outperform other similar items.

Breaking Down the Features of Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s

Specifications

• The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s is constructed from 93% Nylon and 7% elastane Schoeller stretch-woven fabric. This blend provides a balance of durability, stretch, and breathability.
• It weighs in at a mere 207 g (7.3 oz), making it incredibly lightweight and packable. This allows for easy storage in a backpack or climbing harness.
• The fit is described as slim, providing a close-to-body silhouette that allows for layering without being bulky. This enhances mobility and reduces wind resistance.
• The hoody features Schoeller Eco-Repel Bio PFC-free DWR technology for water resistance. This helps to shed light rain and snow, keeping you dry in inclement weather.
• It is designed for alpine climbing, layering, and other activities where weight and mobility are crucial. This makes it a versatile piece for various outdoor pursuits.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the hoody’s performance. The lightweight construction allows for unrestricted movement and easy packability. The Schoeller fabric provides breathability and weather resistance, while the slim fit minimizes bulk and maximizes layering options.

Performance & Functionality

The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s excels at its intended job: providing lightweight, breathable weather protection with unrestricted mobility. It is ideal for activities where weight and freedom of movement are paramount.

Its strengths lie in its breathability, wind resistance, and packability. The Schoeller fabric effectively wicks moisture away from the body, preventing overheating. The hoody cuts through wind effectively, providing a noticeable level of warmth in exposed conditions.

One weakness is its limited water resistance. While the DWR finish sheds light rain, it is not a waterproof garment. Prolonged exposure to heavy rain will eventually soak through the fabric. Also, its slim fit may not be preferable for all users, especially those with broader builds or those who prefer a more relaxed fit.

Overall, the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s meets and often exceeds my expectations. It is a well-designed and executed piece of gear that delivers on its promises.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s is excellent, considering its lightweight construction. The materials feel durable and the stitching is clean and precise.

The hoody is incredibly comfortable to wear, thanks to the soft Schoeller fabric and the slim fit. The elasticized hood, cuffs, and hem provide a secure yet comfortable fit.

The design is minimalist and functional. The single chest pocket is large enough to hold essentials like a phone or GPS device, and doubles as a stuff sack for the hoody itself. There is a slight learning curve for packing, but once mastered, the small size is worth it.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s should last for several seasons of regular use. The Schoeller fabric is surprisingly durable for its weight, but it is still susceptible to abrasion from sharp objects.

Maintenance is simple. Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, and hang to dry. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the DWR finish.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s comes with a single accessory: a carabiner clip loop attached to the chest pocket. This allows you to clip the packed hoody to your harness or backpack for easy access.

There are no significant customization options available for the hoody itself. The slim fit allows for easy layering with other garments.

It is compatible with most standard climbing helmets. The adjustable hood fits comfortably over a helmet without restricting movement or visibility.

Pros and Cons of Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s?

The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s is perfect for alpine climbers, backcountry skiers, trail runners, and anyone seeking a lightweight, breathable, and packable softshell. It is ideal for activities where weight and mobility are paramount.

This product should be skipped by anyone who needs a fully waterproof jacket or prefers a more relaxed fit. Those who frequently encounter heavy rain or require maximum abrasion resistance should consider a different option.

Must-have accessories include a lightweight base layer for added warmth and a waterproof shell for protection in heavy rain.

Conclusion on Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s

The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s is an outstanding piece of gear that delivers on its promises. It provides lightweight, breathable weather protection with unrestricted mobility.

The price of $189.00 is justified by the hoody’s performance, durability, and versatility. It is a worthwhile investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts.

I would highly recommend the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody – Men’s to anyone seeking a high-performance softshell for alpine climbing, backcountry skiing, trail running, or other activities where weight and mobility are critical. Get yours today and experience the freedom of movement!