Black diamond

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Black diamond

38 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 25, 2025

  Extreme / Very cold winter weather gloves?

  i have been preaching about the need for a modular system for a decade. Most people have gloves, many have mittens, but the game changer is an overmitt. Every once in a while, you can find a good overmitt, but usually they come in a system like Outdoor Research's AltiMItt and Black Diamond's mitt. I always peruse all the outdoor gear surplus stuff or look specifically for mitts when I head to gear places like REI, EMS, or any ski shop. Used ski gear shops are also awesome. I have had REI, EMS, and LL Bean thinsulate mitts i just slid over my regular gloves and mittens and they immediately leveled up the comfort level to -20 to -30 easily. Last year, I found my holy grail - a \*leather\* overmitt made by OR that i found in a bin of used gear for sale. It's awesome and my fingers have never been more comfortable. My only complaint is that this mitt is just large and doesn't fit into my flexi dog leash well. Works well with when i ski though. My recommendation is to use up to 3 layers in that type of cold you're talking about. A thin woolen layer, a thin-ish glove or mitten, followed by an overmitt. I have a pair of Arteryx gloves (a two layer system) with a thin LLBean overmitt thats super for walking the dog on -10 nights.

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• #2Dec 22, 2025

  Skiers/snowboarders- most longstanding piece of gear?

  Got over 20 years in the same Black Diamond jacket ... still going strong too.

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• #3Dec 4, 2025

  What’s the BIFL item that you love but everyone around you thinks is ridiculous?

  My carabiner. Its from my climbing days. From Black Diamond, 24 kilonewtons it can handle, more than half the size of my phone, firetruck red. I use it for my keys or water bottle when hiking, at least 7 years old and going strong

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• #4Nov 5, 2025

  What’s a purchase that’s not fun, not flashy but now you swear by it?

  Headlamp, I have a black diamond sport but any headlamp is a game changer for me. I've used it so many times. Cleaning, painting in the shed, doing water tank changes, cooking on the grill, pulling ticks off the dogs. Basically used it for anything except for camping 😅😅

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• #5Nov 4, 2025

  Backpack suggestions?

  Blackdiamond makes some quality stuff 

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• #6Oct 4, 2025

  What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?

  Winter jacket maybe? Have an old Black Diamond alpine climbing mid-layer that is freakishly efficient, in New England winters i can get by with just it and a hoodie a lot of the time, and ive had it for mayyyyybe 10 years now? I forget, but its still going strong, save for half the lettering peeling away

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• #7Aug 12, 2025

  What's the oldest thing you still use daily that works like new?

  Black diamond carabiner 1995.

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• #8Aug 12, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  I have 1 on my nightstand, and my family has 1 in every glovebox.

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• #9Aug 12, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  Fenix definitely makes great headlamps, I totally agree. And I didn't realise they had replaceable bulbs, that's an awesome feature.  I think with a small amount of care most headlamps can be a pretty BIFL item for most people though, so I don't think it's necessarily a bad choice for people to buy something based on their priorities, rather than the absolute single most bombproof construction available. For example, the solid construction of Fenix lights does make them a bit heavy, and they're generally a little less comfortable to wear than some other options, so I've been sticking with my little BD headlamps for ultras, but there are lots of different options which work for different people

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• #10Aug 11, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  Crochet! Also gardening, walking the dogs at odd hours, sometimes just need extra light overall and since don't occupies a hand, just pop it on and go about lol sometimes my bf questions my sanity... but then he borrows it to take the dogs out or take out the trash, etc

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• #11Aug 11, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  I use mine when I take the dogs out at night, when I’m searching in the cabinets for something or basically anywhere that’s not well lit in the house ir if I want to tip toe around someone who’s sleeping

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• #12Aug 11, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  I know other people have responded, but I have a headlamp hanging on a hook in my office and I probably grab mine to use it at least twice a week when I'm tinkering on various things, even when trying to clean the shower in the bathroom. So many times when you're trying to do stuff around the house, you're throwing a shadow on what you're working on because the light is behind you.

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• #13Aug 11, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  Same! I think seeing better helps me clean faster too. As an aside, I've noticed with relatives that as they age, their housekeeping often goes downhill bc they literally don't see the dirt/mess anymore. Cleaning with a headlamp can mitigate that (to the extent it's a seeing problem and not a doing problem).

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• #14Aug 11, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  Our motion light outside is sometimes temperamental, so my partner uses a headlamp when he has to put out our garbage and recycling bins after dark. My old one lives with my yarn and regularly gets used when I’m crocheting at night or with dark yarn. They’re way better for any task that would use a flashlight because your hands stay free.

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• #15Aug 11, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  I use my headlamp all the time.

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• #16Aug 11, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  Your point is totally accurate, but black diamond typically uses a warmer light temperature in their headlamps than most other brands, so I find they can be more comfortable to use. The rechargeable batteries in some models definitely let their overall lifespan down a bit, but some models take AAAs (just don't forget to remove them for storage, lest they corrode)

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• #17Aug 11, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  I use my headlamp all the time, mostly for running at night and working on my car/motorcycles. Especially with the bikes, it's a game changer and way better than any other light source

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• #18Aug 11, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  I also use my black diamond headlamp for cleaning. Even if it's bright outside, the amount of dirt you see with a headlamp is insane.

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• #19Aug 11, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  I read the post thinking, heck yeah, I love my Black Diamond headlamp although I rarely use it. Then I read this comment and thought, damn I really could've used it when I was trying to thread a needle this morning and couldn't see anything (black thread on black cloth on a black background in dim light). So I'm thinking there are a lot more use cases, although my kids love using it to blind each other.

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• #20Aug 11, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  We use headlamps for everything that you need a flash light for.

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• #21Aug 11, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  I read in bed with mine. The adjustable brightness is great for helping me drift off. (Better than a bedside lamp)

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• #22Aug 11, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  I have the same brand! I use it for illuminating dog maintenance sessions.

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• #23Aug 11, 2025

  Didn’t expect to keep using this after my trip, but here we are

  OP’s mileage may vary, but i’ve found myself reaching for mine for handy tasks n tinkering around the home lately, even when the power’s on n fine

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• #24Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Black diamond for a more technical outdoorsy option. Stutterheim for something more fashionable.

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• #25Jul 3, 2025

  Need Help Choosing a Backpack

  Try the Raven Backpack from Fjallraven. Really any of their G-1000 backpacks will do the trick. My wife uses their Haulpack for a diaper bag and it’s been about 3 years and it looks brand new. If you go a more traditional route, you could try Frost River or Filson, but the prices go up and the look isn’t for everyone. If you like their stuff, respond to this comment and I can tell you about the ones I have of these brands. My go-to travel backpack for years was the Black Diamond Street Creek 24. Lots of features while still being a stuff sack type. Took that bag around the world and it too, looks new. The biggest failure points on packs are zippers. Look for branded zippers YKK or RIRI (RIRI is better, but probably wont see it on most bags). And generally the bigger the zipper, the longer it lasts. Things can get in between the teeth and it will still work unlike a smaller zipper. #10 is as big as you’ll typically see them and that’s great if you want a beefy zipper. 8-9 is good too. People have mentioned Osprey, and I have plenty of their stuff, but it’s a hiking brand. They have a few heritage line packs with a cleaner look, but unless you want ultralight and full synthetic fabrics, I’d look elsewhere.

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• #26Jun 2, 2025

  Last set of trekking poles I’ll ever buy?

  Go with Black Diamond or Leki super durable and trusted by a lot of hikers. They’ll definitely last you a long time!

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• #27Jun 1, 2025

  Last set of trekking poles I’ll ever buy?

  I have some balance issues and abuse the hell out of trekking poles. I went through a few aluminum ones before I decided to fork out the money for carbon poles. The Black Diamond alpine carbon cork trekking poles have held up to all of it, and the cork grips are amazing. They certainly aren’t cheap, but I got lucky and found a pair at a used sporting goods store for half price.

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• #28Jun 1, 2025

  Last set of trekking poles I’ll ever buy?

  I really like the black diamond carbon z poles

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• #29May 7, 2025

  Are BD Mercury Mitts Waterproof?

  BD’s quality has been absolutely trash for years. I mean quality from a manufacturing standpoint. There is so much individual variation within gloves you can run through the racks and find a L that’s bigger than an XL, etc. I hear they hired a Nike executive to try to right the ship but I avoid them like the plague these days. Source: live in SLC and know plenty of former BD folks. One waterproof glove I will give them some credit for is the Overmitt. I don’t know if they are still as rugged but I have an older pair that is still waterproof and has held up to the Riggers of every outdoor activity you can imagine. They only come in one color because black diamond hates color, but I bring these in my pack for almost every winter activity imaginable. Because they don’t have any insulation they are only trying to do one thing well which is be very very waterproof and you can wear them over any glove you want to get the right amount of insulation. https://blackdiamondequipment.com/products/waterproof-overmitts

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• #30Apr 9, 2025

  Coolest hoodie - zip up or pull over. No budget. Only amazing matters

  Forgot to also mention that REI every so often has some awesome mid/heavy weight sweatshirts under their own brand. Most go on sale around now and the sleeve length is always great for us tall people. Should also be cheaper than the black diamond. Example of REI's current one https://www.rei.com/product/239102/rei-co-op-90s-logo-pullover-hoodie Black diamond one that I have https://www.rei.com/product/195011/black-diamond-chalked-up-full-zip-hoody-mens

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• #31Apr 9, 2025

  Coolest hoodie - zip up or pull over. No budget. Only amazing matters

  Forgot to also mention that REI every so often has some awesome mid/heavy weight sweatshirts under their own brand. Most go on sale around now and the sleeve length is always great for us tall people. Should also be cheaper than the black diamond. Example of REI's current one https://www.rei.com/product/239102/rei-co-op-90s-logo-pullover-hoodie Black diamond one that I have https://www.rei.com/product/195011/black-diamond-chalked-up-full-zip-hoody-mens

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• #32Apr 9, 2025

  Coolest hoodie - zip up or pull over. No budget. Only amazing matters

  Black diamond makes a great light/medium weight one that I have worn one out after 7 years of near constant wear and working on a 2nd one that is 3 years in and still looks new.

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• #33Mar 12, 2025

  Longest Lasting Rechargeable Headlamp

  I've got a couple of the black diamond storm 500 rechargeables. They're good torches and battery lasts a good while but the touch controllers have a mind of their own and will change the brightness randomly

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• #34Mar 7, 2025

  Best women’s parka without down insulation

  Here’s part of the problem: BIFL and synthetic insulation don’t mix. The warmest synthetic insulation is made of polyester fibers, which, over time, when exposed to repeated compression - stuffed into your pack, body weight against your car seat (wearing while driving, etc.), will collapse and deadened the insulation. The less an insulation lofts, the less warm “dead air” it traps = diminished thermal efficiency. I realize you don’t want down, but down is much, much more resilient to collapse from compression cycles, while offering a higher warmth-to-weight ratio. If synthetic is a must, options with PrimaLoft or Apex polyester insulations will be the warmest for a given fill weight. Start here: - [Mountain Equipment Alpamayo Jacket](https://us.mountain-equipment.com/products/alpamayo-womens-jacket). If you’re ok wearing a men’s jacket, the [Mountain Equipment Citadel](https://us.mountain-equipment.com/products/citadel-mens-jacket) is THE synthetic belay jacket to have. - [Arc’teryx Nuclei SV](https://featheredfriends.com/products/arcteryx-nuclei-sv-parka-womens?variant=44782162870471) - [Mountain Hardwear Compressor Alpine Jacket](https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/womens-compressor-alpine-hooded-jacket-2092471.html?dwvar_2092471_color=417) - [Black Diamond Belay Parka](https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/product/womens-belay-parka/?colorid=26857)

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• #35Feb 2, 2025

  Ski gloves recommendations?

  Ski gloves will never be buy it for life. However, I feel the best made pair of gloves for skiing are the black diamond guide gloves. I own the trigger finger mitten version but my brother has the glove version.

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• #36Jan 10, 2025

  BIFL, any budget, comfort and style be damned, warmest winter gloves possible

  I third black diamond mitts. I was first given a pair of these that had been worn when circumnavigating the globe in an ocean race, and had held up well. Leather material and heavy duty stitching on the inside palm and thumb is great. Only reason they frayed was carrying my snowboard. Worn on many trips (up to 13,000ft) and kept my fingers warm. I occasionally wear liners.

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• #37Jan 10, 2025

  BIFL 2024 Winter Gear Request thread!

  I went to Kilimanjaro with Black Diamond mittens and am very impressed by their quality. 

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• #38Jan 3, 2025

  What material water-resistant jackets are most breathable?

  Black Diamonds’ [Dawn Patrol](https://www.backcountry.com/b/black-diamond-dawn-patrol-hybrid-shell-jacket-mens?CMP_SKU=BLDZ9B4&MER=0406&skid=BLDZ9B4-OCT-S&mr:device=m&mr:adType=plaonline&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&utm_campaign=20576138872__p:G%7Cs:BC%7Cct:Shopping%7Cct2:pmax%7Cg:xx%7Cc1:Apparel%7Cc2:xx%7Cb:xx%7Cmt:xx&utm_content=&utm_id=go_cmp-20576138872_adg-_ad-__dev-m_ext-_prd-BLDZ9B4-OCT-S_mca-7811_sig-Cj0KCQiAst67BhCEARIsAKKdWOkGqFv4FN4DRCKwHCR30ZnZabqguqUWzQHqKJjJ8URwgR9RjetZNzYaAknvEALw_wcB&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_Jw0Zwxams67bkkr5ujgkq0EuhX&gclid=Cj0KCQiAst67BhCEARIsAKKdWOkGqFv4FN4DRCKwHCR30ZnZabqguqUWzQHqKJjJ8URwgR9RjetZNzYaAknvEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) jacket which is designed for uphill skiing is an interesting approach if you’re looking for something mostly waterproof with very high breathability. It has breathable panels under the arms and the back, areas that are typically not very exposed to elements, and a gore-tex like waterproof membrane everywhere else. Wouldn’t work in a super wet climate but is the most breathable shell I’ve come across.

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