How to Choose Insulated Outerwear

The men's Black Diamond First Light Hybrid insulated hoodie offers warmth, breathability and freedom of motion through predawn starts, headlamp descents and everything in-between.
Imported.
View all Black Diamond Men's Synthetic Insulation Jackets| Best Use | Backcountry Skiing Hiking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 93% nylon/7% elastane |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| Insulation | PrimaLoft Silver Active polyester fibers |
| Warmth | Warm |
| Hood | Yes |
| Back Length | Hip-length |
| Back Length (in.) | 28 inches |
| Gender | Men's |
| Weight | 1 lb. 2.5 oz. |
| XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest | 34 - 35.5 | 36 - 38 | 38.5 - 41 | 41.5 - 44.5 | 45 - 48.5 | 49 - 52 | 52 -55 | ||||||
| Sleeve Length | 33.5 | 33.5 | 34 | 34 | 34.5 | ||||||||
| Waist | 27 - 28.5 | 29 - 31 | 31.5 - 34 | 34.5 - 37.5 | 38 - 42 | 42.5 - 46 | 46 - 49 | 27 - 28.5 | 29 - 30.5 | 31 - 32.5 | 33 - 34.5 | 35 - 36.5 | 37 - 38.5 |
| Hip | 33.5 - 35 | 35.5 - 37.5 | 38 - 40.5 | 41 - 44 | 44.5 - 48 | 48 - 51 | 51 - 54 | 33.5 - 35 | 35.5 - 37 | 37.5 - 39 | 39.5 - 41 | 41.5 - 43 | 43.5 - 45 |
| Inseam | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 |
HOW TO MEASURE:
Neck: Around the fullest part of the neck, at the base.
Chest: Around the chest, just under the arms and across the shoulder blades.
Sleeve: From the center back of the neck, across the shoulder, and down the arm to the wrist.
Waist: Around the narrowest part of the waist.
Hip: Around the widest point of the hips.
Inseam: From the crotch to the anklebone on the inside of the leg.
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I've had this jacket for several years and found it to be one of the most useful pieces of gear I own. It's light and warm enough to be used as an outer layer when active or on cool days, and is great as a mid-layer for really cold outings. It's a slim fit, which can make it a little challenging to use with layers underneath, but allows for lots of mobility. I've worn it while climbing trad pitches and found that it didn't get in the way like I imagine a puffy would. It's also durable, after LOTS of use there's not a scratch or hole in it anywhere. I love this thing.
I wear this all the time because it breathes really well and is comfortable. At the same time it’s not the best ratio of -keeping you warm to weight and Bulkyness. I’ve taken it on shorter trips but I can use the space in my pack more efficiently . At the same time I love to bring it when I’m going for a day hike or car camping. It has held up pretty good for 1.5 years of regular use.
Absolutely love this jacket! I own quite a few blackdiamond jackets and this is my favorite. The stretchy back is perfect when hiking and wearing your backpack under it to keep dry!
I liked this hoody more than I expected to. I bought it to replace a North Face jacket that I'd been using every winter that was showing its age. It fits well (I'm 5-4, 130 pounds, and got a small) with very little bulk and plenty of room for multiple layers underneath. The stretch fabric makes this suitable for anything requiring freedom of movement. DWR finish worked well the first few times I wore it out in the rain (although it's not waterproof--you'll need to top it with a waterproof shell in bad weather). On its own, it's not warm enough for winter wear, but with a base layer, fleece/wool, and down vest or jacket underneath it more than suffices, especially if you're active (running, biking, etc.) The hood seems like it's designed for a helmut--if I'm not wearing one it comes down almost to my eyebrows--and there's no way to adjust it, or to roll it up into the collar. All in all, a very nice jacket.
Couple of minor issues with this hoodie, but I keep reaching for it. There is no hood adjustment so it can get a little cold around your head. Simply solved by wearing a beanie. It's pretty heavy compared to other option. Not the warmest considering the weight, until start exerting and heating up, then you appreciate the merino panels for venting and you find it's actually quite warm. This thing feels rock solid and well made. The fit is perfect!
Not what I thought would be, so thinking what I would do with this.