Made to endure winter conditions on single-pitch routes or huge alpine faces, the men's Black Diamond Belay insulated parka lets you hunker down while your partner battles it out on the sharp end.
Key Details
Insulation Type
Synthetic
Weight
1 lb. 9.6 oz.
Features
50-denier ripstop shell with a PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) protects from the elements while a 20-denier nylon taffeta liner adds an extra layer of warmth
200 g mapped PrimaLoft® Rise and PrimaLoft Gold with Cross Core™ insulation throughout the body, shoulders and hood
Adjustable, climbing helmet-compatible hood
Single-pull cord adjust on the hood and hem
2-way YKK front zipper with a DWR treatment and windflap allows access to your belay device
Underarm gussets for added range of motion
Lightweight stretch cuffs
Oversize zippered hand pockets, 2 zippered chest pockets and 2 internal drop pockets give you space to store gloves, water bottles and other on-route essentials
Left chest pocket has internal stretch mesh pocket
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.
Buying Advice
How to Choose Insulated Outerwear
Which insulation do you prefer?
Down: Ultralight, warm and packable—but won't insulate when damp and dries slowly.
Synthetic: Insulates when damp, dries fast and often less pricey than down—though heavier and less packable.
Wet or humid conditions or high activity? Consider water-resistant down, synthetics or down/synthetic hybrids.
How much will temperature and weather vary?
Most insulated jackets feature water-resistant shells. Some use waterproof/breathable material—pricier but they eliminate the need for a separate rain shell.
For high-exertion activities, look for vents in the underarm or core area to dump heat.
Some jackets vary insulation and shell materials based by body zone to provide weather protection and breathability where needed.
Consider features:
Hoods: Add warmth and protection; some are detachable or helmet-compatible
3-in-1 jackets: Combine an outer shell and midlayer that zip together, so you can wear separately or as one
Pockets: Designed to stash gear, secure valuables and more.
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Average Customer Ratings
Warmth
Not Insulated / WarmVery Insulated / Warm
Overall Fit Rating
Runs SmallRuns Large
Product Weight
LightweightHeavy
Customer Images
marx_in_the_woods
Received free product
Minneapolis MN
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Parka for warmth and wind resistance.
1 year ago
I used this belay jacket to summit Mount Fuji at its coldest: in mid-January with windchill down to -30° F. It worked great. Despite all the cold-weather activities I do, I get cold a bit easier than average.
Given the high winds on Fuji (30-40 kmh) and the fact I had a breathable softshell layer under, I could really feel the BD Parka lock out wind when I pulled it on.
During the coldest phases I wore my heavy wool baselayer, a hooded down mid-layer, a hooded softshell, and this parka. The BD parka fit well on top of all of this, even the hood fit on top of a helmet and the two other hoods, although I didn't usually keep the other two hoods on so I could turn my head easier.
There are a lot of subtle touches that make this parka very well designed for extremely cold and technical conditions. The inner material is very smooth and glides over inner layers. The under-zipper-flap design is fantastic, it's wide at 2 cm which not only keeps the parka from snagging its own zipper, but helps keep bits and dongles from the other layers from getting snagged too. Those features combined with the fit you'd expect from a belay parka make it reliably easy and fast to pull on when you need the warmth. The zipper flap also has a button snap at the bottom to keep it flush with the zipper to keep out wind.
The elastic of the sleeve cuffs are almost half of the circumference, so they have a lot of give. The cut of the sleeve definitely lends itself to fitting underneath the gauntlet of a glove, but will require some finicking if you have a lot over layers to get the gauntlet to sit flat and un-scrunched over the sleeve
The generously big, stretchy drop pockets leave heaps of space for big gloves, hats, balaklava, or any other bulky item. The chest pocket, accessible from outside the jacket, has a stretchy mesh interior sub-pocket which I found myself sliding my sunglasses into to better secure them.
The only criticism of this parka I can come up with, and it is marginal, is that there are no front/face drawstrings for the hood, so if you don’t have any other hood yp, you’re not able to get a tight seal next to your face to keep out wind. I think this jacket was designed to work in tandem with at least one other inner hood though.
Overall it’s a fantastic belay parka. I’m looking forward to using it as my camp overcoat while winter camping in the Minnesota Boundary Waters when the wind chill is 0° F to -40° F, the zone I think this jacket shines in. I did use the jacket around town a bit, and it works well of course except for the big honking gap between your jawline and the collar/hood. I also plan to use this ice-climbing around 0-20° F when I otherwise just have a midlayer but alternate between high-output and zero-output.
For background, this is my first belay parka, although I’ve used an assortment of softshell and mid-layer down and synthetic technical jackets over the years.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
Overall Fit Rating
Runs SmallRuns Large
Warmth
Not Insulated / WarmVery Insulated / Warm
Product Weight
LightweightHeavy
Helpful?
MidwestTriGuy
Received free product
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Exceptionally Warm!
1 year ago
This coat is WARM. I waited until a truly cold day before writing this review. It’s currently -6 F with a windchill of -24 F. I only wore a single long sleeve layer underneath, and did not feel cold a single time. Whether stationary or active, this coat is a solid layer of protection. If anything, it can be easy to overheat with this on. I’d previously worn it during some 30 degree days, and it was really too much. So keep in mind how you layer and if you’d need to shed this thing. Despite its oversized styling, it compressed down surprisingly well, and I was able to get the whole thing stuffed into the internal stash pocket (not sure if that’s an intentional design feature!).
Love the storage on this coat. The outside chest pocket is perfect and the big internal stash pockets are a plus for extra gear. Lastly the hood, this thing is gigantic. Definitely sized for being used over a helmet, and the rear drawstring cinches it down tight. For being a purpose built climbing coat in arctic weather, this thing is thoughtfully considered and a great piece of gear. If you’re trying to wear it during those in between times, it’s still a great coat but things like the oversized hood feel a bit much during casual wear. So just understand what you plan to primarily use it for. Maybe not an “everyday” coat but great for what it’s made for.
Age:45–54
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
Overall Fit Rating
Runs SmallRuns Large
Warmth
Not Insulated / WarmVery Insulated / Warm
Product Weight
LightweightHeavy
Helpful?
Stargazing in Seattle
Received free product
PNW
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
When Warmth is Non-Negotiable
1 year ago
I'm using this jacket a bit off-label but to great effect. I snagged it to use a stop layer and emergency insulation for ski touring.
This thing weighs in at 29.3 oz in a medium and when tucked into its own hood but uncompressed, takes up a pretty solid amount of space (volleyball/soccer ball sized...maybe 5-7L).
It is synthetic, which is perfect for the PNW and our "snain", last thing I want is to have my emergency insulation neutralized because it got wet. Hood is more than roomy enough for any helmet I've worn so far and the hood cinch does a solid job of keeping it out of my eyes when I'm not wearing one. Most jackets don't have enough room in the collar area to zip up all the way but this Parka is an exception to that rule. Has long sleeves that don't pull back when you raise your arms, which are a plus, though if I want to nit-pick I'd like a hair more room in the shoulder area.
The 50D face fabric doesn't feel delicate or "snaggy." I'm certain I'll eventually put some holes in it (tools not jewels) but its nice not having to worry about leaning against a tree trunk wrong.
Insulation is solid; it has kept me warm at sub-freezing temps with a bit of wind and shed enough wet snow to be comfortable. I was surprised at how well it breathed the time I found myself casually walking around Whistler in it too. A little bit of activity doesn't make it an immediate sweat-box.
At almost two pounds it is a heavy jacket. There are competitors that are a few oz lighter but, as I see it, my normal synthetic stop layer would be about a pound already. This serves a dual purpose as extra emergency warmth too and I can convince my touring partner to carry the repair kit.
One thing to note is that the hang tag and website description, at the time of writing, mentions two chest pockets but there is only a left Napoleon pocket. The right one seems to have been eliminated with the redesign. Stitching and construction quality seems quite good though that is a question that only time will tell fully.
Finally, with admittedly the most inconsequential observation, there's a subtle gridded ripstop patterning and satin sheen to the black color that I found much more attractive in person than in the stock photos.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
Overall Fit Rating
Runs SmallRuns Large
Warmth
Not Insulated / WarmVery Insulated / Warm
Product Weight
LightweightHeavy
Helpful?
Aka
Alaska
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars
No room to layer in the arms.
1 year ago
6’2”, 200 lbs. Not cut for layering. The arms are way too skinny, with no room to bend my elbows or wear over another layer. The torso is disproportionately huge. It’s like they only make a size M arm and neck, then size the XL chest for a 300 pounder. Other belay parkas, including previous ones by BD, have a much more proportional fit, and allow layering and climbing movements (like when it’s -20F and you are following after belaying for an half an hour). Something went wrong either when they were designing this version or translating it into a full size run.
Age:35–44
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'2"
No, I do not recommend this product
Overall Fit Rating
Runs SmallRuns Large
Warmth
Not Insulated / WarmVery Insulated / Warm
Product Weight
LightweightHeavy
Helpful?
Alec C.
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars
Belay Parka
7 months ago
I am a paramedic and got this jacket for those bitter cold days outside on calls. I love it. Does everything I need it to do. Have been out on traffic accidents well below zero and windy and been very comfortable. The description says it is cut large for layers and they’re telling the truth! I can easily have my down sweater underneath and still not feel cramped. Definitely keep this in mind if you’re wanting a slimmer fit. Definitely srop a size if this is your deaire.
Originally posted on blackdiamondequipment.com
Javier G.
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars
Almost the best jacket if
11 months ago
Almost the best jacket if it wasn’t for the zipper. The only thing you need to improve and maybe you could make it a bit fitter. If you’re looking for something warm, this is a good quality jacket. Even if it’s a little bit heavier compared to other jackets in the market, it seems very durable. Good quality materials. I was looking for a jacket with synthetic insulation because I sweat a lot with down jackets and this one met my expectations because is really warm.
Originally posted on blackdiamondequipment.com
Zachary S.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Warm, good fit, comfortable.
1 year ago
I wear a large in all other Black Diamond clothing but this one, I had to size down one size. Not a problem just returned and re ordered. I'm 6ft 3in tall 185lbs and the med fits perfectly. The parka is puffy and oversized but in a good way, like a parka should be. It's quite warm and comfortable. Like all BD clothing It's quality. Not the most packable coat but for a coat this size and warmth I wouldn't expect it to be.
Originally posted on blackdiamondequipment.com
Matthew N.
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars
As promised
7 months ago
Only had it out a few times so far in variable weather (rain, snow, wind, temps15-45F) and I felt like a bear in a cave. I'm quite tall and skinny so I get cold pretty quick. This parka shed all the elements. Packs down
surprisingly well into a 15L BD Dawn Patrol pack ( I was worried since it didn't pack down into a pocket, the only reason for not 5 stars). I'll be getting one for my wife.
Originally posted on blackdiamondequipment.com
Paige A.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Warmest Jacket Ever.
1 year ago
This is by far the warmest jacket I have ever purchased. The sleeves are extra long to cover your hands. Numerous and spacious pockets to stash anything you might want inside the jacket from gloves to water bottles to hats. The hood is also very insulating and large so that it may go over a helmet with ease. This jacket will keep me warm in any condition I will wear it in.
Originally posted on blackdiamondequipment.com
David S.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
This parka is perfect for Midwest winters.
6 months ago
I spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter in my midwestern state. The temperatures are brutal at times. This is my second purchase of a Black Diamond parka. My first lasted years and is now in the hands of a relative. I can not say enough good things about this product. I tell all my friends, this is the only winter coat they need.
