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 ... 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. Learn More
We trust what we make because we use what we make. We trust what we make because we use what we make. All Black Diamond soft goods are warranted against defects in materials and construction for the practical lifetime of the product. Learn More
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Reviewers praise how light and packable it is, how well it blocks wind, and how well it breathes, using it for alpine and rock climbing, trail running, hiking and ski touring. Most say it fits true to size, though a few found it slim or short in the hem. Water resistance is mixed: a few say it handles light drizzle, while about eight say it wets out quickly in rain, and several wish it had hand pockets and a hem drawcord.
AI-generated summary of verified customer reviews.
Overall rating: 4.5540543 / 5 from 74 reviews.
The Men's Alpine Start Hoody offers a lightweight and breathable shell with excellent wind resistance. Its Schoeller fabric is comfortable and packable, providing warmth and flexibility for climbers. The fit is praised for its unrestricted movement and secure seal, making it ideal for outdoor activities in cold conditions.
Review topics: ["fit","size","weight","jacket","quality","feel","looks","shell","layer","zipper","fabric","hoody","rain","stretch","movement","wind","design","pockets","hem","discount","hood","system","temps","hiking","drawcord","alpine","windbreaker","activities","midlayer","breathability"].
"Awesome hoodie that blocks wind and adds a bit of warmth for those 50-65 deg temps or cuts the bite of a late evening wind. Durable enough to resist branch snags hiking. Quality is superior to fashion forward outdoor brands. Breaths well for aerobic pursuits in potentially lower temperatures."
"Recently perfect and great for shoulder seasons, light rain, and outdoor activities. I tend to run warm, so it keeps me at a good body temp. Well-built and feels very light - but not flimsy/cheap. Should be a good match for ski touring."
"Got a chance to take the Alpine Start out for several days in the Rockies. Once on, I basically never took it off. It worked well in light rain, snow, and high winds, and unless the temps were dropping below freezing, it was the only layer I wore beyond a sun hoody. Im kind of kicking myself for waiting so long to get this. The only drawback is the lack of pockets, but thats par for the course with such a light piece."
"Again great hood and neck cuff. Also perfectly lightweight. It feels breathable and un-bulky. With a warm mid layer it feels like you could do a lot as long as you either plan to exert yourself to stay warm, or seek shelter if a downpour will drench you. But Enough for light rain if needed."
"Gives me some coverage, very light weight! Wind/rain protection. Only thing I would ask to improve is hand pockets. My go to for lightweight travel jacket."
"This jacket excels at shielding from strong winds found above treeline. It can shed a very small amount of water, but does wet through fairly quick which I expected. I found the hood to be not great when not wearing a helmet - even cinched all the way down it still swallows my face if I don't wear a ballcap. For me it also seems to hold odors, and after a 3 day trip it smelled absolutely terrible compared to the rest of my clothes."
"Super great! Fits perfect and is super light. Highly recommend this"
"I always know I’m going to get a quality product when I buy from Black Diamond. The Alpine start is amazing thank you!"
"Lightweight and does great against high-speed winds in the alpine. Not so great against rain, but it handles wind like a champ. Also, surprisingly warm for those cooler mornings in the mountains. Overall, very happy with it. I’m 5’11, 165 pounds and found the medium fits perfect."
"Very comfortable soft shell with good freedom of movement and enough wind/rain resistant. Nicely packable. My go to alpine climbing hoody. 5'9 150lbs and the large feels great."
| 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.
