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
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the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody features Schoeller stretch-woven fabric to provide highly breathable and highly packable weather resistance. An updated, women’s specific 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.
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: 4.8125 / 5 from 16 reviews.
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"I agree with Jessica S. This baby is a Swiss Army knife. I cannot stand overheating but the moment I get cold, it’s game over. This jacket is great for finding balance. It cuts down the wind while still keeping you cool, moderates sun without causing overheating. I find myself wearing it a lot over a pull-over base layer and puff vest when I’m actively moving in the mountains. Just enough to take the edge off without being restrictive. And I don’t feel guilty packing it, just in case, because it’s so lightweight and small."
"This jacket is an all season jacket that I love wearing on any adventure"
"I absolutely love the alpine start hoody from BD. As an avid ski mountaineer and alpine climber, this layer is a phenomenal swiss army knife. Too windy? Alpine start hoody. Too sunny? Alpine start hoody. Sick of switching layers? Alpine start hoody. I have worn it climbing at 7000m and skiing in my local range. This is my third hoody. I find them quite durable for the abuse I have heaped on them with roughly 150 days arduous use each year. Light, packable, and a total no brainer layer, I cannot recommend it enough."
"I go this jacket because I needed a jacket for climbing that I wasn’t afraid would tear. So far it’s only made it out on the bike (mountain biking and commuting) and I’m obsessed! It’s the Goldilocks of jackets—warm when I need it to be, but sheds the heat when I’m climbing hills. I can’t wait to try it climbing. I’m 170, 5’9” and got a large. It’s roomy enough for a puffy to fit underneath. The arms are a bit long. I’d could definitely size down, but right now the extra space is perfect for fitting extra layers!"
"Seems great so far."
"Amazing warm and breathable"
"Great light breathable fabric, have loved it as a layer for fall running and can't wait to use it touring in the sierras."
"Love it! Super light weight and fits great"
"I like the magician (lol) jacket from another brand, but this is much more breathable and comfortable to wear for everything from hiking/approaching and climbing. Sort of wish it had side hip pockets for more versatility, but I get the desire for a very lightweight jacket. The Piton Purple color is amazing (leans magenta)."
"Don’t need to take clothes on and off all the time anymore during my ski tours. Would be better if there are side pockets."
| Size | Chest | Hip | Arm Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 31 - 32 in 78.5 - 81 cm | 32.5 - 34 in 87.5 - 91.5 cm | 29.5 in 75 cm |
| XS | 32.5 - 34 in 82.5 - 86.5 cm | 34.5 - 36 in 87.5 - 91.5 cm | 30 in 76 cm |
| S | 34.5 - 36 in 87.5 - 91.5 cm | 36.5 - 38 in 92.5 - 96.5 cm | 30.5 in 77.5 cm |
| M | 36.5 - 38.5 in 92.5 - 98 cm | 38.5 - 40.5 in 97.5 - 103 cm | 31 in 79 cm |
| L | 39 - 41.5 in 99 - 105.5 cm | 41 - 43.5 in 104 - 110.5 cm | 31.5 in 80 cm |
| XL | 42 - 45 in 106.5 - 114 cm | 44 - 47.5 in 111.5 - 120.5 cm | 31.5 in 80 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.
