For the weight conscious climbers, the Alpine Start Hoody is an ultralight softshell featuring Schoeller stretch-woven fabric to provide highly breathable and packable weather resistance for when conditions shift mid route.
the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody features Schoeller stretch-woven fabric to provide highly breathable and highly packable weather resistance. An updated silhouette provides an increased range of motion and unrestricted movement, so that you can keep climbing even in windy and cold conditions. Elastic banding on hood, cuffs, and hem seals in warmth and secures fit, while a drop hem is harness-compatible.
Materials approved by Bluesign have undergone strict production criteria from the raw materials to the end product to ensure they follow standards that are responsible and sustainable with regard to people, the environment and resources. With Bluesign approved materials, users can be assured that their products were manufactured with responsibly use of resources and the lowest possible impact on people and the environment.
We trust what we make because we use what we make. All Black Diamond soft goods are warrantied against defects in materials and construction for the practical lifetime of the product.
From clean climbing, to conservation, Black Diamond is committed to protecting the people and places we love.
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You can’t tell the history of climbing and mountain sports without telling the history of Black Diamond. Born from the ashes of Chouinard Equipment in 1989, Black Diamond thrives today as a leading innovator in climbing, skiing, and mountain equipment.
Overall rating: 4.5666666 / 5 from 60 reviews.
The Men's Alpine Start Hoody by Black Diamond offers lightweight Schoeller fabric for breathability and packability, an updated silhouette for enhanced movement, and features like elastic banding and a drop hem for warmth and fit. Customers praise its essential layering capability and versatile soft shell for various weather conditions.
Review topics: [fit, size, weight, pockets, fabric, looks, design, works, feel, layer, zipper, jacket, stretch, rain, shell, drawcord, wind, hem, discount, system, drop, hood, windbreaker, choice, members, alpine, midlayer, space, breathability, piece].
"More like a wind breaker. I run really hot and appreciate how breathable it is. Wore or recently to climb a flatiron and it was the perfect amount of earth yet breathable. 6'2 270 lbs and the 3 XL fit great. I also really appreciate that it comes in a 3 XL."
"When it first arrived I was skeptical on how good it could perform since it was incredibly lightweight and to be honest it didn't feel like it would work. I went hiking to a snowy mountain at temperatures around 15°F and wind above 30mph and didn't feel the necessity to put on any more layers. It exceeded my expectations. Would definitely recommend."
"This is what is says on the tin. It has barely any features and that what makes it so great. No pockets, no hem cord, only a helmet sinch (which is needed) and a chest pocket (doubling as the jackets stuff sack). This sheds the summit wind and squall like a boss and when you're done with the early morning approach or summit push it packs away so small you'd barely notice it. couldn't recommend this more for someone who wants that minimalist softshell. If you're planning on spending all day in this than maybe a more feature jacket would be the right choice for the creature comforts."
"I run warm when ski touring and wanted something I could wear over my base layer to cut the wind on ridges, without wearing my full shell. Packs up super small when I don’t need it, weight is negligible and it is super breathable. You can feel that it’s windy, but the breeze feels warm when it gets to you. For those who find that regular midlayers are too warm, and those who realize that shells will never be breathable enough to climb in, this is for you."
"Love this jacket, I’ve had it for over 4 years and it’s still holding up well. Great hood size, zipper doesn’t stick into neck/chin and it keeps my warm on windy summer days. The only thing I would like to add to this jacket would be lower front pockets"
"I wanted to like this jacket, but the fit really let me down. I did a lot of research on this thing and the fabric is great, it blocks the wind well and is very breathable, but it is NOT suitable for climbing in my opinion. The hem is much too short, and because the fabric isn't very stretchy, you get hem lift when climbing and it pulls right out from under a harness. The hood is an awkward size too, too small to be an over the helmet hood, but unnecessarily big without a helmet. If it had a better articulated cut, longer hem and arms, and streamlined hood, it would be perfect."
"Purchased my alpine start hoodie in 2014 and it has served me well. An excellent lightweight layer for any situation. Despite how light and thin the material is it blocks wind shockingly well and even offers decent water resistance after 11 years of regular use. Despite many washes and a decade of wear it’s only slightly faded but still works great. I’m Looking forward to replacing it with the updated silhouette once my size is back in stock!"
"Like it."
"I used this to trail run in about 5C and nordic ski in -10C. Great at blocking most of the wind, while still breathing very well. DWR did a good job with light snow. True to size and moves really well with the body."
"I run hot, so I needed something lightweight but still enough to keep the wind and light rain off. This so far has met that need perfectly."
| Size | Chest | Hip | Arm Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34 - 35.5 in 86.5 - 90 cm | 33.5 - 35 in 85 - 89 cm | 33.5 in 85 cm |
| S | 36 - 38 in 91 - 96.5 cm | 35.5 - 37.5 in 90 - 95.5 cm | 33.5 in 85 cm |
| M | 38.5 - 41 in 97.5 - 104 cm | 38 - 40.5 in 96.5 - 103 cm | 34 in 86.5 cm |
| L | 41.5 - 44.5 in 105 - 113 cm | 41 - 44 in 104 - 112 cm | 34 in 86.5 cm |
| XL | 45 - 48.5 in 114 - 123 cm | 44.5 - 48 in 113 - 122 cm | 34.5 in 87.5 cm |
Designed to fit slim to the body for an athletic, low-profile fit without restricting mobility and accommodating base layers or light midlayers.
A classic universal fit with comfortable ease. May feature slight body shaping, but predominantly straighter fit that will accommodate midlayers more comfortably.
Generous through the body for a casual loose-to-oversized fit without shaping. Designed for comfort, it accommodates heavier mid-layers.
Measure around the chest/bust just under the arms and across the shoulder blades.
Measure from the center back of the neck, across the shoulder, and down the arm to the wrist.
Measure around the widest point of the hips.
Measure around the narrowest part of the waist.
