Most of our Gearhead Experts prefer synthetic midlayers for our active outdoor endeavors—layering pieces like Black Diamond's First Light Stretch Hooded Jacket. This jacket's Primaloft Gold insulation is almost as light and packable as down, but its synthetic construction deals with heat and sweat much better than down, which loses its loft and insulating capacity when it's wet. This high-performance hoodie holds in our body heat while breathing and resisting moisture when our high-out put hikes, climbs, and ski tours crank up our body's thermostat. The First Light also features plenty of stretch to move with us when we're ripping, shredding, or reaching for a hold, and its helmet-compatible hood complements our climbing, mountaineering, and ski kits.

Key Specifications