How to Choose Insulated Outerwear

A highly versatile mid layer that's both lightweight and protective, the men's Black Diamond Alpine Start Insulated Hoody is designed for high-output endeavors in cold conditions.
Imported.
View the Black Diamond Alpine Product LineView all Black Diamond Men's Synthetic Insulation JacketsBest Use | Multisport |
---|---|
Fabric | 80 g/m2 93% nylon/7% elastane nylon stretch woven with Schoeller Eco-Repel Bio durable water repellent (DWR) |
Lining Fabric | Polartec Alpha Direct Fleece 120 g/m2 100% polyester insulation |
Insulated | Yes |
Insulation Type | Synthetic |
Insulation | Polartec Alpha Direct Fleece 120 g/m2 100% polyester insulation |
Warmth | Warm |
Hood | Yes |
Packable | Yes |
Back Length | Hip-length |
Back Length (in.) | 28 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 13 ounces |
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.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Love this piece, it's designed with a really interesting prioritization of warm zones and weigh-cutting, never seen a jacket quite like it. Packs down to a micro pouch and weighs basically nothing - but it's honestly hella warm. I wish the hood had a bit more structure so it didn't do that limp floppy hood thing, but that's my only real critique.
I was initially a little hesitant to get this over the first light stretch hoody or another company’s offering due to the areas that don’t have insulation. After using it a couple of times I have loved it! It has insulation where you want it (the chest, back, and the outside of the arms). This leaves the sides of the torso and the undersides of the arms protected and able to cool down quickly! For snowshoeing, hiking, or skinning it is great! Keeps you warm but not too warm and the wind and water protective outer layer is exceptional! It kept me protected against 30 mph winds and I was warm! For dry or slightly wet conditions this replaces 2 layers (fleece midlayer and wind breaker) and is almost as light as my old midlayer.
I wore this to CIM as my travel jacket. Worked great around town from 44-62 degrees Fahrenheit. I wear this running and so far I have worn it as low as 13 degrees Fahrenheit with a long sleeve and up to 30 Degrees with a t-shirt. The venting is amazing and keeps my body temp regulated while running. Hood cinches down well and doesn't bounce. Packs so well into the pocket to put in a hydration vest or carry on luggage. Highly recommend this instead of a puffer jacket. This will be in my mandatory gear for 200 mile races and ultras.
Fantastic mid layer that’s on the lighter end compared to other packable puffies. Material is exceptionally soft, sheds light moisture effectively, and packs into a very light bundle. I’m 6’4” slim but lanky and ordered a Large. Might be worth sizing up to an XL to get slightly longer sleeves but didn’t want to get too baggy around my torso.
I’m 5’ 8” tall, 190 lbs and wear a large. I’ve worn this hoody in temps ranging from the mid 20’s to 50 f. The fit is regular. I’m a Patroller on a small mountain in NC and this hoody provides plenty of protection in cold temps working on setup when you’re active. With a light base layer it’s all I need for a cold day.
Alpine start has been my go to for seasons now. Lightweight perfect for light rain and wind. Now just for even better with added insulation where you need it for colder days on the trail in the alpine and around town during this cold days.
This is a great layer that provides the warmth and weather resistance needed for summer summit days. It's light and packable which helps keep the weight down to the minimum
I’ve used a ton of midlayer pieces lack this- ATOM LT, Nano-Puff, etc. this is far better. Fit and finish is on par with Arcteryx, but this performs and feels much better.
Feels soft and buttery and keeps you warm. Ideal if you don't want to get super hot when moving, but need some heat at the beginning.
unique placement of insulation is a personal preference. . .