Brand: Black Diamond

Category: Ski Jackets

Recommended by Christian Brooks, Mountain Misadventurist — Durango, Colorado

Highlights: lightweight, waterproof, breathable

The Men's Alpine Start Hoody by Black Diamond is an ultralight softshell designed for weight-conscious climbers, offering exceptional breathability and packability while protecting against gusty winds and light weather. Its innovative design ensures unrestricted movement, making it the perfect companion for your climbing adventures. 1. Constructed from Schoeller stretch-woven fabric for superior breathability and weather resistance. 2. Ultralight design allows for easy packing and minimal weight during climbs. 3. Updated silhouette enhances range of motion for unrestricted movement in challenging conditions. 4. Elastic banding on the hood, cuffs, and hem seals in warmth and ensures a secure fit. 5. Drop hem design is harness-compatible, providing functionality without sacrificing style. 6. Ideal for windy and cold environments, making it suitable for various outdoor activities. The Men's Alpine Start Hoody is primarily intended for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a lightweight and protective layer during their adventures. It excels in windy and cold conditions, making it perfect for alpine climbing, hiking, and other high-energy activities. This hoody is designed for individuals of all skill levels who require reliable performance in variable weather, ensuring comfort and mobility on the go. Ideal for spring and fall seasons, it is a versatile addition to any outdoor gear collection.

Price: $137.4 - $229

Who it's for: Active mountain users who need a lightweight wind and light-precip layer across a wide range of conditions and seasons. Suits runners, climbers, uphill travel, and resort or backcountry skiing.
What people are saying: Hosts consistently praise its breathability, versatility, and minimal pack weight, using it year-round from cool summer mornings to cold winter climbs. No criticism appears across the four notes.
Worth noting: Handles light precipitation and medium snow but is not a waterproof shell; works best as a wind layer or active soft shell rather than a storm piece.

Christian Brooks's review

One of my absolute favorite and most versatile layers for the mountains. Super breathable, but will keep the wind off of you. I use this jacket year around for cool mornings in the summer high country to hard climbing in the winter, and downhill, both in the backcountry and at the resort.

Recommended by Christian Brooks, Mountain Misadventurist

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Men's Alpine Start Hoody for?

Active mountain users who need a lightweight wind and light-precip layer across a wide range of conditions and seasons. Suits runners, climbers, uphill travel, and resort or backcountry skiing.

What do experts say about the Men's Alpine Start Hoody?

Hosts consistently praise its breathability, versatility, and minimal pack weight, using it year-round from cool summer mornings to cold winter climbs. No criticism appears across the four notes.

What should you know before buying the Men's Alpine Start Hoody?

Handles light precipitation and medium snow but is not a waterproof shell; works best as a wind layer or active soft shell rather than a storm piece.

What does Christian Brooks say about the Men's Alpine Start Hoody?

Why does Christian Brooks recommend Black Diamond?

Christian Brooks recommends the Black Diamond Men's Alpine Start Hoody for ski jackets. One of my absolute favorite and most versatile layers for the mountains. Super breathable, but will keep the wind off of you. I use this jacket year around for cool mornings in the summer high country to hard climbing in the winter, and downhill, both in the backcountry and at the resort.

Is the Men's Alpine Start Hoody a good ski jacket?

Yes — Christian Brooks recommends the Men's Alpine Start Hoody by Black Diamond as their ski jackets pick. One of my absolute favorite and most versatile layers for the mountains. Super breathable, but will keep the wind off of you. I use this jacket year around for cool mornings in the summer high country to hard climbing in the winter, and downhill, both in the backcountry and at the resort.

More from Christian Brooks's Splitboarding

View Christian Brooks's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu

Men's Alpine Start Hoody by Black Diamond — recommended by Christian Brooks

Black Diamond Men's Alpine Start Hoody

Purchasing through this link directly supports Christian

Who it's for: Active mountain users who need a lightweight wind and light-precip layer across a wide range of conditions and seasons. Suits runners, climbers, uphill travel, and resort or backcountry skiing.
What other hosts are saying: Hosts consistently praise its breathability, versatility, and minimal pack weight, using it year-round from cool summer mornings to cold winter climbs. No criticism appears across the four notes.
Worth noting: Handles light precipitation and medium snow but is not a waterproof shell; works best as a wind layer or active soft shell rather than a storm piece.

Black Diamond Men's Alpine Start Hoody

Who it's for: Active mountain users who need a lightweight wind and light-precip layer across a wide range of conditions and seasons. Suits runners, climbers, uphill travel, and resort or backcountry skiing.
What other hosts are saying: Hosts consistently praise its breathability, versatility, and minimal pack weight, using it year-round from cool summer mornings to cold winter climbs. No criticism appears across the four notes.
Worth noting: Handles light precipitation and medium snow but is not a waterproof shell; works best as a wind layer or active soft shell rather than a storm piece.

Purchasing through this link directly supports Christian

What other hosts are saying

4 experts recommend the Black Diamond Men's Alpine Start Hoody.

Joe Hampton, Rock Climbing Guide, Veterinary Candidate, Veteran

Wind layer/softshell jacket. I use this thing all of the time--for runs in 20 degree weather to climbing when it is windy but not too cold. It is super lightweight and basically costs nothing to throw in your pack

Recommended in Layering System-Dudes

Patrick Collins, Splitboarder and Outdoor Industry Business Owner

This is the daily driver for walking uphill. Nothing but a sun hoody under this, perfect for almost every day of the year. Sheds medium snow, always part of my layering kit

Recommended in Splitboarding Outerwear

Seth Burns, Mountain Guide, Avalanche Forecaster

Light soft shell that offers protection from light precip and wind

Recommended in North Cascades Alpine Climbing

Black Diamond Men's Alpine Start Hoody

Purchasing through this link directly supports Christian

Who it's for: Active mountain users who need a lightweight wind and light-precip layer across a wide range of conditions and seasons. Suits runners, climbers, uphill travel, and resort or backcountry skiing.
What other hosts are saying: Hosts consistently praise its breathability, versatility, and minimal pack weight, using it year-round from cool summer mornings to cold winter climbs. No criticism appears across the four notes.
Worth noting: Handles light precipitation and medium snow but is not a waterproof shell; works best as a wind layer or active soft shell rather than a storm piece.

Black Diamond Men's Alpine Start Hoody

Who it's for: Active mountain users who need a lightweight wind and light-precip layer across a wide range of conditions and seasons. Suits runners, climbers, uphill travel, and resort or backcountry skiing.
What other hosts are saying: Hosts consistently praise its breathability, versatility, and minimal pack weight, using it year-round from cool summer mornings to cold winter climbs. No criticism appears across the four notes.
Worth noting: Handles light precipitation and medium snow but is not a waterproof shell; works best as a wind layer or active soft shell rather than a storm piece.

Purchasing through this link directly supports Christian