The Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody is marketed as a layering piece for typical Alpine-style scenarios such as fast-and-light mountaineering. Although it’s possible to find lighter insulated jackets, it’s hard to find lighter ones with this range of features.
Alex Roddie’s verdict
This is very warm for the weight, I’ve found it best as a mid-layer in very cold winter conditions – or as an outer layer in less extreme weather.- Ultralight
- Excellent performance for weight
- High weather resistance
- Hood could be better
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £320 Weight: 303g Fill: 130g 800fp goose down, RDS-certified, with PFC-free hydrophobic finish Shell: 10D nylon ripstop with PFC-free DWR Hood: not wired, adjustment at rear Cuffs: elasticated Hem: drawcord with 1x adjuster Pockets: 1x outer chest (zipped), 2x handwarmer (zipped) Sizes: men & women: XS–XL Womens/Mens version: both blackdiamondequipment.com |
In the Black Diamond Approach Down you get top-quality 800fp down, RDS-certified and with effective hydrophobic treatment. The face fabric is a relatively thin 10D nylon. It’s bonded with what the brand claim is a revolutionary DWR technology: EMPEL DWR, said to permanently fuse the water-resistant finish directly to the fabric fibres. I can’t speak for long-term durability yet, but I have found it to be an unusually rain-resistant down jacket.
Fit is on the snug side, but I can still fit a thin fleece under it. The hood is adjustable and offers adequate face coverage for an ultralight jacket. It can be a bit flappy in the wind, though.
This is very warm for the weight, I’ve found it best as a mid-layer in very cold winter conditions – or as an outer layer in less extreme weather. For me it’s ideal for wild camping if low temperatures are around freezing or just below. I wouldn’t want to use it extensively under a rucksack due to the thin 10D face fabric, but for the intended use it’s perfect.
