Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody Review

The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is an excellent softshell in the lightweight category, also offering noteworthy breathability and packability. While you wouldn't want to rely solely on this jacket in bigger storms, it offers some weather protection in the ever-changing environments outdoors.

Performance Comparison

Weather Protection

One of the primary functions of any shell jacket is weather protection, so we gave it 30% of the total score of the Alpine Start. We tested this metric by spending weeks in each softshell across various activities and climates, from stormy backpacking in the mountains to hikes and climbs in arid deserts. Then, we stood under a shower for one minute with each layer, ultimately measuring the surface area of wet spots that appeared on the layer worn underneath. Then, we soaked a one-foot by one-foot section of each jacket, timing the total dry time needed with a hair dryer set to its no-heat setting. Finally, we measured the amount of time it took for a water bottle with boiling water to dip below 170 degrees Fahrenheit while inside the jacket. The Alpine Start came in towards the back of the pack in this metric.

As with any lightweight layer, a reduction in weather protection is a somewhat predictable tradeoff. This jacket performed better than some other lighter-duty softshells in wet weather, but the results are clear: one shouldn't rely exclusively on this garment for water resistance.

We measured a total of 209 square inches of wet area after the shower test, though in field testing, this layer performed reasonably well in very brief squalls.

We were happy with the overall drying times of the Alpine Start, even if the heat retention scores were on the lower side of the spectrum across our lineup. At the end of the day, this lightweight layer is excellent for bringing some added warmth and wind resistance but shouldn't be your go-to as an independent warm and protective softshell.

Breathability

Since breathability is one of the biggest strengths of the softshell jacket class, we weighed it at 30% of the total score of the Alpine Start. We tested this metric in real-world use for several weeks, taking notes along the way. We also performed the same 45-minute cardio circuit with each jacket, measuring the total surface area of sweat spots found on the underlayer afterward. The Alpine Start came in towards the top of the lineup in this metric.

As one might suspect, a featherweight layer like the Alpine Start is impressively breathable. We were happy in this layer in most higher output settings, whether hiking uphill or on a sustained climb. It does have slightly more effective water resistance than other notably lightweight options; we noticed a slight reduction in its breathability as a result.

As with any jacket, cooler temperatures or environments made this jacket even more comfortable to wear, especially without a backpack. This an option well worth your attention if breathability is one of your primary needs in a softshell.

Mobility

Being able to move freely in a layer is crucial, so we gave this metric 25% of the total score. We tested the mobility of the Alpine Start by wearing it in a variety of activities, from gymnastic climbing to fly fishing, and kept notes along the way. We also performed the same set of movements in each option, noting any restrictions and notable lift at the waist. Lastly, we took note of any excess fabric bunching and whether or not that got in the way. The Alpine Start did very well in this metric.

We greatly appreciated the range of motion we had while wearing the Alpine Start, with no encumbered movements or positions. It does, however, have some degree of bunching around the sleeves and abdomen, though the amount will end up being specific to how the jacket fits each individual wearer. The waist lift of this piece was minimal and didn't have an impact on any of our testing activities. The only adjustability is in the hood, so if the Alpine Start doesn't quite fit you right, you will have few options to improve it and may want to look elsewhere.

Weight

Weight was given 10% of the total score of the Alpine Start. For this metric, all we had to do was weigh each softshell and compare results. The Alpine Start truly sits at the top in this metric.

The featherlight weight of the Alpine Start is one of its greatest attributes, weighing in at only 6.85 ounces.

It is also impressively packable, stored inside its own chest pocket, which has a clip loop for you to attach to your climbing harness or backpack. If weight is anywhere near the top of your priorities, this option belongs on your final list — you won't find many softshell jackets as light as this.

Versatility

We gave this metric only 5% of the total scores for tested products. We tested the Alpine Start by investigating the variety of applications it could be used for. We also examined how easily it could be layered over or under other garments. Overall, we found it landed around the middle of the lineup.

As an ultra-light jacket, this piece isn't quite as versatile as others. For colder weather use, it offers less warmth or utility, even though it does handle layers quite well, both under or over the top. Some users will likely want more pockets since it only offers one total at the chest.

While style is very subjective, this jacket does have a nice aesthetic, though some will consider it to look more like a windbreaker than a softshell.

Should You Buy the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody?

This jacket belongs in your shopping cart if weight is of top importance. This jacket also offers decent scores in breathability and mobility, creating a relatively well-rounded product suited for high-output days and as a just-in-case layer to pack away in your go bag.

What Other Softshell Jackets Should You Consider?