Black Diamond Vision Hybrid Hoody

BD’s product description reads, “Featuring Japanese liquid crystal polymer ripstop construction”, plus the even better news that it also includes, “Cross Core NASA-developed Aerogel technology”.

Okay.

I read this before I used it.

Later, after I’d used it, I realized that some things that appear to be marketing BS are actually pretty amazing.

The Vision Hybrid Hoody has become a new favorite in a closet full of once favorite puffys.

Dry but cold near Kearsarge Pass in late winter

And so goes evolution, apparently thanks to NASA and Japanese innovation.

For endurance sports, where weight counts and gear needs to be just right, my go to puffy for many years has been Patagonia’s Nano Air Hybrid Hoody. And while I still love the Nano Air Hybrid as a layering piece, the Vision Hybrid Hoody provides a bit more of everything; warmth, wind resistance, and a sense of wearing something that can really protect you from what discomfort comes your way.

Features that work:

Back and side panel material is fast drying and stretchy where you need to move. The fabric and insulation are snug and dry where it counts, on your back (beneath your pack) and under your arms.
A small gasket around the waist keeps warmth in and cold air out.
A large enough fitted hood to cover you and your helmet.
Highly abrasion resistant shell.
Remember: Japanese liquid crystal polymer ripstop construction with Cross Core NASA-developed Aerogel technology – that’s right!

The back and side panel is a soft, more breathable insulation fitted to the body

Why choose it?

The Vision Hybrid Hoody does come with some added weight. While the Nano Air Hybrid is about 320 grams, BD’s offer is about 400 grams, a CLIF Bar worth of weight difference. It’s a proper puffy that is, by itself, wind resistant. The Nano Air Hybrid does require a wind shell when things get cold to help seal in the heat you’re producing.

If you’re looking for an insulation piece for mountain running in cooler temps or high elevation, and that’ll be insurance if things turn ugly, the Vision Hybrid Hoody gets our full endorsement. Plus, thanks to being so durable, it makes for a great climbing insulation piece.

Our testing included numerous winter and spring Sierra missions and some time in the Alps.

By Dan Patitucci