An essential go-to for winter belays, exposed bivies and cold alpine terrain the world over, the Solution 4.0 Parka is a highly insulating layer with updated durability to endure bail-worthy conditions.
Our warmest synthetic jacket, the Solution 4.0 Parka features 200gsm mapped Primaloft Rise, plus Primaloft Gold Cross Core, insulation throughout the body, shoulders, and hood. A 50D ripstop shell with a DWR treatment protects from the elements while a 20D nylon taffeta liner adds an extra layer of warmth. A two-way zipper allows access to your belay device, and oversized hand, chest and internal drop pockets store gloves, water bottles and other on-route essentials.The Solution 4.0 was formerly known as the Belay Parka.
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What sets Yosemite Valley apart—what truly makes it special—is not the history, not the size and scale of the walls, but the endless opportunities for unearthing new lines. From the walls to the boulders, it continues to be the past, present, and future of our sport.
Overall rating: 4.7391305 / 5 from 46 reviews.
The Men's Solution 4.0 Parka by Black Diamond is highly regarded for its warmth and comfort, featuring a snug fit and spacious pockets. Its synthetic insulation and durable shell make it suitable for harsh winter conditions, while the DWR treatment and nylon taffeta liner enhance its protective qualities.
Review topics: [fit, size, quality, pockets, fabric, material, wear, jacket, color, feel, sleeves, parka, zipper, winter, layer, coat, insulation, addition, hood, slippage, kit, version].
"I have an XL head and wear a BD helmet. I am a fan of helmet compatible hoods and I know people might want to wear this over a big ski helmet, not just a climbing helmet. Unfortunately my size XL parka has such massive hood volume that even with a helmet, it remains a big floppy funnel with no way to cinch it snugly to protect the wearer from wind or spindrift. I have tried every version of this parka since it was introduced years ago, and on some the arms were too tight to layer, and on others the neck too tight to zip up over layers, so this one is an improvement there. But the hood remains objectively oversized even compared to much bigger down expedition parkas I've used in size XL. Very odd. The rest fit and was designed well for the stated use."
"I have primarily worn this parka ice climbing. Synthetic insulation is durable, warm, and offers reassurance/versatility on wet pitches. Outer shell material sheds light moisture well. I think the sizing is great - deeper pits keep shells and mid layers from bunching up during your swing. I stuck with normal sizing."
"super warm, light and comfortable"
"Very warm. Does the job well. Not very Packable but I knew that. Would recommend."
"This is the first Jacket out of 31 years of existing where I can boulder on projects in 23 degree weather (triedit last weekend) where I can get movement,flexibility, and stay warm the entirety of the 23 degree day. Great pockets. A happy, be favorite coat. Thank you!"
"Works as advertised. Super warm in cold. Fits true to size. 100% satisfied with purchase. I can grab it wearing a tee shirt and go walk the dog at 30F to 40F. It kept me warm at 5F with a layer. Lasted 30 minutes in rain that I didn't expect. Design is great. Fit is great."
"I use this for winter belays and as a warmth jacket if I think conditions will be wet. Pros * quite warm * durable fabric Cons * a little big in the medium size, even with layers underneath * not very compressable, even for synthetic * only one cord to adjust the hood"
"I purchased a black diamond belay parker a couple years ago; it was the light blue colored one . This was the last version . I love the parker and was interested in purchasing another and noticed the blue version doesn't look as appealing for the simple fact they didn't use the black colored zippers , the new version has a muted look with blue zippers. The jackets fits like a belay parker with plenty of room for layering , The sleeves are very long , I had to roll them up slightly , I'm 5 foot 7. 5 inches 155lbs and 39 chest and 33 waist. I would like to see the next gen. with the black zippers and 1 inch short sleeves, then it would be perfect."
"Really warm and cozy for cold belays. Durable fabric, and nice relaxed fit to be able to put over all the other layers. Would reccommend for ice climbing!"
"used a few times already this winter. just shoveled my driveway in a long sleeve tshirt. was very comfortable at 19 F and was even a little warm."
| 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.
