Black Diamond is a proven name in the outdoor and climbing community. Although I’m not into all the climbing and repelling activities I do really enjoy the jackets and shells the Black Diamond offers for outdoor excursions. Back in the fall and winter we reviewed several Black Diamond cold weather products and were more than impressed.

Now that we are into the summer months I figured it was perfect timing to take a look at their lighter weight rain shells. The product we are taking a quick look at today is the men’s Alpine Start Hoody.

Here is how Black Diamond describes the jacket on their website.

Ultralight and incredibly versatile, the Alpine Start Hoody uses Schoeller stretch-woven softshell fabric to provide highly breathable, weather resistant protection for alpinists and other weight-conscious climbers. Gusseted construction allows complete freedom of movement, and the hood fits over your climbing helmet for added weather protection when the wind picks up in the afternoon. This highly packable jacket stows in its own chest pocket when not in use, and a carabiner loop lets you clip it to your harness and take it up a route.

I plan on getting this jacket out into the elements soon to put it to the true test. I live in northeastern Ohio, so that shouldn’t be a problem. Stay tuned…