New Favorite: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody Review

Bottom Line

The Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody (men’s / women’s) has become one of our new favorite jackets for ultralight adventures. While it’s not as light as some other options in our lineup, the Approach is filled with 4.5 ounces of high-quality 800-fill-power down, giving it an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. 

Its compact pack size makes it easy to toss into your kit for almost any adventure. This jacket has become our go-to emergency layer for day hikes, multi-pitch climbs, and even high-altitude backpacking trips. While it’s not the warmest jacket in our collection, it holds its own and provides sufficient warmth for three-season use down to around freezing.

The BD Approach features an athletic cut with longer arms and extra room in the upper body for mobility. While we like the fit, however, athletic cuts may not be ideal for every body type.

Though no down jacket excels in wet conditions, the BD Approach handles light moisture well. Its PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) finish, combined with Allied HyperDRY goose down that resists clumping when wet, makes it more moisture-resistant than traditional down. Elastic cuffs, an adjustable hem, and an insulated, helmet-compatible hood all help keep cold winds out and warmth in.

Offering moderate value, the BD Approach falls in line with other high-quality ultralight jackets we’ve tested. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, high-quality ultralight gear rarely is.

To explore more, check out our full down jacket gear guide for a complete rundown of our top picks.

How We Tested

We’ve taken this jacket on all our late fall and early winter adventures, from family camping trips to early morning mountain bike rides and full-day ski tours. It’s been tested in everything from biting winds and bright sun to frigid nights with temperatures plunging as low as 15 degrees.

Comfort

We found the Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody to be exceptionally comfortable, thanks to its well-designed fit, high-quality materials, and thoughtful features, making it one of the most comfortable jackets in our lineup.

Black Diamond has fully redesigned the fit with their latest version. While we didn’t test the previous iteration, our testers really liked the fit of the current design. The jacket has an athletic cut that’s cozy—trim through the abdomen but not too tight, with plenty of room in the chest, shoulders, and arms for enhanced mobility. The cut of the jacket also allows for easy layering underneath. Whether it’s a base layer, mid-layer, or both, you’ll have no trouble layering up depending on the thickness of your gear. We also had no issues layering a shell over the Approach Hoody during heavy precipitation.

The materials are soft and feel great against bare skin without being too crinkly or giving that “trash bag” sensation. The elastic cuffs are very soft, and the hood fits comfortably without feeling too floppy or loose.

Warmth

Throughout our years of testing the best down jackets on the market, we’ve yet to find the “Goldilocks” jacket—every option has its strengths and drawbacks. Ultralight jackets, in particular, prioritize weight savings above all else. While the Black Diamond Approach Hoody may not crack the code for the perfect jacket, we are pleasantly surprised by its admirable warmth-to-weight ratio. The 4.5 ounces of high-quality 800-fill down does a great job of keeping users warm while remaining lightweight.

Generally speaking, we wouldn’t rely on this jacket when temperatures dip below 32, especially if we’re stationary. However, when paired with a wool base layer and a quality mid-layer, we found the Approach to be ideal for high-output activities like hiking and skinning in temperatures ranging from the high teens to low twenties.

Overall, we’d recommend this jacket for three-season adventures where temperatures remain above freezing.

Weight & Packability

The Approach Down Hoody isn’t the lightest jacket we tested, but at 10.7 ounces, it’s still exceptionally lightweight, especially considering nearly 40% of the weight comes from the down fill. It’s worth noting that the men’s size large we tested weighed slightly more at 12.01 ounces, which is typical, as most manufacturers list the weight for a medium size.

The jacket packs into its own pocket and, when compressed, is about the size of a Nalgene water bottle. It can be compressed even further to fit into a tight spot in your pack or a proper compression sack. Once unpacked, it fluffs up quickly, regaining its loft with no issues. 

There’s also a loop next to the zipper for clipping the jacket to the outside of a backpack or climbing harness. However, be cautious when doing so, as the lightweight materials used in the jacket are more prone to rips and snags compared to those found in jackets made from thicker fabrics.

Weather Resistance

The Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody offers a respectable level of weather resistance for a lightweight down jacket. While no down jacket is ideal for sustained wet conditions, the Approach performs better than many thanks to its thoughtful design and high-quality materials.

The exterior features a PFC-free DWR (durable water-repellent) finish that effectively sheds light rain and snow, allowing you to stay comfortable during brief or mild precipitation. Additionally, the jacket is insulated with Allied HyperDRY goose down, which is treated to resist clumping and retain loft and heat even when exposed to moisture. This treatment provides an extra layer of reliability compared to traditional down, which loses its insulating properties when wet.

Elastic cuffs, an adjustable hem, and an insulated, adjustable hood work together to seal out drafts and retain warmth in windy conditions. However, the lightweight materials, while great for reducing weight, offer less durability and wind resistance than heavier jackets with thicker shells. For prolonged exposure to heavy rain or wet snow, pairing the Approach with a waterproof shell is recommended.

Breathability

This jacket offers solid breathability for a down-insulated piece, making it better suited than many competitors for high-output activities like hiking, skiing, and climbing. While down jackets typically focus on warmth, the Approach is somewhat able to manage interior moisture and allow for airflow, thanks to its lightweight design. The thin shell fabric offers some ventilation, helping to prevent overheating should you need to turn on the gas periodically. 

The athletic fit and ample mobility in the chest, shoulders, and arms ensure freedom of movement, which further enhances breathability. The adjustable hem seals in warmth when cinched, but when left un-cinched, it allows airflow and helps prevent excess moisture buildup, improving comfort during active use. The jacket’s lightweight construction also promotes quick moisture evaporation, keeping you from feeling too clammy during intense activity.

Should You Buy the Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody?

The Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody is an excellent choice for ultralight adventurers who prioritize warmth-to-weight ratio and packability. Ideal for day hikes, multi-pitch climbs, and lightweight backpacking, this jacket excels in mild to cold, dry conditions, providing enough warmth for three-season use.

It’s perfect for those who need an emergency layer or a versatile jacket for active pursuits like hiking and skiing. However, if you’re looking for the warmest option for extended stationary use in freezing temperatures, this isn’t the best choice.

While the Approach Down Hoody offers great value in terms of performance and durability, it’s not the most budget-friendly ultralight option. However, it offers a solid return on investment for those who prioritize high-quality materials and a compact, functional design for active outdoor use.

What Other Down Jackets Should You Consider?

We’ve tested the best down jackets on the market. To explore our full lineup, including detailed rankings and recommendations, be sure to check out our comprehensive lineup of down jackets.

Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody Review: If you appreciate the athletic fit, warmth, and packability of the Approach but want something slightly warmer and more durable, the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody is worth considering. It offers enhanced performance for just $20 more.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody Review: If ultralight is what you’re after, do yourself a favor and check out this puffy. While it doesn’t offer quite the same warmth as the Approach, it delivers an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio at just 8.8 ounces. Plus, it’ll save you $20.

MontBell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka Review: Another ultralight jacket worth considering, weighing just 8.4 ounces. Packed with 3.4 ounces of 1000 fill-power down, it offers impressive warmth while remaining highly packable. However, it comes with a hefty $170 price premium over the Approach.