Review: Black Diamond Deployment Hybrid Hoody

Back in the days, the mid-layer was a part of your equipment to which you didn't pay that much attention to. You just wore a pully or a shirt from "breathable" cotton underneath your jacket and you were ready to go. That changed as apparel became more technical. Thinner and stronger membranes offered protection against wind, rain and snow. But not too cold temperatures far below zero. And then the mid-layer made its appearance. Dr. Gear had a closer look at the Black Diamond Deployment Hybrid Hoody.

Warm and breathable

The Black Diamond Deployment Hybrid Hoody was not developed specifically for the winter. You could, according to Black Diamond, also use the mid-layer in the mountains in the summer. Given the history of Black Diamond (the brand is very big in climbing), that's not even unthinkable, but Dr. Gear loves snow over rocks. Mountains are for descending and preferably in deep powder.

Anyway, the most important features of a mid-layer are, according to Dr. Gear, that it is warm and breathable and it should certainly not restrict your movement. And quite honestly the Deployment Hybrid Hoodie matches all three. The DHH is well cut to the body and consists of three parts. It consists of very light Schoeller softshell fabric, PrimaLoft® Silver Hi-Loft lining and the Deployment fabric where Merino is included. Quite technical! But it's warm and breathable, and that's pretty important for a mid-layer. When hiking (you normally get a bit warmer and start to sweat a little bit when hiking up a mountain), you notice that sweat is transported well and Dr. Gear didn't get cold, even in temperatures far below zero. It makes this not just another mid-layer. Although not a climber, Dr. Gear understands that one also uses this mid-layer when there is no snow in the mountains.

Handy pockets

Also handy: the pockets in this mid-layer can be found at the chest. You can reach them pretty easy in and let's be honest: what you actually put in those pockets anyway? The Black Diamond Deployment Hybrid Hoody is a fine mid-layer that you do not feel when you wear it under your hard shell and that will definitely helps you through the day!

Materials

• Hood, chest and arms: Schoeller® stretch-woven nylon with NanoSphere® Technology (80 g/m2, 93% nylon, 7% elastane)
• Insulation: PrimaLoft® Silver Hi-Loft (80 g/m2)
• Underarms, back and cuffs: Blended merino wool (300 g/m2, 100% nylon face, 100% merino wool back)
• Weight: 510 gram
• Price: € 249,95