Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody - Men's
An ultralight soft shell designed to shield ounce-counting climbers from wind and light weather, the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody provides highly breathable and packable weather resistance.
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- Updated silhouette provides an increased range of motion and unrestricted movement, so that you can keep climbing even in windy and cold conditions
- Schoeller® Eco-Repel Bio® PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) technology
- Elastic banding on hood, cuffs and hem seals in warmth and secures fit
- Drop hem for more coverage under harness
- Adjustable, climbing-helmet–compatible hood
- Stows in chest pocket with carabiner clip loop
- Slim fit
Imported.
View the Black Diamond Alpine Product LineView all Black Diamond Men's Soft-Shell Jackets| Best Use | Climbing Hiking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Schoeller Eco-Repel Bio stretch soft shell 80 g/m2 93% nylon/7% elastane |
| Hood | Yes |
| Packable | Yes |
| Back Length | Hip-length |
| Back Length (in.) | 28 inches |
| Gender | Men's |
| Weight | 8 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 |
Sizing Notes
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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Stoked for the Alpine Start Hoody!
I ordered the Alpine Start Hoody on the recommendation of a friend as it was time to replace an old wind shirt I had used and abused for years. Out of the package, the fit was spot on (I'm 6'2 and the size large is perfect). After trying it on, it went straight into my pack and then to the mountains for 6 days of alpine climbing. The simple and light design makes it a perfect accompaniment for long exposed routes in the alpine where protection from the wind, sun, etc. is essential. The helmet compatible hood is dialed for my BD Vision helmet. Nice job BD and thanks for creating a new trusted friend!
More windbreaker than softshell
If you’re shopping online don't be fooled: this is a lightweight windbreaker, not a softshell. Its a nice windbreaker, but I don’t need to spend $185 on a windbreaker. I guess the 2-star rating is more for REI’s description and categorization of the product than the product itself. I’m sure if you wanted a lightweight breathable windbreaker it would be 5-stars. But as a softshell it falls substantially short if satisfactory.
All time favorite Jacket!
I've probably had six or more of these jackets over the past ten years; they are our go-to company jacket for our crew. Highly recommend A++++
Perfect lightweight softshell for the ascent
I wanted a lightweight softshell that would cut the wind and provide some protection from a passing shower, without being too warm for uphill activity, and with a helmet compatible hood. I also did not want bulky closure straps on the wrists. This jacket seemed overpriced at first, but it ticked all the boxes for me. I've used it on St Helens and Rainier, and it kept the chill out without overheating on the way up. It's built to accommodate layers underneath, but doesn't have a loose fit and will slip under a puffy or a hardshell if needed. The hood has a single bungee pull in the back, and cinches down nicely with or without a helmet. It appears to be well made, with solid zippers. I'm 5'6" and 170 lb, and the medium fits me perfectly.
Frail Sponge
I've used this jacket only a handful of times and it already has a run just above the rear hem in the center of the jacket. I've worn it carrying my son in a child carrier backpack a couple of times and worn it a few times casually. In light, fine rain, the kind you can only see against a dark background, it wets out in under five minutes. The DWR is nonexistent. I stood out in the same kind of rain today to test it and it wet straight out immediately. My Adidas track pants were dry! The fit is good and it balances breathability and wind resistance well. Would not buy again and mine will be for sale. I'll go back to using my ten plus year old windshirt from another brand that has seen hard use and is still more functional than this item new!
Great! Bulky main zipper could be improved.
Terrific jacket. Light, tough, breathable, minimalist. However, for such a light weight and packable jacket the main zipper is obnoxiously heavy and bulky. You can really feel the bulky #5 slider weighing down the fabric and touching your chin when it's zipped up. And the #5 coils just feel overkill and takeaway from the lightweight feel. I would much prefer a lighter VISLON zipper or at least a #3 RC zip. It also adds unnecessary weight if you're using this as a "just in case" jacket. This zipper is meant for a heavier jacket like the Dawn Patrol Shell. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the same zipper and they used it for both jackets to save money on production costs. A weird and out-of-place design choice for an otherwise excellent jacket.
Superior Breathability While Shedding Wind
This is a really versatile wind-shirt/wind-shell with great breathability. In through-hiking and backpacking forums, it's said the breathability rating is 40 CFM (cubic-feet-per minute). Wearing a thin merino base layer underneath while moderately active keeps me warm without getting sweaty in a wide range of temps, even when it's windy. Very comfortable against the skin and the stretchability of the fabric and overall design allows for a lot of movement. There is a tradeoff however as the fabric is thinner to get you all that breathability, but it's tougher than it looks/feels. The hood's pull-cord adjuster is very effective. I use this while hiking, mountain biking, camping, and just walking around. Stuffs into its own zipped pocket which makes it easy to throw in a pack or carry around. It has a DWR finish but if you're expecting rain, I'd bring along a rain shell as this isn't meant for that.
The best lightweight jacket out there
Look good and send hard in the Men’s Alpine Start Hoody. Immediately upon trying it on, it shaped to my body while providing the protection from the elements. From trail running to climbing to the farmer’s market, this jacket has been my go-to.
Fantastic omni purpose soft shell.
I use this jacket mostly for running. Sheds heat like crazy yet pretty wind proof. Sheds rain except in a downpour. I have used this for camping and hiking and it performs well. This a replacement.
Great Jacket
This is the perfect weight for when it gets cloudy or windy on a spring day. The fit is not too slim and it can go over a layer. Very happy.