Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody - Men's
An ultralight soft shell, the men's Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is designed to shield you from ridgeline gusts and light weather, so you can keep climbing even in windy and cold conditions.
- Schoeller® stretch-woven fabric provides highly breathable and highly packable weather resistance
- An updated silhouette provides an increased range of motion and unrestricted movement
- Adjustable, climbing helmet-compatible hood
- Elastic banding on hood, cuffs and hem seals in warmth and secures fit
- Droptail hem for extra coverage under a harness
- Stows in chest pocket with carabiner clip loop
Imported.
View the Black Diamond Alpine Product LineView all Black Diamond Men's Soft-Shell JacketsBest Use | Climbing |
---|---|
Fabric | Nylon stretch woven with Schoeller Eco-Repel Bio durable water repellent (DWR): 93% nylon/7% elastane, 80 g/m2 |
Windproof | Yes |
Hood | Yes |
Packable | Yes |
Back Length | Hip-length |
Back Length (in.) | 27 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 7.4 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!
My new favorite wind shell!
I purchased this jacket last month, and it has quickly become my favorite for the summer! It’s incredibly lightweight, yet offers excellent wind resistance along with a solid DWR treatment to handle light moisture. That said, in my opinion, it functions more like a wind shell than a traditional soft shell—you’ll only be able to fit a thin midlayer underneath. The jacket has a slim fit, but thanks to its stretchiness, you can stick with your regular size and still move comfortably.
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++++
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.
Put through the wringer!
I’ve been carrying this jacket all Summer and put this through the wringer this weekend. Surprise Summer hail storm at 10,000’. Kept me warm and mostly dry. Other bonuses, it packs down inside a chest pocket and easily fits into a running vest or backpack.

Amazing jacket/wrong pictures
I bought this jacket and it is exactly what I needed as a wind breaker and light weather protection. My only reason for not giving this a 5 star review is because the pictures displayed are from the Alpine Start INSULATED Hoody. so I got tricked at first. But nevertheless, I got what I needed.
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.
Paper thin fabric that feels plastic
The jacket fits well, but it's paper thin, you can see through the fabric, which is thinner than a t-shirt. When you touch it, it feels like a plastic mesh/net and is horrible. Can't believe it cost so much.
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.