Gear Reviews

Review – PrimaLoft Gold with Cross-Core x Black Diamond Solution 2.0 Hoody

Climbing Gear Reviews's avatarPosted by

The new Solution 2.0 Hoody now comes with PrimaLoft Cross-Core insulation to provide lightweight warmth in all conditions.

We here at CGR have always advocated the use of synthetic insulation both mid layer and belay jackets. We are, after all, a UK based outfit and used to being out in cold, damp conditions. We have used and featured plenty of jackets using a variety of synthetic insulation. I personally, believe that PrimaLoft offers the Gold Standard of synthetic insulation and the benchmark for other types of insulation to aspire to.

This review focusses on the Cross Core insulation provided by PrimaLoft for the Black Diamond Solution 2.0 Hoody, turning what was already an excellent mid layer jacket into a ‘best in class’ jacket that you can have confidence wearing in three season conditions.

Breezy, cold days are manageable for belay duties with the super warm Croos Core insulation.

The Solution 2.0 Hoody uses PrimaLoft Gold with Cross Core technology. Cross Core is an ultra lightweight insulation padding that utilises aerogel, a material developed by NASA and is renown for being one of the lightest solid material on the planet. It is 99.8% air by volume (the PrimaLoft aerogel is 95% air) and offers outstanding thermal insulation with ultra low density – perfect for those people looking for a lightweight solution for what was, in the past, a heavier fabric for staying warm.

Areogel has been a gamechanger in the domestic insulation market for a few years now, I first noticed it appearing in outdoor insulation in gloves, and it has now begun appearing in more brands with the epitome being the £2495 jacket from Vollebak! Clearly the Black Diamond Solution 2.0 comes with a sensible price bracket and weighs less too!

Compact and light, the Black Diamond Solution 2.0 on the trusty CGR scales. The well sized tab makes the jacket easy to clip onto a climbing harness.

Don’t think that the Cross Core addition to the PrimaLoft Gold diminishes the sustainability either, Primaloft have been working hard to improve their environmental footprint and the material is made with 90% post consumer recycled content. The DWR on the face fabric is also PFC free so you can feel confident that both Black Diamond and Primaloft are constantly improving their offering and are up there with the very best brands.

So, how did the insulation work in the field? First of all: although the Solution 2.0 is not down filled, it is the most compact synthetic jacket I have used. It easily fitted into its stow pocket (the left hand one, which has a hanging tab)  and the size Medium I have been using weighed in at 393g on the trusty CGR scales, the stated weight is 390g). I thought, it provided pretty good warmth for three season use. Although we have been having a very dry summer so far, it has been very breezy at times and we have had a few days of drizzle. The jacket has been pretty much perfect for these condition. It has acted as a decent wind block as well as providing warmth when it has become damp – this is one of the main advantages of synthetic insulation. There is 60g of PrimaLoft Gold and the addition of Cross Core means that the jacket can have more insulation for the same weight. The loft has been good, OK it’s not going to be as ‘puffy’ as a down jacket, but that lack of lofted bulk is an advantage when you need to wear the jacket with a hardshell – when it becomes ridiculously warm.

The helmet compatible hood is adjustable and works well with a climbing helmet. It is well insulated using the Cross Core filling, making it light and comfortable.

OK, that wraps up the insulation which is great, it is definitely light, compact and has decent loft. The Solution 2.0 Hoody comes with a great selection of mountain ready features that you would expect from Black Diamond. Three, zipped pockets including a well sized chest pocket, excellent knitted cuff to keep the warmth in, stitch through baffled construction for maximum loft, adustable, helmet compatible hood, YKK reverse coil zip with a storm flap, adjustable cinch hem and plenty of reflective logos for finding the jacket on that early alpine start.

Find out more about PrimaLoft Gold with Croos Core here.

The Black Diamond Solution 2.0 Hoody comes in sizes S-XL an amazing seven colour choices. The female version comes in sizes XS-XL and again, seven colour choices.

The SRP is £200 and it is available direct from lack Diamond EU and specialist retailers.

Disclosure – CGR reviewers and writers are never paid to provide a review and the website does not take advertising or link to affiliate sales. We are a bunch of keen climbers and travellers who accept sample products and offer an honest and independent review of the item.