Most Valuable Gear: Black Diamond Sharp End Shell
A Fully-Featured, Technical Hardshell Jacket from Black Diamond!
Black Diamond is a brand known for driving innovation in climbing and skiing hardgoods by producing intuitive products with a focus on clean design and high level performance. While they began by producing forged carabiners and pitons, they have grown and evolved through the years, eventually producing removable protection, entering the skiing market, and building quality packs. With each new phase of the brand, Black Diamond has achieved success by striving toward quality and reliable performance. This precedent stands with their foray into technical clothing, displayed in one of the flagship hardshell jacket models in the line: the Sharp End Shell. With high-performance construction, superb weather resistance and notable innovative features, the Black Diam ond Sharp End Shell is this week's Outdoor Gear Exchange/ GearX.com Most Valuable Gear selection!Here are 3 reasons why we love the Black Diamond Sharp End Shell:
1. Gore-Tex® Pro Hardshell Construction
For the men's and women's Sharp End Shells, Black Diamond utilized Gore-Tex® Pro 3-layer fabric —the industry standard waterproof/breathable technology. They used a 40 denier nylon face fabric, which is very durable, yet lightweight and packable, as well as a mini-ripstop backer for efficient moisture transfer and comfort. Gore-Tex® Pro construction will keep you dry and protected when a nasty storm rolls in during a backcountry tour or Alpine ascent, wont overheat or retain moisture during high output activities, while also withstanding abrasion from sharp climbing gear, rock or ice. This is the perfect jacket for withstanding the elements while moving fast in the mountains!
2. Climbing and Skiing Specific Design
The Black Diamond Sharp End Shell has a versatile design that makes it suitable for nearly all mountain sports, but it excels during technical activities like backcountry skiing, ice climbing and mountaineering. Climbing and skiing specific design features make this a great shell for a variety of vertical pursuits. An adjustable hood is compatible with climbing or skiing helmets, while the specifically placed waist pockets (and chest pockets on the men's version) are compatible with a climbing harness or the waistbelt on a pack. Additionally, it has an athletic cut and lightweight construction for unencumbered movement.
3. Cohaesive™ Cord Management Technology
One of the most innovative features of the Sharp End Shell is its use of Cohaesive™ cord management technology. Black Diamond partnered with Cohaesive™ for the integrated draw cords in the waist and hood, which allows for quick, one handed adjustment —even with gloves on. The hardwear is integrated with the jacket fabric, for a durable system that stores the adjustment cord out of the way. Cohaesive™ embedded cord management technology is one of the exciting ways that Black Diamond pushed the boundaries of outerwear technology with the Sharp End Shell.Fall 2014 Apparel: Black Diamond + Gore from Black Diamond Equipment on Vimeo.