Black Diamond Alpine Start hoody—insulated version!

[Fritz D]

Glad you’re out there getting after it! I’m stuck home with a head cold. Rotten luck, but at least I can still surf the interwebs?

 

[Fritz D]

Found one on sale. It’s on the way, looking forward to trying it out- if the bleeping weather will ever cooperate? Can’t believe how warm and dry it’s been?

 

[S.Clancy]

I've been a big fan of all the Black Diamond and RAB gear I've used. So much so that it's basically all the outerwear I use anymore.

 

[mtwarden]

^I've got a few Rab pieces too

 

[Fritz D]

I really wanted to like Rab but their zippers never fail to disappoint? Small, hard to start, and on the wrong side to boot? They make nice stuff apart from that.

 

[S.Clancy]

I really wanted to like Rab but their zippers never fail to disappoint? Small, hard to start, and on the wrong side to boot? They make nice stuff apart from that.

The only issue I've ever had with RAB is the zippers, but it's happened at a point where I believe the garment has reached or was well beyond a reasonable life span.

 

[mtwarden]

They are on the wrong side

 

[Fritz D]

The only issue I've ever had with RAB is the zippers, but it's happened at a point where I believe the garment has reached or was well beyond a reasonable life span.

Couldn’t be more different than my experience with Rab? I’ve had issues with zippers right off the get go with some, I even returned a Neutrino parka once because the zipper failed the first time I wore it?
I only own one Rab now, another Neutrino I bought on sale from Black Ovis a year ago. The zipper still isn’t up to Sitka or Arc Teryx standards but it is better than others I’ve had.

 

[S.Clancy]

Couldn’t be more different than my experience with Rab? I’ve had issues with zippers right off the get go with some, I even returned a Neutrino parka once because the zipper failed the first time I wore it?
I only own one Rab now, another Neutrino I bought on sale from Black Ovis a year ago. The zipper still isn’t up to Sitka or Arc Teryx standards but it is better than others I’ve had.

That is strange

 

[Fritz D]

Received my BD jacket last weekend and am liking it so far? Warm and fairly wind resistant. Look forward to snowshoeing with it when(if) we finally get any snow? Really put the breathability to the test I hope.
So far the jacket reminds me of an Ambient 100 with a more durable face fabric?

 

[mtwarden]

I’ve been hiking in mine almost everyday. Mostly with just a light base layer, but on colder days an addition of a light midlayer

 

[Ratamahatta]

Is this just as good as the uninsulated version that you would buy a backup?

 

[mtwarden]

Is this just as good as the uninsulated version that you would buy a backup?

Same design and same Schoeller fabric as their windshirt, just with mapped Alpha insulation. So pretty much identical, sans the insulation.

 

[Ratamahatta]

Same design and same Schoeller fabric as their windshirt, just with mapped Alpha insulation. So pretty much identical, sans the insulation.

The wind shirt has proven itself as a piece that always goes with me and I picked up another one as a backup because of it's proven usage. I have the insulated one in bound and we'll see how it performs in the next week or so.

 

[Speaks]

I saw one of the insulated ones on sale and grabbed it. Have an identical one uninsulated. Honestly wish I hadnt ordered it. The fleece is kind of weird, it makes the jacket absolutely not packable, Im sure it adds some warmth but not overly noticeable. For me personally solving the same problem with a layer under it I think just works better.

Its a good jacket though with both in my closet I cant see picking this one for just about anything. My closet however has a pretty versatile tool kit of layers and shells. I need to make a rule that I dont add anything new unless I get rid of something else.

I will likely put this one up on the classifieds as a tags off but unworn jacket shortly, just have not had time yet.

 

[mtwarden]

I’ve got two of the uninsulated ones too

Yeah you can definitely create a very similar piece to the insulated ones with two pieces. If a guy was to only go one way, I’d recommend going two pieces. BUT the insulated piece is definitely handy in that you only need the one piece for a wide variety of weather—especially colder weather.

 

[Poser]

I have 2 uninsulated ones as well. I don’t think I would buy a 2nd insulated version, but it’s a super versatile layering option for colder temps. The uninsulated version gets more use because I wear it extensively in the summer months. The insulated is more of a specialized layer for cold weather. And, yes, you can recreate it.

 

[PBBananaHammock]

Just got the insulated alpine start as well, haven’t gotten a chance to test it yet. However I’ve been using an uninsulated alpine start with a Rab Alpha Flash for a few years (plus a Brynje fishnet or Patagonia cap 4 underneath). This is quite literally the two items merged. 120gsm alpha direct with the stretch underarms/sides of the alpha flash removed, which im A-OK with because those areas are the only spots that accumulate moisture on the alpha flash. Alpha direct is the best midlayer except for the microplastics and lack of forgiveness in durability if you get careless.

In my experience, 120gsm alpha direct is a LOT of insulation when moving. It’s got to be really cold to keep that on but with a base layer like the brynje it’s much more flexible. Personally, when gaining elevation if I start getting so hot that I remove the alpine start, the 120 alpha has to come off soon after. Adding and removing them has practically been a package deal already, so seeing the two items combined seems like it would work for me. Especially for single day outings when I’m not looking to spend all my time flip flopping layers for peek comfort.

I do wish they might have used something like 60 or 90gsm alpha direct though. 120s a lot…

 

[mtwarden]

I think 90 g/m2 would be better, but honestly the 120 is working out pretty well.

I’m finding with the Sitka Core LWT hoody alone, temps from ~ 20-45 degrees I’m pretty good—that’s not snowshoeing/x-country skiing/running, just hiking in Zone 2/3. Very high output you’d have drop those temps to be comfortable.

I’ve been out in colder temps and the addition of a very light fleece vest has made it comfortable into the 10-20 degree range.

 

[PBBananaHammock]

I think 90 g/m2 would be better, but honestly the 120 is working out pretty well.

I’m finding with the Sitka Core LWT hoody alone, temps from ~ 20-45 degrees I’m pretty good—that’s not snowshoeing/x-country skiing/running, just hiking in Zone 2/3. Very high output you’d have drop those temps to be comfortable.

I’ve been out in colder temps and the addition of a very light fleece vest has made it comfortable into the 10-20 degree range.

I’m glad to hear it’s working out well. I really like the concept of the this piece and want it to work. I heat up fast and cool down fast. Midlayers are the single most annoying piece of the puzzle in my experience, and I hate adding and removing them. For single day outings I frequently skip them altogether but have been burned a few times. Alpha directs been the most forgiving for heavy activity and moisture in my experience. This item is bulkier than an alpine start uninsulated, but it’s less bulky than an alpine start uninsulated + rab alpha flash.

The silver lining is that the 120gsm lining of this jacket will likely become a 90gsm lining over time with some heavy use and frequent laundering. So it should age like a fine wine