Black Diamond's New Alpine Apparel

© Black Diamond

Why Apparel

In 1987 we made a conscious decision to focus Black Diamond’s efforts and resources on hardgoods, figuring that creating trustworthy, progressive equipment for Alpinists was the paramount contribution we could make to a culture dedicated to the vertical 
environment. Despite that priority, the magnetic pull of apparel has always been strong; when time permitted, we would experiment with softgoods, making forays into designing clothing that was consistent with the DNA of our company and our sports.

In a sense, the 2013 apparel line we’re presenting is a continuation of those experiments. This new apparel line addresses the needs of Alpinists—a diverse group of climbers and skiers—in the same way that our equipment does: through intuitively designed, rigorously engineered, and beautifully executed pieces that we trust and use.

The three collections within our line look and function exactly as a toolset should. A modular organization, a set of features in service of functional needs, and a clean, cohesive design language come together to form a set of simple solutions to the often complex problems we face in the vertical arena. This line is just the beginning—we are applying the same forces of nature, the same process, and the same intent to our clothing that we have to our equipment for years.

We hope you’ll join us as we write this next chapter in Black Diamond’s history. 

Apparel Design Principles

Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Bib We are at once toolmakers and users of tools. The equipment we create can’t be aesthetically or functionally distanced from this fact. As it has for decades, our design ethos demands that a Black Diamond product work with inseparable efficiency, purposefulness, and beauty. We have with the same ethos and process: define the intended use, identify materials that suit the task, design withapproached the new Black Diamond apparel line 

functionality first, then use, abuse, refine, and reduce until the cleanest, strongest, most effective solution remains.

Our apparel is built around three primary considerations:

Fit

Our sizing model is slim and athletic. Each piece in the line is tailored to end uses that value a close but comfortable fit.

Form

Our lines are clean. Reduction reveals the form: what remains draws strength from simplicity.

Function

Materials and features are dictated by their ability to effectively and completely deliver the benefits we need. Our line is not simply akin to its hardgoods predecessors, it’s a natural, complementary extension of them, a recognition that our equipment exists along a continuum, an unbroken lineage of tools defined by the technologies and techniques of the day and the conditions and situations in which they will be used.

DAWN PATROL™ SCHOELLER® COLLECTION

Dawn Patrol—our Schoeller collection—is built around two core technologies delivering a myriad of benefits. Schoeller stretch-woven fabric is highly durable and optimally breathable. Great stretch and recovery allow for a slim, efficient fit without restriction. NanoSphere® Technology is the industry’s best-performing and longest-lasting solution for repelling water, dirt, and oil. NanoSphere keeps you dry and comfortable in the field and your product clean and like new season after season.

Dawn Patrol™ Hybrid Shell

In situations where demanding terrain and wide-ranging weather predominate, movement matters. Our Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell delivers a superior combination of active and protective benefits without weight, restriction, or compromise. 
 
Fabric: Schoeller® StretchWoven nylon (190 g/m2, 95% nylon, 
5% elastane) with NanoSphere® Technology 
 
Features : 

 

  • Adjustable, helmet-compatible hood 
  • Two oversize chest pockets 
  • Internal stretch media pocket with port 
  • Two zipped hand pockets 
  • Two interior drop pockets 
  • Velcro® cuff closure system 
  • Drawcord hem 
  • Weight: 480g/16.93 oz.

 

 Dawn Patrol™ Hybrid Bib

We recommend the Dawn Patrol Hybrid Bib for anyone whose demands require both full coverage and full features. The addition of stretch panels gives these bibs the freedom of a regular pant with the improved protection of a shell in mixed conditions. 
 
Fabric: Schoeller® StretchWoven nylon (190 g/m2, 95% nylon, 5% elastane) with a body-mapped three-layer waterproof laminate (143 g/m2, 71% nylon, 4% elastane, polyurethane laminate with tricot backer) with NanoSphere® Technology

Features: 

  • RECCO® system 
  • Zipped chest pocket 
  • Two zipped hand pockets 
  • Two cargo pockets (one zipped, one Velcro®) 
  • Two-way side zipper doubles as a vent 
  • Weight: 686 g/24.20 oz. 



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