Black diamond forge down hoody. Review: Black Diamond Cold Forge Hoody 2020-02-04

Cold Forge Down Hoody

And for a very durable but more strictly urban down jacket, you might like The North Face Aconcagua. Unlike the hem, the cuffs are shorter than we would like, and it often rides up, exposing the wrists to chilly air, and allowing drafts to enter up the sleeves. The mix of 70% down and 30% polyester, causes the Cold Forge to weigh 20. This blend of PrimaLoft Down provides the same warmth and insulation as other down jackets, with one exception: it stays warm in wet conditions as well. It has a slightly longer hem length, with drawcords to seal in heat and prevent drafts. The mix of polyester in the filling also prevents the down from clumping, which can be very uncomfortable, especially if you are mountain climbing. It is not the most durable jacket in this review, but if it suits your needs, it might still be worth it—especially if the limiting factor in the life of your down jacket tends to be abrasion on rock.

Review: Black Diamond Cold Forge Hoody

The chest pocket is our favorite feature on jackets and it is just so useful. Conclusion The Forge didn't stand up to the competition in this review, but it was certainly appreciated on some brisk fall days climbing in the mountains! The fabric is engineered to be lightweight, breathable and durable. It continues to the day with the mission of representing the true essence of climbing. Have fun shopping at Bergfreunde! Due to the blend, the filling is less likely to become pulp when confronted by moisture, and the polyester also provides added insulation. The days are warm in the desert in the late fall, and the nights are usually bitter cold. For a down jacket that is otherwise very comfortable for even the most technical climbs, this made it very difficult to stash snacks or our phone in the hand pockets when on a climb.

Review: Black Diamond Cold Forge Hoody

Check Prices, Discounts and Related Items The is created with a 70% down and 30% polyester blend. These handy inside pockets keep gloves warm and dry! The Forge is not the warmest jacket in this review. However, it is advised that you send your jacket to professional cleaners, who will know how to treat it appropriately. This knocked the jacket down in what would otherwise have been a strong category for the Forge. This is where I can see the piece being especially useful at a cold belay.

Cold Forge Down Hoody

I had more than a couple cold belays in this thing, including a day on the South Six Shooter, when we were replacing some sketchy bolts at two different anchors. The Cold Forge contains 4 pockets: 2 internal and 2 external, all of which are zippered. Durability red flag: loose stitches! With durable fabric, some added stretchy fabric, and 700 fill power down, this jacket was made with a preference for durability and affordability over ultra lightweight. There was one problem as far as fit and comfort are concerned: the poor cuff design. The Forge was at home in the rocky, rugged mountains. There are several other notable features on this hoody. The Forge stuffs into its own chest pocket with slightly stretchy mesh making it less abrasion resistant when clipped to your harness, but easier to stuff.

Cold Forge Down Hoody

You're probably wondering why you've landed here of all places. The Forge is not the warmest jacket, but it will keep the wind chill off you. Fortunately, the Forge does have a chest zipper pocket inside the jacket, which is an excellent and safe spot to stow your phone or any maps, topos, etc. The external pockets are perfect for keeping hands warm, while the internal pockets could be used to store valuables and snacks. The Black Diamond Forge is designed with the alpinist in mind. If you'll be stuffing and unstuffing your down jacket into tight spaces often, consider instead the Ghost Whisperer or the Feathered Friends Eos.

Black Diamond Forge Hoody

All, in all, a perfect outer layer for those chilly nights; the Cold Forge has also turned into my winter bike commuting jacket, with the hood also fitting nicely over my bike helmet. But, there's a huge upside: Allow us to introduce Backcountry's European sister site - Bergfreunde! This was its most impressive score in the review, proving that this jacket holds up well to technical climbing in challenging conditions. The Forge is relatively weather resistant due to the durable water resistant fabric. You must read the specifications of every jacket to see if it is made of the highest quality down, and then assess the quality relative to the puffyness to solve the riddle of just how warm the jacket will be. Comfort and Ease of Movement The Cold Forge is perfect for climbing.

Black Diamond Forge Hoody

The design of the hand pockets is not the best. Plus, there were some cold days when storms were rolling in, and I got to properly use this as a belay jacket. You could combat this by wearing long, insulated gloves. We loved the mesh chest pocket on the Forge. The fill power of down indicates how warm it is for its weight, or, how well it insulates because it lofts better and therefore holds more still air within the feathers which is how it insulates.

Outdoor Gear & Clothing

It only reaches the wrist and rides up often, which would allow cold air to enter. Black Diamond has a good sense of how to make their technical wear feel good, whether you're using it for technical climbing or wearing it around town. For a similarly durable jacket that is a little more well-put-together, check out the Kuhl Spyfire, which is more of a casual down jacket. The uses a unique blend of down and synthetic fabric, which makes the jacket heavier, but also warmer. It will not affect your price, but helps us keep the blog alive! Value As mentioned above, the Forge is an excellent value.

Black Diamond Forge Hoody

That said, this jacket is still plenty packable for your backcountry adventures and does very well on technical climbs in moderate temperatures as a standalone insulating piece, and in colder conditions, the fit is athletic enough to make it useful as a midlayer insulating jacket. As a pure rock climber with zero ambition for the alpine, but a desire to stay warm in cold camping temperatures, I often find myself using gear that is marketed towards alpinists. Here, you'll find all the goodies you would've otherwise found at orig, including the best outdoor gear, expert advice and the most impeccable service - all within the E. The hood is adjustable and helmet-compatible, and the underarms are gusseted to allow for easier movement when climbing up. It is one of the most comfortable hoods we have ever tested, retaining an excellent range of motion even when wearing a helmet underneath.